RACE 1 – (2) MISS MAJESTY went on the shelf after her start on July 13 and was away until re-qualifying (in NJ)
on 1/27 – she looked good that day, and even better jogging in her first start off the layoff...could be a very short
priced winner in tonight’s opener. (4) LINEMUP KNOCKMBACK struggled to get on the bit the entire way in her
first start back off a long layoff but still was right there 3rd – she was 2nd best to a total stickout last week, and seems
a prime candidate to be runner-up once again. (3) PASS THE DREAM is just 1 for 14 to start her career but has
lines up in Canada that suggest she can be a player here – could easily land somewhere in the exotics. (5) C DIDDY
S GAL finished alertly last week after being handled conservatively – may add some value to the exotics with a live
trip. (1) YOUCANCALLME DAISY was turned out after breaking her maiden (as a 2YO) on 8/25 – she just re-
qualified at Fhd. and may need a start before we see her best. (8) VARSITY BLUE CHIP lost her debut qualifier by
15 lengths but that’s what happens when you land in with good ones that go in 1:52.4 – the mile she paced would
put her in the hunt here, so don’t toss her too quickly...especially if she takes some $$. (7) J M SPEAK EASY was
unable to get close last week and may suffer the same fate tonight. (7) PINE BUSH MAGA likely needs a much
better draw just to contend for a small piece.
RACE 2 – (2) SWAN FLYER shipped in off a blowout win in NJ and delivered a similarly powerful victory here at
Yonkers – he returned a juicy 7-1 last time, but he’ll be favored to make it 3 in a row tonight. (5) TEXSONG SOPR
ANO was sent off at 1/5 vs. the top choice last week (off an 8 length demolition the week before) but proved no
match at all in the lane – the price will be much better if you think he can turn the tables tonight. (1) HELPOFTHES
EASON went down at 10 cents on the dollar last week and it’s hard to say how much a broken headpole affected her
performance – not really sure she can beat the top pair under the best of circumstances, but we’ll find out tonight. (4)
UNEVERGONNAGETHIS hasn’t been able to put it together since returning from the winter break – he’s capable
of MUCH better, but it’s hard to say when we’ll start seeing it. (3) TACHYON has been well off form for a while.
RACE 3 – (7) FAVORITE BEACH was sharp to end 2023 and returned just as good in ’24 – she was very game in
beating a nice mare 2 back then gave it her all last week, used very hard before just missing to ULTIMATE SPEED
(who enjoyed an easier trip – we’ll see if she can reverse that decision tonight. (4) ULTIMATE SPEED has done
good work since arriving from Canada 3 starts back, and that includes the win over the top choice 2 back – gets the
better draw, and we’ll see if that gives her the edge. (8) ELISES DELIGHT is listed at 20-1 ML but shows form up
in Canada that could put her right in the hunt here – if she gets the green light from Stratton and ends up in the hunt,
she can make some noise here. (5) DONTKARENIFIDO caught a fast mile off the bad date last start but was still a
solid 3rd – could be sharper now, and be even closer at the end. (2) UNCONTROLLED has been racing well at Fhd.,
albeit vs. easier – may be sharp enough for a small share of this. (3) EXCITING TIMES A was an “ugly” winner 2
back, so it was no surprise to see her struggle a bit last week (facing tougher) – minor share only. (1) SHOWMEMA
GIC was 0 for 15 here last year, but did have 6 thirds – guessing she’ll need one off that qualifier. (6) MARATHON
MARY looked well short in her last, returning from the layoff – pass for now.
RACE 4 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (1) STRETCH THE LINE probably has a 5-10 length “ability advantage”
but that is often offset by his inability to place CLEANLY around the Hilltop Oval – Brennan did a great job
somehow coaxing him to victory last week and there’s a very good chance he can do it again...but definitely NOT
one to bet the rent money on. (4) SWAGASAURUSREX found life last week and raced well, perhaps even closer
late with some more room – his small barn has been ok lately, and perhaps this is a good week to give him a look?
(3) ZIGGY SKY ships in sharp from Monti but he hasn’t won at Yonkers since at least 2021, and he’s listed at 5/2
ML – another that would be hard to take at too short a price. (6) OURRHYTHMNBLUES N used his speed to be a
player in his last few starts but has been pretty camera shy for a while – having speed to his inside tonight could
hurt, as well. (2) LETTUCERIPRITA A has won a zillion races here in the past but those days seem like an ancient
memory right now – he’ll be a nice price if you think he can turn back the clock here. (5) MACHLICIOUS could
probably use a drop.
RACE 5 – (4) ALLSUMMERLONG AS lacked late pop in her last couple but she was also facing much better, and
catching quick miles – this crew should be more to her liking, and we may see a much better effort here. (1) STONE
BRIDGE BRAVO shows Canadian form that would make her a big threat here, especially debuting for the nation’s
leading barn – on the flip side, she has just ONE start in 8 weeks, and there is a possibility she could be a bit short –
don’t take too short a price on top. (5) SOME KINDA CRAZY chased good ones at 2 and 3 and while he was just 2
for 30, he did bang out $155K – starts 2024 in a new barn, and it’s tough to get a good read off that qualifier –
guessing that he may not be at his bet tonight, but still capable of being a player. (3) A MAJORSMACKIN didn’t
seem all that motivated for his local debut but he did finish with some interest – could land somewhere on the ticket
with some improvement. (2) SHOPPING IN PARIS rallied nicely in her first start off the winter break but then was
scratched sick and missed 3 weeks – could be a little short tonight. (8) DA ROYAL MIRACLE, (7) WISTERIA HA
NOVER, and (60 TO MY CREDIT all draw outside off qualifiers, and would seem to be at a major disadvantage.
RACE 6 - “Stake Your Claim” Series: (6) NOB HILL FLASH was a good 2nd to the classy DON DOMINGO N 3
back – had no chance coming from last in his next but was very good dropping in for $15K last week, carving out
the mile before getting collared late by a well meant winner (getting a barn change) – tough draw for tonight, but
still deserves the edge. (5) CAMPORA N feels like he’s on the upswing, with several good recent starts (including
last week) – could be a very live player. (2) WILLIAM HANOVER was well backed last week as the public
recognized that he was moving to a suddenly VERY hot trainer – he really didn’t fire at all, but we’ll see if he’s
better the 2nd time around. (3) MAJESTIC KIWI N was no factor last week but he really didn’t have a good trip –
good price horse to consider if you think the favorites could be vulnerable. (4) MAGRITTE has won a lot of races
here in the past, but his current form is less than stellar – inclined to stick with others. (1) MR KELLY draws the
pole for our leading barn but that really didn’t help him last week. (7) SOUTHWIND ONYX hasn’t been on his
game, and now lands Post 7 for a new barn.
RACE 7 – (1) BONTONI DEGATO S seeks his 4 straight and moves back to the rail after winning from Post 8 last
week – will be hard to deny if he’s as sharp tonight as he has been recently. (2) ONION GUM had a useful start last
week when 4th for a new barn, making his first start in 4 months – he has ability, and could be a bigger player here.
(5) MYCROWNMYKINGDOM was conservative from Post 7 last time, making his first start in 7 weeks – he’s
really upped his game since adding trotting hopples, and he did actually beat the top choice back in December
(before #1 got REALLY sharp) – tighter now, adds Gingras, and could have a say. (4) MAHONE SEELSTER had a
pair of sharp 2nds before getting stuck with no chance from Post 7 last week – moves back inside, and seems usable
underneath. (6) DIAMANTE TRIO IT saw his modest 2 race winning streak snapped by #1 last time, but went
another strong effort – the only real knock here is the draw, but that MAY hurt him a bit this week. (3) JACKED is
probably a notch below the top ones but he’s shown that he can finish okay off easy trips, and isn’t a bad one for
3rd/4th . (7) CHAMBA draws Post 7 arriving from Canada off a bad date – good week to just observe.
RACE 8 - “Stake Your Claim” Series: (7) LIBERTY N FREEDOM was off over 4 months to his last start but did
finish with good energy from an impossible – gets no luck with the draw once more, but Kakaley may try to be more
aggressive with last week’s start under his belt – not a bad week to give him a shot. (1) CAPTAIN T HANOVER
was a determined upset winner 2 back, then LOOKED like a winner on the final turn last week (before getting
outmuscled in the lane after a long move) – major danger from the pole tonight. (5) PRESTIGE SEELSTER will
attract plenty of attention off the (appropriate) class drop but he really didn’t look all that good for his new barn last
week – he CAN win this, but will likely offer no value with that 8/5 ML price. (2) NEVER SAY NEVER N returns
for a new barn (at a reduced price) after 4 months on the shelf – guessing he’ll need a start, but perhaps the tote
board can offer more clues? (6) SHOREVIEW has some recent efforts that could land him a piece of this..,but he’s
far too camera shy to consider on top. (3) BROTHER JAMES is just 2 for 45 over the last 2 years and hard to
consider for a top slot. (4) LATE MAIL N was winless here in 9 starts last year, and just 1 for 35 over the last two
seasons – sticking with others.
RACE 9 - “Stake Your Claim” Series – ultra-competitive division: (1) MISTER SPOT A took quickly to his new
surroundings last week, scoring a game first over victory for his new barn – draws best tonight, and that may be the
difference maker in this well matched field. (6) SMOKIN BY N was a little disappointing when he got nipped 2
back but he was able to make amends last week – he moves from one very sharp barn to another, and could be
dangerous with the right trip. (4) EDDARD HANOVER doesn’t win all that often but he was “sneaky ok” the last
couple of starts, and could be the one to benefit if things get hotly contested. (5) MAJOR DESIRE is capable on his
best, and goes for a new barn tonight – add him to the list of “possibles”. (7) BEN SOLO held gamely for 2
nd last week after being worn down by the sharp IM J BEE N and might have been the top pick if not for Post 7...but if he
can loop to the lead, his chances will go way up in a hurry. (2) FULLBACK avoided any early issues last week and
finished well for 3rd – definitely playable in exotics, and it wouldn’t really be a shock if he was able to beat these. (3)
PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN seems like the outsider, but even HE isn’t without at least a chance.
RACE 10 – (1) MANCLANE came up 2nd best to the streaking BONTONI DEGATO the last 2 starts but gets to
avoid that sharp foe tonight – he’ll be calling the shots from the pole, and the road to the winner’s circle goes
through him. (2) CHALLENGER was hammered down to 1/5 for his local debut and while he won easily, he wasn’t
overly “sharp looking” – he’s still the one with the best shot to knock off the top choice, though. (4) HAND DOVER
DAN always had ability but was his own worst enemy – he seems to be in a pretty good groove right now, and
another “clean” effort could see him grab a nice piece of this. (5) NANCY LOU NO was a dullish 4th in her local/
U.S. debut then a bit better next week – she’ll need to improve a bit more for a chance to knock off the top choice,
however. (3) TOMBSTONE was a solid 2nd behind #2 last time but that was with an easy trip in an overall softer
field – may be looking at a bit smaller slice tonight. (7) CREDARENA was a winner in his first start off the winter
break but was in tougher last week and never in play – won’t be any easier from Post 7 tonight. (8) CANDY BOMB
ER probably needs a much better post to hang in there with the main players. (6) MATCH MEIF YOU CAN would
be hard to endorse off those last 2 Canadian clunkers – will just be watching, for now.
RACE 11 – (3) TWIN B HEART THROB has been very good lately, and comes into this off a tough loss to the
classy BUDDY HILL – faces a couple of dropping rivals, but seems sharp enough to handle them. (2) BRAEVIEW
BONDI A showed some life off the class drop last week and now moves down to a level he thrives at – could be the
main threat. (4) PHOENIX OF FLUZZY was a winner the last time he raced at this level, gets a good draw and
figures to be able to have a say in the outcome. (6) KARLOO BRADLEY N disappointed on the lead 2 back, and
was no factor in his last– tonight’s draw will probably leave him looking at only a smaller piece (7) ON ACCIDENT
gets a bad draw but finished well last week, and remains a good bomb to use for 3rd/4th. (5) SOUTHBEACH HANO
VER hasn’t looked sharp since returning from the winter break – looking for better signs before considering. (1) GI
VEITATRY A lands in a tough spot for his local debut after a rough Stga. outing in his U.S. debut – the switch to
Gingras can’t hurt, though. (8) GENIUS MAN will look better with a class drop next week (and hopefully a better
post, as well).