RACE 1 - Excelsior A- 3YO C&G: (3) SURREALIN was trapped behind a tiring leader for too long last
week (Batavia) and had no real chance to make up ground on the top pair in the stretch - he won 4 of 5
prior to that, with the lone loss being here at Yonkers, when he paced a final half in :55 seconds but was too
far back in a good NW4 field - clearly the one to knock off. (2) BACKSEAT JOKER has an impressive
15-3-6-5 career slate, the lone off-the-board finish being in the Saratoga slop - was 3rd in the Excelsior A
final last year, and should be able to grab a good piece of this. (6) HOPNROLL HEAVEN has been
inconsistent at 3 but was solid at 2, finishing 2nd in the Excelsior A Final, after winning a leg here at YR -
gets a big driver switch to Marohn for tonight, and he's not a bad one for longshot fans. (5) NO SCHMO
JOE hails from sharp connections, but may not be on his best game right now (no threat 2 back, broke in
last) - maybe a small piece. (1) SAUVIGNON BLUECHIP showed a ton of potential at 2 but his 3YO
season has been a disaster so far - hard to keep waiting for him to "turn it around". (4) MAJOR ACE seems
overmatched.
RACE 2 - NYSS- 3YO C&G: (1) MULLINAX has been sharpening nicely and comes into this off a nice
trip 2nd in TOWN GOSSIP's track record win at Batavia - he could be looking at a nice journey behind a
potentially vulnerable favorite, and he's worth considering as long as the price is decent. (2) AMERICAN
COURAGE has a resume that speaks for itself and if "right", would handle these with ease - his last start
does present some concerns, however, as he backed up badly after adding Lasix for that race (sometimes it
can take some dosage tinkering, while causing some issues along the way) - he'll still be the prohibitive
choice tonight, so maybe it's worth a small shot against him? (6) KING JAMES EXPRESS is another that's
clicking right now, coming into this off a pair of NYSS wins - he's the one who blew past a (shockingly) no
good AMERICAN COURAGE to win last year's NYSS Final...could history repeat itself? (5) HIDDEN
ASSASSIN arrived from the midwest with very promising lines to start his career but didn't function for his
new trainer in his NYSS debut at Stga. - looked good winning a pair of overnights after that, so we'll find
out tonight if he really fits with these...or not. (3) STOP STARING won a pair of (much) cheaper races here
in May, then beat a NYSS field at Buffalo - hasn't been quite as sharp since, but an easy trip could yield a
small piece. (4) BOTTLE ROCKET is still a maiden (0 for 13) but did hit board in 2 of his last 3 NYSS
tries - not an absurd bomb for the bottom of the ticket.
RACE 3 - NYSS- 3YO C&G: (3) TOWN GOSSIP took a while to find his best game this year but he's
hitting on all cylinders right now, and comes into this off 3 straight wins (2 NYSS), including last week's
track record at Batavia...and on top of that, his always-hot barn has been on an unconscious run here since
last Friday - the one to beat. (2) NATAMERI is another that's on his game now - big rally for 3rd in a NYSS
event was followed by a surprise 2nd in his Adios elim. (no chance spot in the Final) - deserves respect in
his current form. (4) SOUTHWIND PETYR was a winner in his only local start (NW4) - gave the top
choice all he could handle at Stga., and that last start at Btva. was a tougher trip than the line would suggest
- could be a player here. (5) ILL DRINK TO THAT is 9-3-4-1 this year, the only off the board finish being
when he was shuffled inside in the Messenger - has plenty of ability, but just doesn't always bring his
absolute best - legitimate chance, but sticking with others that drew inside of him. (6) MAJOR BEAN
picked up a 2nd and 3rd in his last 2 NYSS tries but the draw figures to hurt his chances tonight. (1)
SAMSON BLUE CHIP seems overmatched, even from the pole.
RACE 4 - (2) THISISHOWWEDOIT doesn't have the best looking recent lines but he was probably facing
a bit better upstate - he should be a decent fit here, draws inside his main rivals, and gets Marohn in the
bike - decent value play in a race with no standouts. (7) WAVE OF FIRE A got parked the mile vs. better
last week so just forgive that line - he was a WINNER at this level the week before, so that 15-1 ML seems
somewhat off...definitely a chance with these. (8) VILLAGE CHAMP made a long move last week, put
away the leader and drew off as he pleased - not overly concerned about tonight's barn change, but the
chance for a tough trip IS an issue - playable as long as the price is fair. (1) YS SUNSHINE certainly came
to life in some recent Monti starts - hard to say if he can replicate that form here at Yonkers, but can't blame
anybody looking to take a shot with him. (5) GYPSY LEATHER gave it a good try last week, coming up
2nd best to the trip sitting dropdown winner - might have been the top choice tonight had he not been
claimed in his last. (6) WE THINK ALIKE was just "ok" for 3rd last week upon arrival from Chester - will
probably be looking at only a smaller piece tonight too. (3) PINE BUSH ROCKET seems significantly over
matched. (4) SLUGGEM N is barely functioning right now - waiting for better signs.
RACE 5 - Tough race: (4) BUGGER BRUISER has been on an extended form spree in NJ and PA, racing
well virtually every start, for several trainers - he's moving up a bit in class, but his sharp form should make
up for that...and he's no stranger to the Yonkers winner's circle - gets a narrow nod in a race with several
live players. (6) BEGINNERS LUCK drops down to the level of the claim and he was victorious that night
- he's held his own several times vs. better, and definitely can be a threat with a live trip. (7) MILITARY
MASTER A moves up in class while drawing outside but the fact that he win his last off a sick scratch
suggests that he's pretty good right now - good one for the longshot fans. (5) ELECTRIC WESTERN beat
this class off the claim 2 back, DROPPED down in class and won again last week, and now bumps back up
to 15s - obviously a legit threat to take another, but there's better value with some other sharp horses. (2)
MCNULTY Z TAM wasn't bad in his only YR try (no chance 8 hole) and returns off a win across the river
- no reason he can't be a player here with the right trip. (3) RANSOM DEMAND was loaded in traffic 2
back then finished 3rd in his last - definitely ok for a piece. (1) PANTHEON HANOVER is being picked
low down here but that doesn't mean that he doesn't have a chance to land a share with a good trip - just a
lot of live horses in here. (8) ROCKABILLY CHARM is the outsider - literally and figuratively.
RACE 6 - Another tough one! (6) IN FORCE is hard to get a good read on based on his out of town tries
but he does show three recent wins, and does have back class - that 12-1 ML price looks tempting in what
feels like a wide open race. (7) FURIOUS BEACH was very good in his first try off the claim, and could
have been closer had he not ended up behind weak cover - hard to say if he's a good fit vs. 20s, but he'd be
worth a look at a good price. (1) PEMBROKE JOEY (new trainer listed) didn't fire at all off the claim last
week but he's been 1st/2nd in half of his 16 starts this year, and can be a big threat if the "good" version
shows up. (2) MASTERSON may prefer to be in a bit cheaper but he gets major post relief and that could
be enough to at least land him in the mix. (8) SHOREVIEW landed on a miracle trip last week and kicked
home strong to grab the win - he does have the speed to blast from out here, but that may leave him a bit
short at the end of the mile - willing to include underneath. (5) I GET THAT was neither good nor bad in a
no chance spot last week - races for new connections tonight, and we'll see if he improves enough to be a
player. (3) KINGSTONS BAD BOY disappointed in his last 3 starts and now drops below the level of the
claim - not sure if it's going to matter! (4) IDEAL SON was no factor at all off the barn change in last, and
now gets ANOTHER barn change while also moving up in class - prefer others.
RACE 7 - (6) MISSISSIPPI STORM is a solid Open trotter when on his game, and a month off after that
miscue here on 6/18 seems to have gotten him back on track - it was a big help to win the 6-8 draw, and
that'll help Brennan find him an easier trip...should be able to beat these, unless #3 somehow improves even
more. (3) SECRET BRO came in to his last start at 0 for 21 on the year but came out of the race with an
open length victory....while lowering his lifetime mark by 2 full seconds...in his 94th career start! These
types of massive improvement have almost become expected from the "Dynamic Duo"....can they get him
even better this week, giving him a shot to beat this classy bunch? (7) EYE OF A TIGER AS is no longer
making breaks on a regular basis and is closer to the fine form he exhibited here in his outstanding 2019
season - will need some trip luck to find a way to get close from Post 7, however. (1) BARRY BLACK
likes things a level or two below this, but the inside draw should allow him to sit reasonably close, with a
chance at a minor award. (5) NEW HEAVEN was a winner 2 back and raced super again in last, taking a
tough beat at the wire to a rival that seemed to sprout winds from the top of the lane - he's in a tough spot
here, but sharp enough to grab a small piece. (2) SPOILED PRINCESS raced conservatively from Post 8
last week and really wasn't bad - obviously the post relief will help, but she's also a bit unproven against
this type - we'll learn more tonight. (4) BULLY BOY is having an excellent year and is sharp right now -
this class MAY be a little out of his comfort zone, though. (8) HILL OF A HORSE shouldn't have had to
draw for 6-8 and to make matters worse, ends up on the extreme outside - maybe can rally for a small check
at the end?
RACE 8 - (5) TERRITORY wasn't involved at all in his first 2 local starts - was claimed from the 2nd start
and was just a different horse last week, delivering a powerful "brush and crush" victory for his new
connections - wouldn't bet the rent money on him, but he's certainly the one to beat. (1) SAILBOAT
HANOVER behaved himself last week and picked up a 3rd - let's see if he can build off that effort and be
even closer tonight. (2) REPEAL AND REPLACE was used early in his last then cleared a shuffle and
rallied back for 2nd (to the top choice) - if he can replicate that effort. he'll be a player tonight as well. (6)
BOURBONS COURAGE has really elevated his game since the purchase 4 starts back, although he was a
little disappointing in his last - not a bad one to include underneath. (4) GONNAHAVEONEMORE beat an
easier bunch at Chester 3 back but may struggle with these in his current form - needs to be a bit sharper.
(7) FOLLOWYOURHEART shipped in with promising form to a high % barn but just hasn't clicked so far
at Yonkers - waiting for better signs before considering. (3) RIFLEMAN was able to pick up a 4th in his
local debut but just not sure yet if he's a good fit with these right now. (8) MR DS ROCK draws Post 8 for
an ice cold barn.
RACE 9 - (3) EVS GIRL has been racing pretty well even at this higher level and gets a big barn and
driver change for tonight - this is a pretty soft NW15000 division so we'll give her a try. (1) KINDA
LUCKY LIN DY is racing well, but his "best" version would be getting wins lately, rather than 2nds and
3rds - hard to leave him off the ticket from this spot, but also hard to keep using him on top at short prices.
(6) JUST MAYBE THE ONE gave it a big try in his local debut, coming up a neck shy to a mare that raced
out of her mind to win her next start too - he should be a decent price here, and is worth including on your
ticket. (8) DRAZZMATAZZ is feeling good right now, and has the speed to at least improve significantly at
the start - at 20-1 ML, he's a good one to include in exotics. (2) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL was loaded with trot
2 back when she ran over a wheel and broke - made up for it with last week's sharp victory, and has a
chance to pick up a good piece here too, despite the class bump. (4) MAGIC VACATION shows a couple
of nice recent wins at PcD, mixed in with some lesser efforts - may be a little cheap, but we'll see how his
PA form fits with the locals. (5) ZAGSTER is harp right now but possibly a little too cheap - leaning
towards others. (7) SHOWMEYOURGUNS was a solid 3rd last week, on the heels of the hard to explain
"style reversing" win the week before - figures to have trouble getting involved from this spot, though.
RACE 10 - Good race: (2) SANTAFES COACH has been facing better, and from a lot of tough spots - gets
both post and class relief here, and may also get a contested pace in front of him - could be the one to pick
'em up late. (4) ELWELL came up with a big mile in May to win off a long layoff but then failed to
replicate it - that last mile at PcD may have lit a fire under him, and perhaps we'll see him sharper coming
back to YR - not a fan of that 9/5 ML price, though. (5) MOHAWK WARRIOR takes a drop that would
usually make him an instant threat, but it's hard to say if he's sharp enough right now to take advantage - a
check of the toteboard might help. (3) MCCLINCHIE N can go with these with the right trip - if he's a big
price, include him underneath. (1) AMERICAN BOY N moves to a new barn and a change of scenery may
do him good - he just seems to NOT like racing at Yonkers lately, so we'll probably just watch him this
start. (6) WAGON MASTER was a bit of a surprise claim last week - catches a solid field for his new barn,
and also draws a tough post - maybe a small piece? (8) SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN drops and is in pretty
good form - Post 8 may leave him waiting for a better spot, though. (7) ST LADS NEPTUNE is the
outsider, especially since he fits cheaper.
RACE 11 - (4) NO MAS DRAMA had a little rough patch at the end of her 3YO season but has really
thrived as a 4YO - her last 3 starts here have produced a win and two 2nds, and this bunch should be right
in her wheelhouse - the one to beat. (3) WHAT CHAPTER made a costly break two back but that mile is
sandwiched between a front end score, and last week's fast closing 3rd - definitely in career form right now.
(1) AFTER ALL PAUL was unable to get involved from the back into a fast final half last week but he'll be
looking at a much easier trip from this spot - definitely could pick up a board spot tonight. (5) SMALLTO
WNTHROWDOWN seems off his game right now but his barn has been too good this year to dismiss
anything they put on the track - maybe can grab a piece? (7) MISS MCKEE picked up a win 3 back vs. a
bit easier - tough spot tonight, but maybe can still beat a few of these. (2) LIMERENCE could really use
some class relief but at least he draws inside - will hope to save ground and take home a minor piece. (6)
MUFASAAS does his best work vs. considerably cheaper - hard to see him threatening this week. (8)
HIGH GEAR NO FEAR has done some excellent work since arriving recently from Canada, but vs. much
easier - has his work cut out from him up in class, and all the way outside.
RACE 12 - (1) ABERDEEN HANOVER was full of pace in the back last week after a good qualifier -
moves all the way inside, and should have a good chance in the finale. (3) TEXICAN N picked up a 2nd at
a BIG price the last time he raced here at this level - deja vu? (6) BIG BAD BILL was ok from a no chance
spot with a new trainer listed last week - another good bomb to include in exotics. (7) BETTING EXCHAN
GE gets a meaningful class drop but no luck with the draw - Buter has to take a shot to go forward at the
start here if he hopes to have any chance at being a contender. (4) VASARI N fits with this bunch but has
missed time after a sick scratch - hard to say if he'll be 100% tonight. (2) ZACH MAGUIRE N has been
grabbing smaller pieces most weeks - chance for more of the same tonight. (5) KIMANI N wasn't sharp in
his starts here earlier this year and returns from Plainridge not looking much better - pass for now. (8)
MARCO BEACH drops, but lands Post 8 and hasn't shown any good sign in some time.