Yonkers: Saturday 2/9 Analysis
Best Bet: MAJOR BUCKS (2nd)
Spot Play: CATCHA LEFTY A (5th)
MEET STATS: 27 - 79 / $144.80 (-$13.20)
BEST BETS: 4 - 7 / $10.30 (-$3.70)
Race 1
(3) SHANE ADAM was quick to the lead last week, grudgingly yielded to a rival then was shuffled completely out of contention; Banca trainee absolutely deserves another chance off that debacle. (4) AWESOMENESS finally gets a good post to work with and will be much more involved. (1) ROLAND N ROCK was pretty game in defeat last out and seems on the comeback trail.
Race 2
(2) MAJOR BUCKS gets major post relief and was Brennan's logical choice; this field didn't come up that strong and the gelding has a big chance. (4) REASONABLE FORCE didn't really get involved in his last two at this level but he lands in a bit better spot tonight and he picks up Bartlett. (1) BRIGHT FUTURE ships in and gets a big driver chance to Kakaley.
Race 3
(3) CONTROL TOWER failed to get involved in his last two but he gets important class and post relief tonight and should be rearing to go from this spot. (1) GOKUDO HANOVER has been a bit off his game recently but it's impossible to ignore this classy gelding at this level, especially from the best post. (2) CHACHING HANOVER was a sharp winner versus lesser two back and will likely land a share after with a ground-saving trip.
Race 4
(1) Q'S CRUISE was facing some decent stock in Delaware and arrives locally to meet a very questionable field; this barn sends them here ready. (4) I'M SPORTY ships from Canada for Auciello, who has been pretty live with most of his stock recently, and this one had plenty of half-mile experience. (2) QUALITY CLOSER gets much-needed post relief off two tough trips.
Race 5
(3) CATCHA LEFTY A had pace from the pocket last out but the winner had the jump on him as he swooped by everybody; worth another try at a likely improved price. (2) WESTERN DYNASTY qualified effectively and is a perfect fit at this level. (8) LITTLE BEN is another invader for the Jim King barn and he would be rated much higher if not for the tough post.
Race 6
(7) MELADY'S MONET was flying late to just miss last week and the classy veteran has looked absolutely super since returning from vacation; he's got a big shot here despite the post, especially if he can improve a couple of spots at the outset. (5) DW'S NY YANK hasn't been bad from tough posts in his two 2019 starts and is certainly a live and logical candidate here. (3) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN raced okay last week chasing a fast pace and he gets another decent post assignment here.
Race 7
(4) CONSTNTLYSIDEWAYS A has worked his way up the class ranks at The Meadowlands and was a good second to the sharp winner last out; this barn has had success with these imports and picking up Stratton won't hurt. (3) BLAYDE HANOVER had no chance from the outside post bumping up in class off the claim but he raced fine with a :27 2/5 last quarter; he can be more aggressively handled tonight. (5) OUR ZAK WHITBY A paced evenly in last week's Open and was a good second at this level the start prior.
Race 8
(4) TECHTOR HANOVER didn't leave last week as I expected, went a tough uncovered trip into a rated pace and held very well; perhaps a more aggressive steer can get it done. (6) DON DOMINGO N is perfect since arriving in the U.S. but this is a tougher spot tonight we'll see how good he his. (3) ROCKATHON was clearly ready for action last out as he blasted down the road taking the Open field wire-to-wire.
Race 9
(2) YS LOTUS faces a bit softer tonight and while he isn't exactly a winning machine he's facing some rather dull and questionable rivals here; maybe. (4) FASHION BYTHEBEACH steps up the ladder again looking for three straight. (1) DOCTOR BUTCH was awful last week but I guess the fact he's right back in the box is a good sign.
Race 10
(2) BUGSY MAGUIRE seemed well-meant last week off the claim but got jammed in and shuffled as the leader was collapsing; he draws well here in a pretty soft $40,000 claimer. (6) STOLEN CAR is the most accomplished at this level and would be the clear choice with a better post. (1) ADONIS BAY was all business on the front end destroying lesser and the Scarpias trainee has been pretty sharp for an extended period of time.
Race 11
(1) ASTON HILL DAVE gets some needed post relief after being a bit overmatched in the Open but it's not like he was bad in those races; maybe he can trip out from this spot. (5) RUN ONEOVER N has good speed and fits here, however Bartlett opted off. (2) LACHIE MAGUIRE N beat softer last week and draws well here looking for two straight while keeping Bartlett.
Race 12
(6) I'M SOME GRADUATE did all that he could last week but couldn't stall the sharp trip-sitting winner; consider using on top if the price is good enough. (3) GREAT VINTAGE gets needed post relief and is clearly the most logical here. (1) LETSCHASETHEDREAMN has to be better than his last effort, where he burned money at 2/5.