2025 MEET STATS: 209 - 717 / $1,147.40 (-$286.60) – Trying to stay optimistic…
BEST BETS: 36 - 68 / $123.40 (-$12.60)
BEST BET: YS SENSATIONALCITY (2nd)
SPOT PLAY: SAUBLE DELIGHTFUL (9th)
Race 1: 3-5YO NW2 races or $30,000 lifetime Pace
(3) CAPTAIN MOORE A faltered badly in his first North American start but seemed to get things right up at Saratoga and the Blackler import deserves another chance as he returns to Yonkers. (1) P A PIPER added Lasix last start and the Noel Daley trainee put in a decent effort from too far back. Move to the rail makes him a contender. (5) GLOWING LOU almost pulled it off from the eight hole last week in a great try; figure Stratton on going forward off the gate again.
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Race 2: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace
(5) YS SENSATIONALCITY is back in a spot where she can leave the gate and this consistent mare has a legit chance to wire these. (2) IDEALINFUN has two wins in her last six starts at this level, including last week's pocket-sitting score. With another good draw she's a contender. (6) AMBUSHED may be at the mercy of #5 when it comes to leaving the gate but three back for this barn she rallied well from off the pace; Bongiorno on the catch drive tonight.
Race 3: $60,000-$75,000 Claiming Pace
(1) DEETZY was relegated to the pocket last week and lacked a late gain as the winner wired the field. Holland can take control of these from the rail and the 13YO may be tough to catch. (5) TRENDY TEEN burned money in her last two as she failed to fire but must be considered from these connections. (7) TWIN B DELUXE has been very sharp recently but the poor draw may be too much to overcome; using underneath for a smaller share.
Race 4: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) HELLABALOU hasn't won in a while but his latest start was one of his better ones as he was collared late after setting a blazing pace at Pocono. Burke veteran faces a tough undefeated one inside of him but has the obvious class and seasoning edge. (2) SMOOTH DREAM is perfect through seven starts as a 3YO over at The Meadowlands but it's a new venue and change of driver here so it's tough to predict how he will react. (7) WASA HEAT SEEKER N was a winner in his North American debut and clearly could have more to offer.
Race 5: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) TEN TOTHE DOZEN A makes his local debut for the Cullipher barn and though he's just 1 for 12 on the season he meets an equally camera-shy group. Picking up Bartlett may get him over the top. (1) CHANTEE just missed as the favorite last start and now from the rail he can save ground and rally for a piece. (4) EUPHORIA N drops back to the level of his lone 2025 win.
Race 6: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
Yes I know (4) DW'S DARLENE is 0 for 16 but she's been in the money 11 of those races and it's hard to argue with her current form. (7) DISTANT LOVER beat the top choice by a nose last out and has won her last two at this $20K claiming level. Only question is if Bartlett can get her off the gate in good order from the poor post. (2) GINGER TREE LIZ has been racing well enough to grab a share, especially from this inside post.
Race 7: F&M $30,000 Claiming Pace
(3) JENDEN STRIKE A was a sharp winner first off the Laterza claim and the logical step up in price won't derail her if she brings a similar effort. (7) STORMY SERENA has been first or second in five of her last six at this level yet will still likely offer value due to the post. (4) STAY HAPPY was claimed again out of her last start and keeps Bartlett now going out for the Bucci barn.
Race 8: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace
(3) ESCAPE TO AMERICA dropped and popped last week with an easy win and faces a field here devoid of much form; repeats. (6) I DID IT MYWAY faces one of the softer fields he's seen in quite a while but he may be overbet as a result (and also because of name recognition) and he's been off nearly a month. (2) COVERED BRIDGE is another classmaster but I suspect he may need another start or two to return to winning form.
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Race 9: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace
(3) SAUBLE DELIGHTFUL has been competitive in five starts at this level since returning to Yonkers and she may only be a smooth trip away from getting it done at an honest price in this open race. (4) WHO'S PERFECT jogged two back, stopped last week. Which version shows up tonight as she drops back to $20's? (1) COALFORDSNSHINE GB loses her regular driver in Zeron but moves back inside and figures to be riding a nice stalking trip.
Race 10: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) WINDSUN RICKY is a classy veteran workhorse who picked up a nice win last start when he dropped to the bottom conditioned class. Stratton drives again and I don't think the step up a notch will necessarily stop him in his quest to repeat. (5) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A returns off some live efforts out of town and has been facing much better recently. With Bartlett getting the call he's a deserving favorite. (7) CENTURY HEINEKEN returns to Yonkers for the first time since last year and he did win three times locally. Post makes things tough.