RACE 1 - (4) NIHILATED TRUTH wasn't bad at all in his first start back off a long layoff then was very good in his next, used hard and still right there 3rd - he's a very logical choice to take the opener, but note that he's just 2 for 40 at Yonkers before falling in love at too short a price. (5) THEREISAPACEFORUS wasn't bad in his last couple and moves to a new barn tonight that might kick his game up a notch or two - should be a very live player tonight. (7) ARCANE SEELSTER likes to win races, and ships down from Buffalo having taken 3 of his last 4 - the two obvious knocks are the outside draw, and the missed time (scr. sick from his last). (1) WAR DADDY ships in from Chester off a trio of 3rd place finishes - draws best, and is definitely usable on the bottom of exotics. (2) DEERFIELD BEACH seems to always wake up and throw a big one at SOME point, but he hasn't been sharp in his last couple, and it would be just guessing as to whether tonight will be the wake up call - prefer others, but wouldn't be shocked to see him race better here. (6) ARI ALLSTAR raced well in a couple of cheaper Monti - maybe can grab a small piece with an easy trip? (3) BIG SWEEP OSBORNE has yet to impress at YR - waiting for better signs. (8) MATT MAJOR lands outside again, and a similar result is expected.
RACE 2 - Good race: (5) KEYSTONE MICAH certainly has plenty of experience (41 starts) but also has 4 wins - he moves to a new (sharp) local barn for tonight, should be a decent price, and is one of several that could come out on top here. (6) BEACH BLOGGER improved with the barn change back in May - did some good work at Monti, and wasn't bad in his return to YR last week (tired a bit, but vs. a field much better than this one) - should be a very live player with this bunch. (7) ARTIST BEST has been a consistent player vs. similar in PA, and has the speed to overcome the outside draw - another that could get his picture taken if the trip goes his way. (3) JOSE took plenty of $$ at Monti last start and picked up his first career victory, by a large margin - has missed 3 weeks, but perhaps the tote board will offer clues to tonight's effort as well. (8) SPINNAKER HANOVER is probably as good as any of these, but will likely be sitting too far back for anything more than a smaller piece. (1) HURRIKANEKINGCARLO has speed and the rail - not sure he'll be strong enough in the latter stages, but maybe he can last for a minor share (2) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER has been picking up smaller pieces in some cheaper fields - suppose he may be able to do the same tonight. (4) HAPPY CAMPER just hasn't developed much - waiting for better signs from him.
RACE 3 - (5) NORTHERN BACCARAT was handled conservatively in his local debut but paced a strong last half to be 2nd best - expect a more aggressive try tonight...giving him a solid chance to beat these. (1) MAJOR SHOW seems to be on the upswing and he was absolutely charging at the wire last week...even if he put in a couple of steps right at the very end - major threat from this spot. (4) SOLID ALIBI was used hard 2 back when a solid 2nd best, then held very gamely in last despite a long uncovered journey - losing Brennan may hurt his chances a bit, however. (7) BARRYWHITE HANOVER has proven that he fits with these, but will be at a major post disadvantage tonight - will probably use him for a smaller piece only. (3) RAILIN JENNINGS has raced ok since arriving from the midwest but just seems a notch below the top ones - probably looking at a minor share only. (6) WHAT ABOUT BOB is 6-0-0-0 here at YR, and no factor in his last 2 local appearances - draws outside, and will probably have to wait for an easier spot. (8) OLD TOWN ROAD has shown enough that he could probably have a say from an inside post, but seems unlikely to reach from all the way out here. (2) CHAMP CHARBEL appears a bit overmatched here.
RACE 4 - (1) HALF A BILLION wasn't too bad in his 2nd start off the layoff, then had no prayer from Post 8 in his last - moves all the way inside, catches a blank field, and may be worth a play now. (5) CLAS SIC PRO certainly hasn't been "good" lately, but he's at least been decent enough for a chance to beat this crew - just don't take a short price. (4) AUDI HARE N beat this class back in Feb. and was 2nd in NW7500 three starts down - hasn't raced in a month, however, and hard to endorse on top as the 2-1 ML favorite! (3) TITANIUM N is notoriously camera shy, but he's been picking up smaller pieces recently and may do so again tonight. (6) SWEET TRUTH put in a decent bid last week but then stopped like he was shot once they reached the final turn - he does own a win at this level, so feel free to at least consider him if the price gets really juicy. (2) STAR SPEAKER has some Ohio lines that would make him a good fit here but he's been struggling lately, and exits a very high % barn to join smaller profile connections - prefer others. (7) DARLINGS DRAGON might deserve a look from an inside post, but faces a tall task from all the way out here. (8) BUNGALOW BILL N isn't nearly sharp enough to consider from Post 8.
RACE 5 - (6) WELL DONE SON, like virtually all his stablemates, elevated his game significantly after joining this barn - hasn't been able to grab a win yet, but has been right there for 4 straight starts, going big efforts each time - he'll be a decent price here, and is surely worth using. (5) LINNYCALLEDFRANKIE won both of his local starts, albeit vs. NW2 fields - has continued to race well since then (out of town), and should fit nicely with this group in his Hilltop return - very legitimate threat. (3) CAPTAIN ROMANCE shipped in off a pair of PcD blowouts and was able to score here too, though not nearly as impressively - he was off a bad date, however, and that may not have been his best effort...still deserves plenty of respect. (1) JESSICAS BEACH BOY was a good 2nd here to Salt Life upon arrival from Canada, but struggled to finish his miles in his next 3 starts - moves to a hot barn off the claim, and we'll see if he can step up his game enough to be a serious threat. (2) BRAZEN BRAZILLIAN is winless in 15 starts here this year but has used his speed for good trips (and smaller pieces) several times - willing to include underneath. (4) SPORTY DRAGON raced "ok" a couple of times in this class, grabbing small pieces - probably all he can really expect here too. (7) THOR AND DR JONES was used hard 2 back and weakened a bit but was able to hit the top easily last time and dominate cheaper - class hike and move outside figure to hurt quite a bit tonight, though. (8) DIAMOND HEAD has been ok lately at PcD, but lands in a brutal spot tonight.
RACE 6 - (1) ALOTBETTOR N was reunited with the "Super Siblings" last week and it felt so good...as he effortlessly disposed of a cheaper bunch - guessing that he can handle this tougher crew as well. (2) OUR MAJORJORDAN A failed here as the favorite a couple of times but was sharper last week and finally able to deliver - draws inside, and should be able to be a player here as well. (3) THE DOWNTOWN BUS clearly isn't the horse we saw in the Levy a couple of years ago, but his return to YR last week wasn't bad - if the tote board suggests he's a big "go" tonight. you may want to pay attention. (4) TREASURE MACH picked up a couple of 3rds at this level after dropping down from $40K claimers - can pick up another decent piece tonight, as well. (6) ZOEEZ BOY HENRY raced "ok" last week, but was very good the start before - if he brings that "A Game" tonight, he can definitely outperform that 20-1 ML price (7) SUMTHINBOUTIM was in an uncharted "match race" last week pitting Tim Tetrick vs. USF Champ Charles Oliveira - he was on the lead when he took bad steps to the half, had to be steadied to the outside, then failed to re-rally in the stretch - he's capable of much better, but may be fairly conservative tonight after that bobble last week. (5) VANQUISHED N is probably a bit below the main players - will need a pretty easy trip just for a piece. (8) AMERICAN BOY N figures to be a spectator tonight with the outside draw.
RACE 7 - (1) TIN ROOF RAIDER had good pace for 3rd behind the talented Gray Dragon last week, and was 2nd the start before (also NW15000) - drops, draws the pole, and that stamps him as the one to beat. (2) GENTLEMANJIM II IE was "sneaky ok" last week and finally gets some post relief after a trio of horrible draws - could definitely add some value to this ticket. (7) JOESSTAR OF MIAA shot right to the top from his outside pist last week and demolished a field one level down - a similar effort would put him right into the mix tonight, even if forced to race from off the pace. (6) IM BENICIO A had an instant reversal of fortune upon moving to the barn of the fastest rising young star in the game today - he's taken 2 in a row, but moves up in class AND is now under the care of a veteran west coast horseman, who is subbing for his currently suspended conditioner....we'll see how horses from the barn perform under a new listed trainer. (4) MISTER SPOT A was reunited with a previous trainer last week and responded with a game front end score - we'll see how he handles the class jump tonight. (3) KNOCKING AROUND is another stepping up in class tonight, and he was 2nd in his last pair - may find a few of these a little too tough. (5) FULLBACK definitely prefers to be in easier - may struggle to even grab a small share tonight. (8) DONT JUDGE A BOOK has NJ lines that would suggest he fits with these, but it's the outside draw that's a problem - not sure he can work out a manageable trip from this spot.
RACE 8 - (6) DECISION DAY has been more than holding his own in PA vs. better than these, and has plenty of experience (in the past) racing here at Yonkers - not a great draw, but still should be able to handle this assignment. (1) GHOST DANCE went a big mile here in his last start, but comes into this off a sick scratch - if he's 100%, he'll be a very live player (but hard to know just where he's at). (2) ALTA LEROY N doesn't seem to be on his best game right now, but he was a first over winner the last time he raced at this level - certainly belongs in exotics. (4) BETTING EXCHANGE isn't particularly sharp right now, and has been camera shy at Yonkers the past couple of years - minor piece only. (3) MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING is 0for 21 here over the past 2 seasons, and is another that should be used for a small share only. (8) PATRIOT NATION continues to disappoint and now is stuck all the way outside - maybe can beat a few of the lesser ones? (5) HAPPY TRIO was solid in his last couple after the barn change, but vs. much lesser - not sure he can hang with these better ones. (7) MAJOR BUCKS is just 2 for 40 here over the last 3 years, draws outside, and just looks a bit cheap anyway.
RACE 9 - (3) ELWELL was a surprise winner off the long layoff on 5/17...and hasn't raced as well in any start since then -- hasn't been "bad", though, and drops into a pretty soft spot here....feels like a "now or never" opportunity for him. (7) IDEAL ARTILLERY is a good bomb here - lands the same 7 hole as the last 2 weeks, but also gets a driver tonight that won't be afraid to take a shot on sending him - barn had a couple of strong performers last week....worth including tonight. (2) CAMPORA N doesn't win very often, but he does race well enough for pieces in many of his races - could easily outperform that 15-1 ML price. (1) ZIGGY SKY was racing off a sick scratch last week and came up empty - drops right back in the box now, and may be primed for a better effort tonight. (5) MAROMA BEACH goes for a new barn this week and the always unpredictable 7YO remains as hard to gauge as ever - Marohn does jump off #7 to drive him, so we'll see how that works out. (8) DON DOMINGO N is at a level well within his wheelhouse, but may struggle to get in play from Post 8. (4) ST LADS NEPTUNE has left us waiting for a Yonkers wake up call for the past 3 years - since he always goes off a pretty long price, it's hard to get excited about using him at 7/2 ML! (6) PEPPER GUY has been away since February - we'll just observe this week.
RACE 10 - (3) BETTOR THAN SPRING seemed to get brave after that basement victory on 6/11, battling Bronx Seelster to the wire in a 1:51.4 mile in his next, then kicking home in :26.4 the following start - never could get involved in last but if he reverts to any of those sharp recent efforts, he'll have a good chance to beat these. (2) OUR MAX PHACTOR N just missed in this class on 5/24, then was 2nd in a solid NW10000 try 2 back - can be a very live player from this spot. (1) SILAS SEELSTER has had a disappointing year but was 2nd two back, and had some life in last week's 4th place finish - rail draw makes him eligible to grab a decent piece tonight. (4) BENHOPE RULZ N prefers to be in a bit cheaper, but he's good enough right now to pick up a small piece, with an easy enough trip. (5) MOHAWK WARRIOR does his best damage one level down, but a live trip could see him land somewhere in the exotics tonight. (8) FIZZING N is another that prefers to be in a bit softer, and Post 8 won't make things any easier for him - maybe can beat a few of the weaker ones? (6) SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN gets a big chunk of $$ off his card after this week and can start dropping in classes - we'll look for him then. (7) TOM ME GUN N is up in class while drawing way outside - wait for a better spot.
RACE 11 - (1) SHINY BLACK BEAMER wasn't as good last week as he usually is, but he certainly wasn't bad (finishing 4th behind a standout winner, and a couple of other solid performers) - rail draw may give him the edge he needs to come out on top tonight in this somewhat easier spot. (2) COALITION HANOVER paced home ok in traffic behind the top ones in his last start here, then raced well in a pair of PA starts, despite first over trips - legitimate threat. (5) HIGHLANDBEACHSBEST was a good trip 3rd in his Messenger elim. but had no prayer from Post 7 in the Final - no chance again in last as he caught a 1:47.4 mile at The Swamp, but he should be able to rebound with a good effort in this spot - use in exotics. (4) GAMBLINGTERROR had been racing well for weeks before a hopeless 8 hole spot in last - moves back inside, and can easily bounce back with a contending effort tonight. (7) TELL THEM LOU is good right now (since adding Lasix a while back) but lands another bad post and figures to be somewhat limited once again. (6) ROLLING WITH SAM finally broke his Yonkers maiden last week but steps up in class, draws outside, and probably needs to find an easier spot. (8) SALT LIFE has his trainer driving from Post 8 tonight - wait for a better scenario.
RACE 12 - Tough finale! (3) ON THE VIRG has been holding his own with better lately, will appreciate tonight's drop, should be a decent price, and has 11 wins here over the last 3 seasons - one of several possible winners. (4) SANTAFES COACH has also been hanging in there with better and now gets a meaningful drop - if the trip goes his way, he can definitely beat these. (7) NONE BETTOR A turned in a very game effort for 2nd last week vs. the sharp front end winner - has more than enough speed to blast off the car, and the right pilot to put him in play - only knock is his 1 for 20 record the last 2 years (but still worth considering if the price is right). (1) WALKINSHAW N wired a NW7500 field from the rail 2 back, did the same vs. NW10000 in last, and now draws yet another rail as he bumps up one more notch - nodoubt he could score the "hat trick" tonight, but there seems to be some better value with others. (2) GLOBALDOMINATION N drew Post 2 last week when he came up 2nd best to #1 - identical scenario tonight, other than the field being much stronger - may have to settle for a lesser piece this time. (6) FLYING FINN N is a very solid player this level but draws outside several sharp foes - may have a hard time finding a good trip from this spot. (5) DANCING DRAGON just isn't sharp right now while several of the others are - not a winning formula. (8) ALEPPO HANOVER has been good lately, but steps up while drawing Post 8 and that's probably not going to work out.