RACE 1 – (4) NEED UR OPINION has won an amazing 15 of 20 starts this year and that probably explains why
she gets claimed every week (in Delaware) – she’s stepping up from 12.5s to 20s as she makes her Hilltop debut, but
we’ll gamble that she can be effective against these, as well. (3) SHEIKH YABOOTY N has been solid for several
weeks and has 2 wins in her last 4 starts – she should be a major player once more, but note that she (and all of her
barnmates) will no longer be competing for the “Super Siblings”, as one half of that successful duo just announced
her retirement from training (wishing her well, in her future endeavors)! (5) PLEASURE SEEKER has been 1st or 2nd in 10
of her 19 local starts this year, and is part of the action pretty much every week – no reason to think tonight
will be any different. (1) TERACITA is always listed short on the ML but has only hit board once (a 3rd) in her last 6
starts – chance for a piece from this spot, but better value with others on top. (6) PRINCESS ARONA gets a pass for
her last race (parked the mile) but lands in another tough spot for tonight – definitely a chance to outrace that 20-1
ML price, though. (2) AINTNOHOLLABACKGRL has been settling for minor spoils most of the year – needs to be
better. Both (7) EVAS SPORTS CZECH and (8) BROOKDALE JESSIE figure to need better draws to be players.
RACE 2 – Good race: (3) REIGNING DEO got VERY sharp for a few starts then was “meh” for a couple – he was
definitely much sharper again last week, and may get some battle up front tonight – one of several with a chance in
here. (1) ADAM CROCKER A got (needlessly) roughed up by QUALITY BUD last week but still held very gamely
for 3rd– he may have a much easier time tonight, and becomes dangerous with a kinder trip. (8) ROCK DIAMONDS
N obviously deserves a ton of respect as he’s now riding a 4 race winning streak (the last 3 coming VERY easily) – a
little different scenario tonight (Post 8), however, and you’ll probably want a bit better price this time around. (2) MI
CKY GEE N landed on a perfect trip last week and was able to get back to the winner’s circle – certainly a chance it
could happen again. (5) DP REALORDEAL was a sharp winner vs. a bit easier 2 back, but was outkicked in the
lane off the first over trip last week – not impossible. (6) QUALITY BUD needlessly hurt ADAM CROCKER A last
week (:26.1) and ended up finishing last as a result – he’ll be off the pace tonight...maybe minor scraps? (7) CAVIA
RT SARGENT throws good ones here and there but this is a very tough spot – prefer others.
RACE 3 – (7) SHOTGUN PERSUASION got a new trainer and driver upon returning to Yonkers on 6/7 and
promptly delivered the 40-1 shocker – she’s made two good starts since then, and we’ll try her on top...even from
Post 7. (6) ROLL WITH SHORTY finally learned how to win races after joining this barn last year, though many of
them have come out of town – tough draw tonight, but can still be a player with a good getaway. (3) BLUEBIRD
GRAF had been better than the lines look in a few starts so it was no real shock to see her race well for 3rd last week
– she has a chance here, but that 2-1 ML price is a turnoff, for sure. (5) JILLIAN JIGGS had a tough trip in her first
local try so the jury is still out on here – she helped her owner make the jump from “owner” to “trainer”, and we’ll
see how horse (and trainer) do going forward. (2) LYONS MIKI was a little better in the last couple - if she’s fairly
close turning for home, she has a chance for a piece. (1) ACEFOURTYFOUR ALEX has been a mainstay here for
years but she’s 16-0-0-1 in 2024 and it’s getting harder to make excuses for her. (4) KATHYS MOMENT needs an
easy trip for a chance at a small slice. (8) TOBAGO TIME figures to be hurt by the draw in her Yonkers return.
RACE 4 – Tough race! (8) CALLMEQUEENBEE A was claimed for $25K on 5/28 then almost beat the 50s the
next week – she raced ok (for a small check) in a fast mile last week, and now drops back down to 25s – a big price
makes her worth a look...even from Post 8. (4) SAUBLE DELIGHTFUL recently rattled off 3 in a row and comes
into tonight with a pair of 2nds and a 3rd from her last 4 starts – she was scratched sick from her last, but does drop
back in the box quickly – her best effort puts her right in the hunt. (6) COALFORDSNSHINE GB lost her first 6
starts this year but has now taken 3 of her last 4 – has to be respected in her current form. (5) ON THE MONEY GB
has a couple of recent wins of her own, and just missed to #6 in her last – add her to the list of possibilities! (7) DEV
ILISH DREAMS seemed to have a chance coming into her last but may have been derailed by broken equipment –
not sure she can reach from out here, but could be a good bomb for exotics. (3) ALWAYS BE CITY has been better
since racing OFF Lasix, but still has only been able to pick up smaller pieces. (2) NUTTINBUTHEBEST had a bad
2023 season – she was MUCH better for a good part of 2024, but has recently showed signs of tailing – we’ll see if
tonight’s drop helps her. (1) REAL LADY SADIE has speed from the pole but just seems better suited in 20s.
RACE 5 – (1) IDEALINFUN has been razor sharp for a while, and remained on her game off the claim last week –
she faces a very tough foe in (3) NO WIN NO FEED A, but we’ll still give her the slight edge. The latter has put
together an outstanding 18-5-5-3 $103K slate this year, but clearly had some issue last week (when she backed
through the field) – the quick turnaround suggests it wasn’t a major issue, but it would be hard to “love” her tonight
off that last mile. (5) SALE EL SOL was able to pick up her first victory in a while last week – drops in for a tag,
and should be able to have a say here too. (8) LLOYDS LOVES was super in winning her local debut on 6/14 – she
was claimed that night, but had no chance in her next after taking back to last from Post 8 – we’ll see if Smith at
least tries to get her in play after another horrendous draw. (2) HEAVENS SHOWGIRL A was good 3 back,
disappointed in her next then no good at all last week...which version tonight? (6) PARADISE ROCK L is having a
very solid year but has been stuck on smaller pieces lately – the outside draw doesn’t figure to help her do any better
tonight. (7) TWIST LITTLE GIRL N wasn’t bad at all in her 2nd local try but may need a better draw in order to be a
serious player. (4) BADDITUDE hasn’t been sharp enough – waiting for better signs.
RACE 6 – (2) ANOTHRMASTRPIECE N was handled conservatively last week (off a bad date) but had plenty of
interest finishing – he’s more than capable against these types when on his best game, and he figures to be a fair
price in a well matched field. (4) SEMI TOUGH was used hard and often last week and still was right there 2nd on
the wire – classy veteran is always dangerous when close to the action. (3) AMERICAN DEALER N will attract
plenty of attention as he ships in off a couple of wins out of town – his efforts here this year have been mixed,
however, so don’t accept too short a price (if he’s your play). (1) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A has held his form
beautifully even at these higher levels, and comes off a dead game speed try (3rd) last week – can’t be dismissed
from this spot. (5) JAHAN HANOVER was a nice 3rd last week behind a couple of nice horses but he also enjoyed a
very easy trip – may not fare as well with a tougher journey tonight. (6) LANJO LEE is a pretty nice horse but lands
in a very tough spot upon arrival from Stga. – seems like too many classy foes to his inside. (7) TWIN BE HEART
THROB is clicking for a hot barn but may have trouble finding a way into the race from out here.
RACE 7 – (1) BRUE HANOVER was struggling for a while but started to perk up a few starts back (after some
class relief) and returns sharp to Yonkers, a winner in his last pair at Pocono – gets the narrow nod thanks to the
inside draw. (3) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A won 22 races and $171K Down Under so clearly he’s a pretty classy –
qualified nicely for a barn that has enjoyed success with imports for years, and may be ready to do some U.S.
damage right off the bat. (4) IGNATIUS A was charging from well back to be 3rd in his YR return then was an
excellent winner last week, despite having to pull very early (when the leader jammed up the field at the quarter) –
steps up in class, but may be sharp enough to still make some noise. (7) BLUE LOU has been racing in the KySS for
the last couple of months and close every week in some hot miles – he’s probably a good fit here, but won’t offer
much value with that 2-1 ML price (from Post 7). (2) STRENGTHFROMABOVE was a solid 2nd 2 back but faltered
when trying to cut the mile last start – he’s taken a couple of weeks off, and we’ll see if he bounces back with a
better effort. (5) HIGH VOLTAGE DEO had an encouraging try in his first local start but was scratched last week –
definitely a chance he can outperform that 20-1 ML price. (6) DEETZY used a pocket trip for a nice 2nd last week
but may have a tough time working out such a good journey tonight. (8) FEARFUL INTENT is undeniably sharp
(won his last 2) but he steps up in class and draws Post 8...usually not a recipe for success.
RACE 8 – (1) THIS IS THE PLAN has been a pretty good “play against” for a while now, but this just feels like a
spot where the old warrior can just exert his class – he’ll get to control the action here, and it just feels like an
assignment that he can handle, even if not his “best self”. (2) ROLLING WITH SAM has been very steady for some
time, and often with less than stellar trips – if the top one can’t deliver, he could be next in line. (5) VENIER HANO
VER figured to be handled aggressively last week and he responded with the front end score – steps up a bit, but can
still have a say with these too. (3) GRAY DRAGON seems more comfortable on the lead vs. cheaper but his barn is
going strong, and he may be able to take home a slice of this. (7) THE REAL ONE hasn’t been bad so far in his
14YO season but he’s still winless on the year – figures to be coming from too far back for more than a small piece.
(6) SHAKESPEARE has a few big miles this year but the lesser ones have outnumbered the better ones – tough
spot, even if sharp tonight. (4) SOUTHBEACH HANOVER seems to need to be in easier to succeed these days. (8)
TASTE OF HONEY tired off a pocket trip last week and now gets burdened with Post 8.
RACE 9 – (2) UNITY was a sharp winner in her last and was reclaimed by a barn that also did well with her – we’ll
give her the narrow edge tonight. (1) TYRA MAKES BANK has 2 wins and 2 seconds from her 4 local starts – she
exits a very high % barn but lands in one that has been outstanding off the claim this year – figures to have a big say,
once again. (3) PINK RUBY is a grinding type but she loves to win races and just keeps coming in the lane – always
a threat if close turning for home. (7) HARPER SEELSTER recently won 3 straight (vs. lesser) out of town and now
joins a barn that at one time (not long ago), was almost automatic with fresh stock – does have some appeal at 20-1
ML! (4) TUAPEKA JESSIE N may be able to handle the others for a minor share. Both (5) MICHELLES JAZZ and
(6) ALMOST KAREN ship in from out of town and the 2 of them just feel a little on the cheaper side. (8) SEZANA
N hasn’t been a serious consideration in a very long time.
RACE 10 – (1) DOCS EARNEST was stuck in the back in a couple of very fast races to start his career (in NJ) but
was well backed facing more modest competition in his Yonkers debut and delivered a good looking victory (getting
stronger as the race got longer) – we’ll stay on his team. (3) DEALERS TURN’s last effort was sharper than it looks
as he left, backed off, and was still pacing well late – decent value horse for exotics. (6) STONEBRIDGE PATROL
was actually WAY overbet at 2/5 last week, only drifting up to 7/5 AFTER breaking before the start (and allowing
people time to cancel their tickets) – even assuming a clean mile tonight, he may be looking at a smaller piece from
this spot. (5) HURRIKANE MIKI is usually pacing ok at the end and never a bad one to use for 3rd/4th. (4) BANGIN
is just 1 for 17 but does have 7 thirds – another that can be used on the bottom of tris and supers. (2) SURFRIDER
added Lasix last start but was still no factor – moves from one top barn to another tonight (after a sick scratch last
week), and we’ll see if that helps him at all. (7) WATCH YOUR TONE is the outsider – literally and figuratively.
RACE 11 – (6) SOUTHWIND CELSIUS was invisible much of the way last week but was pacing out of his skin at
the end of the mile, rallying for 3rd from well out of it – not sure if he can find himself a live trip tonight, but a good
price makes him worth considering. (1) MIDNIGHT NATION seemed to have trouble ducking to the inside last
week or he may very well have picked up the victory – he’s sharp right now, and a big threat from the pole. (8) ICA
CO HANOVER was an excellent 2nd in his local debut then picked up wins in his last pair – clearly the ability is
there, but the move all the way outside MAY slow him down tonight...make sure to get a better price tonight if
using on top. (4) BONAPARTE came up terrible in his Messenger elimination but it seemed more like something
just wasn’t right, rather than him being overmatched – if he can rebound to his better game tonight, he’s another that
can be right on the hunt. (3) CRAZY WORLD didn’t click at all in his YR debut but he’s from the same connections
that sent us DESPERATE MAN so he at least deserves another chance to bring a better effort – piece? (2) BEGGIN
FOR BACON (bred and owned by Tim Tetrick) took 27 starts to pick up his first career victory and his record now
stands at 28-1-14-4 – underneath only! (5) ROYAL DESIRE beat up on cheaper in his local debut but failed to do as
well since moving up in class. (7) AYR BALMORAL GB hasn’t really been sharp the last couple of months in KY
(but did race well here prior to that) – keep an eye for future consideration.
RACE 12 – (1) JUST ROSAS LUCK exits a barn that’s tough to improve on but lands in a barn that has been
thriving in the claim game all year – we’ll gamble that her fine form holds, and she’s able to handle this assignment
from the pole. (8) DANDYS SHOWTIME took off the gate last week but goes back to Bartlett tonight and he’s not
shy about leaving from a spot like this – a fast start puts her right in the hunt. (2) CHARMING VIXEN can be a bit
inconsistent but she’s 3 for 10 here this year including a win in her last local start – possibility. (4) JAVA has been
outracing her odds lately and may do so again tonight – one to include underneath. (6) SUNSET SOPH has a pair of
wins and close loss 2nd from her last 4 starts – if she can find a live trip from this bad spot, she can make some late
noise...and even be a decent price. (5) JEANSNJELLYBEANS is a barnmate to NEED UR OPINION, who is also
attempting the “12.5s to 20s” move in Race 1 – perhaps look back at how SHE did, and adjust your opinion of this
mare accordingly. (3) PINK QUARTZ has a couple of recent Ohio wins but does seem to be on the cheaper side –
we shall see. (7) WESTERN ROSIE was overaggressive last week (off the barn change) and weakened a bit in the
lane – Post 7 isn’t going to help her cause tonight.