RACE 1 – (1) COLD CREEK FELIPE came up with a good one last week, sitting the pocket to ON THE VIRG
(virtually unbeatable in 15s) and coming up just a head shy – might be able to take these coast to coast. (2) URIEL
BLUE CHIP was forced to pop out of the pocket after KERFORD ROAD A crawled to the half in 1:00.1 last week,
battled hard for more than 3/8ths of a mile and just couldn’t get by – he’s racing well since the recent barn change,
and would have a real chance here with the right trip. (4) QUICK SNAP raced ok in his 3 previous local starts and
was able to take advantage of a perfect trip last week to pick up his first local win – chance to repeat, but wouldn’t
want to take a short price here. (6) GINGER TREE PETE was sent off at 2-1 last week but was driven like a 30-1
shot and never in play at all – Nap bails to drive #2, so we’ll see if maybe he’s just no good right now...OR, if
Bartlett can be more aggressive and give him a chance. (7) THE WILL TO PLAY used a quick start to grab 3rd at
42-1 last week but may have trouble working out as good a trip tonight. (8) KERFORD ROAD A was well backed
in his 2nd start off the long layoff and was able to prevail, helped tremendously by stealing the half in 1:00.1 –
wouldn’t count him out here, but would need a pretty big price to consider on top. (3) FOREVER FAV has been no
threat at YR for a long time so it was pretty shocking to see him ALMOST wire the field at 50-1 last week – we’ll
find out if it was just a fluke, or if he’s ready to go on a little form spree. (5) DEEDENUTO A is 12-0-0-1 locally–
prefer others.
RACE 2 – (3) SHADOW IN RED figured to be sent off as the odds-on choice last week (very sharp, from the rail,
for our leading trainer) but he surprisingly didn’t attract that tote action, ended up getting away 5th from the pole,
then never pulled at all – hard to say what happened there but Bartlett’s back tonight, and we’ll look for a much
better effort. (2) RECORD YEAR was sharper than he looked last week (off the claim), finishing well from an
impossible spot – his best effort makes him a threat in here. (4) MIGHTY SANTANA N flopped trying to cut the
mile last week but reliably picks up pieces with easy trips– always playable underneath (1) MEMPHISTENNESSEE
N hasn’t been good at all in his last few but he drops down to 20s, and draws the pole – we’ll see if that helps him
find a better effort. (6) WAR DAN DELIGHT N may have been 30-1 last week but he did take some $$ in exotics,
and his aggressive try led to a solid 2nd place finish – he could be on the upswing, but the poor draw could hurt his
chances tonight. (7) ON THE VIRG has won his last FIVE starts vs. the 15s...but he failed to get a check in 2 starts
vs. the 20s...tonight’s draw won’t help his cause. (5) VESPA N failed to perk up at all with last week’s class drop –
waiting for better signs. (8) PRETTY HANDSOME drops from 25s but draws Post 8 and has been struggling.
RACE 3 – (2) BETTORBUCKLEUP looked just “ok” coming into his last start but he was shockingly hammered
down to favoritism at the windows, and delivered a very powerful “brush and crush” performance (and easily the
fastest mile of the night) – his connections give him a huge vote of confidence by double jumping him to 30s here –
maybe we should too? (5) MUSIC HALL is very good right now and the move from age-restricted 30s to the
“regular” 30s really shouldn’t slow him down – seeks his 3rd in a row, and a legitimate threat to get it. (3) TWIG
drops back in for a tag after holding 2nd nicely behind COVERED BRIDGE last week – he’s always a threat in this
class whenever he brings his “A game”. (7) IM A POWERPLAY A gets a tough draw for another new barn but does
have the speed to at least improve at the start – a good price makes him worth a look. (8) THEFLYINGROCK has
been a bit camera shy and drawing Post 8 isn’t the solution – still playable for a small piece. (4) DIAMONDBEACH
throws some miles that could make him a threat here but not all that often – insist on a big price if trying him on top.
(1) HOPNROLL HEAVEN wasn’t bad in his first start of the year but did regress last week – too many solid ones in
here to look his way. (6) MOONLIGHT SHADOW moves back up to 30s after backing up badly in 25s last week.
RACE 4 – (4) DELIGHTFUL TERROR has been very consistent lately, should get an easier trip than last week and
we’ll give him a shot tonight, as he figures to be a better price than his main rival. (1) SHAKE IT was sneaky good 4
back before taking his next pair – he wasn’t nearly as good (off the claim) last week, but that was vs. 20 – drops
back to 15s, draws the pole, and his best effort would make him very dangerous. (6) BIG SIR’s only good recent try
was with Bartlett and the two are paired up again for tonight – worth a look if the price is good enough. (2) VALEN
TINO OF LEDA isn’t the greatest finisher but he’s looking at an up close trip and that may be enough for him to last
for a piece. (5) KNOCKIN OUT doesn’t have a very good local record but he did have some life finishing last week
– maybe he can rally for 3rd/4th? (7) MIKEY CAMDEN came up big for 2nd at 35-1 two back but then squandered a
very good trip last week – tough spot, even if he rebounds with a better effort. (3) Y S BETTORS LEGACY hasn’t
finished better than 7th in his last 5 starts – sticking with others. (8) PINEBUSHDRAGONLIFE is 8-0-0-0 at YR and
starts from Post 8.
RACE 5 – (5) QUEEN OF AMERICA S has certainly impressed since arriving in the U.S., looking sharp in
winning her qualifier then taking both of her NJ starts as well – normally the time off would be a concern, but this is
a barn that rarely sends one out that isn’t ready to roll. (3) NOTTINGHAM has looked good so far in 2025, winning
2 back while also racing well from tough spots in 2 other starts – gets a good draw, and may have a big say here. (2)
DRAW THE LINE appeared a bit short in her seasonal debut but she’s capable of much better – wouldn’t be
surprised to see a much more competitive effort tonight. (7) GREEN PASTURES was a very easy winner as the
favorite 2 back, but made a break (at 1/5!) in his last – much better price tonight for anybody wanting to stay on his
team! (8) SAPPHIRERAINSTAR put together an excellent 3YO campaign, going 17-7-4-3 ($78K) and doing all
kinds of damage in PA the last few months of the year – seems like there’s plenty of ability here, but how serious
will she be tonight, after missing 2 months and drawing Post 8. (6) LUCKY MUM N has certainly loved her time at
Yonkers, compiling a 9-6-2-1 record so far – she’s never all that “flashy”, though, and could be looking at a tougher
trip than she’s used to tonight. (1) ENERGY KING draws the pole and should enjoy a pretty easy, up close trip – not
sure he can trot with some of these at the end, though. (4) VELOCIRAPTOR broke last week, and is still a question
mark at this level.
RACE 6 – (2) THE THING IS just missed 2 back and though the line may not show it, was actually trotting fastest
of all at the wire last week – he catches a very beatable bunch tonight and while he would look like a standout with a
catch driver, there’s a good chance he can still mow ‘em down with Karna. (6) MUSICAL RIDE was a winner here
last year and so far has a pair of 2nds and pair of 3rds from his 4 starts in 2025 – belongs in exotics, even with the
bad draw. (4) KORIANDER SISU S beat a softer bunch as the 3/5 favorite last time but wasn’t overly impressive –
he’s missed 3 weeks since then, and has just that one start in almost 8 weeks – could be a bit vulnerable here. (1) SH
IV was 2 for 2 here last year but broke in her only 2025 local try and her overall recent form is a bit iffy – mixed
feelings about her chances tonight. (3) HIPPIE SHAKE finally broke his maiden last week but in a weak field, and
with a very slow mile – maybe some minor spoils? (7) HONOLULU finished with some trot last week in an
encouraging mile – would have rated her a bit higher if not for the terrible draw. (5) WISTERIA HANOVER was
dull in both starts this year and hasn’t been a player in a while. (8) DONATELLO HANOVER has a few ok looking
lines but lands in a terrible spot, and is just 4 for 85 in his career (1 for 26 last 2 seasons).
RACE 7 – (4) LAZIN ON THE BEACH was used very hard last week and kept battling all the way, ultimately
coming up 2nd best (but well ahead of the others) – she goes for a new barn tonight, and may be in a good spot to pay
instant dividends. (8) BEANTOWN BABE was solid after arriving here late last year and already has 2 wins and a
2nd from her 3 starts in 2025 – she’s been moving around among top barns and will go for yet another one tonight –
the obvious question is will Stratton be able to find her a manageable trip from Post 8? (2) CHILLIN BYTHE POOL
has been camera shy here at Yonkers but she’s racing well enough right now for a chance at a piece. (6) TYRA MA
KES BANK was racing ok from tough spots to start off 2025 then gave it a good try last week when 2nd best from
the pocket to a currently very sharp IRON MISTRESS – she’s good enough to be a player, but will need Buter to get
her into the hunt. (5) PLEASURE SEEKER has a solid 2024 campaign but hasn’t found her best stride yet in ’25 –
she wouldn’t be a surprise, but we’re still leaning more towards others/ (3) DANDYS SHOWTIME usually does her
best when she gets a good post in a weak field – a few of these may be a little tough for her. (1) AINTNOHOLLAB
ACKGRL gets post relief but it’s hard to remember the last time she went a strong effort. (7) JILLIAN JIGGS seems
pretty unlikely to get close to the action from out here.
RACE 8 – (1) FURST IGOR S has been away for nearly 4 weeks since a disastrous start at The Swamp but has also
shown that he does have legitimate ability – we’ll show faith that our leading trainer used the time off to correct
whatever the issue was...but this definitely isn’t one to bet the rent money on at a pretty short price. (2) CAVIART
IRISH LUCK did a nice job recovering from an early miscue last week to recover, drop in 3rd, and then trot well
right to the end – no reason she can’t be a big part of this. (3) BO SILAS hasn’t been able to replicate his good
Michigan form here in the east but he fits ok in this class and can race ok with an easy trip – playable for the bottom
of exotics. (4) KELLYS GREATEST had no chance from Post 8 two back but did race well from the pole last week,
putting a scare into the heavy favorite before settling for 2nd – another one playable underneath. (5) IDITOROD
weakened in his 2 local tries but qualified on Lasix at Pocono and may bring a better effort tonight – does seem a bit
interesting at that 15-1 ML price. (8) STOCKHOLM HANOVER has been ok lately but faces an uphill battle trying
to get in play from out here. (7) MEETMEATTHEBAR should be tighter after last week’s 2025 return but she also
gets stuck with Post 7 – guessing she’ll be handled pretty conservatively tonight. (6) ALEXANDER crawled on the
lead in a weak field last week and still folded badly to 3rd – sticking with others here.
RACE 9 – (6) KARLOO BRADLEY N was our choice last week and he delivered the solid victory, helped by a
very nice trip – he could be looking at a tougher journey from Post 6 tonight but he catches a pretty modest field (for
this class) and could be a fair price...may be worth sticking with. (5) CAPTAIN T HANOVER moves up in class off
the claim but he’s a hard hitter that loves to win races and may be able to be a threat against these too (2) DELSTON
was an “ok” 4th dropping down to 40s last week, and that 12-1 ML price makes him worth including in exotics. (4)
TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK was left uncovered 2 back then got parked the mile last week – those give him valid
excuses, but it’s also possible that he’s just not quite sharp enough right now – not a fan at that 3-1 ML price. (1)
THREE IN HEAVEN A was no threat last week but did manage to pick up a 4th after saving ground – chance to go a
similar mile here too. (3) JD CAMDEN GB gets post relief but it’s still unclear how well he fits at this $40K level –
suppose we’ll get a clearer picture after tonight. (8) BECHERS BROOK A makes his 5th start of the year and draws
his FOURTH 8 hole – will need a lot to go his way to threaten tonight. (7) BAD BOY TOO draws poorly after tiring
off a pocket trip in last.
RACE 10 – (5) ALOTBETTOR N was scratched sick on 12/4 then had problems in a pair of qualifiers the next
month – his last qualifier at Pocono was MUCH better, however, coming up 2nd best to the very classy BIG SKEWY
N – this guy won 21 races here over the past 2 years and while he clearly has his issues, he’s still worth a shot off
that prep. (1) ITALIAN DELIGHT N is not the “automatic winner” he was for a long while here last year, but he’s
certainly still a very solid $15K claimer – he lacked room in the lane last week, after a win and a 2nd the two starts
prior – the main danger. (3) REAL LUCKY N has been coming from way out of it lately but could be much closer
to the pace tonight after getting a much better draw – use in exotics. (4) BEN SOLO has more “speed” than most
$15K claimers but it’s the END of the miles that he struggles with – he’ll put it all together one of these weeks...but
still prefer others for tonight. (8) SNOUZE U LOUZE is a solid player at this level but faces roadblocks trying to get
in play from out here – maybe 3rd/4th? (6) TWIN B SPEED DIAL has been away for 4 months and likely to need s
tart or two – keep an eye for future consideration. (7) HURRIKANE GEORGIE seems a little better lately but
probably needs a much better draw to be a part of the action. (2) MASTER MIKI has struggled in both local tries
this year.
RACE 11 – (4) IRON MISTRESS has been on a good roll lately, winning 4 of her last 7 starts (and 2 of her last 3) –
she faces a couple of live ones in here, but we’ll stick with the hot hand. (6) MIKI THE CLOWN took a while to
shake free last week but she did finish well at the end – she can be fairly inconsistent, but her best effort would give
her at least a chance at the upset. (3) LINE EM UP just never looked sharp last week but did pick up a win and a 2nd
in her 2 starts prior – she goes for a new barn tonight, and could easily rebound with a big mile. (7) AT THE HOP
finished ok from tough spots in her first 2 starts here this year and was able to put it all together last week, taking
advantage of a better draw to tough out the first over victory – may have a tougher time reaching tonight, though,
with the move back outside. (1) WHATINEEDISAMAN picked up a 3rd last week but wasn’t especially “sharp” – it
never hurts to have the rail and Bartlett, but she’s probably still looking at only a smaller piece. (2) SHEIKH YABO
OTY N blasted to the top from the outside last week but the end result was no different – just hasn’t been a threat in
too many starts lately. (5) FIGHT NOT FLIGHT picked up a 4th upon arrival from NJ but really wasn’t a threat –
she’s also 0 for 21 over the last 2 years. (8) SAUBLE DELIGHTFUL is struggling...Post 8 isn’t going to help.