Yonkers: Analysis for Tuesday 8/18

MEET STATS: 139 - 383 / $738.80 (-$27.20)
BEST BETS: 21 - 35 / $67.60 (-$2.40)
Best Bet: OLD TOWN ROAD (4th)
Spot Play: SUPER MANNING (3rd)

Race 1 - NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) TIGERS WAY bounced back with a much better effort last out finishing second off a smooth pocket trip; Lachance trainee should be able to handle these given a sensible drive. (4) ALBERTO CONTADOR N makes his first start in over five months off a couple of less-than-inspiring qualifiers but the veteran has plenty of back class and gets Dexter Dunn in the bike. (1) HEEZ ORL BLACK N was last seen almost a year ago and now he returns at the bottom claiming level; 12-year-old may need a start or two.

Race 2 - NYSS 2YO C&G Pace

(3) I'LL DRINK TO THAT showed vast improvement last start at Tioga in recording his first career win; Chris Ryder trainee is on the improve and could have more to offer with Dunn picking up the drive. (4) AMERICAN COURAGE is a perfect 6-for-6 to start his career and has looked most impressive; Springfield winner here from a month ago will be a short price and is obviously the one to beat. (1A) MAJOR MAKEOVER raced decently here in two local starts and has hit the ticket in NYSS action in his last three for Blake Macintosh.

Race 3 - NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot

(2) SUPER MANNING draws a good post, has loads of back class and gets a massive driver upgrade from the owner to Stratton; good luck getting 15/1. (6) WINNERESS returns locally getting some needed class relief and Siegelman should have him in play early. (3) SWANCREDIT hasn't shown much of late but maybe the switch to Bartlett helps wake him up.

Race 4 - Excelsior A - 2YO C&G Pace

(1) OLD TOWN ROAD went down the road last start versus similar competition and he draws best here for the strong Bartlett/Lorentzon combo; Art Major offspring will look to control these at odds-on. (2) MAJOR ACE has a couple of good Excelsior efforts with a clunker sandwiched between; Pelling trainee should sit a stalking trip and can land a nice share. (5) NOT TODAY was a Springfield finalist here last month and was second best to the top one in his last start.

Race 5 - Excelsior A - 2YO C&G Pace **$7,500 GUARANTEED PICK-5 POOL**

(4) SURREALIN wasn't awful last week in Excelsior action picking up a minor award and his prior two efforts were pretty good; Paul Kelley trainee is worth a look in this competitive division at what might be double-digit odds. (1) BACKSEAT JOKER has speed, draws best and was Kakaley's choice; logical. (3) MULLINAX hinted at some talent two back when he closed well after encountering early trouble and he followed that up with a big brush-and-crush win last out at Batavia; Bartlett drives.

Race 6 - Excelsior A - 2YO C&G Pace

(2) MANONE was overmatched in the NYSS then gave it an aggressive front-end try at Tioga before folding; maybe he can show some improvement with off-the-pace tactics. (3) ISAAC is perfect in his brief career overcoming trouble in both trips; obvious big player. (5) MARKET MAYHEM has been forwardly placed in most of his career efforts, which can give him a tactical edge here over some of his rivals.

Race 7 - Excelsior A - 2YO C&G Pace

(4) CRYSTAL BEACH was third best in the Springfield final then certainly didn't disgrace himself in NYSS action but he faltered at odds-on last out facing these Excelsior types. He's got a legit shot here but don't accept too short of a price. (3) HOT JOE keeps Kakaley off a nice front-end score last out. (7) VICTORY MOVE has the talent but is obviously severely hampered by the draw; we'll see if Bartlett can get him in play.

Race 8 - NW17500 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) KEYSTONE PHOENIX gets needed class relief tonight and he draws best while getting Dube back in the bike. (3) HUDSON PHIL was in a bit tough over at The Meadowlands but he was a solid winner here the start prior. (5) SPEED MAN N couldn't catch Hundie N from the pocket last week but overall it was another good effort from the recent import.

Race 9 - NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(2) ROCK ON PRECIOUS went on a suicide mission last out for unknown reasons and paid the price; he switches to Bartlett tonight and deserves another chance. (5) PREACHER OLLIE closed mildly for the 5th place check upon arrival; he gets a bit better post tonight and we did see this barn have a winner here a couple of weeks ago. (4) MAN HE CAN SKOOT is a bit inconsistent but the veteran should be in the mix here.