Yonkers: Saturday 2/23 Analysis
Best Bet: SOMEWHERE IN L A (12th)
Spot Play: MIGHTY AMERICAN N (4th)
MEET STATS: 48 - 138 / $243.70 (-$32.30)
BEST BETS: 8 - 11 / $24.30 (+$2.30)
Race 1
(2) MIDWAY ISLAND dropped to this level, took some tote action, left well from the outside to drop into the pocket but was shuffled out final turn. Post relief is sure to help the Burke trainee. (1) CANBEC KINGKAZIMIR is always a player at this level, especially from inside posts. (7) SHANE ADAM never menaced while uncovered last out but his prior start with Bartlett driving was good.
Race 2
(4) GERARD N MO qualified evenly versus some decent rivals and the Carmine Fusco barn had a couple of live runners here the other day; consider in this tough-to-figure field. (2) SPORTY SPOOK A gets much needed post relief here. (6) CAVIART SKYLER was aggressively handled before tiring last out and he could be tighter tonight.
Race 3
(3) BADIX HANOVER raced just evenly last week in his 2019 debut but he's another who should be tighter with that start under his belt and he should have more to offer tonight. (1) SPORTSKEEPER dropped and popped last out. He's back up in class but draws best and could work out a live trip. (5) DREAM OUT LOUD N finally showed some signs of life in his last.
Race 4
(4) MIGHTY AMERICAN N has raced pretty well in his last three without much to show for it; he moves in a couple of spots and would be no surprise in this weak field. (3) HIGHLAND TARTAN N never wins but usually comes away with money; can he show some early speed from this spot? (5) BEAST MODE has hit the ticket in his last four.
Race 5
(2) SOHO LENNON A has looked very good in his last two at this NW20000 level and from this good post the Dilloian-trained veteran looms the one to beat. (1) MCSPIDEY was second best in his last two and can potentially complete a chalky exacta. (5) DOCTOR BUTCH is clearly off his game but doesn't have to beat much to pick up third place money.
Race 6
(6) MELADY'S MONET looked like a lock last week but scratched sick. I guess it was nothing serious as he's right back in the box so he remains my top selection. (5) FEARLESS MAN made an uncharacteristic break at the start but raced well to catch the pack; speedy trotter keeps Bartlett. (3) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN hikes back to the Open level off a nice off-the-pace win versus lesser and he lands inside his main competition.
Race 7
(5) MIGHTY MR SHARKEY N was forced to go at it uncovered into a rated pace last week and gets a pass for flattening out; perhaps with some live cover the results can be different. (2) BLAYDE HANOVER looks like the main speed here from a good post. (3) BETTOR THAN SPRING has been absolutely super and has quickly transitioned from Monday night NW horse to Saturday night high-conditioned horse...impressive.
Race 8
(2) BIT OF A LEGEND N had a nice 'tightener' last week where he sat in off of prehistoric fractions. I would hope he's put in play tonight. (1) DON DOMINGO N has been super and launched home off a second-over trip last week with Brennan picking up the drive. He draws the rail tonight and looms a repeater, but at a short price. (4) BETTORS FIRE N was nailed on the money after rating the pace but that was hardly a bad effort; tough to say what his trip will be tonight.
Race 9
(6) I'M SOME GRADUATE mad too much ground to cover last week but finished well after the fact for a small share. Burke trainee is sharp and can get the job done with better early positioning. (2) CHRISTEN ME N dropped and was a well-rated winner last out; player from the inside post. (1) WEONA SIZZLER A hasn't made a penny yet for his new connections but he finally lands a good post. Does he have anything to offer? Who knows.
Race 10
(1) BUGSY MAGUIRE was used a bit early then had a longshot retake on him before finishing evenly from the pocket. Perhaps if he's left alone here the results will be different. (5) VEGAS ROCKS drops in for a $40K tag off a series of solid efforts. (2) STOLEN CAR lands a much better post and figures to be more involved.
Race 11
(5) GUNPOWDER N is another Tritton import who has really found his stride of late; stay on board. (6) TECHTOR HANOVER gets some class relief here and will be a big player if he can hustle away from the gate. (2) RUN ONEOVER N collapsed on the front end last out but with he can rebound with better rating.
Race 12
(3) SOMEWERE IN L A was caught uncovered in his seasonal debut against Open types, probably not Bartlett's preferred trip, but he hung in there pretty nicely. Veteran is clearly the one to beat in the finale but won't offer any value. (2) ROCK THE NITE faces better off a crushing two-move effort and he draws well here. (7) GOKUDO HANOVER steps up a notch looking for three straight but he faces a tough task from out there. Can't ever dismiss this classy veteran.