Yonkers: Saturday 8/12 Analysis
Best Bet: STATESMAN N (1st)
Spot Play: SOMEWHERE IN L A (8th)
MEET STATS: 301 - 853 / $1,672.70
BEST BETS: 41 - 73 / $137.60
Race 1
(1) STATESMAN N was run over at the wire last week but it was a solid effort nonetheless; classy veteran is a strong threat to take these coast-to-coast. (2) ONE THROUGH TEN lands another good inside post and will be close up throughout, hopefully in the pocket. (7) J C ONTHEBEACH steps up sharp looking for three straight; outside post could present a problem.
Race 2
(4) NAUGHTY MARAVU N makes his U.S. debut off a willing qualifier at Philly and like many of these Down-under imports he could be ready at first asking. (2) SANTANNA ONE was used aggressively last out and paid the price late; an easier trip can take this. (3) THREE OF CLUBS steps up in class off a dominating win.
Race 3
(3) EIGHTEEN was second best last out to a very sharp Blade Seelster; Bartlett/Banca veteran can resume winning ways tonight. (4) FEEL THE NEED A has been pretty good recently and he's up in class again off the Allard claim; he certainly would be no surprise here. (2) VILLE VALO was hounded a long way last out in a strangely run affair; include.
Race 4
(2) NEWBIE raced pretty gamely last week with good speed both early and late; Banca trainee is unproven at this level but deserves top billing from this spot. (1) RODEO ROCK hasn't been bad in his last two versus better; main threat. (6) JENERAL PATTON was a winner when last at this NW20000 level and may appreciate the class relief.
Race 5
(5) BETTOR MEMORIES has really come into his own in his last few starts out of town and that good form should translate perfectly in this spot. (7) THE REAL ONE is clearly the main threat but this outside post may prove too much to overcome. (6) B'S WEDDIE has been deceptively sharp off the Blumenfeld claim and he'll be a big price again.
Race 6
(1) IDEAL JIMMY makes just his third start of the year and should be stronger off those last two needed starts; rail assignment doesn't hurt. (3) DAKOTA JACK made a pretty good impression versus these last week just missing. (7) CONTINUAL HANOVER was a well-bet and well-meant winner upon arrival then was stuck in post eight last out; closing threat at a price.
Race 7
(1) COWBOY TERRIER gets that all-important post relief tonight and he's always aggressive when drawn inside. (4) NEXT SUCCESS was very game in defeat last week; threat. (2) MAJOR BUCKS is up a notch in price off a close call last week and he should be close up throughout from this spot.
Race 8
(6) SOMEWHRE IN L A raced well from the eight hole last week to land a small share and the move inside a couple of slot clearly stamps him as the one to beat tonight. (4) SUNFIRE BLUE CHIP has been razor sharp in two starts since shipping back to Yonkers for Takter. (7) EVENIN OF PLEASURE looks for three straight Open wins but he faces some tougher rivals here; looks like he's in line for a smaller share tonight.
Race 9
(5) BETTOREVER never really got involved last out but perhaps he can utilize his early speed from this spot. (2) MELMERBY BEACH is certainly talented and fast enough to win here but he's also very inconsistent. (6) TEXICAN N was a winner four back at this level for Tritton.
Race 10
(1) CANBEC KINGKAZIMIR hasn't put in a bad effort in ages and he's capable of tripping out from this coveted rail spot. (4) BLADE SEELSTER has been on a super run of late and his early speed always makes him a player. (3) ALLSTAR PARTNER is back in for a tag and lands a good enough post; consider for a share.
Race 11
(2) DREAM OUT LOUD N dropped and popped last out at odds-on and he's got the back class to handle these; driver Goodell seems to be much more active recently. (5) THEARTOFCONFUSION A was well-backed in his last local try but never got involved; he does get a bit of post relief off that nondescript effort. (8) LONG LIVE ROCK is arguably best here and was a blowout winner last week but now he's stuck all the way outside.
Race 12
(4) TAKE IT BACK TERRY kicked in nicely last week to rally for second and it's about time the Burke trainee started to turn things around. (7) LUCAN HANOVER returns to Bartlett and figures to be more aggressively handled. (1) TE KAWAU N returns locally, draws best and has been racing decently out of town.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]