2025 MEET STATS: 187 - 612 / $1,054.30 (-$169.70)
BEST BETS: 31 - 57 / $108.50 (-$5.50)
BEST BET: HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR (2nd)
SPOT PLAY: SHAZAM BLUE CHIP (3rd)
Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(1) CENTURY ENDEAVOR has taken three of four at this level and is in a controlling spot by virtue of drawing the rail; he’s clearly the one to beat here, though he won’t pay much. (3) ALTA CLASSIC A bumps up in class off the DiDomenico reclaim and with his early speed he may be the one sitting the pocket to the top choice; chance for a nice piece despite facing better. (7) MUSIC HALL enters the Oakes barn while very sharp and he’s another who’s likely going forward off the gate; if he lands a spot close up he could be trouble.
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Race 2: Invitational Pace
(6) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR has the necessary speed to overcome the quick run into the first turn and Bartlett’s choice can cruise on the front end to make it three straight. (3) ALWAYS A THRILL has been on a career run for the Devita barn and is primed for another nice payday, though he does have a new driver tonight with Buter taking the lines. (1) HIMSELF N is back at the top level after winning last week at the NW30000 level; he was third two back from a similar spot.
Race 3: NW11581 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) SHAZAM BLUE CHIP is still winless on the year through 16 tries but he drops to an easier level, gets major post relief and returns to leading driver Bartlett. Lots to like here. (5) HELLABALOU was a decent second two back at Philly but overall it’s been a disappointing season for the 2x Borgata champ. Hard to ignore at this level, however. (1) RENAISSANCE DEO returns to Yonkers also at a reduced level and the Shane Tritton trainee draws best, and logically figures to be up close to the pace.
Race 4: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(1) CAMOFLAGE MONEY has been hit-or-miss since arriving from Northfield but the oft-claimed pacer returns to the Engblom barn, where he dominated two starts back from a similar spot. (6) THAT DOG WILL HUNT hasn’t been a major player recently but he does have early speed and is a proven entity in this class. He figures to be a big price and is more than capable given a smooth trip. (4) SHAKE IT was reclaimed by these connections two back and just missed from a tough spot; post improvement tonight.
Race 5: NW16431 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) ROCKIN JUKEBOX had no chance last out when up in class out of the eight hole; Bongiorno trainee gets Holland on the catch drive from a much more realistic spot. (5) CHIMICHURRI N makes just his third start of the year and has raced well here in the past. (1) SWEET BEACH LIFE has had some trouble adjusting to life as an “aged” horse after a big 3YO season; rail draw helps.
Race 6: NW31901 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) DIEGO N has been crying out for some class relief and he now gets to drop from the Invitational level down to this better spot; recent Pete Tritton import has a chance to control the action if Stratton wants. (4) CARABAO A has never shown a ton of early speed but has the ability to close from midpack so he figures to be in the hunt late in the mile. (5) RACING RAMPAGE was outfinished last week and now has to step up again in class; he’s loaded with talent but I have mixed feelings tonight.
Race 7: 3-6YO Open Pace
(3) VERDUN was too far back to reach last week but charged home as usual to be a close third. Improved post in this smaller field gives the Lachance a legit opportunity to score tonight. (1) HOWLENTHEHILLS was a winner when last in this age-restricted Open and since then he’s been right there in some stakes events including a second-place finish in the Juravinksi up at Flamboro. Rail draw gives the Alexander trainee a very good chance of wiring these. (6) DUNKIN’ is back from Northfield after a solid effort in the Battle at Northfield where he left well to secure position then finished with pace. Does Brennan hustle him off the gate tonight? Very possible.
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Race 8: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) YOROKOBI N usually does the chasing of better horses to the tune of an 0 for 15 record in 2025 but this field is one of the softest he’s seen in ages and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Brennan get more aggressive and point him to the front. (6) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A was a strong winner two back when he left from the outside then was no factor when he couldn’t leave last week from the eight hole; Stratton trainee is one of a couple in here with a recent win, along with (1) TWIN B POWERBALL, who woke up with the drop in class.
Race 9: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(5) HEZA CHARTTOPPER A drops in class, draws an improved post and picks up Bartlett. Expect a much more aggressive try coming. (1) VICI finished close last week upon bumping to this level after winning his previous two; very logical here from the rail. (4) SMIFFY’S TERROR was a winner when last at the NW20000 level and he should be good for a piece.