RACE 1 – (4) LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND had a couple of rough weeks recently but rebounded with one of his more
typically sharp tries in his last – he’s had an excellent overall season so far, and feels like a good value play in
tonight’s opener. (5) HELPOFTHESEASON was a big Indiana earner at 2 and 3 and was off to a great start upon
arrival at Yonkers late last year, winning her first 3 FM Opens – she picked up a few more 2nds before starting to tail
off a bit, but seems to have found her form again in PA – very dangerous here, but also likely to be overbet. (1) MUF
ASA AS should be feeling pretty good about himself after last week’s easy Hall Of Fame Trot win at Goshen – he
returns at a very reasonable level, but he’s started here 20X this meet without finishing 1st or 2nd, and that makes him
tough to use on top! (3) PEDAL ON METAL has some ability for sure but he was erratic for much of the way in his
YR debut – hard to say if he disliked the half or the off going, but we should get a better picture after tonight. (2)
MANCLANE fits very well with these, but feels like he may be tailing since the late May claim – would want a
decent price to use him tonight. (6) NO TURNING BACK is back on the upswing for a hot barn, but may be slowed
a bit by tonight’s tough draw. (7) FOR A DREAMER lands outside after a miscue last week – wait for a better spot.
RACE 2 – (1) TWIN B ALLURE was 4 for 9 here last year, and 8 for 23 overall – she’s struggled so far in ’24, but
battled hard 2 back vs. better, and catches a pretty soft field for tonight – the road to the winner’s circle runs through
her. (6) ONEDERFULBEACH moved to a new barn last week and that wasn’t a bad 3rd, considering the trip – could
be the main danger, even with the poor draw. (4) LADY NEWTON is 5-0-0-0 here at Yonkers this year but does
return from PcD off a couple of confidence building good miles vs. cheaper – could have a say in this. (3) COMMA
NDER CATHY N was struggling before adding Lasix and hasn’t done much better since – needs to up her game if
she hopes to contend for more than a smaller piece. (2) LOOKOVERYOUR was no factor at all in her local debut –
we’ll see if she can at least contend for a piece with the move inside. (5) SEZANA N has managed one 3
rd from her 18 starts this year. (7) CHILLIN BYTHE POOL moves to Post 7 after losing by 17 lengths from the pole last week.
RACE 3 – (3) PAPA DOC can throw big miles when in the right mood but is also prone to some miscues and
clunkers – this is a field where he can be a threat on his best effort, and is worth a look here if the price is right. (5)
KASHA V was WAY back early on last week and actually raced pretty well to only lose by about 4 lengths – he’s
another that could be dangerous tonight if on his “A Game”. (1) EPOS OSTERVANG DK got a little tired late last
week but was racing off a month – he’s definitely eligible to be much tighter tonight but on the flip side, his overall
form had fallen off before those 4 weeks off – very tough on his best game, but also figures to be very heavily bet.
(6) CAL MILES N SHELL can be a bit inconsistent but is another that can throw a good mile at times – a big price
makes him worth considering, at least for exotics. (4) DRACO S fits ok here but he’s just 1 for 19 this year (after
going 2 for 21 locally in 2023) and is a tough one to use on top. (7) THE LAST CHAPTER may look to leave here
(even from Post 7) but doesn’t seem sharp enough to pull this off, even with a quick start. (2) ENZO DK resurfaced
for a new barn off a long layoff recently – had a good first start but was no factor in his next...leaning to others.
RACE 4 – (3) VOYAGE TO PARIS’ lone local win this season came in an amateur event but he’s raced well any
number of times – he was claimed from his last by an owner that has been quiet lately, but who has done extremely
well with pickups in the past – we’ll try him on top. (1) BARRY BLACK is another that’s been light in the win
column this year, but who has raced well in most of this starts– definitely dangerous from the pole. (5) IMMANUEL
K S is an inconsistent player who finally picked up his first win of the season last week – chance to take another, but
that 8/5 ML price is a major turnoff. (2) ANGELIKI raced big for her new barn last week but ran into a very
stubborn winner – steps up in class now, but is also eligible to be even sharper the 2nd time around. (5) NO DRAMA
PLEASE wins more than his fair share of starts here at YR, picking up 6 victories from his 22 local starts (2023-24)
– leaning a bit more to a couple of others, but he’d hardly be a surprise. (6) SOUTHWIND ARTURO had a terrific
2023 season but hasn’t been the same (so far) in ’24, especially here at Yonkers – the poor draw doesn’t help. (7)
MYCROWNMYKINGDOM has been stuck on minor pieces lately, and now lands all the way outside.
RACE 5 – (1) ROCKN PHILLY took on males last week and put in a big effort, battling hard with a good looking
import before finally giving way and settling for 2nd – she’s back in with mares tonight, draws the pole at a level
below what she’s used to, and figures to be one very tough player. (2) BETTER WATCH IT made a break 2 back so
it was no surprise to see her handled very conservatively at the back last week – look for a better effort here, with a
chance at a decent piece. (3) NITE TIME DEAL went a pair of very nice miles (vs. easier) 3 and 4 back, and it’s
hard to read much into her last pair (vs. better) – another with a chance to land somewhere on the ticket, at a price.
(4) BEE OKAY A took no $$ for her U.S. debut and had little to offer – she’s likely capable of much better, and
perhaps the tote board will offer some clues for tonight. (5) LISA LANE is a talented mare WHEN on her game, but
she’s now 0 for 9 at Yonkers and getting hard to consider on top at short prices. (6) TWIST LITTLE GIRL N had
bad draws in 2 of 3 local tries and raced ok in the other – another tough post tonight, but that 20-1 ML price makes
her worth at least a look for a piece. (7) MORNING HAS BROKEN was yet another “first time in barn winner” for
our current leading trainer last week, but also benefited from a perfect trip in a weaker field – much tougher task
tonight. (8) LATE FOR DINNER is probably a good fit but lands Post 8 after a sick scratch – a lot to ask.
RACE 6 – (1) GOTHIC ROCK had been well off his game for a while but perked up with a much better effort last
week – he can be dangerous here if he builds off that effort, but MacDonald has to be careful not to overuse him
early on (that usually doesn’t work for him). (4) RANDOM HANOVER was “sneaky good” last week and figures to
be a good price in a pretty modest field – he’s 0 for 17 at Yonkers, but still can get a look as long as the price is
juicy. (2) PASS A GRILLEBEACH was 1 for 5 here last year, and 1 for 6 earlier this year – his local efforts have
been mixed, but he can get the job done when on his game...he’s definitely been solid across the river lately. (8)
THREE GRAND is 0 for 16 this year but has hit board in 10 of those losses – he MAY be quick enough to blast
from Post 8, and he’s another possible upsetter (under the right conditions). (3) MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING has done
little in his handful of local starts the past 2 years but he’s shipping in off a pair of wins out of town and may be
sharp enough right now to contend for a piece. (5) WICHITA LINEMAN has a couple of recent 2nds but his overall
form has been lacking (and he made a break last week) – leaning towards others. (7) SHRIMP AND GRITS bumped
up to 30s last week and struggled uncovered after starting from the pole – moving out to Post 7 makes it harder to
make a case for him. (6) ODDS ON PICK SIX probably needs a better draw to be a serious player at this level.
RACE 7 – (3) ATREACHEROUS A had good starts in the past so it was a surprise to see her sent off at 13-1 for her
YR return – she left from Post 7 and found the pocket, popped out and challenged into a hot 3rd panel but still wore
the leader (#4) down easily, and registered the overlay score – legitimate chance to repeat. (5) VIBRANCE took a
couple of months off after tailing into April – she won her return start (at PcD), was sneaky sharp here in her next
(from Post 8) then turned in a good one at The Swamp, as well – major danger. (4) BRI EXPRESS N turned in her
best local effort (by far) last week but had the misfortune of running into #3 – no reason she can’t be a serious player
again tonight. (7) ELEKTRA A arrives off a blowout win at Chester for a very sharp barn – her lines suggest she
should fit nicely, but she’ll definitely be at a disadvantage starting from Post 7. (6) FORTUNADA was never in play
last week but did finish alertly – ok bomb for 3rd/4th. (1) ROCKNROLL ANNIE is still winless on the year and
camera shy in general – seems destined for only minor spoils, even from the pole. (2) COWGIRL LILLY has a
bunch of 2nds and 3rds this year but no wins, and definitely isn’t as sharp as she was earlier. (8) MACHS LEGACY
A failed to get involved at all in her U.S. debut and now draws Post 8 – wait for a better spot.
RACE 8 – (1) CRAZYLAND ended his 3YO campaign with a pair of sharp wins – was freshened up and returned
VERY sharp at 4, going 6-4-1-1 to start off his campaign – he was a front end winner here the last 2 weeks and
deserves top billing once more, even taking on a couple of pretty classy rivals. (7) HERODOTUS did excellent work
here at the end of his 3YO campaign – he took 4 months off and has come back strong, though he has only one win
from his 8 starts (with 4 seconds) – still a very legitimate threat, despite the draw. (2) MISSISSIPPI STORM is
closing in on $1M in earnings and plenty of that was picked up right here at Yonkers, over the years – he’s lost a step
or two, but he’s still a tough performer and more importantly, is pretty good right now – another major danger. (3)
STEUBEN HANOVER hasn’t been on his best game lately but an easy trip from this spot may help to at least take
home a small piece. (4) HOOLIE N HECTOR finally picked up his first win of the year last week, in start #17 – he’s
probably looking at a much smaller share in this field, however. (5) MOHATU AS used a ground saving trip to pick
up a no-threat 4th last week, and will need a similarly easy trip for even a small slice here. (6) SWISS HOUSE ONFI
RE probably needs a better draw to be a serious contender at this level. (8) CREATIVE VENTURE adds Lasix for
tonight and that may explain some of his recent dull efforts – watch for any improvement.
RACE 9 – (5) EASY TO PLEASE appreciated the class drop (and the lead) last week, wiring ‘em in 1:52.4, her
fastest win since 2022 (despite the off going) – she gets to stay in the same class tonight and should have a decent
chance to repeat, even if possibly facing a tougher trip. (1) MILIEU HANOVER never varied from the back last
week but still only lost by 2 lengths – she’s enjoyed success here in the past, and may come up with a big effort from
this spot. (6) SUPER GIRL has turned in a trip of fast closing 2nds, and continues to climb up the class ladder as a
result – willing to include her in exotics at that 15-1 ML price. (3) CELIA B MONEY just missed to a game rival
here 2 back, then took a new lifetime mark in her win at PcD last week (1:50.4) – she’ll need to prove that she can
be effective at THIS level, however. (8) STAY HAPPY benefited from a triple class drop and the lead 2 back, but
was also very good when 2nd best to an odds on winner last week – she’ll probably need to improve a bit at the start
tonight to be a player with these. (7) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY picked up a 2nd the last time she dropped to this
level but that was from a much better post – she hasn’t been her best self lately, but the ability is there to do some
damage IF she shows up on her “A Game”. (2) BLOOD MOON A ships in off a pair of PA wins but vs. easier –
hard to say if she’s sharp enough to go with these better ones. (4) HALLELUJAH HANOVER perked up in her last
pair to grab a win and a 2nd, but vs. easier – tonight’s class jump may slow her down a bit.
RACE 10 – (2) SILK CLOUD A has continued to race well despite being in some tough spots in the Invitational –
she drops a bit, draws inside, and can be handled more aggressively tonight – gets the edge. (1) UPTOWN HANOV
ER struggled for a little while but recently found her better form, punctuated by last week’s win over LIT DE ROSE
– major danger from the pole. (3) IDEALINFUN is taking a big step up but she’s also razor sharp – may be able to
grab a decent piece, even against this much tougher stock. (6) GOLDEN QUEST N was off 3 weeks to her last but
was able to use an easy trip to pick up 3rd – she’s had a terrific year, and may be able to take home a piece, even from
this tough spot. (5) LUCKY ARTIST A picked up a couple of recent wins vs. cheaper, but may need to get back to
those levels to be a serious threat again. (4) TONYS MOM hasn’t been “bad”, but she’s been way off her best form
for some time – not ready to hop on her team just yet, especially when she has about $20K coming off the bottom of
her card after tonight. (7) FORGOT THEWALLET A seems damned if she leaves and damned if she doesn’t – just a
tough spot.
RACE 11 – (4) CHERYLS SHADOW beat this class 4 back and has held her own nicely vs. better in her last 3
starts (and really full of pace finishing last week) – meets a well matched bunch in here, but we’ll try her on top. (1)
OKINAWA BEACH A may be a bit more comfortable vs. a bit easier but she almost beat this class last week (just
needed another step or two), and is eligible to be a big player tonight, as well. (3) TALENT TO SPARE A threw
duds 2 and 3 back but was back on her game last week, almost pulling off an 86-1 shocker – a similar effort lands
her right back into the mix tonight. (5) SUGAR BRITCHES benefited from a rail skimming trip last week and may
have won had she had more room – she’s been ultra consistent, and the post is the only real knock. (2) HONEY
LOVE was very good from OFF the pace 2 back (a great sign), followed up by last week’s 13-1 pocket (overlay)
victory – the right trip puts her in the hunt tonight, as well. Both (6) ULTIMATE SPEED and (7) FAVORITE
BEACH are having similarly terrific years, but the draw may compromise their chances significantly – just tough
spots in such a well matched group of mares.
RACE 12 – (2) BULLY BOY HILL can go some nice miles when he behaves...but he’s prone to miscues and that
always makes him somewhat risky – we’ll give him top billing here....but not one to bet the rent money on,
especially if a short price. (6) DYLADMAR is another in here that HAS ability, but is also prone to misbehaving (as
he did last week in PA – would still consider if the price was decent. (8) WILLY WALTON gave it a go from Post 8
off the claim last week but got leg weary in the lane after cutting the mile – faces a softer crew tonight, so he may be
able to be around longer with these. (4) STREET GOSSIP was a decent 3rd dropping to this bottom level last week –
he’s looking at a good trip here & should be a player...but no value at that 9/5 ML price. (5) BAR COINS improved
dramatically after his current connections acquired him last year but that success was fleeting, and he’s certainly
struggled in 2024 – would need a big price to consider on top tonight. (3) PERRON won races in 2023 but he’s still
winless this year – minor share only. (1) STARLITCRESENTROLL draws the pole but that feels like his only asset
right now. (7) BAZILLIONAIRE is now 16-0-0-1 at Yonkers this year (and now lands Post 7).