RACE 1 - (8) CAPTAIN HILL went a BIG mile in his local debut, and was just unlucky that the leader
was so stubborn when he took a big shot at him - he's proven that when he shows up sound he's a pretty
solid player (at this level), and is well worth a look (even from Post 8) at that 20-1 ML price. (6) TEXAS
TERR OR N has a couple of recent wins and the classy 13YO is quite comfortable at this level - he can
race on or off the pace, and is definitely one to consider in the opener. (7) LANAS DESIRE fails to show
up most weeks but when he's in the right mood, he does throw some pretty big efforts at this level - always
worth a shot at a big price. (1) NIHILATED TRUTH went a better effort last week after tailing off for a few
starts - figures to be right in the mix from the pole, and belongs in exotics...but will probably be too overbet
to offer any value on top. (2) GRAND PRIORITY was an odd claim (0 for 26 this year, 1 for 43 last 2 yrs.)
but was still sent off at an amazing 2-1 last week (because he was moving to the Dynamic Duo) - he came
to a complete stop heading to 3/4s, though, and it's hard to say if his barn can work enough magic in a week
to get him into contending mode for tonight...we shall see! (3) NOBLES FINESSE has just 1 3rd from 6
local starts this year but he has a shot at a small piece here with the right trip. (4) OFFICIAL DELIGHT
picked up his only win of the year 4 back but has been unable to replicate that effort since - maybe his new
barn will have better luck. (5) BEGINNERS LUCK is a total in and outer - came up terrible for a new barn
last time, and we'll stick with others, for now.
RACE 2 - Tough race: (1) WHAT CHAPTER is having his best year in some time (ever?) but is still a little
light in the Yonkers win column - he's in a good spot here (class drop and rail), and may be able to work out
a winning trip tonight. (6) LINDA LUCKY LINDY has been solid overall, but he's another that's been
unreliable as far as picking up WINS lately - he may benefit from some contested action in front of him,
and he did beat this class back on 8/13. (5) LEVITATION has always been a favorite in this corner and he's
finally living up to that potential (now that his owner/trainer has started using catch drivers more often) -
was sharp winning one level down last week, and may be able to step up and handle these too. (3) DRAZZ
MATAZZ chased #5 all around the track last while a clear 2nd best - no reason he can't grab a good piece
here too, despite the class jump. (4) FANATIC ships in from Ohio with solid form, and gets Zeron at the
lines for his YR debut - may be a little cheaper, but we'll learn more tonight. (2) FULL RIGHTS is still
trying to find his "A Game" since returning from the layoff - maybe tonight, but we'll keep using him
underneath only, for now. (8) RESITA went an improved try 2 back then built on it with last week's nice
victory - moves way up while drawing Post 8, however. (7) SUMATRA really needs an easier spot to have
any significant impact.
RACE 3 - (3) ER VEGAS is surely the most consistent of these, gets along very nicely with Hanners and is
probably headed right to the top tonight - seems like the one to beat in a pretty shaky basement claimer. (4)
PANTHEON HANOVER was handled way too aggressively last time, got involved in a hard battle then
tired from the final turn - eligible to race better tonight with an easier trip...and the price figures to be pretty
juicy. (7) COACH CAL just kept coming last week and was eventually able to roll by the leaders and pick
up the win - will have his work cut out for him from Post 7, but can still be a late threat if the others mix
things up a bit. (6) VILLAGE CHAMP has been away 3 weeks since the last claim (scr. sick) but he's more
accomplished than many of these, and may be able to do some damage if close to 100%. (2) TALENT
SOUP has had a horrible year (15-0-0-2), and now returns from yet another layoff - qualifier doesn't look
bad, though, so we'll see if he comes back better this time. (5) A TASTE OF HISTORY was caught battling
with #4 last time and tired from the final turn - chance for a piece here, but hard to back as the ML favorite!
(1) DLS BIG ELVIS will probably be handled aggressively from the rail by Bongiorno but his current form
doesn't suggest he'll be around at the end. (8) HAGGARD adds Lasix after tiring on the lead last week but
it's hard to make a case for him from all the way out here.
RACE 4 - (2) CARRACCI HANOVER has always liked to win races when sharp, and clearly he's been
feeling pretty good in 2021 (10 wins so far) - no reason he can't bring over that fine Monti form and handle
the locals too. (6) BETTOR CAT landed in a no-prayer spot off the claim and was still only beaten by 3
lengths - this is a much more realistic opportunity, and he should be able to leave hard here for a good spot
- definitely a live player. (1) MISTER HAT was trapped behind a stopper at 3/4s last week or would have
likely been 2nd, much closer to the winner - worth including somewhere on your tickets. (3) THEREISAP
ACEFORUS was stuck with Post 8 vs. 20s last week and just toured the oval - gets to drop and move inside
tonight, and looms a solid threat to land somewhere in the exotics. (7) DEVIL OR ANGEL has 2 wins in 5
starts since the recent barn change, but vs. cheaper - would have rated him higher up in his YR debut had
he not drawn so far outside (but may still be able to grab a piece). (5) WE THINK ALIKE was a surprising
claim 3 back, and just as surprising when RE-claimed the following week - does his better work with
cheaper, and likely looking at only a minor share tonight. (8) BUGGER BRUISER is a good $12.5 claimer
but moves up off the claim, and lands Post 8 with Cory - tough spot, (4) ELRAMA N would need a major
form reversal to be a threat here, even dropping in class.
RACE 5 - (5) BANK SEA generally does his best work vs. a bit cheaper but that last qualifier (with his
trainer on board) suggests that he just may be sharp enough right now to bang heads with a little better -
willing to give him a shot, assuming the price is solid. (3) MAJOR BUCKS was having trouble winning
races earlier in the year but comes into tonight with 2 wins in his last 4 starts - solid threat as he goes for his
4th barn in his last 5 starts. (4) MCNULTY Z TAM has been very sharp for weeks, even if vs. a bit cheaper
- debuts for a new barn tonight and if he's as good as he was for his last crew, he'll be right in the thick of
this. (1) BEVANS CULLEN N has been picking up smaller pieces in his 3 starts since the claim - he's
winless over the past 2 years (0 for 38), so use him underneath only. (2) KIMANI N is another that has
been camera shy this year (1 for 30) but his current form is solid, and a smaller piece is definitely within
reach. (8) EGOMANIA is 0 for 4 since the claim and if not for him "dragging down the barn", his trainer
would be hitting at 50%, rather than the 44% he's at right now - tough spot, but he's the only one actually
dropping in class, and he'll offer a rare opportunity to get a price with this amazing conditioner...worth a
stab? (6) PLAY THE FIELD pulled a full form reversal last week, scoring the 49-1 upset - you know what
they say about missing the wedding! (7) AMERICAN NITRO appears to be in this field just to avoid
having to qualify.
RACE 6 - (2) I GET THAT beat these 2 back and was in all kinds of stretch traffic last week - moves to a
barn that has started to do well with fresh horses again, and we'll give him the narrow edge tonight. (1)
RANSOM DEMAND is normally a 12.5-15 claimer but he was elevated to 20s and has been holding his
form nicely for weeks - just missed from a similar spot in his last, and has to be respected tonight. (3) ITSG
OODTOBEDAKING perked up with the drop to 15s with that victory 2 back, and seemed to build some
confidence as he dead-heated for the win in 20s last week - another very legitimate player in here. (7)
BRANDON HANOVER shipped in sharp and was right there on the wire despite coming from 7th at the
top of the lane - if he's anything close to that 15-1 ML price, don't hesitate to use him on your tickets. (4)
WESTERN REDHOT had a broken headpole last week but it's hard to say if that's why he raced so poorly -
was claimed that night by a very sharp barn, and could be dangerous here if he reverts to one of his better
efforts. (5) RUTHLESS DUDE has been right there in most of his recent starts but figures to have some
trouble with the speed to his inside - would still use him underneath in exotics. (6) BUSH MAN N was
taken by a partnership that has been thriving for months - he's also just 1 for 46 over the past 2 years, and
draws poorly tonight...prefer others. (8) ARCHANGEL THREE is having a tough year, and lands all the
way outside returning from Fhd. - wait for a better spot to consider.
RACE 7 - (8) MISSISSIPPI STORM probably figured he was home free after making an easy lead from
Post 8 last week but he could only watch the (scary) winner trot by him to the final turn, still holding safely
to 2nd - that rival isn't here tonight, but he may have a tougher trip (again from Post 8) this week - still
deserves top billing. (6) CHAMPAGNE ON ICE has developed into a legitimate Open performer for the
Super Siblings, and she does have enough tactical speed for a chance at an improved start -good one to
include on your tickets. (7) MELADYS MONET feels like he may be a bit off his game right now, and Post
7 isn't going to help his cause - mega-classy 12YO has bounced back too many times to not at least use him
here in exotics, though. (1) GREY went the mile of her life 3 back, somehow knocking off last week's Open
winner, Thankful No (who was 1/20 that night!) - still has to prove that she can actually hang with the open
horses on a weekly basis, but the rail draw at least gives her the opportunity for a close up trip - piece? (3)
TAD KRAZY HANOVER does her damage with a bit easier, but she has a good late kick and may be able
to use it to pick up a small piece here. (2) THE LAST CHAPTER is in need of a class drop, but instead is
forced to move UP to the Open - chance he can tow along for a minor piece. (5) ROCK OF CASHEL is a
steady player but really needs to be in a bit easier to be a serious threat. (4) MAGIC VACATION did grab a
2nd two back but in general, is a bit below these.
RACE 8 - (1) GONNAHAVEONEMORE has been caught in the back the last few weeks and unable to get
involved - the move inside should have him much closer to the action tonight, and that would give him a
chance in this very beatable field. (4) MR KELLY just didn't show up last week against better - if he can
bounce back to the form he showed in his first two local starts, he'll be a big threat against these. (5) BOLT
OF LUCK has been holding his own since jumping up to this level (after the claim), but so far unable to get
his picture taken - chance tonight if the trip goes his way. (7) CENTURY GRIZZLY raced well from an
impossible spot for his new barn last week, but gets no luck with the draw tonight - still a chance to pick up
a piece, even from out here. (3) MOXLEY jumps up from 12.5s to this 3/4YO $30K claimer but he's sharp
enough to at least hold his own - ok to use underneath, even though he loses Jordan here. (2) ROLL WITH
JR broke in his last start at Hoosier, then had no lick at all in his local debut - would prefer to see a better
effort before hopping on his bandwagon. (8) PATRIOT LINE used an easy, close up trip to pick up 3rd last
week, but will have a tougher time making a dent from out here. (6) CONFIDENCE MAN would look a lot
better in a soft NW2 division.
RACE 9 - (5) AFTER ALL PAUL was really in too tough in the Open, then had no prayer in last (and
knew $15K was dropping off his card after that race) - this is definitely a spot where we can look for a
much more serious effort from him...and that may be enough to beat these. (3) VOYAGE TO PARIS has
been good (in general) since arriving 4 starts back, and that includes a nice win over heavily favored
Swansea 2 back - should be able to be a player here. (1) A FANCY FACE is the logical favorite, as she won
from a very similar spot on 7/23 as the odds on choice - she only has one start in the last 6 weeks, however,
and may be a bit vulnerable at a short price here. (2) OUR WHITE KNIGHT crushed a cheaper field 2 back
then came up 2nd best to a currently (very) sharp Blue and Bold - definitely ok for a piece in here. (4)
HOMER HALL has lacked consistency for much of the year - can be a player here on his best game, but
would want a good price to consider him on top. (8) BARRY BLACK is usually a solid player against this
type but he gets his first bad post in ages and that may limit him this week.(7) BIZET pulled off the
amazing 126-1 shocker 3 back, but has been unable to replicate that effort - Post 7 will hinder his chances
again tonight. (6) BULLY BOY broke in his last then was scratched sick after that - good week to just
observe.
RACE 10 - Good race: (6) DELIGHTFUL TERROR has been sharp for a while, and doing good work
against what would seem to be better than these - he'll need some trip luck to get it done from out here, but
he's still a decent play at the right price (2) TERRITORY moves from facing older 40s to this age restricted
event - he's thrived against these in the past, and may perk up again tonight. (5) LL MYSTRO disappointed
last start but that was when his barn was mired in a slump - things have picked back up for them this week,
so perhaps this guy will perk up tonight. (7) LOUS SWEETREVENGE was on a nice little roll before
tailing a bit in his last couple - still a chance to rally for a piece if the trip works out. (1) BIG SIR came up
MUCH better last week to beat cheaper - not sure the move up is warranted, but he draws best and it's at
least possible that he can build off that mile and give these a tussle too. (3) KEYSTONE DASH has a
couple of recent wins but he seems the type that only really performs when things go his way - wouldn't be
willing to take a short price tonight. (8) MR DS ROCK moved from an ice cold barn to a top one, went
from 20-1 to 8/5 and came up with his first local win of the season - goes for another new barn tonight, but
the draw is what will probably hurt his chances. (4) SARANAC BLUE CHIP gave it a good try vs. the 30s
last week, but probably should have stayed at that level.
RACE 11 - (2) CHAPTIAMA is the lukewarm selection here - always takes $$ in the Open, is always right
in the hunt, but hasn't been able to grab any wins recently - faces softer tonight, gets Brennan to stick with
him, and maybe he can get his picture taken against these. (7) ALL CHAMPY has been away for a month
as he debuts tonight for new connections - he's won 5 of his last 7 with the only two losses coming in an
Amateur race (with his trainer on board), and when 2nd best to Madhatter Bluechip in a sharp 1:54 mile -
can do some damage here if his new crew has him ready to go. (5) NEXTROUNDSONME has been going
some ok miles vs. better, and has a chance to outperform his 20-1 ML price if he can land on a decent trip.
(1) GOTWUTEVERITTAKES is very sharp now, but he's been away for 4 weeks after winning his last in
NJ - hard to know how ready he'll be for tonight. (3) SWANSEA had no excuse to get beat here 2 back and
just isn't on his best game right now - inside draw does make him a threat to pick up a piece, though. (4) D
P ROCKET was one of several winners this crew has sent over from The Meadows recently - faces much
tougher now, and we'll see if she can elevate her game that much more. (6) WARRIOR ONE's fate will
probably hinge on the start - if he can leave hard and grab a good spot, he'll have a chance for a piece - not
sure he'll be able to do that, though. (8) EYE OF A TIGER AS will be coming from last...that didn't work
last week, and it probably won't work tonight.
RACE 12 - (1) MCERLEAN obviously is no longer the "Saturday night horse" we were used to seeing
here for many years, but the 12YO still can bang heads at the lower levels...and he returns from Chester off
a sharp win in his last - we'll go with him in the finale, even if just for old time's sake! (5) MISTER SPOT
A had some issue 2 back but bounced right back with a hard used 3rd in his last - figures to be headed right
for the top again, and he'll be a threat to take this. (7) ABRAXAS BLUES A wins more than his share of
races here at Yonkers, often at nice prices - Bartlett isn't afraid to send one from the outside, so don't be too
quick to leave this one out. (8) CONBOYVILLE is hard to gauge off his Canadian lines but he moves to a
very live barn, adds Lasix, and qualified nicely upstate - not a bad one to consider if looking for a "last race
escape"! (4) NOX VEGAS BLUECHIP is notoriously camera shy at YR but does grab pieces - ok to
consider underneath. (3) BURNING MIDNIGHT has enjoyed some success here in the past but his current
Monti form just looks "meh" - maybe a minor share? (6) CENTURY FURY has been sitting close trips and
not doing much with them - needs to be sharper. (2) MR MCDREAMY draws well, but seems to be on the
cheap side.