Yonkers: Analysis for Tuesday 9/1/26
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2026 MEET STATS: 240 - 753 / $1,317.84 (-$188.16)
BEST BETS: 46 - 80 / $158.60 (-$1.40)
BEST BET: ALWAYS BET ON ME (3rd)
SPOT PLAY: ORLANDO BLUE A (4th)
Race 1: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) HAZEVILLE has some class to him and is facing a field that's more up his alley; Holland's choice of three in here. (2) JUSTCALLMEBUCK has raced reasonably well for these connections since shipping down from Plainridge and the inside draw makes him a player. (1) DRACARYS Z gets Bartlett on the catch drive and the rail in his second start after the barn change. Veteran figures to show more tonight
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Race 2: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) HIMSELF N had no chance from the eight hole in two of his last three but the move all the way from the worst post to the best post gives the gelding a legit chance to trip out. (2) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N has had plenty of opportunities to win recently but has been unable to seal the deal. (3) SON OF THE SHARK A was a winner in his first start for a new barn and perhaps the import has another level or two in him.
Race 3: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
(2) ALWAYS BET ON ME was a winner at this level a couple of months back when first arriving for Burke and since then he's had some good efforts, including his last start where he just missed at the NW20000 level. I think he's overdue for a win. (4) ALABAMA LUCKY gave it an aggressive try last week from the outside at 42/1 and though he tired perhaps it helped awaken the Schnittker trainee. Holland gets the drive tonight from an improved post. (1) YANKEE BREW was outfinished last start but figures to get a similar type of trip and he can hold for a share.
Race 4: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) ORLANDO BLUE A has looked like a new horse since the move to the Bako barn and last week he was right there going for three straight but broke on the final turn. He gets another chance from the inside facing some salty competition but he figures to be a big price and may be worth a flyer. (1) CURLY JAMES A was in for $15K just two months ago and he's been on such a roll (for multiple barns) that he's now the 6/5 ML favorite in optional $60K claimers; likely one to catch. (3) BOSTON BOUND changes hands via pricey claim and if he maintains his form he'll be a part of this.
Race 5: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
Looks like a competitive race. (3) SURVIVIN FIRE paced a solid back half to upset these two back then rallied belatedly last week; DiDomenico trainee is sharp and draws pretty well. (1) AVF CLAIRE is back in with claimers and back with Bartlett, who steered this one to victory two starts ago. (4) MAYBEMABEL had to qualify after his last race and did so in a blazing time up at Monticello. Bako trainee certainly is fast enough.
Race 6: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) LILLBLISS moved barns from Svanstedt to Team Engblom and won at first asking in his Yonkers debut. Steps up, homebred draws poorly but picks up Bartlett on the catch drive, will be a fair price and could have more to offer. (3) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A was a winner when last in NW7500. (4) MANFERNO had two shots at the basement level but failed to convert and now has to step back up a level.
Race 7: NW16631 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) ALWAYS B ELITE N makes his second start after moving to the Bongiorno barn and also after being on the shelf for six months. Last week's effort was encouraging and this lightly-raced import is in a great spot to convert. (4) SMOOTH DREAM failed to respond in a quick back half against better in his last start but just missed two back in a similar spot to what he encounters tonight. (2) IMA PERFECT CHOICE has also been facing better of late with just moderate success.
Race 8: NW10811 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) NO TRESSPASSING has been caught up in some fast miles lately out of town, including three back where he was collared by Gentleman’s Club in that 1:48 3/5 mile at Pocono. Bartlett hops on for the 4YO's local return and maybe he can speed-pop this field. (2) PINNY TIGER A drops in class for the fourth consecutive start and still hasn't shown a whole lot; he's vulnerable (7) ITS A ME MARIO failed to get involved as the longshot choice last week and he's outside again but was sharp prior to that latest effort and he's got class.
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Race 9: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(4) TWO BEAN DREAM added Lasix for her last start and didn't threaten after being shuffled but overall she has a win and a couple of seconds at this level since moving to the Alexander barn and I think Kakaley will be on the move early. (2) YUENGLING is the latest "rent a horse" and has performed well for multiple barns; back to Laterza, where she finished second four starts ago. (6) KARPATHIAN QUEEN picks up Bartlett in her Yonkers return coming off two consecutive big speed miles at Monti.
Race 10: 3-5YO NW2 races or $30,000 lifetime Pace
(4) ROUGH DEAL takes a break from Excelsior action and two back at Yonkers he was third to a 1:51 3/5 winner, only a few lengths back. Doesn't face any overly scary foes in here. (2) HE IS STINGIN has the speed but not the finishing power; maybe if he sits a pocket he'll be better off. (7) ENTER SANDMAN proved he's awfully talented with those last two Philly races but he may be lost at the back of the pack from this spot and have too far to come.