Yonkers: Analysis for Saturday 10/24

MEET STATS: 189 - 556 / $952.10 (-$159.90)
BEST BETS: 31 - 53 / $102.80 (-$3.20)
Best Bet: SPRINGSTEEN (4th)
Spot Play: TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER (6th)

Race 1: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) HIGHLAND TARTAN returns from Canada and has loads of local experience (and success vs. better than these). Check out how barnmate Denver Seelster did Friday night and don't be afraid to send it in if that one performed well. (6) GRATIAN HANOVER was no match for the winner last week at 1/9 odds and had to settle for second best; Jenn Bongiorno trainee gets Brennan tonight and looms a solid threat again. (1) KNOCKING AROUND has been decent in most of his recent races and he deserves a look from the rail.

Race 2: $20,000 Claiming Pace

(1) SHOREVIEW drops back in for a tag looking for two straight and Bartlett will likely be looking to take control early then back down the pace. (4) OCTANE BLUE CHIP took care of business last week and the DiDomenico trainee remains at a winning level. (2) DRINKA BEER returns locally for the successful combo of Garcia-Herrera and Siegelman.

Race 3: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) GRAND PRIORITY was second best from similar spots three and four back; he drops back to this kinder level and looks to be a major speed threat from this spot. (5) LETS ROLL ships in with some good recent races chasing fast miles (including a 1:48 3/5 mile last week at The Big M); he looks well-spotted here. (2) ORILLIA JOE was uncovered and grinding last week, not his preferred trip. Threat with smoother sailing.

Race 4: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) SPRINGSTEEN could not get past a stubborn Sunfire Blue Chip in his local return last week but was clearly second best to that classy rival; a repeat of that effort will easily dispose of these. (2) ONE OFF DELIGHT was also second best last out to a streaking winner and that's three consecutive on-the-board finishes for this Rob Harmon trainee; he fits well at this level and will be a live player from this inside post. (5) ALBERGO HANOVER has been second best in his last four out of town for Bongiorno; Siegelman has the catch-drive tonight.

Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) YAYAS HOT SPOT N has finished well coming from off the pace in his last three spots but from this improved post it seems that Stratton can choose to get more aggressive. (4) OUR MAX PHACTOR N returns locally for Andrew Harris off a solid win at Philly and the import fits well with these. (5) MIKE'S Z TAM is razor-sharp and is up in class again looking for three straight but he's got some tough ones inside of him.

Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(4) TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER is a legit Open-type talent who returns at a level a bit lower than he's accustomed to facing. There's some solid talent in here but he deserves top billing. (3) AMERICAN MERCURY finally got that long-awaited win last week; can he string a couple together? (5) ROCKAPELO has been right there in practically off of his recent starts and is overdue for a win.

Race 7: Open Handicap Pace

(5) LEONIDAS A returns from Plainridge where he took two straight at their top level and he was a winner here last month; he gets a decent enough post in this very competitive event and should be a good price. (8) NONE BETTOR A was outbattled at Philly in his last start and was run over by Micky Gee N the start prior but held game for second; note Stratton sticks with the Shane Tritton trainee. (7) MICKY GEE N was unable to reach last week but still finished with his usual pace; Bartlett gets the drive tonight.

Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) ELWELL has stayed reasonably sharp for an extended period of time and would be no real surprise with a favorable trip. (5) BETTOR THAN SPRING figures to be aggressively handled; one to catch? (2) DON DOMINGO N hasn't been at his absolute best recently but he lands a good inside post and these connections always deserve respect.

Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) PAT STANLEY N had his game face on in his second U.S. start and dominated; Shane Tritton trainee is well-spotted to repeat. (6) OSTRO HANOVER was a good second to Mac's Jackpot last week and he should be a player here despite the post. (1) RAUKAPUKA RULER N gets needed post relief for the elder Tritton.