Please take a look at the Monday results to see if any barns were particularly live (or NOT
live) to start the new year....and adjust tonight’s plays accordingly!
RACE 1 – (3) PURAMERI has been a steady overall player at this level – she’s raced well for Kakaley in the past,
and is one of several possibilities in a tough to gauge opener. (4) TWIN B ECHO can be a little inconsistent but
she’s thrown efforts in the past that could make her a player against this bunch – worth a look if the price is right. (7)
GOLDEN QUEST N was 1st or 2nd in 18 for 33 starts last year – draws poorly off the bad date, but she CAN be a
threat if she comes back ready for action. (6) BETTER B CHEVRON N is a streaky mare that wasn’t all that sharp
to close out 2023 – she’s another that can do damage here if ready to roll off the layoff. (2) SOUTHWIND JAVA has
never been the best Yonkers performer but she does fit here, and draws nicely – willing to consider underneath. (8)
GET ANSWERS was a solid earner at 2 and 3 but she draws poorly (off 3 weeks) and is listed as the ML favorite –
could be better value elsewhere. (5) WOODMERE HARRIET is just 13-1-1-0 locally over the past 2 seasons –
sticking with others. (1) CORAL BELLA was struggling for some time to close out 2023.
RACE 2 – (1) ISHOTTHESHERIFF GB won 5 of 9 starts in the UK before coming to the U.S. – that last qualifier
at Fhd. suggests he may have the talent to come out on top in his stateside debut. (5) TRAIN STATION was cruising
along to an easy win in his first start off the barn change (11/28) when he just blew up on the lead as the 1/5 choice –
was sent off at 3/5 in his next (after re-qualifying), but came up 2nd best to a sharp import...can be a major threat if
ready of the layoff. (3) MIDNIGHT THUNDER was a work in progress through most of his first 8 career starts but
finally started to show what he can do at The Swamp on 12/7 – he’s continued to thrive since then, and could have a
big say here if he brings that same form back to Yonkers. (2) OLYMPIC BLAZE has been showing speed but been
lacking stamina – would consider underneath only. (4) BETTORUPTHEANTE has missed a month after finishing
up the track in his last start in PA – may be a notch below the top ones, regardless.
RACE 3 – Tough race: (3) SHINE A LIGHT was just one of many from this barn to come up with highly
productive campaigns in 2023 – he may not be as “classy” as a few others in here, but he may be the most likely to
be “ready” off the winter break. (6) HEMSWORTH N can beat Open stock when on his best game, but consistency
isn’t his strong suit – hard to know if a few weeks off will help OR hurt his performance tonight. (4) GROOVY JOE
ended the year with a nice trip win over a bit easier – he’s more than capable of being a threat tonight if primed for
his best. (1) VENIER HANOVER has won a ton of races here at YR and his trainer is as sharp as any of the
higher-profile conditioners that race here – with just one start in 9 weeks, he may not be quite 100% for tonight,
though. (2) PHOENIX OF FLUZZY is probably a bit more comfortable with a little softer – leaning towards others,
but he’d hardly be a shock. (5) BRAEVIEW BONDI N has been away for 7 weeks, and probably would like to be in
a bit easier.
RACE 4 – (1) SHEIKH YABOOTY N debuted for the Dynamic Duo at Freehold last start and while the blowout
win was hardly surprising, the very generous win payoff was – she’ll likely be the 2nd choice tonight, and we’ll give
her a narrow nod. (4) ALWAYS B MIMI has 4 starts down at this level (since August) and she came out on top each
time – the one to knock off. (2) ROLL WITH SHORTY went from a mare that never could win to a mare that would
never lose after changing barns in September – she found the 50s a bit too tough last time, but tonight’s class drop
puts her right back into the mix. (6) FLIP THE SCRIPT is a proven player at this level – tough post off a bad date,
but that 20-1 ML price does make her worth considering for exotics. (3) LOOKATMYART did exceptionally well
for these connections after a September claim but was really starting to tail at the end of the year – she returns at a
reduced level, and we’ll see if that picks her back up. (5) LARJON LEAH was just 1 for 28 here last year and that
win came in December, in a very weak field – sticking with others.
RACE 5 – (1) VICI won as the 1/20 favorite at Chester on 11/16, jogged in his Yonkers debut the next week then
came up 2nd best to the talented BLUE HUNT on 12/12 – he’s been away since then but returns on Lasix, and we’ll
guess that he’s ready for action. (5) FLIRTIN JK shipped in on 12/19 off a pair of sharp NJ victories but had issues
from the start and pulled up – the talent is certainly there, and the guess is that his top shelf connections will have
him well prepped for tonight – main danger. (4) FADE TO LIGHT has been thriving since changing barns in Nov.,
picking up 2nds in both local tries – chance to land somewhere on the ticket tonight, as well. (3) TWO FACED can
usually race well when he lands on an easy trip – decent one to include in exotics. (7) SURFSIDE BEACH has
ability and was fairly well backed for his local debut – he faltered badly that night, and draws poorly off the layoff...
keep an eye for future consideration. (2) UNDER YOUR SCARS is probably a notch below the main players in here
but the good draw may help him take home a small check. (8) TAKE A CLOSER LOOK gets a major trainer/driver
switch for tonight as he arrives from The Meadows – may need to wait for a better draw before we see his best,
though. (6) BEN SOLO seems to do his better work vs. a bit easier.
RACE 6 – (8) TUAPEKA JESSIE N has 2 wins and a narrow loss from her 4 starts since moving to our leading
barn – hard to take a short price off 5 weeks from Post 8, but she’s probably still the one to knock off. (5) BRONZE
OVER N had a couple of good starts here before the end of last meet and her 2 NJ tries should give her a bit of a
conditioning edge – worth a try if the price is good enough. (3) SEZANA N throws a ton of duds but also finds the
winner’s circle a few times every year – would consider but only if not too heavily backed. (6) DREAM DANCING
was winless on the year here until getting the job done in her last start of 2023 – tough draw for her ’24 return,
especially after the time off. (4) BROOKDALE JESSIE hasn’t won in ages but does rally for some small pieces
when the trip goes her way – maybe 3rd/4th? (7) WILD BLUE WONDER has a few good recent Monti efforts and
picks up Gingras for tonight – still has to prove she can hang with these older claiming mares, however. (1) PRAY
THE ROSARY was 0 for 33 last year and hard to endorse on top! (2) SUNSET SOPH seems to be a bit on the
cheaper side – sticking with others.
RACE 7 – (2) ADAM TWELVE has been quite the pickup for Yannick and his partners, winning 5 of 7 starts and
racing big for 2nd in the two losses – faces a bit tougher tonight (and off 5 weeks) but still merits top billing. (1) OCE
AN RIDGE N had an outstanding 2023 season, winning 17 races and banking $150K – he won his last 2 starts (in
PA) to close out the year, and can be a big player tonight as well (even vs. this tougher competition). (4) BOILING
OAR picked up back to back sub 1:50 wins in NJ during the winter break, and has gone some big miles here in the
past – has to be respected with those recent miles under his belt. (3) BLANK STARE ended the year in fine form but
hasn’t raced in 5 weeks – try to note how this barn has been doing the past two nights with the new trainer listed. (5)
KARLOO BRADLEY N took a month off and was no factor in a pair of starts before the end of the year – gets a
class drop for his 2024 return, and really would be no shock. (6) BILL HALEY N would probably prefer a better
post, in an easier field.
RACE 8 – (6) FUNATTHEBEACH N certainly didn’t have a “bad” year ($268K) but he also didn’t look like the
“Open” beast we’re used to seeing in many of his 37 starts– he’s been racing pretty solidly up in Canada recently,
and should appreciate returning to Yonkers and reuniting with Stratton – have to go with him at this level. (2) BERE
AVED HANOVER has been racing well at The Meadows and moves to a new barn here – should fit very nicely, and
could have a big say in his current form. (4) LYRICAL GENIUS A failed to impress in his first try adding Lasix but
he sat 9th after missing a month – could bring a much better effort tonight. (5) WICHITA LINEMAN can hang with
these on his best effort, and the barn did send out a live one off the layoff on Monday – maybe a piece? (7) AMERIC
AN CLASSIC seems to need the lead to do his best racing and that may not be achievable from out here – would
need a good price to consider on top. (3) ALTA CLASSIC A has been unable to replicate his fine Plainridge form in
3 starts since shipping down – he may be capable of better, but we’ll wait to see a better effort before hopping back
on his team. (1) PRETTY HANDSOME draws inside but just may be a little overmatched.
RACE 9 – (2) SALE EL SOL was razor sharp to close out 2023, winning 4 of her last 5 starts to cap off a long form
spree – her barn sent out a winner on Monday night, and we’ll look for this mare to be ready right off the bat as well.
(6) TERACITA was also a terror to close out last year, winning 4 of HER last 5 starts (although vs. the 20s, and not
the 50s) – we’ll see if tonight’s class jump slows her down a bit, especially off the winter break. (5) LOVE THAT
SMILE wasn’t at her best in her last couple of starts of the year, but has proven herself at this level prior to that –
could add some value to the ticket tonight (if ready). (1) MC ANGEL finished the year with a 7-1-5-0 run and lands
the pole for her seasonal debut – we’ll see if that fine form can carry over into 2024. (4) SHOTGUN PERSUASION
was claimed for $20K on 11/14 and was able to thrive at the $50K level after that – would certainly consider her for
exotics here/ (3) VIBRANCE makes her local debut taking on older mares after being away for 6+ weeks – not sure
if she’ll be able to be a serious player this week. (8) PURE SILKY had a terrific 2023 season but was definitely
showing some wear and tear near the end – draws poorly off the hiatus, and this may not be her best week. (7)
SWEET SANDY LOU moves up to 50s to start the new year and that seems a bit ambitious for her.
RACE 10 – (2) CIGAR SMOKING TONY hasn’t raced here too often over the last couple of seasons but he did do
well here early in his career – he catches an iffy field after a few decent PA tries to close out 2023, and this may be a
spot he can handle – one of several possibilities in here. (1) HEISMAN PLAYER had just one win last year but he
does fit well with this crew – draws best, and can be a threat if ready off the winter break. (3) MAURIES BONUS A
had just a pair of 2nds from 9 local starts but his barn sent out a couple of live players Monday night, and this guy
may offer some value here. (4) JOHNNY BADLANDS was in a tough spot off the barn change last start but didn’t
finish too far back – he should fit very well here, but he has just 1 start in 7 weeks and that could hurt a bit. (5) TJS
INDY PACER is listed as the ML choice but hasn’t been clicking at all – could be vulnerable. (8) MOONLITE
DRIVE N just hasn’t clicked so far in the U.S. and gets the worst draw off the bad date – prefer to just watch, for
now. (6) ROCKNROLL ANNIE is a mare taking on boys and was pretty camera shy last year – can’t just toss
completely, however, as the barn sent out a pair of winners on Monday night. (7) LUZIANA goes for a new barn but
just seems overmatched.
RACE 11 – (1) PARADISE ROCK L dropped in for $20K at the end of last meet and delivered back to back front
end scores – won’t offer much of a price here, but she’s the one to knock off (despite the layoff). (2) PINK RUBY
shipped over razor sharp from Indiana and promptly scored in NJ for her new barn – she’s on the cheaper side, but
just too sharp to ignore from this spot. (4) AINTNOHOLLABACKGRL raced well in her 6 local starts to close out
2023 – if she’s ready for business. She can make some late noise tonight. (8) GOLDEN LEADER has been racing
well in Canada and as noted, the barn sent out live players on Monday night – decent bomb to consider for exotics,
even from out here. (6) PLEASURE SEEKER was 0 for 11 here last year but raced well at times, hitting board on 6
occasions – consider for a small piece. (7) PLZDONTLIETOME N never got back to “top” form after returning to
her current barn but she at least has become competitive – tough draw, but a chance for a minor share with some trip
luck. (5) MEADOWBROOK JENNY likes to win races (21 for 62 lifetime) but just feels like she may be a bit
cheaper than the main players in here – we’ll get a better picture after tonight. (3) HARMONY OF NOTES was dull
in NJ on 1/5 then scratched sick from her last – prefer others right now.
RACE 12 – (1) C BET HANOVER should benefit from having that start across the river on 1/13, and he’s gone
some strong miles here at times for Brennan (who started off 2024 with a SIX bagger on Monday night) – gets a
narrow nod in the finale. (5) PRICELESS BEACH has a ton of back class and his barn sent out the winner of the
first race last night – have to include him on your tickets. (4) IM A POWERPLAY A immediately upped his game
after the recent barn change – assuming he comes back as sharp as he left, he’ll have a chance for a good piece here,
even up in class. (3) ELS ROCKER has been away for 39 days but could be a player IF he shows up on his “A
Game”. (2) ANOTHERSTATEMENT A may be pushing it a bit up at this level but the good draw could put him in
play for a chunk, with the right trip. (6) MIGHTY SANTANA N was right there at a BIG price 2 back after the barn
change, but laid an egg up at Monti the next start – tough draw here, and leaning towards others. (8) DIAMONDBE
ACH saw 2 of his barnmates pick up wins Monday but lands in a brutal spot himself (7) INDICTABLE HANOVER
draws poorly off 3 weeks after finishing way back at The Swamp - sticking with others tonight.