Yonkers: Saturday 2/2 Analysis
Best Bet: DOCTOR BUTCH (3rd)
Spot Play: LUCIANO N (10th)
MEET STATS: 22 - 55 / $116.90 (+$6.90)
BEST BETS: 4 - 5 / $10.30 (+$0.30)
Race 1
(4) CAPOZZO has raced very well in his last two finishing second best both times, and the one that beat him last week looks like a good import; he's got some legit ones inside of him but still deserves a long look. (2) STARS ALIGN A raced well last week in a much-needed start and now he drops a notch in class but beware, this guy can be erratic sometimes. (1) SOHO LENNON A was going nowhere from the eight hole versus better in his first start in over a month; now he drops, draws best and makes a lot of sense from this spot.
Race 2
(3) AVATAR J has been searching for the right spot since graduating from the NW conditioned ranks but the Andrew Harris trainee had a useful start recently at The Meadowlands and he faces no standouts here. (2) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A was caught in a fast mile in his first seasonal start and he should be tighter here. (5) ORILLIA JOE has some early speed which almost always makes the veteran a contender.
Race 3
(6) DOCTOR BUTCH was second best last out in a fast time to a horse who came back to win again; veteran fits perfectly at this level. (1) DELIGHTFUL OFFER N steps up in class off a big try and moves all the way inside; gelding can be considered underneath. (4) TEXAS TERROR N is better then that last effort; race two back off the bench was solid.
Race 4
(1) STOLEN CAR is the most accomplished at this $40K claiming level and the much-needed post relief tonight makes him a prime contender. (7) CHEVALS CLIVESDALE bumped to this level last week but could not get involved from the outside post; he lands the 7 hole again but maybe he tries to get put into play early. Watch the board. (4) BUGSY MAGUIRE goes for another new barn and has been on quite a form spree; up in class again.
Race 5
(1) ALL DOWN THE LINE was a very game two-move uncovered winner last week and he gets a free ride at this NW20000 level while facing some suspect competition; top billing. (6) LACHIE MAGUIRE N had a big 2018 season but could have been a bit better in his last two starts. (4) VANQUISHED N has been good recently for Vallee.
Race 6
(5) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN was sent to the lead last week and breezed on the front end as a no-doubt winner; Allard trainee wins the outside draw and should be primed to repeat. (6) MELADY'S MONET has all the class in the world and has looked great since returning from vacation. (3) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN gets needed post relief and can be more involved.
Race 7
(5) TECHTOR HANOVER saved ground and finished willingly in a needed start after the holiday hiatus; he should be tighter tonight and does have good early speed at his disposal. (1) LOCKTON LUCK A finished with pace last week after shaking free and that's three solid efforts in a row for the import since arriving; hike in class doesn't scare me. (3) IMAROCNROLLEGEND N returns from Freehold where he was a solid eight-hole winner in their feature and he can make some noise from this spot.
Race 8
(4) AIR STRIKE was denied the front again last week, had to settle in the pocket and chased willingly to be second best but could not pass the leader; I'll give him another chance to make the lead. (7) WEONA SIZZLER A makes his second start off the Banca purchase and I have to assume he'll be more involved tonight. (6) CHRISTEN ME N is another who failed to get underway last week in that no-flow race but the veteran is capable of better.
Race 9
(2) DON'TCALLMEFRANCIS could have needed last week's race and he draws well again while facing nothing special. (5) VORACITY has not really impressed off the barn change last November and he was dull at even money last out; consider him but use caution. (3) STORMONT CZAR A was a winner at this level two back.
Race 10
(2) LUCIANO N looked very solid beating lesser recently then hiked to this level and got stuck in post eight; he's feeling good again after a long dry spell and he may be good enough to get the jump on these. (5) GRATIAN HANOVER qualified willingly and will be a big threat if ready off the layoff. (3) RUN ONEOVER N gets a bit of class relief and was a winner at this level in December.
Race 11
(3) FEARLESS MAN moves up the class ladder another peg looking for his fourth straight. I think he can do it. (1) NEW HEAVEN was a solid second last week to a sharp winner; Burke trainee should be a factor from start to finish. (2) MEADOWBRANCH RICKY may need a bit of a class reprieve but he can stay close from this spot.
Race 12
(4) I'M SOME GRADUATE never got involved last week in a needed local start; gelding should be tighter tonight and be more involved here. (3) DON DOMINGO N is perfect since arriving in the U.S. for Lance Hudson and I'm sure he'll be fine handling the class hike. (6) COOPERSTOWN may be hampered by the draw but the Banca trainee has been sharp.