Yonkers: Analysis for Tuesday 12/19
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2023 MEET STATS: 490 - 1387 / $2,569.70 (-$204.30)
BEST BETS: 71 - 131 / $233.20 (-$28.80)
BEST BET: PARADISE ROCK L (6th)
SPOT PLAY: GOLDEN QUEST N (2nd)
Race 1: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(4) TERACITA dominated last week at a short price for top connections and she stays at a winning level. Down the road again. (1) SEZANA N was a winner when last at this level, and that was from a rail draw like she has tonight. Logical candidate to be sitting the pocket. (3) PLZDONTLIETOME N can tuck early, sit third or fourth and hit the ticket.
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Race 2: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
(5) GOLDEN QUEST N is a classy mare wrapping up her Yonkers season looking to add to that $135K bankroll. Improved post in shorter field helps the cause. (3) SHOTGUN PERSUATION raced pretty well in her two starts off the Alexander claim and she looks live from this spot. (2) PURAMERI doesn't win often but consistently makes money; she figures to be in line for a smoother trip this time.
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Race 3: 3-5YO NW4 races or $50,000 lifetime Pace
(1) VENTURESOME ARDEN N makes his U.S. debut off an easy win in that qualifier and the import may be primed to strike at first asking. (3) TRAIN STATION blew up here last month at odds-on; Engblom trainee is back looking to give it another go. (5) DGS THUNDER GB has dominated at Monti and the recent import may be ready to race for more money.
Race 4: 3-5YO NW4 races or $50,903 lifetime Pace
(1) CLEVELAND B MIKI has proven capable with this type and the move inside ensures Lachance will be part of the action; perhaps he can trip out at an honest price. (2) FADE TO LIGHT has raced well for these connections since arriving from Canada. (6) CAPTAIN MAX HENRY pummeled a NW2 field upon arrival. I'll assume it's business as usual with Michael Burke now listed as trainer and we'll see if he's ready to tackle better.
Race 5: NW24661 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ROCK DIAMONDS N has always been a solid veteran pacer and he's been very good ever since moving to the Bongiorno barn. I think from the rail he deserves top billing. (7) WHATS STANLEY GOT A added Lasix last week and drew off from the pocket; Stratton trainee gets Kakaley in the bike and must be used despite the outside post. (5) BLANK STARE faces better after coming wide from off the pace to win last week; needs a better trip to contend here.
Race 6: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(2) PARADISE ROCK L seems to have found the winning level as she went coast to coast last week after bouncing around; back in the same class she is a strong candidate to repeat. (5) SWEET SANDY LOU has hit the board in her last five at this level; Siegelman picks up the drive tonight and should be a player again. (6) BLUEBIRD GRAF raced well in her first two local starts after moving to the DiDomenico barn then broke before the start last week. Filly now moves outside and needs to be a good price to consider.
Race 7: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
(3) SALE EL SOL has been a cash machine at this level for her connections and she looms the one to beat again, with (1) ALWAYS B MIMI looking like her main competition. The latter is back up in class off that confidence-building score last week and like the choice she hails from top connections. (5) MCANGEL has been second best in four of five (with a win prior to that) and is logical again to hit the ticket.
Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) KINGSVILLE has a bit of a seasoning edge on the other two main contenders who are both 3YO's. Post advantage also comes into play. (6) ADAM TWELVE was caught last week ending her winning streak but that makes her eligible to come back at this same class and the Engblom trainee is an obvious player. (4) BRUE HANOVER was second best last week upon arrival; Brennan gets the drive tonight.
Race 9: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
(1) PURE SILKY disappointed three back but came back her last two with solid efforts in defeat; Lance Hudson trainee is one of many with a chance in here and she may offer some value despite starting from the rail. (4) SUGAR BRITCHES has been a terror since arriving in Kentucky, where the 3YO was toiling in state-bred stakes. Engblom/Bartlett in play again here. (3) MIKI ROSE returned to winning form last out after a dry spell; Holland picks up the drive.
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Race 10: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(5) TUAPEKA JESSIE N grinded them down in two of three since the Engblom claim and her one start when bumped to the $50K level she broke. Mare is outside the main speed of #4 but if within striking range she can mow that one down. (4) FEELIN RED HOT needs no introduction. To the front again. (2) BRONZE OVER N finished well last week, no moves inside a few slots.
Race 11: 3-5YO NW6 races or $79,187 lifetime Pace
(1) SURFSIDE BEACH faces some good competition here but that recent qualifier signals that she's more than ready to roll for his new connections. (6) BLAZING BANNER N has burned major money in his two U.S. starts after arriving from Australia; Bartlett gets the drive now with Brennan on the Burke trainee. That one is (3) FLIRTIN JK, who arrives from The Big M on the strength of back-to-back strong wins. 3YO makes his half-mile debut.