Yonkers: Saturday 10/26 Analysis

2019 STATS: 461 - 1128 / $2,071.20 (-$184.80)
BEST BETS: 56 - 96 / $176.20 (-$15.80)
Best Bet: NORMANDY BEACH (3rd)
Spot Play: BIT OF A LEGEND N (1st)
Race 1 – NW15000 in last 5 starts
(7) BIT OF A LEGEND N may not be a top-notch pacer anymore but he’s still a legit “Saturday night” horse and he does have the tactical speed to overcome the outside post. (4) ACTING OUT steps up in class off a game uncovered score for Banca/Bartlett. (1) HOT DEUCE was stubborn in defeat last out versus lesser and he has speed from the best post; he may not win but he will be a player throughout. (2) BRO HANOVER dropped from claimers to score last out but the DiDomenico trainee has missed a bit of time since that win.
Race 2 – NW30000 in last 5 starts
(2) LORD CROMWELL was used a bit hard in that added-distance event on International Trot day but his prior efforts were narrow defeats and a repeat of either of those efforts will get the job done. (6) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL never got close last start but he’s better than that and having his nose on the gate tonight will help. (5) WINNING SHADOW keeps Brennan for the Burke barn and he gets some needed post relief. (1) STORMY KROMER is best a level down but his early speed makes him a factor.
Race 3 - $40,000 Claiming
(3) NORMANDY BEACH has been the current King of the $40K claimers and he’ll look to repeat on the front end. (6) SHOREVIEW has solid speed to put him in play and he may be sitting the top choice’s pocket again. (2) SWIFT AS A SHADOW can save ground from this inside spot and land a nice piece. (4) ART SCENE moves into claimers for Banca off a series of good efforts.
Race 4 – NW15000 in last 5 starts
(2) I’M SOME GRADUATE has been racing effectively with better and should be able to handle these from this spot; not much value to be had, however. (5) BETTING EXCHANGE never got involved last week but was a game upset winner the start prior; he could try using some of his early speed from this spot. (1) MOHAWK WARRIOR will obviously appreciate the move inside. (8) LONDON SEELSTER takes a meaningful drop in class but is stuck in the worst post.
Race 5 – Preferred Handicap Pace
(4) DON DOMINGO N came up just shy last week but it was yet another good effort for the Lance Hudson trainee; he lands a good enough spot in this handicap race and should be a fair price in this competitive event. (1) CAVIART LUCA has loads of class and will take full advantage of his rail assignment. (3) MACH IT SO has blown up the tote board in two straight and he steps up looking for another; you don’t earn almost $3 million by accident. (5) MAC’S JACKPOT bounced back with a better effort last week.
Race 6 – Open Handicap Trot
(7) EYE OFA TIGER AS has had some excuses recently but the Lorentzon trainee may have a clear path to the front and is certainly talented enough to return to the winner’s circle. (6) MELADY’S MONET is back in top form and is an obvious player. (2) ICANFLYLIKEANANGEL and (3) THERESADEMONINME are both early speed threats from good posts and one of them will likely lineup with a good stalking trip.
Race 7 – NW20000 in last 5 starts
(2) PACING MAJOR N took care of business last start disposing of lesser and obviously the Tritton trainee has handled this type before. (3) RONNIES ROCKET blew away the field in last and is clearly as sharp as the top choice; both have been off three weeks, so we’ll see if that factors in the outcome. (4) GOKUDO HANOVER is having an off year but will still probably crack six figures in earnings; include. (1) SOHO LENNON A has been feeling good recently and even showing versatility.
Race 8 – Open Handicap Pace
(4) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N got away with murder last week on the front end, setting a prehistoric pace. Clearly he’s capable of going much faster and repeating. (6) MICKY GEE N had no chance of reaching in that race last week; prior start he almost caught McWicked. (2) THE REAL ONE has been racing well enough to win recently and he’ll land on the right trip one of these weeks. (1) HAVEFAITHINME N was second best from a pocket trip three back when he had the rail.
Race 9 – NW20000 in last 5 starts
(4) GRATIAN HANOVER dropped to this level last week, was put on the front end where he belonged and he delivered the win; Jenn Bongiorno trainee gets a free ride and can repeat. (3) BLOOD BROTHER clearly fits with this type and is always a threat at this level from good posts for Banca/Bartlett. (1) LUCIANO N had been knocking on the door for some time before finally winning last start and he should pick up a nice payday again tonight. (8) BLACK CHEVRON N has finished with solid pace in his last couple; unfortunately he’s stuck outside again.
Race 10 – NW30000 in last 5 starts
(2) THEARTOFCONFUSION A hasn’t been bad in his last few but has obviously tailed off a bit after his record-setting performance; he drops in class tonight and picks up a fresh set of hands in Bartlett. (1) HIGHLAND TARTAN continues to race well and the move back inside makes him a prime player. (4) RAUKAPUKA RULER N is fresh Tritton stock from Down-Under; obviously take a look at him. (3) BETTORS FIRE N could be a major threat if he makes the front for Cushing.
Race 11 – NW30000 in last 5 starts
(1) WESTERN JOE has underachieved a bit this season but he can get well in a hurry from this spot. (3) SAULSBROOK DEPUTY faces a bit better here after a nice win versus a notch lower last week for Banca. (2) ANTHEM N makes his second start off the bench and figures to be much more involved. (5) MACH DORO A has been sharp for Cushing and just missed in a start here last month.