Yonkers: Saturday 2/22 Analysis
MEET STATS: 45 - 144 / $261.90 BEST BETS: 8 - 12 / $32.90
Best Bet: SECOND WIND N (3rd)
Spot Play: MR PERSEVERANCE (2nd)
Race 1
(1) BLATANTLY BEST tried to cut the mile and gave way under less than ideal conditions last week; he can rebound tonight, perhaps from a stalking trip. (4) HANDSOME PRINCE didn't fire in his local return; maybe he leaves the gate tonight. (2) HARD TO MACH faltered in his last effort, which was almost a month ago; hard to endorse for the top spot.
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Race 2
(2) MR PERSEVERANCE finally gets some post relief and he's capable of showing more from this spot. (5) RELENTLESS G had late pace once shaking free last week; gelding is proven at this level. (3) SAILING CRUISE faces tougher off some encouraging efforts; veteran has plenty of back class.
Race 3
(1) SECOND WIND N beat better than these two back from the pocket and the veteran looks imposing from this spot. (2) GIDDY UP BLACKFLY has raced well in his two starts for Garcia-Herrera. (3) CASHENDASH HANOVER closed in willingly last out and he should be closer to the action tonight.
Race 4
(1) MORTAL ZIN has shown improvement in his last two races since joining the Ford barn. Pierce drives again and he's certainly capable of tripping out from this spot. (2) DALLENBACH HANOVER gets much-needed class relief tonight; threat to go wire-to-wire. (4) ESPEN DE VIE closed a ton to get up once shaking free and he fits the same class again.
Race 5
(4) EIGHTEEN was bottomed out from the pocket last week; veteran is better when cutting the mile and he may be able to do that from this spot. (3) OPEN WATER is arguably in career form right now. (1) LISTOWEL threw in a clunker last out where he refused to budge while on the rim; prior efforts were solid.
Race 6
(1) PAN FROM NANTUCKET followed live cover and finished strongly to score right off the bench; no reason he can't repeat here. (4) DOMETHATAGAIN looks for three in a row, but note that he's now in the Allard barn; will he maintain his good form? (3) P H SUPERCAM really had no excuse last out but the Fraley trainee still remains sharp.
Race 7
(2) STONEHOUSE ADAM was used to the lead last week and barely faltered late; he's in line for a smoother early journey tonight. (1) HERE WE GO AGAIN must be feared from this spot, but he all know he's not the most prolific of winners. (3) HELLO HOT SHOT is up in class again but he's been super in all recent efforts.
Race 8
(3) ROCK TO GLORY finished willingly off the bench and all of these Godinez horses have come back sharp; he faces some tough ones here but he should be a reasonable price. (1) NOB HILL HIGH was used early to secure position last week, had to back off but still had finishing pace; gutsy veteran is sharp. (5) CHINA GRILL is back from vacation for the Lachance stable and note that Sears drives tonight.
Race 9
(2) BJ'S GUY finished very willingly after the fact last week, his first start in two months. Gelding can be ready to roll from this spot. (4) I'M THE PIED PIPER gets serious post relief and may be firing early. (5) ROLLWITHITHARRY has been solid in most of his recent efforts for co-owner Dan Dube.
Race 10
(6) MAINLAND KEY N sat the rail and never got going in last; Pierce drives tonight and we all know he's capable of carving out a perfect trip. (2) ELECTRIC SHOOTER closed nicely last week at a big price; veteran lands inside tonight. (5) SOMETHING FOR DOC gets post relief; I guess Sears will try to leave with him.
Race 11
(1) WHOGOESFIRST has been rock-solid in his last two and he stays at the same level of his last victory while moving inside; clearly the one to beat here. (3) MUSCLE BEACHBOY has loads of speed and moves back to the small track for the next great training wonder, Kevin Efimetz. (2) ARACHACHE HANOVER has loads of class for Burke but he may need a start before he shows his best.
Race 12
(2) APPLEY EVER AFTER was an upset winner two back with Pierce in the bike; they can get a favorable trip again from this inside spot. (3) THANKS FOR STOPPIN isn't a prolific winner but he's raced well in his last two. (5) ROADWAY moves in a couple of spots and Sears drives again.
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