Yonkers: Friday 2/21 Analysis

MEET STATS: 57 - 173 / $305.60 (-$40.40)
BEST BETS: 11 - 15 / $37.00 (+$7.00)
Best Bet: IMPRINCESSGEMMA A (9th)
Spot Play: SHES PUKKA A (4th)

Race 1 – F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts

(3) AMBRO COURAGE N was in a bit over her head in her last few but she gets post relief while facing much softer tonight and clearly seems the one to beat. (2) AMANDEROSA figures to be close up throughout and can land a big share. (1) AMATEUR HOUR stopped two back but rebounded with a decent effort from a no-chance spot last week and she’s back inside tonight. (4) ACEFORTYFOUR ALEX can save ground and pick up a piece.

Race 2 - $25,000 Claiming

(5) RECORD MACHINE was overmatched last out facing talented claimers but he’s back at the appropriate level and did just miss versus this type two back. (1) STATESMAN N was aggressively handled last start and wilted late; veteran lands the best post again and will be in the thick of the action from start to finish. (3) QUALITY CLOSER gets post relief and can be more involved. (7) TALENT SOUP was reclaimed by the Chris Height barn and looks for three straight for these connections but the outside draw obviously makes things tough.

Race 3 – NW15000 in last 5 starts

(1) TROTTING GRACE gave it a shot from the eight hole last week versus better; class and post relief should get this classy mare over the top. (2) MARLEY’S GUY also drops and moves back inside; main threat. (5) INUKCHUK CHUCK has some early speed at his disposal and we’ll see if Brennan tries to get him in play. (6) MUSCLE AVE was very disappointing last week as my choice but I have to believe he’s better than that; this is a tough spot but maybe he can sneak into the number at a big price.

Race 4 – F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts

(6) SHES PUKKA A made another one of her miscues leaving the gate last week but she did finish with plenty of pace; she faces softer and can crush these if she minds her manners. (3) EMPRESS DEO ships back in from Dover off a win and she’s had success here in the past. (5) FAITHFUL DESIRE totally tripped out last week to win but I won’t take anything away from her as she was very good finishing; mare should carve out another share tonight. (1) TELL ME A JOKE stalled badly last out after winning the start prior; who knows what to expect.

Race 5 - $12,500 Claiming

(2) TWIN B SPEEDO raced pretty well coming off the bench to finish third versus a notch better; Holland sticks with him from this improved post. (1) MYIDEALSON N has been racing well without a victory to show for it; he can get it done with a good trip. (3) OH JONNY B GOOD N was disappointing first out for new connections but the veteran is better than that. (4) KEYSTONE HONOR was run over at the wire last week ending his winning streak and now he debuts for unproven connections off the claim; mixed feelings.

Race 6 - $20,000 Claiming

(4) LACHIE MAGUIRE N was looking great off the Jenn Bongiorno claim then completely lost action in his last start; he qualified back effectively and now drops to this reduced level; veteran will win this if all is okay. (3) AMERICAN INFLUENCE couldn’t dent the margin in a quick back half in his last start and now has missed a couple of weeks; he’s another in here with some question marks but the Erv Miller trainee is more than capable. (2) ONLYTHETUFFSURVIVE tripped out to win in last and can certainly repeat. (8) LINKJACK HANOVER has the ability but may be done in by post eight.

Race 7 - $20,000 Claiming

(1) ROCK ON PRECIOUS went wire-to-wire three back from a similar spot; veteran is the one to catch. (5) ALEPPO HANOVER raced evenly on the rim last out from off the pace but he’s left the gate before and there doesn’t seem to be that much speed to his inside. (2) SANATTLE SLEW just missed from the pocket last week and he will be close up again. (6) SOSSY’S KING KONG debuts for Banca off the claim and is worthy of some attention.

Race 8 – NW20000 in last 5 starts

(5) HILL OF A HORSE was looming in the Open last week before that final-turn break; class relief should get him over the top. (6) THE LAST CHAPTER has raced very well in all recent starts and it’s only a matter of time before he finds the winner’s circle. (4) DYNAMIC EDGE kept up very well from the pocket chasing Mostinterestingman last week. (3) BROADWAY MOJO failed to get involved last start but his prior two starts versus lesser were impressive.

Race 9 – F&M Open Handicap

(3) IMPRINCESSGEMMA A steamrolled the field with an impressive late sweep last week in her 2020 debut for Team Bongiorno. Mare is generously allowed to draw for 3 through 8 and she gets the best post which clearly stamps her as the one to beat. (4) SANDY WIN is in career form and held gamely for second last week after battling on the front end. (6) KAITLYN N took last week off after winning her seasonal debut and the Banca trainee is sharp enough to land a share. (5) BETTERB CHEVRON N was clearly outfinished last week in a needed start and the Lance Hudson trainee can be tighter tonight.

Race 10 – F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts

(2) DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE was treated rudely last week as the early leader sprinted off and she was hung to dry; I’ll give her another chance from this improved post. (6) MAGIC FORCES offered up a weak uncovered move last out at The Meadowlands but the Burke trainee has had her moments here in the past. (4) BROWN BRINNY beat up on cheaper in her local return. (3) DONGAL RUNDLSCRK N drops, draws better and was Kakaley’s choice.

Race 11 – F&M NW20000 in last 5 starts

(4) GLENFERRIE BLADE A undoubtedly needed last week’s start and she may be freshest late. (2) WISHY WASHY GIRL squandered a perfect pocket trip when hiked to the Open level but she’s back where she belongs. (3) MY KIWI LADY N was a very game front-end winner versus lesser and the sharp sort has to be considered. (6) JOSSIE JAMES A was outfinished by a strong Mohawk shipper in her U.S. debut but overall it was an encouraging effort.