Yonkers: Analysis for Tuesday 10/20/26
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2026 MEET STATS: 297 - 928 / $1,611.07 (-$244.93)
BEST BETS: 53 - 98 / $182.32 (-$13.68)
BEST BET: SPIRIT OF PEARL A (3rd)
SPOT PLAY: SMOOCH IN THE DARK (9th)
Race 1: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(4) BOUT DAMN TIME A goes back to the Dilloian Jr. barn via reclaim and she's been good for multiple outlets; keeps Bartlett and will be heading to the front. (1) TWO BEAN DREAM has won three of five and the Alexander-trained 4YO is clearly the main threat. (2) ODDS ON SARA SARA should be close up and can complete a chalky triple.
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Race 2: 3-5YO Winners of 2 not more than 4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(4) CALLMEBIGPAPI was a winner of a Simpson split last out at Pocono and in the money in stakes events in his prior couple. Noel Daley trainee was an easy winner when last in an overnight at Yonkers. Deserving choice but has been off over three weeks. (5) HE IS STINGIN paced a solid back half to be second last week and the Julie Miller trainee is super-consistent. (1) RIVER RANCH DAWSON was a winner last start in a Pocono overnight.
Race 3: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
(3) SPIRIT OF PEARL A is arguably in career form and the Cory Stratton trainee goes for her third straight win at this level. (6) AVF CLAIRE is a perfect fit for top connections and has the necessary early speed. (1) PETROL QUEEN should be close from the rail, likely in a three hole.
Race 4: 3-6YO Open Pace
(1) REDWOOD HANOVER recently took a three-month break in action and has been in tough spots in his two return efforts at Pocono; Borgata finalist returns to Yonkers with a cozy draw and could be ready for a top try. (5) HOWLENTHEHILLS is somehow just 1 for 21 on the season but has still banked over $150K because he's almost always competitive; move back to Kakaley could be a positive. (6) CAPTAIN MOORE A has been super all season and even finished close in a Grade 2 stake at The Meadowlands; new driver and tough post could slow him down a bit tonight.
Race 5: 3-5YO Winners of 2 not more than 4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(2) ARISTA N was an easy winner in his North American debut and the Engblom import looks for more. (4) ROCKET CITY SMITTY makes only his 10th career start and unfortunately missed most of the NYSS action but he's been good in his last two and the late bloomer looks to be getting on track. (3) MAGIC JOURNEY has fallen out of form but he's not that far removed from a 1:51 3/5 win here in an Excelsior event.
Race 6: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) MESSAGE BANK A is the latest Down-Under shipper for connections who have done well with these types. Bartlett qualified the Blackler trainee at Pocono and looks ready to go. (2) MATAI PHIL N drops in class again and is better than he's been showing; major post relief tonight. (5) LYONS GUSTAVOFRING was a strong winner in a NW life conditioned event; has to face mostly more seasoned rivals tonight.
Race 7: NW17011 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) STRIKEM N was an easy winner in his North American debut and this is the third consecutive recent import with a big chance on tonight's card, for three different barns as well. (5) REGAL IDEA has offered up little since the $40K claim by these connections but he does shift to a different class and may fit better here. (4) NANDOLO N has seen better days but is still capable of rallying for a share.
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Race 8: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) CURLY JAMES A got back to his winning ways last week and is in a live spot to pick up win #13 this season. (5) IKNOWBETTER has proven to be a good fit here and though at a tactical disadvantage with the top one to his inside I'm hoping he can leave alertly with that one. (2) BANDERAS is never far off and is in line for a good share.
Race 9: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SMOOCH IN THE DARK finally draws an inside post and that combined with the class relief and new driver with Braxten getting the call I'll go on top. (4) TWIG also gets a new driver in Buter and once upon a time this veteran used to have a lot of speed. Speaking of veterans with speed and class, I present to you (1) COVERED BRIDGE. He's still out there trying but is a shell of himself. Post relief helps.