2025 MEET STATS: 69 - 222 / $416.30 (-$27.70)
BEST BETS: 10 - 21 / $34.50 (-$7.50)
BEST BET: RHYDS SUPERFLY GB (1st)
SPOT PLAY: VERDUN (4th)
Race 1: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(8) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB is six for six at Yonkers and hasn't been threatened once. In five of those races the Harness Eye performance comment says "handy" and the other says "dominated". Yes he faces better again and he's got the eight hole but this import could be special. (1) SEMI TOUGH makes his second seasonal start off the bench for Burke and should have benefited from that recent race at Pocono. (7) WHATS STANLEY GOT A figures to show more sooner or later and this is a tough spot but a crafty drive from Stratton could land him a piece.
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Race 2: NW30841 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) ACT FAST was in tough in this two recent starts at The Meadowlands but didn't race badly and maybe the Burke trainee is ready to fire in his Yonkers return. (2) THE IDEAL DANCER A drops to a more reasonable spot for Bartlett/Engblom. (4) WHY NOT NOW definitely needed last week’s debut effort and the now 5YO is loaded with talent. Can trainer Alexander get this guy back to prior glory?
Race 3: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) WALKINSHAW N may be showing his age as the 13YO has been slow to come around this season for a barn that's also been sluggish this year. He drops to one of the lowest levels he's seen and draws a reasonable post. Awakens at a price? (2) BENHOPE RULZ N doesn't win often but always gives an honest effort. Inside post should make him a player. (5) PATRONUS STAR N was a decent third in his local debut and that was a fast mile he kept up in. Morning line suggests he may be overbet.
Race 4: 3-6YO Open Pace
(6) VERDUN gets the worst of it in the "3 thru 6" draw but there's no questioning he's currently the best of these and with the smaller field he can't possibly be that far back; Lachance trainee gets the call to repeat. (5) RACING RAMPAGE now makes his second start of the season and could be more aggressively handled. (2) DUNKIN' has four starts this year and four seconds. Now 5 years old he's inching towards $700K lifetime.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(3) CENTURY ENDEAVOR gave it a shot up in class for a start after being claimed by the Stafford barn but he never fired. Back at the appropriate level and with a much-improved post he should be in the thick of things at a fair price. (4) ILIKEMEBETTOR A beat a field of $40K claimers last week and deserves obvious respect looking to repeat. (6) IDRAINTHESWAMP A showed some early speed last week when dropping in class. Maybe we see more of the same tonight.
Race 6: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) WINDSUN RICKY has been right there in two straight at big prices and he very much fits with these in terms of back class. Holland can look to secure a live trip from this inside starting spot. (5) HELLABALOU is back at Yonkers to continue working himself back into top shape. 2x Borgata champ returns to Gingras. (4) HUNTING ZONE was a decent third last week in his Yonkers return; Bartlett drives the Cullipher trainee again.
Race 7: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) BLUE LOU didn't go the easiest of trips last out but it should be a different scenario tonight as returning driver Bartlett can control the action departing from the rail. (2) SOHO DOW JONES A took just three U.S. starts to find the winner's circle and he very likely has more to offer but he loses regular driver Bartlett to #1. (6) QUALITY BUD has charged home in his last two, finishing south of 28 seconds each time. 12YO is back in top form and can rally for another nice share.
Race 8: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(5) IM A POWERPLAY A was reclaimed back by these connections three back and raced well next start out when up in class but then offered little when dropped back in for $30K. This is the level he's most effective at however and he gets an interesting driver switch to Gingras. (3) JUST PLAIN LOCO is still searching for that first seasonal win but he has hit the board in five of seven and moves back here to a better post. (2) PRICELESS BEACH drops in for a tag for the Bako barn and has won twice already this year in five starts; Zeron gets the call.
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Race 9: NW15021 in last 5 starts Pace
(8) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A and (3) CADILLAC BAYAMA both step up the ladder while clearly in better form than the others in here. Stratton trainee #8 was most impressive with that recent 1:52 3/5 win and two back was able to overcome the eight hole. #3 has looked like a new horse his last three for the Lachance barn. (2) LOVERS TROUBLE returns to Yonkers after some dull performances to start off his 2025 campaign. Now 4YO raced well here last year for the Bongiorno barn.
Race 10: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) DEETZY is loaded with back class and has really picked up his game as he's been able to face softer. 13YO steps up again looking for three straight. (4) JANELLE GRANNY gets needed class relief and a better post; should be a major player here. (1) BLANK STARE returns locally to make just his second start off the layoff and may need another race or two to hit top gear.