2025 MEET STATS: 209 - 717 / $1,147.40 (-$286.60)
BEST BETS: 36 - 68 / $123.40 (-$12.60)
BEST BET: CAPTAIN MOORE A (2nd)
SPOT PLAY: RILKOFF (10th)
Race 1: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(1) WOODMERE HARRIET was reclaimed by the Laterza barn for $20K after they had her for one start last month as a $25K claimer and she just missed in that race. She should be good to go tonight from the rail. (2) SALE EL SOL debuts for the Dilloian barn for owners who like to play the claiming game. She's a better fit at this level and gets major post relief. (3) OKINAWA BEACH A was a decent second last week in her return from Pocono, draws well enough here to make an impact.
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Race 2: 3-5YO Winners 2-4 races or $60,000 LT Pace
Tough to make a case against (5) CAPTAIN MOORE A, who has dominated in four straight after a poor North American debut and gets to stay in this class. (1) CAPTAIN FEAR comes in from Pennsylvania with one win and six runner-up placings. Speed/rail in play here. (3) HAZARDOS was a bit flat last week but he's back with Brennan and they teamed up for two prior wins. He may have the best actual chance of winning if the top one falters.
Race 3: NW15021 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) HELLABALOU tried Brennan in the bike last week and the classmaster responded with a nice off-the-pace score. Burke veteran faces a bit better here but is clearly capable of the repeat. (3) ADMIRAL HILL took some time off after the Borgata series where he disappointed but he's shown more life in his last couple after returning and the Engblom trainee now gets Bartlett back in the bike. (6) T H TYSON is a lightly-raced Chris Ryder 4YO and he was a good second upon arrival. Stratton gets the drive tonight and will be a price.
Race 4: 3-6YO Open Pace
(4) DUNKIN' is back from a failed try in the Gerrity but he won his prior start here from a similar spot after Brennan sent him to the front; I can envision a similar type of strategy tonight. (1) HOWLENTHEHILLS is a major talent and never puts in a bad one but is also only 1 for 10 now as a 4YO and just can't seem to get over the hump. (3) VERDUN also never has a bad race and the Lachance trainee should be closer tonight than in his last two.
Race 5: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) TOBAGO TIME finally gets some post relief after three consecutive seven-hole efforts, and to her credit she has a win and two thirds over that span; veteran has plenty of back class and will appreciate the move inside. (7) STAY HAPPY was in too tough last out but drops back to the $30K level and also reunites with Bartlett, who I'm sure won't be happy getting away at the back. (1) BEANTOWN BABE was a winner for these connections first out off the claim and then stepped up to the $50K level but toiled in her last few. Back down at the level she belongs at and from the rail she should be a player.
Race 6: 3-5YO NW 2 races or $31,475 LT Pace
(5) ALL OUT HANOVER was a winner first time out for the Pete Tritton barn upon arrival from Harrington but he was placed fourth, so the good news he gets another crack at this class; 10/1 ML. (1) FORWARD FLASH makes his local debut and he's been competitive in Excelsior races while also winning his last three overnights. Picks up Bartlett and is clearly the one to beat. (8) GLOWING LOU was actually sent to The Meadows for the Adios eliminations but he was 114/1 and out of it. Stratton trainee has been flashing plenty of early speed in prior starts so he may be able to get some position out of the eight hole.
Race 7: NW10481 in last 5 starts Pace
(1) OUTLAW MAN N dropped to the basement two back, picked up Bartlett and set a career mark, then followed that up with an equally impressive win. Blackler trainee bumps up another notch and figures to be controlling the action again. (6) WHATS STANLEY GOT A needs an alert getaway for his best chance but he's got too much class to ignore. (3) YOROKOBI N always seems to hang around and pick up nice shares but is now 0 for 18 and counting this year. Use underneath again.
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Race 8: $60,000/$75,000 Claiming Pace
(5) TRENDY TEEN fits perfectly at this level for the top trainer/driver combo, and he's capable from on or off the pace. Only problem with him is the lack of value on the win end, but I'll still have him on top. (3) SLING SHOCK gets a bit of a class test tonight but that first start for the Adamczyk barn was very sharp. (4) QUALITY BUD is a fringe player at this level but he can finish close with a good trip.
Race 9: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) CRUSH KILL DESTROY ships in from Oak Grove for Engblom and others like this one have fit in well here; post is no picnic but I'll give this 4YO a stab here if the price projects to be good. (4) NIGHT HAWK is just 1 for 14 but he drops again in class and figures to have a big say; Buter drives again for the Burke barn. (1) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A has hit the board in three of his last four Yonkers races and figures to go well from the rail.
Race 10: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace
(7) RILKOFF arrived from Canada to join the Chris Height barn, added Lasix and blew away a conditioned field at The Meadowlands. Gelding draws poorly here but meets a flat field and is very generously listed at 20/1 on the ML. Hard not to follow up with him and see if he has more to offer for these connections. (5) TWIN B RISENSHINE picks up Stratton and does have some early speed; will we see an aggressive try? (1) HYPEBEAST also comes in from The Meadowlands and goes from an amateur driver (though a very competent one) to Bartlett. Shane Tritton trainee is looking to break through into the win column for the first time in 2025.