2025 MEET STATS: 293 - 979 / $1,627.58 (-$330.42)
BEST BETS: 50 - 96 / $164.82 (-$27.18)
BEST BET: OVER AND BACK (3rd)
SPOT PLAY: SPLASH BROTHER (2nd)
Race 1: F&M NW6481 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) BIG CITY DAISY makes her third start since the move to the Dilloian, Jr barn and she's back at Yonkers at a reduced level. Last start at Philly she was going to be an easy winner but jumped it off deep stretch. I'll assume that was just a fluky bad step and not the start of bad habits. (2) KATIES UP also returns locally at a reduced level and will also appreciate the post relief. (4) VARSITY BLUE CHIP was a winner at the NW15000 level not too long ago, will be competitive here with the move to a better post.
[DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card]
Race 2: NW5181 in last 5 starts Pace
With the battle for potential favoritism between proven (#1) and unproven (#2) I'll go to (3) SPLASH BROTHER, who may be able to outleave both of them. Veteran gets a new driver tonight in Holland and can carry his speed a long way. (1) KIMBLE A drops, moves inside and should be looking at a live trip. (2) TRICKY MIKI A has failed to make any impact since arriving from Australia for Shaun Vallee. Colin Kelly gets the call tonight and we have to believe she'll show more.
Race 3: NW10531 in last 5 starts Trot
(2) OVER AND BACK makes his fourth start since being claimed by the Alexander barn for $60K and he gets significant class relief. He figures to be MUCH more involved here, especially as he departs from a good post and has a seasoning edge on a couple of 3YO's. (7) CAMERA MAN has earned north of $166K in his sophomore season and the Saunders trainee has proven speed over the bigger tracks. Does debut on the half but also has been well-mannered in all 19 career races. (5) MY MAN PETER put in big effort two back in his local debut then was hung to dry last start; Kelly drives again.
Race 4: F&M NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) LYDEO draws outside of most of her competition but does have good early speed at her disposal and can make the front again, like she did last start from the eight hole. Figures to offer some value as well with other interesting options in here. (2) WORKLIFEBALANCE returns from The Meadowlands where she recently won the NJ Classic final with Lasix added. 3YO does face more seasoned competition here. (3) ODDS ON PLATINUM is just 1 for 15 this year after big 2YO and 3YO campaigns; she also recently added Lasix.
Race 5: NW16691 in last 5 starts Trot
(6) MAZEPPA N is a recent Down-Under import who faltered in his first start here but moved to the Engblom barn for his second start and practically swept the field after breaking in that added-distance event on International Trot day. Deserves the call to repeat. (5) CACTUSTOTHECLOUDS held for third in that same event after being used early and he's got early speed and a post edge on the top one. (2) DJIMON hasn't hit the board in four Yonkers races this year but the Lachance trainee returns off two solid efforts at Philly.
Race 6: NW7500 in last 5 starts Trot
(6) BARN HALL failed to get involved from outside posts in his last two but does have the speed to do so as evidenced by his starts three and five back. Veteran drops from the $40K claiming level into what should be an easier spot and he returns to Brennan. (2) BLACK TIE BASH was racing in the Invite not too long ago, should match up well here with the inside post. (3) BE DIFFERENT has some ugly lines over the last month but look at the posts...8, 7, 6, 7. New driver tonight with Dube in the bike.
Race 7: F&M NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) TONY'S MOM crushed cheaper when last at Yonkers and followed that up with a good second at Philly. She faces better but has been successful with this type in the past. (1) MY RED SEA returns from Ohio for the Bongiorno stable and she raced in every leg of the Matchmaker earlier this year (with a second in the "Eligibles" consolation). Legit speed from the rail. (8) PEACE TALKS has just one win on the season but she's been earning her keep recently in Kentucky. Chris Ryder trainee fits here but is stuck in post eight.
[DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter]
Race 8: F&M NW20951 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) LOUIES GIRL N was a winner at odds-on in her North American debut and gets another crack at this NW20000 level. Loses Bartlett but the Engblom trainee should be in good hands with Kelly. (4) PASS AND STOW is back locally after winning at Philly and it's hard to ignore her 5 for 12 record at Yonkers this year. (2) COACHELLABOUND N gets away from the top levels tonight but needs to show more late in the mile; she's got loads of back class.
Race 9: NW5000 in last 5 starts Trot
(1) INTERNATIONALCRAZE arrives from Pennsylvania and changes hands moving into the Forte barn. Faced a mostly camera-shy group and lands the rail; maybe he's ready to roll. (4) NO DRAMA PLEASE drops back to NW5000 and is the class of the field but is also 0 for 27 this year. (8) ALTUS HANOVER has the eight hole so obviously this is a tall order but at least he's got a solid win record this year (6 for 19).