RACE 1 – (2) BIG SIR has become a pretty reliable player at this $30K level, just missing in his last to the
streaking KERFORD ROAD A, and jogging on 3/18 – faces a field of mostly “iffy” rivals tonight, and we’ll give
him the edge in tonight’s opener. (1) YS DO IT RIGHT hit board in half of his starts this year but still hasn’t found
the winner’s circle yet – his barn did get off the schneid with a victory last week, so maybe this guy can finally get
his picture taken too – should be looking at a pretty good trip from this spot. (3) J B GRAM figures to attract plenty
of attention as he debuts tonight for our leading trainer/driver tandem – he also turned in a major clunker in his YR
debut last week, so perhaps there’s better value to be found with others...at least on top. (4) ARTIST BEST probably
wins his last if able to shake free sooner but he also did no racing in a pretty slow mile – he’s a possibility here, but
would need to be a decent price to consider on top. (7) TIN ROOF RAIDER A is much sharper than he looks on
paper but yet another terrible spot figures to hurt his chances once more – decent bomb if you think things may just
fall apart up top. (6) HUDSON PHIL was hampered by bad posts in his last pair but tonight’s draw isn’t much
better, and he may have a couple leaving to his inside – another that could be worth a look if the price is juicy
enough. (5) KB MAC has been more involved recently but still limited to minor pieces – probably in the same boat
for tonight. (8) BALLERAT BOOMERANG has only managed a couple of 3rds this year, and now lands Post 8.
RACE 2 – (4) POUND FOR POUND is winless on the year but has hung in there vs. better in a lot of those starts –
he moved back to this class last week and raced pretty well, pacing a very solid final half and only flattening a bit
right near the end – his barn has sent out some decent priced winners over the last few weeks...maybe this guy is
next? (5) THAT DOG WILL HUNT has been off to a somewhat slowish start as a 4YO but he was a solid 2
nd behind the favorite last week, and could be a major player again tonight – not a fan of that 9/5 ML price, though! (2) HIGH
ON ROCKNROLL seems to be a player every week but he’s just 1 for 26 here at Yonkers – he moves to a barn that
has enjoyed incredible success off the claim this year, so we’ll see if they can pick up his game as well. (6) AUSSIE
HANOVER also gets a barn change for tonight, moving to the nation’s leading outfit – would want a “fair” price to
use on top from out here, as his trip seems a bit uncertain. (1) SPORTS FAN won a “fall apart” race 4 back but was
no threat in his last 3 – needs to be better. (3) HES SPECIAL is still winless this year – minor spoils?
RACE 3 – (1) CAPTIVATE HANOVER is a very streaky sort, and he comes into tonight with 4 wins from his last 5
starts (8 hole in the other) – he’s exceptionally tough on the front end, and that seems the place Siegelman will have
him tonight – gets the edge over a few other sharp foes. (4) EUPHORIA N shipped in sharp from Fhd. and retained
that fine form in his last pair here at YR, picking up 2nds off pocket trips – no reason he can’t be right there again,
even up a bit in class. (3) NANDOLO N has to be feared every week at this level...but he’s always a bit vulnerable,
due to his racing style– he couldn’t quite get to the top choice last week (as the odds-on choice), and there’s a chance
that could happen tonight too. (5) BURNHAM BOY N was right there 3rd last week and is on his game right now for
a barn that’s been sending out live ones all year– tough draw, however, with speed to his inside and the task of trying
to outkick NANDOLO N if racing from off the pace! (6) ENERGETIC HANOVER gets Gingras to choice off a few
of his best clients...but he also draws poorly (upon arrival from DD) and has missed more than 3 weeks – leaning
towards others. (7) FORTIFY is a classy sort and is good right now...brutal spot, however. (2) SHAKE IT needed
his last after a series of qualifiers – likely needs another. (8) HEAVEN ON HIGH N lands in an awful spot, but will
probably fit NW15000 next week.
RACE 4 – Tough race! (8) SAILBOAT HANOVER has been VERY sharp vs. 50s lately and takes a meaningful
drop into 40s for tonight – will obviously need a decent amount of trip luck to win from out here, but a decent price
makes him worth considering on top. (5) DANCE ON THE BEACH bumped up to 40s last week and came up 2nd
best to a sharp repeat winner – a good trip makes him a player again tonight. (2) SAN DOMINO A came into his
last at just 1 for 25 at YR (over the last 3 seasons) but he landed on a perfect trip, and was able to pick up the win –
he may be looking at another nice trip tonight, but he also figures to be a bit overbet. (1) SWEET TROY has been a
bit sharper this year than his lines might suggest, and he should be able to work out a good trip here...chance to add
some value to the exotics. (6) GINGER TREE PETE is as tough as nails and loves to win races...he’s also not the
handiest horse on the planet, and MAY be hurt by leavers to his inside tonight...insist on a good price if using on top
(7) MY ULTIMATE STAR A fits well with these and had a bad trip last week – he also draws horribly for a new
barn, and may struggle to get close. (4) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER just hasn’t been sharp, and will need to improve to
be a serious player here. (3) GENTLE GIANT was 4-0-0-0 last year and ships back in off a 23 length loss.
RACE 5 – Blue Chip Matchmaker Consolation, $100,000: (6) MAN DONTFORGET ME is still winless on the
year but has only lost by 1-2 lengths every start – she flashed some surprise speed 2 back and tracked closely all the
way off a pocket trip, then was full of pace finishing in her last – hopefully Dunn now has enough confidence in her
to give her a shot...she may be able to pull of an upset. (3) RACINE BELL picked up a win in Leg 4 but hasn’t been
at “peak form” this year, even since adding Lasix – the millionairess will be cutting this mile and remains the one to
beat – but she’s guaranteed to be overbet. (5) CRÈME DELIGHT took off Week 5 after a tough trip/bad try in Leg 4
– she’s shown legitimate ability in a couple of her other starts, and her connections are likely to have her ready for
tonight – possibility. (8) JIVE DANCING A looked very good finishing in her first start of 2024 and was a sharp
front end winner in Leg #2 – she disappointed on the lead in her next start, however, then took off Week #4 – has a
chance to make some noise here IF Kakaley can find her a way into the hunt. (1) AVF CLAIRE hasn’t been able to
be handled aggressively all through the series and that’s hurt her production, for sure – she may end up with a much
better trip tonight...and that may help her pick up a much better piece. (4) EASY TO PLEASE has been in and out
lately – a live trip puts her in play for a share. (2) SALE EL SOL is definitely a notch below the main players but
may still be able to outperform that 30-1 ML price. (7) TREACHEROUS PENNY draws poorly yet again.
RACE 6 – Borgata Consolation, $100,000: (7) VENTURESOME ARDEN N had been “sneaky sharp” for weeks
so it was no surprise to see him finally get to strut his stuff last start, though the short price was somewhat
unexpected – he faces an uncertain trip tonight, but that will probably be reflected in the price – worth sticking with,
hoping some trip luck comes his way. (5) SUMOMENTSOMEWHERE gave up his chance to be in the Final when
he took off last week but THIS spot suits him much better – Yannick gives him a vote of confidence (taking him
over barnmate THIS IS THE PLAN), and his series efforts suggest he’ll be a big player here. (4)
PLEASELETMEKNOW was Kakaley’s choice over his more heralded barnmate (BACKSTREET SHADOW) but
it’s hard to say if that was based on current form, or simply loyal to ownership – regardless, the 5YO has looked
good since adding Lasix, and should be able to have a say tonight. (3) BACKSTREET SHADOW hit board in all 4
series legs but even his win was just “good” (not “great”) – he still has to be taken very seriously here, but be careful
about accepting too short a price, on top/ (1) FUNATTHEBEACH N still throws big miles, but they’ve become
fewer, and farther between – leaning towards others here, but the classy 10YO can never be counted out completely.
(2) THIS IS THE PLAN has been just “ok” lately, and even Gingras opts elsewhere – we will too. (6)
HEMSWORTH N will be coming from well back, and likely struggle to reach. (8) LEONIDAS A is a bit better
lately, but faces an uphill battle tonight.
RACE 7 – Blue Chip Matchmaker Final, $276,200: (2) COACHELLABOUND N wasn’t looking too sporty in her
miles not long ago but she started to look (and race) much better 3 starts back, and might be peaking coming into
this Final – she may be able to step around LIT DE ROSE and set herself up with a good trip here...and that would
give her a chance to pull off a mild upset. (1) LIT DE ROSE has just been an absolute iron mare, and a joy to watch
week after week for the past few years – she handles any trip that comes her way, and the only “knock” is that she
does figure to be overbet...major threat, as always! (4) DOUGS BABE A has looked a bit “lazy” in all her recent
starts, but that hasn’t stopped her from hitting board in all 5 series legs – if things testy enough up front, she may be
able to charge by late...but don’t take a short price on top. (5) INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW isn’t a “handy” mare
but she never stops trying and is always pacing well at the wire – good one for the bottom of tris and supers. (6) KA
RMA SEELSTER raced in all 5 legs, hitting board in 4 of them – she does seem a notch below her “best” form, and
the tough draw figures to compromise her chances even more. (3) TONYS MOM has done amazing work for a long
time but it does seem that all those tough miles may be catching up with her – others just seem a bit sharper at the
moment. (7) MIKALA has a ton of class and talent but may be facing an uphill battle trying to get a decent trip from
Post 7. (8) DELITFULCATHERIN N seems damned if she tries to blast....and even more damned if she doesn’t.
RACE 8 – MGM Borgata Final, $457,000: The two most impressive horses since the series began have been (4)
DESPERATE MAN (4 for 4) and (2) LINEDRIVE HANOVER (3 for 4, with a close 2nd behind DESPERATE MAN
in Leg #2) – EITHER of these outstanding performers could take this (depending on trip) but we’ll give the narrow
edge to DESPERATE MAN, even if only because he’s been a favorite of ours ever since arriving here from Canada
early last year – should be an outstanding race, regardless! (6) COACHES CORNER may only be 4 years old but
he’s more than held his own throughout the series, grabbing 2nds in the first 4 legs before an outstanding victory last
week – he starts with a post disadvantage, but he’s also shown the desire and ability to charge at the end of his miles
– could rally late for a nice piece of this. (5) HELLABALOU (last year’s champ) took a few starts to find his best
form this year but is peaking right in time for the Final – look for Gingras to try to leave fast for position, then hope
to “trip out” with a chance at the end– belongs in your exotics. (3) WHATS STANLEY GOT A was really struggling
(“tie up” issues?) prior to the series, but picked a good time to get things ironed out – he’s been rock solid for weeks,
and a decent piece is within reach. (1) COVERED BRIDGE has been a bit below his best all through the legs and
his last mile was definitely disappointing – will need to really perk up to threaten, even from the pole. (7) ROCKN
ROLL RUNA A is a very talented horse and racing well right now...but just as he was in a hopeless spot last week,
he may find himself in a similarly difficult spot tonight. (8) DUNKIN seemed likely to be overmatched heading into
the series but quickly established that he can hold his own with the best – unfortunately, tonight’s draw may leave
him with no real chance to get into a contending position.
RACE 9 – (4) SHINE A LIGHT was a 1/5 winner off the class drop last week – he steps up a notch, but this level is
within his comfort zone as well – remains the one to beat, even facing a bit tougher. (2) OCEAN RIDGE N may
have regained some confidence with last week’s win over cheaper – won’t offer any value with that 9/5 ML price,
but he should still be able to be a big threat here. (5) QUALITY BUD has been used hard in most of his recent starts
(after drawing a series of inside posts) – he’ll probably race from off the pace tonight...and relaxing a bit early on
may work to his favor – chance to rally for a piece of this. (8) ROCK DIAMONDS N was no threat last week but at
least he rebounded nicely from a disastrous outing on 2/2 – hard to know how serious he’ll be from Post 8 tonight...
perhaps the tote board will offer some clues? (6) ALEX TYE has raced well (overall) since being claimed this
winter – not sure if he’ll be able to get into the hunt tonight, but he’s worth including in a couple of exotics at that
20-1 ML price. (3) UNDRTHSOUTHRNSUN N was just 2 for 33 last year and has started this season at 1 for 10 –
maybe minor spoils? (1) YO AJ should appreciate moving all the way inside but it’s hard to say if he’s sharp enough
to take advantage right now. (7) GINGRAS BEACH draws poorly once more – will look much better next week
with a class drop, and hopefully better post.
RACE 10 – (4) SEVEN HUNDRED went and even mile for 5th when making his first start in 4 months – was much
sharper in his next when he flew home to be a close 2nd, then came up big again last week, rallying from well back to
be a close 3rd behind a pair of sharp foes – seems ready to get over the hump and grab that first win of the season. (2)
GROOVY JOE drops back down to the level he handled easily 3 back, and he beat even better earlier in the year –
very logical player from this spot. (3) PURPLE POET was a sharp 2nd two back vs. easier, then followed that up
with a win at PRc – a good trip could put him in the hunt tonight, even with the class jump. (1) SHADOW CAT is
usually a solid player vs. these types from a spot like this, and his last two out of town starts should have him feeling
pretty good about himself – use in exotics. (8) PRICELESS BEACH may be content to wait for a better post (and
class drop) next week but IF Kakaley can get him into the hunt, he’s actually pretty good right now – one to consider
for longshot fans. (6) FULSOME moves into this class last week and had pace at both ends of the mile to be 2
nd best – hard to predict his trip for tonight, though. (5) WINDSUN RICKY wasn’t bad when 3rd (up in class) last week but
he moves up another level, and may be a notch below the top ones. (7) DP REALORDEAL elected not to cut the
mike last week and it may have cost him a victory – up in class and from a tough post tonight, however.
RACE 11 – (6) JUST ENUFF STUFF went a big mile last week, battling a long way with STRIKING IMAGE
before coming up 2nd best (after a tough trip) – he raced well in both starts at this level in march, and could offer
some value in a competitive finale. (2) THRASHER is rock solid at this level, moves inside, and his new trainer has
sent out solid performers this year – major threat, but likely a short price. (1) MAXIMUS RED A steps up in class
but has picked up 3 wins and two seconds from his last 5 starts, and hails from a barn/family that’s been hot lately –
he never seems to get overbet, and could find himself somewhere in the exotics. (4) LOORIM LAKE A has ability
and won 5 of 19 starts locally last year – he’s also listed as the 2-1 ML favorite (returning from NJ) and he’s always
been prone to miscues and clunkers, and just won’t offer much value in here. (3) URBAN RENEWAL was probably
well meant last week but the trip just didn’t work out – he’s definitely eligible to outperform that 12-1 ML price. (5)
PRETTY HANDSOME is usually “ok”, but is winless on the year and likely looking at only minor spoils. Both (7)
KING JAMES EXPRESS and (8) AMERICAN ZEST A can be players in this class with the right trips, but both
seem up against it, thanks to the draw.