Yonkers: Saturday 10/20 Analysis
Best Bet: ABNER THE GREAT (10th)
Spot Play: LEAN HANOVER (7th)
MEET STATS: 450 - 1246 / $2,413.50
BEST BETS: 62 - 107 / $200.10
Race 1
(3) PACING MAJOR N was second best just five days ago off a live trip and he can stay at the same level; we know he's proven with this type and would obviously be no surprise. (5) CHRISTEN ME N was a solid uncovered winner last out versus similar at a short price and may be favored again but he loses Stratton to the Tritton trainee; Bartlett drives. (1) BLOOD BROTHER raced pretty well in a needed start and can be tighter tonight.
Race 2
(5) MACH TIME N showed good forward progress last week and the Dilloian trainee can certainly build off that effort. (3) BETTOR'S PROMISE does his best work one notch lower but he's been in good form and there's certainly no standouts in here. (6) MACH PRIDE returns to Yonkers off a sharp score at Philly; only problem here is the post.
Race 3
(4) BETTOR MEMORIES blasted down the road from the eight hole last week, looked vulnerable turning home but had something left and held gamely; remember he was a Levy player earlier in the year so the bump up in class shouldn't hurt him. (3) ORILLIA JOE has been in good form recently and can be forwardly placed from this spot. (5) MORE THE BETTER N returns to Yonkers with class relief but be cautious as he's burned money here in the past.
Race 4
(1) PERFECT BET gets some needed class relief, draws best and looks to have as good a shot as any in this competitive event. (2) HAVEFAITHINME N is the 'X' factor shipping from Saratoga and making only his third U.S. start but he clearly has the talent and was a big earner Down Under. (4) TECHTOR HANOVER was sharp on the engine last week versus a notch lesser.
Race 5
(4) PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN is clearly feeling good again and can be excused for last week's effort at the Open level; prior week's loss was at the hands of a razor-sharp rival. (1) AMERICAN BOY N had no excuse after being stuffed in the pocket last out; Holland's back driving and he draws best. (3) REBELLIOUS ships in with a gaudy win record this season and the 4-year-old may fit right in here.
Race 6
(6) MILITARY MASTER A has looked absolutely super winning his last two; Lance Hudson-trained import faces a slightly tougher task from this post but will threaten with a live trip. (3) DR J HANOVER looks very well spotted in his local return and I couldn't fault anyone for hopping on board. (7) SCOTT ROCKS overcame a lame scratch with a 1:49 2/5 score at Pocono and he's even been racing well recently at Yonkers.
Race 7
(3) LEAN HANOVER was stuck all the way outside in an oversized field last week, had trot but nowhere to go late; Wellwood trainee lands in a much more reasonable spot tonight and can flex his muscles against this group. (7) GRUDEN was a very respectable third in the Harvey last week and remains a threat here despite his outside post assignment. (5) SUCH AN ANGEL is talented but has missed a couple of months of action; qualifier looked fine, however.
Race 8
(5) PRAIRIE PANTHER didn't seem to fire with his best last week but still raced well enough to be second best; two back he was a bruising winner with Marohn Jr. in the bike. (7) PHOTOBOMBR HANOVER could be classified as the King of the 4YO Open but can he overcome his outside assignment? Maybe, maybe not but he has to be included. (4) BLOOD LINE has good speed which sets him up nicely but he needs to show more late; use underneath.
Race 9
(2) ANDY RAY was a solid winner two back with Bartlett in the bike and rallied stoutly for a spot last out; from this post he can roll over these. (3) JACK VERNON is up the class ladder again looking for four straight. (5) ALWAYS A GOOD TIME has been very good in defeat recently and may be totally overlooked in the wagering; consider on your tickets.
Race 10
(5) ABNER THE GREAT drops to a very soft NW10000 division and is really hard to look past from this spot; to the front. (1) THIRTY TWO RED doesn't win often but he's usually close up; hard not to include from the best post. (4) BEACH MEMORIES is capable when in the mood.
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