RACE 1 - (5) HELLRUNNER HANOVER added Lasix last week and held very nicely for 3rd after a long uncovered move - she draws inside a few other live players, figures to be a fair price, and is worth a play in tonight's (competitive) opener. (2) DARK MIRAGE went a decent 8 hole try last week and has gone some decent efforts throughout the year - may end up with a nice trip, and the value will definitely be there. (8) NUTTINBUTHEBEST was ambitiously placed to start her career this spring and wasn't ready for that - took a few months off and came back super, winning her last 3 at Pocono - would probably have been the top choice with a better draw, but too much could go wrong from out here to endorse her at a short price. (7) ALMOST KAREN had strong seasons at 2 and 3 at the Iowa fairs, and has a 3rd and a win since shipping east - should fit nicely here, but Post 7 is an issue. (6) MARCED DEBUTANTE also did work in Iowa, but came to a complete stop in her local debut - qualified back ok, but does seem a bit iffy for tonight (3) IDEAL CHIP was probably sharper back in August - needs to have more pop at the end if she hopes to do any serious damage here. (4) MOZILLA stopped after brushing to the lead 2 back, then flattened after reaching contention in last - still trying to put it all together for a whole mile. (1) TWEETER HANOVER moves to a new barn but she's off a bad date, and her recent Canadian form is less than inspiring.
RACE 2 - (4) FIJI spent most of the summer competing in Amateur races and while he didn't get a lot of wins, he did race well most weeks - been freshened up, gets an catch driver for tonight and that 12-1 ML price does look appealing in this pretty shaky field. (5) MUSCLE STAR trailed all the way shipping in from The Meadows but that was from Post 8 - gets post relief along with a barn change, and that may lead to a much better effort tonight. (3) WATKINS is getting closer to mandatory retirement but the 4YO was a winner 3 back (at PcD), and raced ok in his last couple - not impossible against these. (6) P C FOREIGN AFFAIR has raced well here a few times in the past, even after making early breaks - he's been camera shy his whole life, however, so make sure to get a good price if using on top. (1) WHETHER OR NOT FI did manage to stay trotting in his last pair but he was far from stellar either week - has a chance here against these, but he's guaranteed to be overbet and has to be considered vulnerable. (7) BIG MONEY HONEY wasn't bad in either of his last 2, but he'd be a lot more appealing had he drawn inside - couldn't blame anybody for using him if the price is long enough. (2) BINGO QUEEN just hasn't been clicking in ages, and will need a major wake up call to get her picture taken tonight. (8) ZAGSTER hasn't been able to come to life even with a series of class drops - Post 8 won't help his cause tonight.
RACE 3 - (4) ITSGOODTOBEDAKING steps up to 25s but he's earned it with 3 straight wins - barn has been very sharp lately, so we'll stick with this guy as he looks to make it 4 in a row. (7) JIMS PERFECT TEN wasn't bad in his last 2 (from too far back) and now moves to a owner/trainer/trainer combination that has been doing outstanding work for months - may be more aggressive now, and that could put him in the hunt tonight. (1) THISJETSABOOKIN responded with a better effort last week after dropping to this level - very logical threat from this spot, but he's just 1 for 28 here (last 2 years) and hard to back at what figures to be a short price. (3) ALLGONOWHOA has climbed the class ladder thanks to a series of sharp efforts - saw his bid stall when raised up to 25s last week, but could be a bigger threat tonight with a little easier trip. (2) SHOREVIEW had pace in traffic last week but it was a slow final quarter and others did too - hasn't been able to beat the 20s lately, so hard to use for more than a piece vs. the 25s. (5) WAVES OF FIRE A actually held his own at this level last week - still think he needs to be in cheaper, but willing to use for a small piece off that last effort. (8) LIFEWITHJOHN was just ok off the pocket trip in last and now gets stuck with Post 8 after being claimed - hard to see him reaching from out here. (6) WHATA TREASURE looks like he needs to be in easier in order to be a player.
RACE 4 - Tough race: (2) JOJOS PLACE was clear too late 2 back (but finishing with good pace) then rallied very nicely for 3rd from a tough spot in last - current connections have him on his game right now, and he's due for a good trip - one of many possible winners in here. (3) KEYSTONE STEAM was just starting to reel in the leader when he made a costly break on the final turn last week - he's strong at the end of every mile, and can be a big threat here...assuming he has no mishaps tonight. (7) FOX VALLEY INFE RNO steps up sharp off the claim, and can definitely leave well enough to make a trip for himself even from out here - if Kakaley handles him aggressively, he has a chance to be in the thick of this. (4) KASEY JOHN A was no good for a few starts but really came back to life off the claim last week - goes to another new barn tonight, and can be a threat if that good form from last week holds up. (5) RECORD YEAR is back on his better game right now, but may be at the mercy of his trip tonight - playable at a decent price, but use caution if he ends up overbet. (8) HASH TAG SWAG finally got his first win in 11 tries for the Dynamic Duo last week and was promptly claimed - will have his work cut out for him tonight as he goes for a new barn, from the worst post, back up in class. (1) UNICO LEGEND N has hit the wire in 3rd in 4 straight starts, unable to find the late pop for a better finish - playable for 3rd/4th, but sticking with others for the bigger prizes. (6) MY MIND IS MADEUP is good for a late rally at times but he really would appreciate being in cheaper - he's also very camera shy here at The Hilltop!
RACE 5 - (3) YANKEES BEAST responded to the barn change last week to win easily at The Meadows - crafty connections send him to their local trainer, and this has been a very hot team over here lately...could have another ship in winner tonight. (8) SHOWMEYOURGUNS has been on a bit of an upswing in his last couple and Bongiorno HAS blasted him from the outside in the past - not a bad week to include him on your tickets. (6) CHIEF JUSTICE has been finishing with trot the past few weeks - not a great spot, but the price should be fair and he's worth considering. (5) MIGHTY SURF seems good enough right now to at least have a say in here, but her local win % has been pretty weak over the past few years - would consider using underneath only. (4) LINCOLN TUNNEL threw a mile at Fhd. that he was unable to come up with in his 3 local tries - total guess as to whether he'll be able to replicate it back here at YR. (1) MAKING SPAR KS has rallied a few times for smaller pieces, and that's a possibility for tonight, as well. (2) TORREY PINES did pick up a win here last year and was 2nd in his last at Stga. - does seem a little cheap, but we'll see if his new team can elevate his game a bit. (7) THANKS FOR LEAVING looked terrible scoring down last week and raced even worse - waiting for better signs before considering.
RACE 6 - (5) OZONE BLUE CHIP moves down to 30s and that should be to his liking - if he can land on a good trip here, he may be able to come up with a "drop and pop" victory. (1) CLASSIC PRO is usually good on the front end and last week was no exception, coming up 2nd best to the trip sitting ROCK N TONY - always a chance he can take them coast to coast tonight. (3) ROCK N TONY was handled aggressively last week and parlayed that into a pocket victory (over #1) - chance he could repeat, but he'll have to do it for a new barn on the scene. (2) SPORTSKEEPER hasn't fired in his last 3 starts but that doesn't mean he won't come up with a good one tonight - lands in a good spot IF he can rebound to his best form. (7) AWESOMENESS is pretty good right now but will likely be coming from well out of it - if things get testy up front, his chances for a piece go up considerably. (6) TIME OUT IM TIRED perked up in a big way in that win 2 back but may need to be in a bit easier to replicate that performance. (4) HEREIT TIZ moves in from Post 8 and that will at least give him a chance to pick up a share - we'll learn more about him tonight. (8) ROCK THE NITE is struggling to finish his miles - starting from Post 8 won't help.
RACE 7 - (6) VIOLETS RAINBOW is 2 for 2 since arriving at Yonkers but that's really no surprise, as she's now being conditioned by a young trainer that's winning over 40% of his races against the outstanding local training colony - faces some legitimate competition here, but we'll stick with her once more. (5) TEN THOUSAND ANGELS has been doing some very good work of her own...ever since she moved to a barn that wins at an outstanding rate as well - may be able to give the top one a tussle here. (1) TIAMOGONED ANCEN raced mostly at the PA Fairs and won an outstanding 20 races over the past 2 years - moves now to one of the best barns in the game, draws the rail with Brennan, and we'll see if she can hang with the top pair. (4) HEAVENISSOFARAWAY only made 9 starts this year (Ohio and KY) but showed ability several times - lands in a tough spot for her local debut but may be able to make at least a little bit of noise tonight. (7) ANDRA DAY moves to a new barn after having some success up in Canada for a top outfit - draws outside, and this may be a good week to just keep an eye on here....for future consideration. (2) SUNRISE HANOVER draws well but does seem on the cheaper side - sticking with others. (3) DOUBLEOFFTHEW ALL also seems a little cheaper - minor share at best. (8) RIGGINSWIND draws all the way outside for her new connections, and figures to have a hard time ever getting close to contention.
RACE 8 - (6) SHEKNOWSITALL was a winner in the OBC Final (at Delaware, OH) after the barn change - came up 2nd best to VIOLETS RAINBOW twice after arriving here but avoids that rival this week...and that should help her pick up her first local victory. (5) LINE EM UP has been racing well for several starts and earned that last victory - may be able to grab another good piece tonight too. (4) BRUSH N CRUSH finished 3rd last week when the top choice was 2nd - overall form is solid, and a good trip could land her another good chunk. (8) DASHINTOTHEBEACH N came up a bit short in both tries since arriving from NZ but we still think she's capable of better - tough spot tonight, but the price will be juicy this time for anybody looking to give her another shot. (1) KEYSTONE DELIGHT beat cheaper 2 back then was a decent 4th last week, right behind #6 and #4 - rail gives her a chance to land somewhere in the exotics. (3) CINCO SENORITA is unproven at this level but was an ok 5th in her first try last week - jury still out on this one. (2) EARLYBIRD SPECIAL landed on "crazy" trips the last 2 weeks but was a close 2nd and then a winner- faces much tougher here, and may have a hard time having the same success. (7) SEA OF LOVE BC will need a lot to go her way to get into the mix from this spot.
RACE 9 - (5) HALO ITS ME had trouble functioning when she first shipped down from Canada but has gradually become a pretty consistent performer - solid 2nd to the streaking Blue N Bold last week, and this is probably a spot where Stratton can drive her more aggressively - gets the nod tonight. (2) ON HIGHER GROUND raced much better than expected from Post 7 last week, and now moves inside to Post 2 - won here back in August, and a repeat of last week's effort can put him in the hunt tonight. (6) HOMER HALL can be tough to predict from week to week but IF his "good" version shows up here, he can have a big say in the outcome. (1) KANDY SWEET throws her share of solid efforts but she's been off since 9/3, and it's hard to know how tight she'll be for tonight...perhaps the tote board will offer clues? (7) D P ROCKET shipped in from PA and won her first local start from Post 7 - just backed up through the field in last but she's back in the box quickly so it must have been a somewhat minor issue - definitely playable in exotics. (3) TAKE A WISH is racing well right now, but may be on the cheaper side - has enjoyed some success here in the past, so not bad a bomb for the bottom of tris and supers. (4) INNISFALLEN just seems to do better work at other tracks - needs to boost his YR form to be a player with these. (8) IN MY DREAMS has been pretty solid lately, but may have trouble negotiating tonight's very tough spot.
RACE 10 - (6) THEBEACHISCALLING has been chasing top fillies at 2 and 3, picking up $368K along the way (so far) - she drops off a cliff to face these, and it would be hard to make a case against her. (3) SOCIETY JILL has been much better in recent races, moves back inside, and perhaps can add some value to the exotics. (2) AERIAL VIEW went a strong mile when 2nd in her local debut - faces better here, but still very capable of picking up a piece. (1) PARTY QUEEN came back to life last week, even if helped tremendously by the ground saving trip - will be completing very short exacta if able to come up 2nd best to #6. (5) CATIE FAYE HANOVER disappointed last time after several good tries prior to that - we'll see if she can rebound. (8) OK LETS ROCKNROLL wasn't bad last week, but this is a brutal spot - ok bomb for 3rd/4th if spreading a bit . (7) EYES DONT LIE won 3 straight NW2 races but then was scratched sick, and on the shelf for 2 months - no factor in her return last week, and draws another bad post tonight. (4) HURRIKANEMYSHANNON continues to struggle.
RACE 11 - (4) OUTBURST hasn't raced here in several years but had success "back in the day" - 10YO returns with $860K in the bank, and his current Ohio form suggests he'll be a good fit with the locals - we'll hop on board. (5) RESITA was well backed in that solid win 2 back - stuck with Post 8 vs. better in last but the class relief (and better post) tonight could see him become a serious player again. (6) MY BOY CHRIS TIAN took a good amount of $$ last week from Post 7, left the gate (surprisingly) and came up 2nd best - no reason he can't be a player again tonight, (8) CAVILL HANOVER was a solid 3rd upon arrival from Scioto, then a sharp winner in last - steps up in class and could probably handle it...if he hadn't drawn all the way outside - maybe he can pick up a small piece? (1) BROWNIE is a major "in and outer" - if he's in the right mood tonight, a decent piece could be in his future. (3) LADY EAGLE found a soft basement field 2 back and was able to wire them from Post 8 - may need to get back in with easier before we see a similar effort from her. (7) FASHION FOREVER isn't bad right now, but likely to be racing from well back after trying the front end last week (and tiring in the stretch). (2) MISS YOU KELLY will get a look when she's back down in a softer class.
RACE 12 - (5) CONBOYVILLE had Post 8 off a bad date last week but the Canadian shipper took plenty of $$ (new barn, first time Lasix) and was an excellent 3rd, despite a very tough trip - the one to beat tonight. (6) BENHOPE RULZ N was off form for a couple of starts but took 3 weeks off and raced much better in last - legit threat here. (1) LITTLEBITASWAGGER was a close 3rd last start racing off a month, for a new barn - eligible to be even sharper the 2nd time around. (2) CENTURY GRIZZLY made up a lot of ground when 4th in his local debut, then was completely wiped out in last - good draw, and definitely one to use in exotics. (8) ABRAXAS BLUES A wasn't bad in last, and wins his share of races here - gets stuck with another horrible post, however, and will likely have to wait for a better spot before contending for a top prize. (3) ARCHANGEL THREE is having a tough year, but the post relief he's getting here may at least give him a chance to take home a minor share. (4) VERGEOFGREATNESS N ships in from The Meadows and just seems a little cheap - new trainer on the block is racing a couple of others earlier tonight - maybe take a look if they showed major improvement? (7) HOW ARE YEE JOHNNY seems overmatched, especially from Post 7.