Yonkers: Saturday 1/19 Analysis
Best Bet: VEGAS ROCKS (4th)
Spot Play: SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN (8th)
MEET STATS: 15 - 32 / $88.20 (+$24.20)
BEST BETS: 2 - 3 / $4.60 (-$1.40)
Race 1
(2) SETTLEMOIR raced fine last week from the eight hole after the holiday break and did manage to pick up a check; veteran finds a much more reasonable spot tonight and should be good to go. (1) GHOST PINE drops, draws best and is a serious threat to go wire-to-wire. (7) GOTTA MINUTE N missed a nose last week after being outbattled to the wire; Godinez trainee starts from a tough spot but could be considered for a share.
Race 2
(2) OURLITTLEGENERAL A could not sustain a two-move uncovered effort in his first 2019 start but as mentioned the Allard trainees have been ready to go in this young season and the post relief will give him the edge here. (5) CATCHA LEFTY A raced well here towards the end of last year and freshened up with a win up at Monticello; player. (7) TJ BLAST has disappointed recently for Banca but he showed plenty of life in that qualifier.
Race 3
(1) SHANE ADAM gets the combination of a needed drop in class, the best post and a needed tightener last week; we've seen the Banca trainee beat better than these in the past. (4) SPORTY SPOOK A held well for a board spot after an uncovered grind last out and he moves in a couple of spots tonight. (3) OH JOHNY B GOOD N got shuffled from the pocket in his 2019 debut and he's clearly a player with a better trip.
Race 4
(6) VEGAS ROCKS crushed claimers last week for Andrew Harris, who has been live with everything recently; gelding seems capable of repeating. (1) CAPOZZO raced very well last out, even showing some early speed to set up a nice trip; player from the best post. (2) SHADY CITY didn't fire last out for Stalbaum but may have needed the start; let's see if he's tighter this time around.
Race 5
(5) DON DOMINGO N took all the money last week and delivered after shaking free with a bold late rally; Stratton sticks with the import and he deserves a follow-up play. (2) ALBERTO CONTADOR N is usually better one level down but the post relief should help. (6) TULLOW N was a good second last out; he steps up to face tougher but should be a good price.
Race 6
(4) AIR STRIKE was stuffed into the pocket last week and lacked a late response; the gelding is very tough if he hits the lead, which he may be able to do from this spot, and the price will be much better. (1) CHRISTEN ME N was nailed off cover by the third-over (2) BELLOWS BINGE last out; both land favorable posts in this open draw and remain big players.
Race 7
(5) BLAYDE HANOVER looked very sharp in his local return for Allard and he faces no standouts here moving up in class. (2) MIGHTY MR SHARKEY N was sharp in his second U.S. start and the Harmon trainee may have more in the tank. (1) MCSPIDEY is not a threat to win at this level but he could land a share from this good inside post.
Race 8
(7) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN was awful in his 2018 finale but was clearly ready to go last week, battling gamely to be second best; Allard trainee should be followed off that effort. (2) WESLYNN DANCER broke on the move last week as my choice; not sure what to expect from the mare tonight but she should still be considered. (6) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN showed some late life in a needed start and he's more than capable when on his game.
Race 9
(1) STOLEN CAR did the best he could finishing third last week behind a sharp winner and the pocket sitter. Bamond-trained veteran moves all the way inside and will likely be controlling the action. (4) TYBER TYKE was second best last week and has some tactical speed to set up a good spot. (5) CHEYENNE JEFFREY didn't fire at all in his seasonal debut but we know he's better than that.
Race 10
(1) LOCKTON LUCK A grinded down the leader late to prevail as the chalk in his second U.S. start; import hails from the very live Lance Hudson/Jordan Stratton team and I expect the gelding to be even better tonight. (3) BLATANTLY BEST came up a bit short from the pocket last week in a needed start and the Banca trainee can be tighter tonight. (2) KHUN RATHA A was clearly outfinished at 2/5 odds for Stalbaum last out; expect the import to be better than that.