2025 MEET STATS: 141 - 449 / $834.50 (-$63.50)
BEST BETS: 23 - 40 / $75.00 (-$5.00)
BEST BET: KOPI LUWAK (2nd)
SPOT PLAY: DUNKIN (8th)
Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) TRENDY TEEN was lightly raced over the last year-plus but he's back on a regular rotation for the most part and now steps into claimers off a tough beat. He looks like a good fit with these. (2) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK was a well-rated winner for his new barn and lands in a similar spot but loses Bartlett to the top one. (3) CENTURY ENDEAVOR was claimed again out of last week's race and now goes for the Stratton barn. He's been right there in all recent races at this $40K level.
[DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card]
Race 2: $50,000 Claiming Pace
(6) KOPI LUWAK sizzled first out off the Engblom claim then stepped up to this class and followed it up with another win. 5YO lands the six hole again and deserves the call going for the hat trick. (3) VICI drew the worst post in his debut at this level for new connections and had no chance but passed a couple for a check. Brennan can be more aggressive tonight. (4) PEACE OUT POSSE missed a nose to the top one last week coming from off the pace; veteran finishes well practically every week.
[DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Yonkers card at DRF Bets.com!]
Race 3: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH took money in his local debut and finished third while not a serious threat to the top ones; he faces similar tonight but now starts from the rail and can contend for the front, or sit just off in the pocket. (3) BULLVILLE FRANK missed a nose after being nailed in his local return after cutting the mile and Gingras drives again from a similar spot. (4) THAT DOG WILL HUNT came from off the pace to nip #3 at the wire in that race last week. He's outside two of the most logical ones in here and may have to rally from behind them again.
Race 4: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB is a perfect 7 for 7 since arriving in the U.S. including his last two at this level facing more seasoned competition. Tritton trainee hasn't raced since March 24 but freshened up recently with a winning qualifier. I'm ready to see him get right back on track after the brief break. (5) WINDSUN RICKY has finished second in his last two in this same class, once from the pocket and also from well off the pace. Veteran can definitely be considered. (3) TWIN B POWERBALL can land a piece at a price saving ground like he did two back.
Race 5: Invitational Pace
(5) SMIFFY'S TERROR N has been able to edge by late to take two of his last five races and the recent import meets a field that's labeled an "Invite" in name only. He's always close and may only need some smooth sailing. (4) ALWAYS A THRILL is razor-sharp and returns from Pocono off yet another win; Devita trainee gets to draw favorably for posts 1-4, though I don't understand why this race is handicapped to begin with. (2) GEM QUALITY had some big moments as a 2 and 3-year-old, and is now perfect in two starts for Ryder beginning his "aged" career. Dexter Dunn is listed again.
Race 6: NW16841 in last 5 starts Pace
Two Down-Under shippers make this race interesting. (5) DIEGO N was able to find the winner's circle in just his second North American start after finishing very willingly from the outside in his debut. I'll give him the call with the slight experience edge. (4) STREET HAWK N debuts for the Blackler barn which means most likely leading driver Bartlett will be driving. No reason to believe he won't be firing right off the bat. (2) HEZ ALLTHE RAGE N was second and third in his last two versus solid competition.
Race 7: 1 1/4 Mile MGM Borgata Pace Eligibles
I'm stubbornly picking (1) HELLABALOU again, despite showing nothing throughout the series and he even broke last week, but he must be fine if Burke has him right back in. Just too much class to ignore. (5) VENTURESOME ARDEN N dropped and popped last start (at five cents on the dollar). Bucci trainee can go on or off the pace. (4) FINVARRA A was a winner two back in an overnight event with Bartlett driving.
Race 8: 1 1/4 Mile MGM Borgata Pace Eligibles
None of these were contenders in the Borgata but they get another crack at a nice purse. (5) DUNKIN' has yet to win this year through nine starts but he's been second or third in five of those races. Brennan is back driving and I have a feeling the added distance will work in his favor. Why? I don't know...call it a hunch. (2) RACING RAMPAGE has been a big disappointment so far this year but he did finish with interest last week. (6) ADMIRAL HILL added Lasix as the season was getting underway and like others was a non-factor in the series, though he was close in round one. Bartlett drives tonight with Gingras on the Burke trainee.
[DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter]
Race 9: 1 1/4 Mile Blue Chip Matchmaker Pace Eligibles
(7) PROMISELAND A finished second in leg three of the Matchmaker, the only one in here to hit the board. Can the extra distance make overcoming the outside post easier? (3) DOUGS BABE A beat softer last week at Philly; Dexter Dunn picks up the drive. (4) MY RED SEA wasn't bad through all five legs and Gingras picks up the catch drive.
Race 10: NW10401 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) HOPNROLL HEAVEN gave Monticello a try last month and turned things around with a close third and a win, then proved that was no fluke by shipping back to Yonkers and winning out of the pocket. Sharp sort has more to prove facing better but I'll give him a shot. (3) QUALITY BUD gets to drop down into a much more reasonable spot tonight and figures to be a major player. (5) SANTANA HANOVER drops back to the level of his last win and also returns to Bartlett. Bongiorno charge is your probable favorite.