RACE 1 - (1) WAVES OF FIRE A doesn't seem like the most logical claim "on paper", as he's winless
over 22 starts in the last 2 years -- but note that the barn that took him had this guy for 5 starts in 2019,
grabbing 2 wins, a 2nd and a 3rd, ultimately losing him for $30K, after claiming him for $20K - willing to
roll the dice that they can perk him up enough to beat the bottom claimers. (2) ZOEEZ BOY HENRY never
got involved in his first start off the claim, but was a solid front end winner in last - the one to beat, but sure
to be overbet. (5) MATT MAJOR grabbed 2nds two and three starts back but broke while sitting the pocket
in last - assuming that was just a one week blip, he should be able to contend for a decent piece again
tonight. (4) GALACTIC GALLEON is an interesting proposition - he drops in for a $12.5K tag after a total
clunker in last, but his "normal" efforts would be enough to at least make him a player with these - at 20-1
ML, he has to be worth at least a look....no? (3) CONTROL TOWER was sent off at 2/5 last week and got
roughed up, actually getting passed by the horse he PARKED at 3/4s - would normally be willing to
forgive but he moves to a barn that's currently 1 for 53 here this year, while exiting one of our leading
stables - prefer others. (7) ROCK ON PRECIOUS landed in 2 "fall apart" races the past 3 weeks and won
both, at HUGE prices - don't see that happening tonight, though. (8) P H KENNY was claimed 3X in his
last 4 starts but really isn't on his best game - Post 8 a big obstacle for his new connections. (6)
REASONABLE FORCE is ok for pieces from the inside - wait for a better spot.
RACE 2 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Pacing Series - (3) ALEXA SKYE was a little lazy in her first start for
her new connections on 2/25 but that was no problem in Round 1, as she hit the top and just kept the pedal
floored all the way, registering a VERY sharp 1:51.2 blowout...super-talented 4YO remains the one to beat.
(4) SIESTA BEACH was trapped for too long in the stretch last week or almost certainly gets 2nd - she's as
consistent as they come, and should be able to take home her usual big piece. (2) KEEP ROCKING A will
get to make her U.S. debut tonight after being scratched from the first leg (for being late for Lasix) -
connections are no strangers to import mares or to Matchmaker success....and we're all looking forward to
seeing just how good "this year's model" is! (1) MY RUEBE STAR N was part of a long list of performers
from this barn that performed well below their capabilities last week (some with excuses, but others that
were just no good at all) - keep an eye on this mare (and their other performers) to see if it was just a one
week blip! (6) ALII NUI raced much better than expected last week but still seems a bit overmatched -
especially with the outside draw. (5) KAITLYN N doesn't fit at all....but comes back to try her luck again
RACE 3 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Pacing Series - (2) BETTORS HEART N looked dull and disinterested
coming to the half last week but she certainly came to life in the final 3/8ths of a mile, and was really firing
on all cylinders once into the stretch - that mile should have her plenty tight for tonight, and she's worth a
play from this spot. (4) BLUE IVY shipped in showing some very sharp miles in Ohio...and that fine form
translated beautifully here at Yonkers, as she charged home through the lane for an impressive victory -
she'll be tough here as well...possibly even more so if Buter looks to put her on the lead tonight. (3)
SEASWIFT JOY was no match for a scary ALEXA SKYE in Round 1, but she chased well in a very hot
mile and was an easy 2nd best - she's held her form very well over the past few months, and should be in
line for another good piece tonight. (1) LADY DELA RENTA A was one of many from this barn to really
struggle last week - she's capable of so much more so if barnmate MY RUEBE STAR N races better
tonight (Race 2), maybe this lady will too. (6) SOHO BURNING LOVE A couldn't finish the job after
cutting the mile from the pole last week, and now moves out to Post 6 - will need to be a lot sharper for a
chance at one of the top slots here. (5) MONICA GALLAGHER tired after sitting 3rd last week, fortunate
just to hold the show spot - outside draw puts her at a distinct disadvantage tonight
RACE 4 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Pacing Series - Good race! (3) MACHNHOPE was helped last week
when the horse on the front end gave way without much fight, but that doesn't take away from how sharp
THIS mare is right now - the short field definitely benefits her, and we'll give her the narrow edge to extend
her winning streak to 3. (5) SNOBBYTOWN was content to race conservatively last week off the layoff -
have to believe she'll be handled more aggressively tonight, and her Yonkers record is stellar (24-10-9-3) -
the big question is how many others will look to leave, and will she have to change up her plans if a few
others have the same idea. (1) DBLDELITEBRIGADE N is a tough call in here - loved her first 2 local
tries but she disappointed on 3/4 (trying the front end), then was just no good in last (but was credited with
broken equipment) - if she bounces back to those first 2 miles here, she can be a legitimate threat. (2) CAVI
ART CHERIE used an easy trip to pick up a 2nd behind #3 last time - still not completely convinced that
she's at the same level as some of these top ones...but we should have a better idea after tonight. (6) MACZ
AFFAIR N is another on the "no good last week" list from this crew, but who was very sharp prior to that -
if her barnmates race well in Races 2 and 3, give this lady some extra consideration. (4) PARISIAN BLUE
CHIP caught a blazing mile in her local debut and is hard to gauge off that effort - another that we should
get a better feel for after tonight.
RACE 5 - (2) VELOCITY KOMODO was really bothered when two horses in front of him hooked wheels
last week - somehow shook free, made a big rush to the final turn and would have been right there had he
not made an untimely miscue - assuming he can just shake that off, this a field he should be able to handle.
(4) KNOCKING AROUND gave it a good speed try from Post 7 two back, coming up 2nd best to a repeat
winner - was also bothered by the same incident as the top choice last week, and was pacing well late after
finally shaking free - very logical threat. (1) ROCK N BLUE perked up with a much better effort last week,
and could be a player (from this good spot) if he can replicate that mile - not the type that's ever a good play
at a short price, though (prefer to use underneath). (7) CHACHING HANOVER was ok 2 back and put in a
good speed try in last - moves from the rail to Post 7, though, and that will likely have him looking at only
a smaller piece tonight. (3) ABERDEEN HANOVER was one of the horses that hooked wheels last week
(he was held responsible) and while he can be excused for that, his overall form has been lacking - in need
of a wake up call! (5) MILITARY MASTER is the one who hooked wheels with #3 - but he's been off form
overall, and there's not much basis for him being listed at 5/2 on the ML. (8) PLAY THE FIELD wasn't bad
in his last pair but faces an uphill climb from Post 8 - wait for better spot. (6) BALLERAT BOOMERANG
was empty in last off the sick scratch - could be a lot better now, but will pass until we see a better effort
RACE 6 - (1) SOHO LEVIATHAN A figures to have a good chance at sitting the pocket trip tonight - not
sure why he was such a non-factor last week but if he shows up with one of his more "typical" efforts, that
could be a winning trip. (3) BAKERSFIELD was a big "go" off the layoff last week, and almost managed
to take 'em wire to wire - logically he should be even sharper with that race under his belt, and that would
make him a big threat to complete the job tonight. (6) ARTMAGIC holds his own vs. a bit better but
definitely does his most damage at this bottom level - he could win here if Bartlett can find him a decent
trip - but that's not guaranteed from this spot - playable as long as the price is fair. (7) BELTANE N was
sharp vs. a standout winner 2 back, and that just makes last week's mile all the more disappointing - eligible
to rebound (and the price will be juicy this time), but it'll be tough to overcome the draw, even if sharper.
(2) DOCTOR BUTCH is often listed at short prices on the ML and often without reason - classy veteran
can turn it around at any time, but he's hard to like at a short price in his current form. (4) SOUTHWIND
MOROCCAN has struggled ever since changing barns in Feb. - needs to do a lot better to be any kind of
serious player. (5) MAROMA BEACH did win at this level 4 starts back but that effort is really his only
"good" one in some time - sticking with the more reliable commodities in here. (8) MASTERSON hasn't
won here in eons, and Post 8 doesn't figure to help him change that tonight
RACE 7 - (7) STORMY KROMER was impossible to steer last start, much like he was when Siegelman
drove him on 2/12 - he came back from that disastrous start to win by SEVEN the next week...one of the 14
wins he's had here over the past couple of years -- never a bad idea to bet this guy when you know he's
going to be a decent price. (4) WINNERUP flopped badly in his only try here this year, and was WAY
overbet that night - had another clunker (in NJ) after that but his last start looks a lot better - he's another
that will offer some pretty good value this week...and may even land on a nice trip. (2) SWANSEA trotted
a strong final half last week and wins the 2-5 draw tonight - have a feeling he'll be a major player here. (3)
MELADYS MONET was uncharacteristically dull last start, but if his sharp connections dropped him right
back in the box, we'll assume it was nothing serious - ageless 12YO gives a big effort 95% of the time, and
never a bad one to consider. (5) HILL OF A HORSE needs a hot battle up front to be effective and may not
get one here - chance to rally for a small piece. (6) MAGICAL JOURNEY is in career form and it was no
surprise to us to see him upset last week's Open, even if a bit opportunistic - gets a somewhat unfair post
draw tonight, however, and not sure he can overcome it against these. (8) LINDSEYS PRIDE has been
terrific for a while, but faces a monumental task from Post 8 tonight.
RACE 8 - (2) AMERICAN BOY N was stuck with 8 holes (vs. better) in both local starts this year, and
wasn't bad in either (too far back in one, used making the lead in the other) - returns from The Swamp in
good form, at a reduced level, and with major post relief - the one to beat. (4) HERRICKROOSEVELT N
made his way to the lead in a cheaper field last week and it was basically over...with most of his rivals
being bothered by an incident to 3/4s just making things that much easier for him - bumping back up a
notch shouldn't bother him at all, and he's likely the main danger. (1) CAROLINA MAGIC beat cheaper 3
back, then wasn't bad at all in his next pair vs. better, finishing well from tough spots - big chance to land
somewhere on the ticket with the move inside. (3) SPORTS BETTER would love to be in a bit cheaper, but
the inside draw gives him a chance for an easy trip...and chance at a small piece. (7) ONE OFF DELIGHT
A is better than a lot of these, but has to contend with Post 7 - willing to include underneath in exotics. (5)
JMS DELIGHT has a couple of decent tries recently, but still seems to be far more effective with easy trips,
in softer fields - not sure how well he stacks up with these. (6) FULLBACK has gone several really good
miles recently but last week wasn't one of them - may bounce right back here, but insist on a good price if
using him on your tickets. (8) LENWOODS REAL DEAL doesn't figure to get close from out here
RACE 9 - (5) ARMAGEDDON SEELSTER moves up off last week's sharp win, but he's probably good
enough to be a player with these too (if Kakaley is willing to handle him aggressively) - he's won 7 of his
last 17 local starts, and catches a wide open field with many of the contenders having some question marks
- should offer some good value in a wide open affair. (1) WHETHER OR NOT FI won his first 2 starts
back in NY against cheaper, then was handled very conservatively in his last pair (vs. better) - he's still
sharp, and Bartlett may have the confidence to use him a bit harder from this advantageous spot - chance to
beat these with the right trip. (4) LIFETIME ROYALTY fits well enough and may even land on a live trip -
could easily outrace that juicy 20-1 ML price. (8) KINDA LUCKY LINDY will needs lots of luck to get
involved from Post 8 but IF things get testy up front, he just may be able to show up late to grab a piece of
this. (2) BARRY BLACK is a tough call - would normally be a solid threat from a spot like this, but he has
only ONE start in the last six weeks, and it wasn't a particularly sharp one - not really sure what to expect
from him. (7) THE LAST CHAPTER did win 3 back but in general, hasn't been finishing his miles well
enough - seems like a tough spot, considering he'll need to be used hard just put himself in play from out
here. (3) IN MY DREAMS comes into this off a 2nd and a win, but may find this bunch a little tougher
than he prefers - not impossible, though. (6) CASH ME OUT was a winner here in last over lesser and
while he does have the back class to trot with these too, his overall recent form does seem a little below his
best - he's listed here on the bottom ,but could easily race much better than that
RACE 10 - (2) MARTY MONKHOUSER A was holding his own vs. the tough $30K claiming class after
beating this level back on 12/14, then finishing 3rd in NW10000 right after the winter break - dropped back
down last week but got trapped behind the leader all through the stretch and ever had any chance to pace -
deserves another shot tonight. (6) EPIC ACE held his own behind the streaking Yankee Roller A for a
couple of weeks, then rallied well vs. better in last too - very legit player here, but will have to overcome
the outside draw. (8) LISBURN sustained his move beautifully last week to score over a very stubborn
frontrunner (who actually tried a start in the Levy last week) - clearly up against it moving up from Post 8,
but may be sharp enough to still rally for a piece. (4) BIG BAD BILL was well supported 2 back but tired
badly after being hard used - came right back the very next week, though, to rally from the back and score...
at 43-1! May have some confidence off that mile, and be able to rally for a piece of this too. (3) DARK
ENERGY N has been much sharper lately, culminating with a front end win over cheaper in last - maybe
can pick up a small share on the move up? (5) BUDDY HILL has been solid vs. cheaper, but needs to avoid
being overdriven if he's hoping for a piece against these. (1) IDEAL WHEEL is sharp for a hot barn and
draws the pole...but just may be a little cheaper than some of these. (7) CAMPORA N failed to get into it
last week and another poor draw is likely to produce a similar result.