RACE 1 - (2) TOLLY HO grabbed a win and a 2nd in 25s off the claim then just missed as the favorite (in
30s) last week - draws inside for a hot barn, and deserves the nod over a field filled with question marks.
(5) LATE MAIL N gets a full pass for last week (8 hole) but wasn't at his best the 2 starts before that - this
is a field where he does fit well, and he can be a threat tonight if he shows up on his best game. (3) BAMS
KI was a well bet winner off the claim vs. 25s on 10/13 but was scratched injured from his last, and now
drops in for $30K - seems like a tough spot tonight, but can't rule him out completely. (6) MACHIAVELLI
has been racing "ok" every week but he comes into this at 1 for 14 on the season and that victory was at the
$20K level - ok to use underneath. (4) MARINER SEELSTER was very good for some time but hasn't
been nearly as good lately (even that 2nd three back wasn't "great") - could wake up here, but better value
with others on top. (1) SIX DAY WARS feels like he could be a little cheap, but he's racing decently and
draws the pole - maybe a small piece? (7) IWONTODOTHATAGAIN has a few good recent tries but from
inside spots in lower conditions - may struggle to get involved from tonight's spot. (8) MY DELIGHT
drops to 30s, but Post 8 figures to negate any benefit he may get from that - wait for a better spot.
RACE 2 - Very tough race! (8) GINGER TREE PETE raced super in his last pair, coming up 2nd best after
tough first over trips - it's very hard to predict what kind of trip he can expect from Post 8, but this is the
type of race where they MAY mix things up a bit - if he's close turning for home, maybe he has a chance at
the upset? (5) SWEET N FAST came into his last start at 0 for 31 on the year, and always racing from well
off the pace - he was debuting that night for the hottest barn we've seen in a very long time, was sent off the
favorite, found gate speed, and ended up crushing the competition, winning for the first time in 2021...and
establishing a new lifetime mark in the process (it was almost the identical turnaround the barn achieved
right here with BELTANE A, last week) - leave him off the ticket at your own risk! (2) EDDARD HANOV
ER was racing well at Hoosier and was sharp in his last pair in PA - ships in for a barn that knows where to
place 'em, and a big effort is expected for his Hilltop return. (7) TONY TOO TALL never got close from
Post 8 last week, but was razor sharp for weeks prior to that start - could rebound, and the price will surely
be right. (3) WESTERN HILL was camera shy for a long time, but now has 3 recent wins - wasn't able to
get close last week, but could easily rebound with the move inside - possible. (1) REAL LUCKY N has
been battling at this level for a long time - no recent wins, however, and that has us leaning elsewhere. (4)
DAVIDS COMING HOME landed on a nice trip last week and was able to cash in with a victory - a repeat
is not impossible, but it'll be tough in this very well matched (sharp) field. (6) DESIRES CAPTAIN won 5
in a row recently (after joining the Super Siblings) - the fact that he's been listed here on the bottom shows
just how tough this race really is!
RACE 3 - (3) OUR MAX PHACTOR N may have already been looking forward to this drop when he
toured the oval from Post 8 last week - he would seem to have a significant edge over this bunch with both
the class drop, and move inside. (5) MACHEASY A was off almost 2 months to his last start so that effort
may serve as a useful tightener - was 2nd at this level back on 8/17, has a solid record here this year, and
may be ready to make some noise tonight. (2) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP has been no factor at all for
weeks but he does drop and get post relief - not an impossible spot for a wake up call. (8) MOHAWK
WARRIOR would have a shot in a field like this but may just wait for a better spot after drawing Post 8 -
check the tote board? (4) MINNIE VINNIE moves up off a parked the mile try vs. cheaper, but does have
the speed for a chance at grabbing a decent trip tonight - ok to use underneath. (1) YAYAS HOT SPOT has
been away for nearly 4 weeks, and his only win this year came at the bottom level - prefer others. (6) SPOI
LERONTHEBEACH shipped in from KY and beat cheaper at Chester....seems a notch below these, but
we'll find out for sure tonight. (7) FIZZING N was a winner one level down last week and would be getting
more consideration tonight if not for the terrible draw - hard to see him finding a way into the hunt here.
RACE 4 - (1) BLUEBIRD RECON, on the one hand, is stepping up to a level that would normally be out
of his comfort zone -- on the other hand, he's very sharp right now, and joins a barn that sees their fresh
acquisitions improve pretty massively - we'll give him the nod, especially from the pole. (2) BETTOR NOT
BITTER A could be a good value horse tonight - the last 2X he drew inside at this level he picked up a win
and a 3rd...decent chance he can outperform his odds tonight. (5) BRAVO TEX N was hard used last week
(at PcD) off a layoff, and still only lost by about a length - goes for a new barn tonight, races on Lasix for
the 2nd time, and has won here in the past - could be a live player in his YR return. (4) BRACKLEY BEA
CH joins the terrific training tandem for tonight but brings with him an 0 for 22 local record (past 2 years),
and has lost all those times vs. cheaper - we'll see if he can be improved enough to be a player here. (6)
TERRITORY might have gotten more consideration here had he drawn better - after getting parked last
week, he may be given a more conservative steer tonight. (3) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD joins a barn that
hadn't been seen here in the past, but has been claiming a few in the past week or so - we'll have a better
gauge after a couple of these race for them. (7) DREAMFAIR CHARRO drops, but lands outside and isn't
known for his early speed - may find himself too far out to threaten. (8) TIGERS WAY draws Post 8 while
moving up in class off the claim - wait for a better scenario.
RACE 5 - (6) BENJIES BEST had a rough 2020 but has been doing excellent work in 2021, and makes his
first local start of the year tonight after being claimed from his last at PcD, by one of our hottest owner/
trainer combinations- he was a winner that night in a career best 1:49.4, and just may be able to keep things
going here at Yonkers. (1) ELWELL couldn't keep it going after cutting the mile for his new connections
last week - maybe can be more effective with a close up stalking trip tonight? (5) VELOCITY KOMODO
is at his absolute sharpest right now, and his former barn re-claiming him is a real vote of confidence - if the
trip is decent, he has a chance to charge by these, even up a notch. (3) SOHO LEVIATHAN A has been
sharp seemingly forever, but he does have way more 2nds and 3rds than wins this year - possible, but insist
on a decent price if using on top. (2) ALEX TYE really broke out this year as a 5YO - hard to imagine him
at this level, but his current PcD form suggests he's sharp enough right now to handle - new barn has been
doing good work the past couple of weeks. (4) DELIGHTFUL TERROR is always trying hard at the end.
but likely looking at only a smaller piece at this $50K level. (7) PEPPER GUY seems ambitiously placed in
this class, and Post 7 won't help matters. (8) OUR CORELLI N draws poorly for the 3rd straight time...and
was unable to do much in the first two.
RACE 6 - (1) BARBADOS steps up a notch after being re-claimed from last week's sharp win - he's shown
he can compete at this level too, and young Tyler Miller does know him well - one of a few capable of
taking this wide open event. (5) MARK WITHA K pulled up off the game first over upset last week, and
his overall form has been solid as well - handles any trip that comes his way, and getting Dunn tonight
surely won't hurt - possibility. (2) TELLITSABB takes $$ almost every week and is a regular contender- on
the flip side, his only recent WIN was in the bottom condition - definitely has a chance here, but don't take
too short a price. (3) FOREVER FAV went his best mile for these connections last week since the recent
claim - if he can build off that mile, he can have a big say tonight. (4) BUY IN finished 2nd twice recently
at this level, but was helped by the trip each time - mixed feelings as to whether he may need to be in a bit
easier to get to the winner's circle. (7) AINTNOBETTOR A has enjoyed solid success for his very high %
barn but would appear to be up against it from this spot tonight - his trainer may need to really work some
magic to get this guy home in front from out here. (8) BEACH BOOGIE has 2 recent wins at this level but
he's another that would need all kinds of trip luck to get it done from this spot. (6) PRETTY HANDSOME
has been away for almost 4 weeks - prefer to just observe for tonight.
RACE 7 - (4) NANDOLO N is a proven hard-hitter at the Open level so it's hard to understand how he was
allowed to draw for posts 3-8...lands in a pretty good spot, and will be pretty tough here with any half-
decent trip. (5) SPLASH BROTHER is an outstanding 10-4-6-0 at Yonkers this year and his last start
shows him coming up just a head shy in the Open - another that should have been forced to draw outside,
but the manageable draw that he did get stamps him as the main threat. (6) BEE TWO BEE has looked
good in all 4 starts since arriving here, and that includes a solid 4th in last week's Open - seems next in line
should the top 2 falter (and worth a play if the price gets juicy enough). (1) WINDSUN RICKY can hold
his own even at this level as long as the trip is easy enough - willing to use for 3rd from this good spot. (3)
ROCK THE DEVIL is on the cheaper side but at least he draws Post 3 (after being part of that Post 3-8
draw) - chance for a minor piece. (2) KILOWATT KID N was pretty impressive in last week's win, even if
vs. a bit easier - he'll get class tested tonight, and we'll see how he handles it. (7) GRAY DRAGON has
been rock solid all year and while he's not always the smoothest thing here at Yonkers, he still sports a
strong 7-2-2-0 local record -- tough spot tonight, though. (8) RAUKAPUKA RULER N doesn't seem sharp
enough to race aggressively tonight from Post 8...and live to tell about it.
RACE 8 - (1) THE WILD CARD has been finishing with good pace every week behind some pretty nice
horses - drops into a fairly modest $75K claiming field, and does seem sharp enough to be handled more
aggressively tonight - pretty surprised that Zeron isn't driving him, but we'll see if there's a change made on
race night. (3) PRO BEACH was in traffic while full of pace for his new barn last week, and may be able to
handle tonight's class bump - willing to use him if the price is right (Gingras is listed on him, though not
sure if he'll actually be here to drive). (2) SUGARTOWN just never looked right 2 back, but was better in
his last - very possible with the right trip. (5) BLACK CHEVRON N has done mostly good work since the
recent barn change - he's another moving up in class, but just may be sharp enough to pull it off. (7) UPTO
WN FUNK is a rock solid 50, but may struggle a bit in 75s, especially from Post 7. (4) LYONS NIGHT
HAWK seems a bit cheap, and is winless here in 5 starts this year - will need to up his game for a chance to
beat these. (8) MACH DORO A beat this class last week but had a better post and was able to make the
lead - probably looking at a much tougher journey tonight. (6) THE DOWNTOWN BUS is 0 for 8 here this
year, losing to much easier than these - wait for better spot.
RACE 9 - (6) ALL HANDS ON DECK's incredible transformation has been well documented here (went
from lower level "also ran" in PA to winning 4 straight here at Yonkers after the barn change), but he
clearly had some issue on 10/5 and had to pulled up - qualified back easily at Fhd. on 10/22, and it would
seem that the problem has been addressed - if he's anything close to 100% tonight, he'll be a handful... even
from Post 6. (1) TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER found himself brutally parked in his first try for a new barn
and backed up badly - won't have any such problems with the pole tonight, and he looms a very dangerous
threat. (7) TELL THEM LOU came up a nose shy in a track record mile 2 back, then was able to pick up
his first victory of the year last week - has to face older rivals this week, but does seem sharp enough right
now to still make his presence felt. (4) VIRGIN STORM has found some better form lately, and should be
able to rally late for a piece of this. (5) REDBANK BLAZE A is more appealing vs. a bit easier, but he's
still capable of grabbing pieces with these if the trip goes his way. (2) HERRICKROOSEVELT N has been
away since July but qualified back nicely, and the good draw may allow him to at least take home a minor
piece. (3) FINE DIAMOND hasn't been on his best game for a while, and comes into this off 3 weeks -
prefer others tonight. (8) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A drops a peg but draws the same 8 hole as last week
- and may be looking at a similar result.
RACE 10 - (2) WHITECOOKIE cut a hot pace in his YR debut but was able to dig in late to hang on,
though obviously pretty tired - his connections give him a vote of confidence by double-jumping him in
class, and he may race even better if allowed to relax, and then brush at the end - not a fan of that 2-1 ML
price, but will use as long as the price ends up being fair. (1) LYONS KING hasn't been at his absolute best
lately, but he's certainly been good enough to demand a lot of respect from the pole tonight - major threat.
(5) WALKINSHAW N has been very sharp lately - if the pace gets hotly contested in front of him, it would
be no real surprise to see him show up late to pick up the pieces. (3) FRANCO TOTEM N's lines certainly
aren't bad, but he does sometimes look like he'd prefer racing on the bigger track - he's possible here, but
the top 3 look a little more appealing. (4) WESTERN FAME hasn't been close to his best since returning
from the layoff, but he goes for a new barn tonight after being claimed for $100K last start - we'll see if
some new surroundings can perk the classmaster up a bit. (6) TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY just hasn't
looked nearly as good in his last couple - he's rebounded in the past, and is having a terrific year here at
Yonkers....but we'll be sticking with others, for now. (7) SILAS SEELSTER wasn't able to get it done for
weeks vs. easier, but managed to score at 14-1 last week against this class - just doesn't seem like a likely
repeater, from this tough spot. (8) OUR MAJORDAN N could definitely use a better post, in an easier class.
RACE 11 - (4) ROCKAPELO certainly hasn't been a model of consistency lately but he showed 2 back
that he can still get it done, when it the right mood/situation - this seems like a spot where Brennan can
handle him aggressively...and perhaps that will give him the advantage he needs to beat his main rival. (3)
MICKY GEE N's last 3 non-Open starts have resulted in 2 wins, and a nose loss 2nd - he's the main danger,
and belongs on your tickets. (1) FUNKNWAFFLES wasn't at his best last week but still held ok for 4th -
he's been sharp for weeks, and the rail draw makes him hard to leave out of exotics. (2) PAT STANLEY N
should be able to sit close enough from this spot to have some say with his late kick - include him
underneath in exotics. (8) BRAEVIEW BONDI N left here in August with 2 straight wins over lesser, and
clearly held that excellent form during his stay in the midwest - lands a brutal spot for his YR return,
however, and may need to wait for a better spot before he can strut his best stuff. (5) THE REAL ONE has
been a little in and out lately - if things shake out his way, he can rally late for a small piece. (7) OSTRO
HANOVER has struggled most of the year, but did find a field he could overpower last week - don't think
he can have that same success against these, especially from Post 7. (6) DANCIN DRAGON probably
needs a drop or two before he can become a serious player again.
RACE 12 - (5) IDEAL STAR N was moving VERY early and used very hard in both starts since returning
from a layoff - he'll be a big price tonight, and perhaps he'll have a shot at the upset if he can relax a bit
more early on, and get a decent pace to rally into. (1) SUMTHINBOUTIM ran and hid from cheaper 2
back, but was a gutsy first over winner in last - definitely a chance to make it 3 in a row whether Gingras
shows up to drive or not. (4) OAKWOODNITOWINIT IR has been quite sharp enough in his last couple,
but tonight's class drop might help - one of several with a legitimate chance in this finale. (6) LEVINE
rebounded from a (surprisingly) dull try 2 back to just miss in his last - has a chance here, but only if Zeron
is aggressive at the start. (3) SO MANY ROADS goes 2nd time with Lasix and while he didn't fire last
week, that doesn't mean he won't be better tonight. (7) IMAGINARY LINE has been terrific since moving
to the Dynamic Duo (no surprise there), but his 4 race win streak could be in jeopardy as he moves up to
face older rivals, while also drawing pretty far outside. (2) JMS DELIGHT has been better in his last few,
but does figure to be a bit overmatched vs. several of these, (8) IM SOME GRADUATE is having a tough
year, and really doesn't seem sharp enough to overcome tonight's terrible draw.