2025 MEET STATS: 40 - 127 / $259.90 (+$5.90)
BEST BETS: 7 - 12 / $22.20 (-$1.80)
BEST BET: SHERLOCK N (9th)
SPOT PLAY: OZONE BLUE CHIP (2nd)
Race 1: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(1) MIND HUNTER steps back up to the $50K claiming level after being taken by the Laterza barn for a notch lower. This barn has done a great job playing the "claiming game" and this veteran is well spotted to show off his early speed from the rail. Wire-to-wire candidate with Holland. (5) OPTICAL ILLUSION N is back in for a tag for the Alexander barn and he's been known to leave the gate before. I think if Kakaley sees he can cross over early traffic he'll take that shot. (8) ORLANDO BLUE A has been razor-sharp taking four straight, and he's done it for multiple barns. He's another who figures to be forwardly placed from the eight hole (unless #7 Speed Man N wakes up and leaves).
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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) OZONE BLUE CHIP rallied well for third last week and this 11YO classmaster lands his best post he's seen in recent Yonkers starts. He fits with these and would be no surprise. (1) PRINCE OF TIDES has a win and a second in two starts for the Stratton barn after being plucked for $25K. He's got speed, is sharp, and departs from the rail. (2) REAL PEACE has been very lightly raced over the last year-plus but he's been in the box with regularity recently. Perhaps ambitiously placed last week he drops a level and moves inside for Engblom/Bartlett.
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Race 3: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR has been progressively improving for a barn that's been doing the same and he drops in class again while drawing well. Stafford trainee is ready to score. (3) FUNATTHEBEACH N may not be a top aged pacer anymore but he's still more than competent and he too drops to a lower level. (8) SHAZAM BLUE CHIP gave way on the lead last out but he's back with Bartlett and has shown that he can get away from the gate in a hurry. Should be a big price looming.
Race 4: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(4) FINAL CHEESERECIPE was much-improved second time out off the Ruiz reclaim as he was used early and battled gamely late. He's got bonafide speed inside of him but has also shown he's capable of coming from off the pace. (3) FLIP MY CHIP folded badly last week after being stung and now he goes to the Laterza barn off yet another claim; seems capable of rebounding. (1) I'M THE PRINCE went off favored in his first start for DiDomenico but offered little on the rim. From this spot he could be a rail-sitting stalker tonight.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(3) BILL HALEY N was Bartlett's choice of a few in here and he was much improved last start. Last time he drove from a similar spot he just missed. (5) SHINE A LIGHT was odds-on first time out off the Stratton claim and was just an okay fifth; price figures to go up significantly tonight. (1) TWO FACED figures to be on the lead or just off the pace; barn has been good recently.
Race 6: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) BLUE LOU keeps Bartlett over a couple of others including #2 who he drives regularly and has success with. Engblom trainee gets needed class relief in his third start of the season and figures to be ready to fire on all cylinders. (5) BACKSTREET SHADOW has left himself with too much to do in his last couple; If Kakaley can get a bit closer in the early stages this classy vet can score. (4) VENTURESOME ARDEN N can go from on or off the pace and has had recent success both ways; he'll be a price here facing tougher but can add value underneath.
Race 7: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) JANELLE GRANNY meets a tough field to make his 4YO debut but we all saw how good his buddy Dunkin' was last week off the bench so maybe this one can follow suit. (3) NANDOLO N is back in fighting form and seems sharp enough to overcome any trip. (5) AMMO makes his 2025 debut and is now in the Burke barn with Gingras driving; interesting.
Race 8: Invitational Pace
(5) BINGE ON YANKEE was a very well rated winner when hiked back up to this top level. Tougher spot tonight as he moves outside and he'll undoubtedly have to go faster but he should offer some value again. (1) FINVARRA A finished close in his first start in three weeks and now from the rail he's arguably the one to beat. (2) AARDIES FLASH N was perfect in four starts to start his U.S. career but that came to a screeching halt last start when moving to the penthouse. Another negative here is he's off almost a month. Is he talented enough to overcome the adversity?
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Race 9: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) SHERLOCK N failed to make an impression in his Yonkers debut (and third overall U.S. start) but tonight the Pete Tritton import drops a notch, moves inside and goes back to Stratton. Lots to like. (6) MYULTIMATE SNOWY A arrives from Canada and that recent qualifier was effective; we'll see how the Bako trainee fits in here. (4) ROCKIN N TALKIN was a game winner in an easier spot after shipping in from Mohawk; Bartlett drives again and may have another level or two in him.
Race 10: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) QUALITY BUD hasn't won in ages but he's been competitive enough to think that in the right spot this 12YO can still get it done. He gets a new driver tonight in Gingras and lands a decent post against a questionable field. (1) PRICELESS BEACH gets major post relief after being stuck in the seven and eight hole in his first two starts of 2025; move inside makes the Bako trainee very logical. (4) SHADOW CAT hasn't been a major player since the move to the Engblom barn but he's definitely capable of better.
Race 11: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) MOSSDALE BEN N won handily in his North American debut despite an early miscue and now it's time for the Pete Tritton import to start climbing the class ladder. He faces another interesting Down-Under starter here but still deserves top billing. (1) SOHO DOW JONES A was a solid earner in Australia and now makes his debut for Dilloian off a sharp qualifier where he was second best to a proven Open winner. (5) PURPLE POET rallied for third at a price last week, maybe does so again.