Yonkers: Analysis for Tuesday 9/29/26

2026 MEET STATS: 269 - 841 / $1,472.22 (-$209.78)

BEST BETS: 49 - 89 / $167.46 (-$10.54)

BEST BET: ULTIMAROCA (3^rd)

SPOT PLAY: HEMSWORTH N (8^th)

Race 1: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace

(5) TWIN B ECHO showed major improvement last week, her first forward effort in a couple of months, and just missed. Mare is overdue for a win. (3) SURVIVIN FIRE takes an important drop from the $50K claimers to the $30's, draws well enough and looms the one to beat. (1) TH RIZZO continues to race well without a victory to show for it; another who is overdue.

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Race 2: 3-5YO Winners of 2-4 races or $70,833 LT Pace

(4) JERICHO JOHNNY rallied from last to finish second at a huge price in the Excelsior final. This Stalbaum-trained 3YO has been strictly off the pace but with Brennan picking up the drive from a reasonable post he should be put into play much sooner. (2) TWIN B FRESH BET went a huge effort in defeat last out after missing a nose the start prior; clearly he's got a big chance but will probably be overbet. (8) THE RASCAL N failed at 41 cents on the dollar last start week after winning the start prior as the odds-on chalk. Here's a chance to actually get a price.

Race 3: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) ULTIMAROCA is back at Yonkers and has had plenty of success here in the past. Down the road. (4) ROCKIN JUKEBOX has barely functioned for these connections after being claimed for $40K but he plunges in class. (2) ALIEN POWER also drops in class and gets major post relief after being stuck outside in his last two.

Race 4: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace

(2) LLOYD'S LOVES failed to make her presence known from outside posts in her last couple but she lands a much more realistic spot tonight and this classy mare knows how to win. (6) AVF CLAIRE has two wins and a narrow defeat in her last three for top connections; she does move outside after having the rail in those recent races but she returns to Bartlett and he'll get her off the gate. (1) SPIRIT OF PEARL A has risen from $20K claimers up to a legit $50K for the Stratton barn and she's primed for another big piece.

Race 5: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace

(8) ROCKNROLL RUNA A is an interesting case as we know he's best and faces a pretty soft field here but he is stuck all the way outside. Brennan catch drives for Stalbaum and I have to assume he's trying to get into play early. (3) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A was a solid winner last week and looms large again. (5) WINDSUN RICKY gets some post relief after having the worst post in three straight races and he also moves back to Holland, who may try an aggressive approach.

Race 6: NW20391 in last 5 starts Pace

(5) LYONS FRANKY J never got involved last week on the hike to this class but he has a better post to work with tonight so I'll give the 4YO from top connections the call. (3) IMA PERFECT CHOICE also trailed with little chance last start but will be much more involved tonight. (6) EVILEYE FLEEGLE has been sharp for the Burke barn but drawing outside of his main competition figures to hamper his chances.

Race 7: 3-5YO NW3 races or $39,355 LT Pace

(3) CAPTAIN AMORE N clearly has talent when he behaves himself, which he managed to do in his last start when he just missed at 24/1. Braxten Boyd gets another chance with the import and I'll be holding my breath watching him. (5) HE IS STINGIN tends to lack late stamina but he's got good early speed to get into play and that always needs to be respected. (7) SWEET JOEL didn't gain on #5 in his local return after facing stakes foes out of town but the 3YO seems to have more upside than the rest.

Race 8: $60,000-$75,000 Claiming Handicap Pace

(1) HEMSWORTH N moves from the eight hole to the rail in his second start in claimers and is likely to sit a nice pocket trip to #4. Bako trainee has plenty of back class which hopefully he taps into as he rolls by late. (4) CURLY JAMES A figures to be the one to beat again but he did lose at six cents on the dollar last start. (6) BACKSTREET SHADOW is overdue for a better post and some racing luck as the $1.8 million earner is in another tough spot; still deserves consideration.

Race 9: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace

(1) EUPHORIA N moves to the rail in his second start after returning to Yonkers and this veteran should be able to protect position from the rail and work out a good trip. I'll take a shot over some favorites in here who don't inspire a ton of confidence. (4) UDDERLY SWEET A picks up Holland as he drops again and draws a better post; the Bongiorno trainee is likely to attract the most attention and figures to be handled aggressively. (6) HARDT OF A KING is an interesting shipper as he's been sharp both in Ohio and last out at Pocono; I'll choose to see one here first

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Race 10: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace

(1) KARPATHIAN QUEEN has been second best in two of her last three and has proven to be a good fit with these. Gets the call from the rail against a shaky bunch. (4) POINT BREEZE arrives from Pocono and picks up leading driver Bartlett; instant respect. (6) FOX VALLEY JASMINE arrives from upstate NY via Illinois and Ohio, joins the Bako barn and likes to win. As a matter of fact along with her 10 wins this year the 4YO is 18 for 18 in the money.

Race 11: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace

(3) HEAVEN ON HIGH N has a poor win record over the last couple of seasons but he lands an improved post in his second start at this reduced level and finished close the last time he was inside. (2) GINGRAS BEACH drops to the basement and moves from the eight hole to the two, but 6/5 on the ML? (1) ACAPULCO SUNBURN rallied for second last week facing $15K claimers for trainer/driver Dan Dube.