RACE 1 - (5) RAUKAPUKA RULER N had been racing well for new connections across the river and
looked super returning to Yonkers last week, and very sharp "pocket rocket" winner - steps up one notch,
but the classy import seems more than capable of taking another. (3) BRAEVIEW BONDI A is another that
was victorious over a bit easier last week, but who figures to have no trouble bumping up to NW10000 -
seems the main danger. (6) BENHOPE RULZ N turned in an improved effort 4th (vs. better) 2 back and
raced well again last week, finishing well for 3rd after getting caught briefly behind a tiring leader - will be
at a disadvantage starting outside the top pair, however. (1) BLUEBIRD RECON is a little tough to get a
good read on right now but he drops, gets major post relief, and should be able to stick close and grab some
kind of piece. (2) VIVA LAS VEGAS N rallied to be a close 2nd 2 back, then was caught too far back at
PcD last week - another that could grab a minor share with an easy trip. (4) PACE N PRIDE N is used to
facing better but has been away for 4 months and he may need a start or two before we see his best. (8) BE
CKHAMS Z TAM fits well enough at this level but doesn't seem sharp enough right now to do any real
damage from Post 8. (7) HES ELECTRIC double jumps in class after failing to find the winner circle in his
last starts - always a chance he could rally for 3rd/4th at a big price (with some major trip luck).
RACE 2 - (5) PYRO has always been a streaky sort and the classy 7YO is certainly on quite a roll right
now - he steps up to the top level tonight but this really isn't a typical Yonkers Open (as the "big guns" are
all racing in the Borgata Series) - he's hardly a cinch here, but he definitely deserves top billing in his
current raging form. (2) OZONE BLUE CHIP put together an outstanding 32-11-8-2 season last year and is
already off to a 4-3-0-1 start in 2023 - hard to really say this field is tougher than those $75K claimers, and
he has to be seen as a big threat against these too! (6) GENIUS MAN comes into tonight with a win, two
2nds and a 3rd from his last 4 starts - his barn is having a great meet so far, and he's worth at least a look at
that 12-1 ML price. (1) THE REGULATOR lands in the Open after picking up 2 wins and a 2nd from his
last 3 starts - he faces tougher tonight but draws the pole, and it seems his barn can never be counted out of
any start this year - would hardly be a surprise. (3) WINDSUN RICKY rattled off 4 straight as he climbed
all the way up from the bottom level - found last week's quick mile more than he could handle, and may be
in the same boat tonight. (4) ROCKNROLL RUNA A shows a mixed bag of starts out of town but
definitely a couple of big efforts in there - we'll see how he fares with the locals. (7) FAMILY RECIPE is
capable of some serious efforts but has been away for a couple months after being scratched injured- very
encouraging qualifier, but may still need to wait for a better sot before we see his best.
RACE 3 - MGM Borgata Pace, Leg 1: (5) LOCHINVAR ART A arrived from Australia with a big
reputation and the millionaire has done little wrong so far, winning all 3 U.S. starts including last week's
very easy 1:51 score- Lauren Tritton has gotten along beautifully with him so far, and he remains the one to
beat as the series gets underway! (3) ROCKING WITHELVIS A may not look like "Borgata material" on
paper but anybody who has seen the import race knows that he's capable of much more than he's been able
to show so far - it surely won't hurt his chances getting "stuck" with Dave Miller tonight, and we'll soon see
if he's able to battle these top ones on a weekly basis. (1) SOARING NOW looked super for his new barn
to start his 4YO campaign (in NJ) but he was wildly overbet for his Hilltop debut (Post 7, up in class) and
can be forgiven for flattening after a (predictably) tough trip - he'll surely appreciate the move inside, and
we'll see how the talented youngster fares again his elders as the series progresses. (7) JACKS LEGEND N
can be a player at the top level when 100%, but he definitely looked a little short in his '23 return last week
- the outside draw doesn't help his cause, but he still may be able to rally for a share. (8) BEE TWO BEE
was a dead game 3rd two back but just a "meh" 3rd last week - probably looking at only a minor piece with
the brutal draw. (2) BAD TOTHE BONE N has been very solid for weeks but may find the series horses a
little more than he can handle - inside draw does help. (4) CASUAL COOL caved badly vs. cheaper trying
to cut the mile last week - sticking with others, for now. (6) DEAN B HANOVER has been very consistent
all year, but he's another that'll need to prove himself vs. these types.
RACE 4 - MGM Borgata Pace, Leg 1: (2) JIMMY FREIGHT retired to stud duty in 2019 but when things
didn't go quite as expected, he was brought back to the races at the end of 2021 - he was putting together a
terrific 2022 season (12 for 22, $339K) when a fracture sent him to the sidelines in Sept. for a couple of
months -- he returned to qualify in late Jan. and appears to prepping beautifully for this series - he can win
races from any spot, and we'll hop on board in this first leg. (4) BELMONT ROYALE N took 3 weeks off
and returned on Lasix on 3/4 (in NJ), coming up with 2 very sharp efforts since then - was right there 3rd in
his only local try, and could be a legitimate player again tonight. (5) BACKSTREET SHADOW was a solid
3rd here on 2/27 for his new trainer then outbattled #4 to win At The Swamp last week - he has a ton of
back class, and may be ready for a nice run in this series - use in exotics. (1) HELLABALOU won 4 in a
row out of town then was freshened up for this series - absolutely crushed in his qualifier, and will be
looking to put on a speed show tonight - he'll get class tested now, and we'll see if he's up for it (he's 3 for 4
at YR, but vs. easier). (7) ANOTHRMASTRPIECE N was raced hard last week off a 6 month layoff and
almost won the Open - clearly he's ready for action, but the terrible draw does figure to compromise his
chances - does have the right pilot to at least give him a shot, though. (8) THE IDEAL DANCER A has
done all good work since arriving at YR but he faces an uphill battle thanks to the draw - maybe can rally
for a minor piece? (6) OAKWOODNITOWNIT IR was ok last week after a disastrous speed try the week
before....seems up against it from tonight's tough spot, though. (3) DIAMONDBEACH is definitely "sharp"
- but not sharp enough to be a serious threat to the top ones in here.
RACE 5 - (2) CERTIFIABLE was claimed by our leading trainer for $50K on 2/15 - put him in for $75K
the next start and looked outstanding effortlessly crushing his rivals by 3+ lengths - basically faced "Open"
horses the next 2 weeks and was almost 2nd the first time (behind LOCHINVAR ART A), then was 2nd
best to COVERED BRIDGE last week - the one to beat in this somewhat easier spot tonight. (7) MOONSH
INE KISSES never could get close in last week's 1:51 mile but he did beat this class here on 1/30, and has
always liked racing at Yonkers - decent value horse to consider, though some racing luck will be needed.
(1) FOREVER FAV would love to be in easier but he's stayed sharp even as he's climbed the class ladder,
and he's reliably picked up pieces for some time - good value horse to include underneath. (4) GREAT SO
MEWHERE has now won 9 of 15 local starts and seems to thrive regardless of what barn he's in - he's been
demolishing a currently "softer" bunch of 75s recently, and this field is definitely tougher than the ones he's
been facing - can't say he won't beat these too, but he's definitely more risky against this bunch. (5) SETH
HANOVER always seems to be right in the hunt but has been coming up just a little short at the end of his
recent miles - needs to be a little sharper for a chance at the top prize. (3) AMERICANLIGHTNINGN
threw a dud last start but that doesn't mean he can't bounce back tonight - leaning to others, but that doesn't
mean he can't rebound for a part of this. (8) BELMONT MAJOR N has been doing good work upstate but
faces an uphill battle from this terrible spot. (6) BB LUCKY BOY is 4 for 4 at Yonkers but last week's
effort in NJ (off the layoff) would make him tough to recommend in his Hilltop return.
RACE 6 - MGM Borgata Pace, Leg 1 - several potentially big series players in here, with 3 coming off
layoffs: (1) PRICELESS BEACH benefited two back from things falling apart a bit up front but that was
still a VERY powerful rush to carry him from last to first (at 30-1!) - raced very well again last week to be a
close 3rd (despite a tough trip) and he may be able to take advantage tonight of some main foes either
coming off layoffs, or drawing tough posts - chance for the minor upset. (3) NONE BETTOR A, like many
before him, was able to elevate his game dramatically after moving to this high powered barn last year (his
5 starts produced 4 wins (including the $250K Aria) and a 2nd to LEONIDAS A)- a pair of sharp qualifiers
suggest he could be ready to roll right in Week 1! (7) LEONIDAS A was just "ok" in last week's easy win
but he may not have been fully cranked for that effort - in his last 35 YR starts he has 21 wins and $667K,
and he surely doesn't need the lead to win - worth considering at the right price. (4) TATTOO ARTIST has
been prepping nicely for this year's series, and he sports a 15-7-4-2 local slate - hard to say if he'll be at his
best right off the bat, however. (5) FUNATTHEBEACH N can be a little unreliable at times but he's won 19
local starts over the past 3 years, including last year's Borgata Final - others seem more likely right now, but
he should never be taken lightly...especially at a big price. (8) THIS IS THE PLAN is closing in on $3M in
career earnings and his win in the Final 2 years ago was breathtaking - that being said, he has just one
qualifier and draws Post 8....and MAY be handled pretty conservatively this week. (2) IM SIR BLAKE A
raced well in this series last year but may not be at peak sharpness right now - good week to keep a close
eye on him. (6) AMERICAN DEALER N has been a bit disappointing lately - needs to be sharper.
RACE 7 - (4) SHARK PLAY has always been better in 25s than 30s but that could change now that he's
joining our leading barn - this is a pretty modest field and while likely offering little in terms of value, he
still has to be awarded top billing. (2) MACH DORO A banged out 10 wins here in 2021-22 and that qua.
suggests that he's ready to start his season off in good fashion - could be the main danger. (5) PICARD A
just missed 2 starts back and simply landed on a horrible trip last week - he's sharp for sure, but may be
pushing it just a bit at the $30K level - decent value horse for exotics. (6) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES has
been very consistent lately, hitting board in 4 of his last 6 - he exits a very hot barn, however, and also
draws pretty poorly for tonight...still ok to use underneath. (7) GOTHIC ROCK had been finishing poorly
for weeks before coming up with last week's terrific effort - if he can show up as sharp tonight, he'll have a
chance to grab a piece of this...even from out here. (8) MAJOR DESIRE was caught behind a tired one last
week then lacked the clearance to really show what he might have had - he's been good overall lately, but
hard to say how he'll fare up in 30s, from Post 8. (3) QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP missed a month then was
dull in his last pair - check the board for any hints that a wake up call might be coming here. (1) AINT HE
SPECIAL draws best, but just hasn't been sharp in a long time.
RACE 8 - (2) CELEBRITY HANNIBAL looked a bit cheap on paper shipping in (and drew Post 8, off 3
weeks) but he was joining our leading barn, and the public hammered him down to 3-1 - had little trouble
making the top, and came up 2nd best to the tripsitting RAUKAPUKA RULER N - drops right back in the
box, moves inside, and may be yet another short priced winner tonight for our leading trainer/driver combo.
(4) TIGER BARON has been holding his own vs. better most of this year, and drops another notch off a
sharp rallying 3rd last week - looks like the main danger, but his 1 for 21 record year (last 2 years) is just a
bit concerning. (1) IM A GIGOLO N came to life with a win dropping in class at PcD two back, then raced
well again (back up in class) when missing by a nose last week - draws best for his YR return, and should
be able to stick close from start to finish. (3) BELTANE N draws a lot of bad posts but the last 3X he drew
decently he picked up a pair of 2nds and a 4th- gets Gingras tonight, and may add some value to the exotics
(6) STATE SENATOR left to a pocket tuck when he broke 2 back, then was a good 3rd for a new barn last
week - Dunn drives tonight, and may help grab a piece of this. (5) BETTORBUCKLEUP will likely revert
to his off the pace tactics after failing on the lead at Fhd. last week - chance for 3rd/4th with a good trip. (8)
GINGRAS BEACH drops one notch but that may be offset by the draw - leaning towards others. (7) MY
CARBON COPY N draws poorly off a sick scratch - wait for a better spot.
RACE 9 - MGM Borgata Pace, Leg 1: It was hard to tell just how "good" (5) IDEALSOMEMAGIC A was
when he was just going to the top and crushing inferior fields week after week - he finally landed in the
Open for his last start, sat in the back but was able to charge home from 6th to 2nd in the lane behind a hot
1:51.2 mile from LEONIDAS A - he now adds Lasix as he tries his luck in this series...and we're willing to
give him a shot IF the price is juicy enough. (4) NANDOLO N had been super for weeks before landing in
a no-chance spot on 2/6 - was off almost 4 weeks to his last but still delivered a 1:49.4 victory across the
river...should be a major threat again tonight. (2) AMERICAN COURAGE should be ready to roll after
three sharp PcD qualifiers and his 11-8-0-1 Yonkers record is hard to ignore - very real chance to win right
off the bench here, but he may also end up a bit overbet. (6) HEMSWORTH N acted like a VERY good
horse when he went 3 for 3 vs. NW8 fields here this Fall - took 3 months off and returned in razor sharp
from at Pocono, including last week's win over Nicholas Beach - don't hesitate to include him in exotics if
the price is long enough. (7) COVERED BRIDGE has been hitting on all cylinders lately and has shown
that he CAN hang with the top ones with the right trip - may have trouble tonight because of the draw,
however. (3) SEMI TOUGH had been off his game for a few starts before a much better effort last week -
not sure he's good enough right now to threaten these, but his barn can never be taken lightly. (1) BURNH
AM BOY N disappointed here on 2/20 then was just am "ok" winner over softer the next week - not writing
him off just yet, but he does need to up his Yonkers game. (8) UNDERTHSOUTHRNSUN N seems really
up against it from this spot, against this type.
RACE 10 - Good race! (2) MONGOLIAN HERO N's only recent win came one level down but he finishes
with good pace pretty much every week, and the abundance of live players in here my create a somewhat
contested pace - he'll be a decent price, and maybe he can make his late rally pay off here. (1) OURRHYT
HMNBLUES N suddenly came to life in a big way with that 13-1 front end score 3 back - took his next as
well, then just missed by a nose in his last - drops in for a tag tonight, and remains a very dangerous player.
(3) CAPTIVATE HANOVER seems to go a big mile every start but has now won just 1 of 21 YR starts
over the last 2 years - make sure to get a fair price if using on top. (4) KEYSTONE DASH generally runs
hot or cold but has been good since returning from the layoff, finishing 2nd in 3 straight starts - legit chance
here if the trip goes his way (5) CHANGE STRIDE N has been good every start since moving to this small,
but very successful barn - he's another that would be no surprise at all tonight. (8) BRACKLEY BEACH is
feeling good again, but a lot would have to go his way to win from out here! (6) GINGER TREE PETE is
tough as nails but his best work really comes one level down, from a better post - just a tough spot here. (7)
MIKEY CAMDEN can still throw big miles...but generally not from spots like this.
RACE 11 - (7) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD has now taken 5 of his last 7 (he was totally wiped out early in
one loss, and broke on the lead in the other) - the terrible draw will help his price tonight, and as long as he
can just find a decent spot early on he doesn't mind racing from behind at all - we'll stay on board, and hope
our leading barn continues to have a good night! (5) TIN ROOF RAIDER A has come up 2nd best to the
top choice the last 2 starts, but does have a post edge over his main foe here - we'll see if it's enough to help
him reverse those decisions. (1) BALLERAT BOOMERANG wired 'em 2 and 3 back for our top trainer but
didn't have the same result cutting the mile for a new barn last week - lands with another new outfit for
tonight and a return to that top form could make him dangerous (and an easy trip wouldn't hurt either). (6)
FLOW WITH JOE capitalized on a class drop and contested pace to deliver last week's sharp victory -
moves back up now, and may be looking at a smaller slice. (8) THRASHER has been sharp so while last
week's win wasn't all that shocking, the 32-1 payoff definitely was - will need a lot to go his way to be as
successful from THIS spot, however. (2) LONG WEEKEND A was very sharp while rattling off 5 straight
2nds - threw a clunker 2 back, however, and was just "meh" last week - others just seem sharper right now.
Both (3) PRETTY HANDSOME and (4) DELIGHTFUL TERROR are capable of winning efforts but
neither has been on their best games lately, and both could use wake up calls at the moment.
RACE 12 - (3) BUDDY HILL drops down to the lowest level he's seen in some time and he also avoids the
bad posts that have plagued him in most of his recent starts - feels like a spot where he can call the shots,
and pick up a victory. (5) TWIN B HEART THROB has been sharp all year, already picking up two wins
and three 2nds from his 7 starts - he's generally stuck racing from the off the pace, however, and that could
put him at a disadvantage vs. the top choice. (4) ROCK CANDY has been sharper and more consistent
lately - barn has finally started to win some races, and this guy should be right in the hunt from start to
finish. (6) HEISMAN PLAYER was driven ultra-aggressively last week and Boyd was able to keep him
live to the end, scoring the 9-1 upset - he moves up a notch AND draws poorly tonight, and that may be
tough to overcome with three very live ones to his inside. (7) MACH N CHEESE was very well meant last
week and just missed winning up the cones - the tough draw will likely limit him to a smaller piece tonight,
though. (2) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH gave it a go on the front end last week but weakened in the lane to
5th - figures to be more conservative here, and may be able to tow along for a minor piece. (1) IMSTAYN
ALIVE has been away since December and lands in a tough spot for his return - just watching for now. (8)
MACHEASY A also returns from a layoff, and he gets stuck with Post 8 - we'll just observe, for now.