2025 MEET STATS: 209 - 717 / $1,147.40 (-$286.60)
BEST BETS: 36 - 68 / $123.40 (-$12.60)
BEST BET: AMERICAN DEALER N (8th)
SPOT PLAY: SIMON SAYS HANOVER (6th)
Race 1: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) FINVARRA A get some needed class relief, a switch back to Bartlett, who was in the bike for this import's last win, and most importantly lands the rail, which gives him a big tactical edge; top call. (2) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK upset last week and though he stays in the same class he does face a tougher task; Schnittker trainee always offers a big price and could be a real threat if he secures the pocket trip. (3) HEMSWORTH N was beaten by #2 last out in that speedy mile. That race he was sent to the front, tonight he figures to be stalking.
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Race 2: $30,000 Claiming Pace
(8) SOUTHWIND PETYR faces a tall order from the eight hole but he showed speed and was second best in his debut off the Bako claim and overall has been rounding into top form. I think he absolutely fits with these and perhaps Kakaley thinks so as well and tries to send him. (4) BECHERS BROOK A was overmatched from the worst post against better in his local return; this is a much more favorable spot tonight. (6) ALEX TYE debuts for the Bongiorno barn via claim, an angle worth considering.
Race 3: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) SWEET BEACH LIFE has dominated in his last two and gets to stay in this class by virtue of the NW10 lifetime condition. Even with the presence of two Down-Under shippers and some other sharp ones it's really hard to look past this Alexander trainee. (1) JUMPINGJACKMAC N was poor in his U.S. debut but the Doug Dilloian, Jr import is right back in the box, with a move to the rail and switch to Bartlett. Better is expected. (5) WASA HEAT SEEKER N beat NW15000's at an overlay price last out so he's now two for three since arriving.
Race 4: Invitational Pace
(4) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR won as the odds-on chalk from a similar spot last week and is clearly the one to beat again. (2) SOHO FIRESTONE A paced a big one to get close to the top choice last out and is in position to make it interesting once again. (1) STREET HAWK N was huge last week at Saratoga and has certainly has his moments at Yonkers since arriving in North America. Really nothing negative to say about this guy.
Race 5: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(5) SHAKE IT has been razor-sharp for multiple barns and he's a head shy of a four-race winning streak. Gelding keeps Bartlett in his return to the Engblom outfit. (3) TWIG has also been very live and figures to stay in top shape for new connections; tactical speed sets him up nicely here. (4) LYRICAL GENIUS A has been a master of finishing on the board recently and the Stratton trainee should hit the ticket again with any sort of reasonable trip.
Race 6: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) SIMON SAYS HANOVER hasn’t finished better than seventh through five starts in 2025 but note he’s back in the Jared Bako barn, where he has had tons of success in the past. That plus facing easier competition makes him very intriguing. (3) MACH N CHEESE drops out of claimers into what should be an easier class and faces a field that's a combined 0 for their last 21 and 2 for 44. Reasonable post here for a competitive barn. (1) ALL ALONE drops, draws the rail, gets Bartlett. Engblom trainee is the one to beat but will probably be odds-on and he's really not that special.
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Race 7: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
Competitive field here so I'll look for an okay price in the top spot. (4) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH has been much-improved in his last two starts and he even had some early speed in his latest. Laterza trainee only needs a little more positive progression and he can win this. (1) WHY TOMORROW RAY has hit the board in his last six versus similar, and he draws best for the top trainer/driver. Clear-cut favorite here. (2) ALWAYSCUTTINSCHOOL has been right there his last two and draws another good post.
Race 8: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) AMERICAN DEALER N hasn't won in three months but he's finished second six times in that time period. Toscano trainee is a classy vet who will appreciate some class relief and also picks up Bartlett. Down the road. (1) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N hasn't been the most consistent but he has shown more than enough real talent on occasion. (5) MANFERNO has taken two of four as he ascends the class ladder. Last week he had speed and won out the eight hole, so can he leave with the top choice without getting roughed up?