Yonkers: Analysis for Saturday 10/17

MEET STATS: 171 - 509 / $884.70 (-$133.30)
BEST BETS: 29 - 49 / $96.90 (-$1.10)
Best Bet: WALKINSHAW N (4th)
Spot Play: ITALIAN DELIGHT N (2nd)

Race 1: $15,000/$20,000 Claiming Pace

(5) OCTANE BLUE CHIP has raced pretty well in practically every local start despite being saddled with less-than-ideal posts. DiDomenico trainee should fit well here with this mixed bag of claimers. (4) DOJEA SOLO returns locally off a pocket-sitting win at Philly and his early speed usually lands him in a good spot but he doesn't win nearly as often as he should. (6) IM A DIRECTOR N ships in from The Meadowlands for Shane Tritton and gets Stratton in the bike; trip is uncertain but this import has to be considered.

Race 2: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(7) ITALIAN DELIGHT N put in a solid try last week but was run down by The Real One…no shame in that. Holland will undoubtedly be firing from the gate looking to secure an up-close trip. (5) CARLISIMO is back up a notch in class looking for two straight for the strong Hudson/Stratton combo. (3) SOHO LEVIATHAN A has been unable to replicate that strong effort from four back but the class and post relief will help his cause tonight.

Race 3: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

In a tough-to-figure race (5) ANTHEM N gets a modest vote of confidence based mostly on his connections (Stratton/Tritton) and I'm hoping for some early aggression. (7) ELWELL has been good in every start this year, save for being overmatched in the Open, and the post presents a problem but he's probably the most accomplished of these at this level . (3) KINNDER JACKSON has some early speed and a driver who likes to show it off.

Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) WALKINSHAW N is more live stock from the Lance Hudson barn with Stratton driving and this one had made a habit of finishing in sub-27 final quarters. Note he was a winner three back at this NW10000 level, though that was a softer field than he faces tonight; still deserves top billing, however. (2) ORILLIA JOE doesn't always win but usually battles stubbornly; he'll likely be cutting this mile. (3) KNOCKING AROUND has been racing decently for the Koch barn, which has quietly had a good season.

Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) GREAT VINTAGE didn't advance when asked last week chasing a rated pace but with a smooth rail-riding trip the oldtimer can still get it done. (5) AMERICAN MERCURY disappointed in a big way last out at 1/5 odds and now he drops another notch; mixed feelings. (3) DON DOMINGO N is more Hudson/Stratton stock and while at this point he's more effective at a slightly lower level he still deserves respect.

Race 6: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(8) THE WALL has been knocking on the door since returning locally and while he clearly needs some help from this post the price should be decent enough to take a shot. (3) MIKE'S Z TAM was off nearly a month but still blitzed cheaper; will we see similar aggression from Lachance? (5) ONE OFF DELIGHT A can clearly go with these; just needs a good trip.

Race 7: Open Handicap Pace

(1) MAC'S JACKPOT paced evenly last start at Philly in a 1:49 mile and just missed the week prior when run over my Micky Gee N. For reasons unknown to me he's assigned the inside post and Marohn should be looking to take full advantage. (4) SAN DOMINO A has jogged in two starts since moving to the Shane Tritton barn; Bartlett gets the call tonight and he's sharp enough to use here. (7) MICKY GEE N goes for a fourth consecutive sweep of the field; maybe he gets there, maybe he doesn't.

Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) SPRINGSTEEN is loaded with talent as we know, but is also erratic as we know. Pelling trainee is capable of a "brush and crush" versus this field. (5) SUNFIRE BLUE CHIP drops a notch in class after flattening last week on the rim. Prior two starts were front-end tough beats. (6) YAYAS HOT SPOT N must be considered, but he's got some tough ones inside of him.

Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

It's safe to say that (5) PACING MAJOR N needed that last start after missing about 10 months. He should be ready to show more especially with Stratton hopping aboard; watch the board. (4) THE REAL ONE goes for three straight, obviously more than capable. (3) HOT DEUCE would prefer to be a notch or two lower on the class ladder but he's got some early speed and could be on the front quickly from this spot.