Yonkers: Thursday 5/9 Analysis
Best Bet: ZOE ELLASEN (10th)
Spot Play: SECRECY (1st)
MEET STATS: 150 - 420 / $764.20 (-$75.80)
BEST BETS: 22 - 36 / $65.80 (-$6.20)
Race 1
(2) SECRECY returned locally at this reduced level last week and made a speed break while leaving hard; I'm willing to toss that effort and give him another chance. (3) ZACH MAGUIRE did the best he could from outside posts in his last two, rallying for minor shares; he lands in a much better spot tonight and figures to be more involved. (1) HIGHVIEW CONALL N had no real excuse last out and hasn't been all that sharp but he does draw best and should be able to land a share.
Race 2
(1) VOLARE was nailed three back then ran into a killer in his last two; from this spot it may be the Allard trainee's turn to play bully. (4) WHETHER OR NOT FI has failed to get into the win column recently while facing some tough ones but he's been very consistent since arriving and should come away from this with a big share. (5) BROADWAY MAIJA has quietly had a productive run for Cory Stratton.
Race 3
(2) MANHATTAN BENNY was in almost an impossible spot from the eight hole last week and can be excused for that effort; prior two races for the Garcia-Herrera trainee were solid. (3) ROCK ICON took all the money last week and delivered late; obvious threat to repeat but he won't offer much value. (5) WAR DADDY goes to another new barn via claim (Ruiz) and he has been flashing good early speed recently.
Race 4
(3) JK JAZZITIP returns locally at a much-reduced level and he does come off a game win at Philly; Garcia-Herrera trainee seems like the one to defeat here. (2) DALI DELIGHT goes back to the Banca barn and while she's always right there at the wire she did come up short in her last two; use caution at a short price. (6) TYRONBETTORSELLA N has been a disappointment since arriving in the U.S.; she picks up Sears tonight and may try it from off the pace.
Race 5
(1) AVALONA had some sneaky late trot at a huge price last week for the Toscano barn and now she moves all the way inside while facing some shaky rivals. (6) CHECKMATE HILL didn't fire in his second seasonal start but he seems capable of getting more involved tonight. (2) EXOTIC DIAMOND trotted willingly upon arrival for Steve Smith.
Race 6
(1) COOPERSTOWN faces some decent stock here on the dropdown but the race clearly goes through him from this spot. (2) VEGAS ROCKS hasn't done that much since being claimed for $40K by these connections but he gets needed post relief in his local return and should be much more involved. (7) CHANTEPLEURE qualified effectively coming back from the layoff and this gelding is coming off a career season; tough to say how aggressively handled he'll be tonight.
Race 7
(3) INTEROVER has been unable to seal the deal on the front end in her last three at Pocono she she returns to Yonkers in a spot where she can take these trotters the distance. (5) DONTFORGETMASTER rallied well once escaping traffic last week and he was a good second the start prior. (1) HOTROD RICHARD was aggressively handled at a big price last week and understandably tired.; I suspect he'll be flashing speed again from the rail.
Race 8
(4) GREAT VINTAGE hasn't been at his best recently but the classmaster hopefully can still 'bring it' versus this type of competition. (2) THE WAYFARING MAN has been a disappointment for Allard but at least he's returning off a win. (1) NIHILATED TRUTH tries a new class level, gets post relief and was Bartlett's choice.
Race 9
(1) PINE BUSH ROSE has been a cash machine recently with multiple sharp efforts and the mare finds another very desirable spot tonight. (3) MONTEPULCIANO has been second best in his last two after showing good speed for Team Bongiorno. (6) WORTHYOURATTENTION was second best to the top choice last week and now moves outside, use underneath.
Race 10
(1) ZOE ELLASEN was jammed in as the winner got away and came charging too late upon arrival from the Midwest; mare will handle these with a cleaner trip. (4) WISHY WASHY GIRL showed no interest in leaving last week and raced mildly off cover; this looks like a spot for Bartlett to get more aggressive early. (2) AMATEUR HOUR is clearly off her game but still merits a mention with these.