RACE 1 – (2) WILDCAT ANTONIA qualified very nicely then raced super last week, finishing 4th (beaten by less than 2 lengths) after racing parked the entire way – she seems capable of a mild upset tonight if things go a bit smoother. (1) FORTUNADA has 2 wins and 2 seconds from her 4 starts in this class this year, draws the pole (off the re-claim) and looms the one to knock off – figures to be a major threat from start to finish. (3) JILLIAN JIGGS is pretty unreliable but she’s looking at a pretty good trip from this spot, and that makes her a good candidate for a small piece. (8) HOLYMOTHERMOSES was a decent 4th making her local debut (for a new barn) – she fits with these, but the draw will likely leave her looking at only a minor share for tonight. (5) UNCONTROLLED goes with Lasix for the 2nd time tonight and could show an improved effort – ok for the bottom of exotics. (4) NO WIN NO FE ED A missed 4 months, was dull in her qualifier then came up empty as she dropped from 50s to 20s – feels very risky at the moment. (6) TUAPEKA JESSIE N hasn’t been a threat in almost any of her starts for months. (7) LOOK OVERYOUR finished up the track to close out 2024, and hasn’t gotten anything going yet in 2025.
RACE 2 – (1) ROCKNROLL ANNIE took a little while to come around for her current connections but her last start (very sharp win) suggests that she’s finally hitting on all cylinders – steps up a notch, but seems capable of handling these too, with an effort like her last one. (4) RACEY RACH N went absurdly slow on the lead last, turned it into an 1/8th of a mile sprint then was outkicked on the wire by #3 – she goes for a new barn tonight, but we’ll look for her to continue delivering sharp miles – remains a very live player. (3) NUTTINBUTHEBEST actually benefited from last week’s yesteryear 1:28.4 clip and was able to use her sprinting ability to fly by ‘em all in the lane (collaring #4 on the wire) – she’s been very consistent, and expected to race well again tonight. (2) CELCIUS hasn’t had the best of trip luck lately but has raced well, for the most part – Bartlett opts for #1 tonight, and so do we. (6) DISARONNO HILL hasn’t been bad from tough spots but lands in another one tonight – she could outrace that 20-1 ML price, but may still be looking at only a smaller piece here. (5) PARADISE ROCK L has her moments with these but she draws outside 4 strong players and will need a lot to go her way to seriously threaten. (7) NIKASA N gets a pass for that tough trip 2 back but she came up dull in her last, and now lands all the way outside.
RACE 3 – (8) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB is now 4 for 4 at Yonkers, and his (low) career earnings allow him to keep dominating this class – he ends up with the worst of the draw tonight, but it’s still hard to make a good case against him right now. (1) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N had no room in the lane last week but certainly appeared to have pace– he’s a solid performer, and the move inside gives him a big shot at a big piece. (2) CUPID SHUFFLE couldn’t stay with the top one once into the stretch last week but still safely held on to 2nd – in line for another good chunk tonight. (5) G A SPEED EXPERT was really thriving in Canada after a recent acquisition but hit a speed bump in his local debut, failing to survive the first turn – he’ll likely be handled more conservatively tonight, and that could limit his production a bit (assuming he delivers a clean effort). (3) AMERICAGREATAGAIN was just 1 for 18 as a 3YO but did hit board in 11 of his losses – he qualified back solidly at Pocono, and we’ll see if he can grab a minor share. (4) JONES HANOVER was off 4 months to his last start so trying to come first over (against #8) was probably not the best idea – we’ll see if he can rally a bit at the end with a more patient steer. (6) BETTOR MAKE A WISH ships in off a couple of Stga. wins but will need to prove that he’s ready to hang with these better ones. (7) TRUMPS NEWS (new trainer listed) looks ok “on paper”, but note that he has just 1 win and 1 second from 30 career starts.
RACE 4 – Tough race: (6) BENHOPE RULZ N wasn’t able to cash in on the class drop last week as he came up 2nd best to ANOTHER sharp class dropper – he meets a tougher overall field tonight and also gets a bad draw…but he will offer some decent value and could get it done with some trip luck. (1) MARLBANK ROAD definitely benefited from the way the race played out last week but that doesn’t take away from his sharp victory – he moves up a notch, but he also draws the pole – chance he could repeat. (4) WICHITA LINEMAN seems to be sharpening and this type of field is well within his comfort zone – add him to the list of live players. (5) EUPHORIA N was no match for #1 last week but still raced well for 2nd – Bartlett sticks, and he’d hardly be a surprise in here. (2) HICKFROMFRENC HLICK gets a drop and good post but he’s yet to hit board in 5 starts this year, and won just 1 of 14 starts in 2024 – maybe underneath? (7) OCEAN RIDGE N has been racing well and his barn has sent out some live longshots – very tough spot, but not a bad one to consider if looking for a bomb. (3) MOVIN ON UP has some of recent tries but he moves up in class after failing to beat softer…in a long time. (8) CHANTEE has been consistent, but not in a ‘good” way (finishing 7th in his last 4 starts).
RACE 5 – (1) SAMHARA N picked up a couple of 4ths in his first 2 starts of the year, not bad considering he was facing the likes of NANDOLO N, MOSSDALE BEN N, etc. – drops to the bottom level, draws the pole, and we’ll give him top billing. (2) LOORRIM LAKE A was no factor in his first start off the long layoff but was pacing ok at the wire – maybe he’ll be tight enough off that start to have an impact tonight? (4) SOUTHBEACH HANOVER hasn’t been a player in some time, but he hasn’t been terrible either (facing better) – could be a spot where he can have a bigger say. (3) CADILLAC BAYAMA hasn’t been close to top form all year, but at least was able to stick around and hold 2nd last week – not ready to consider on top, but maybe ok to include underneath. (5) JUDDY DOU GLAS A was used hard early last week, shuffled a bit, and did finish ok for 4th – willing to use on the bottom of exotics. (8) SHADOW CAT just hasn’t clicked since the barn change and now starts from Post 8. (7) MYSWEETB OYMAX was an even 4th returning from the layoff – could be sharper now, but he may have to wait for a better spot to show us what he’s got. (6) ALEX TYE was seriously overdriven last week with predictable results – look for a much more conservative effort tonight, looking to help him get some confidence back.
RACE 6 – (4) MOMENT IS HERE just missed to the talented SMIFFYS TERROR N 4 back then was 2nd to the classy VENTURESOME ARDEN N in his next – he had legitimate excuses in his last pair (no room 2 back, then 8 hole in his last), but this is a spot where we can expect a much more aggressive try. (1) SPLASH BROTHER has been doing his better work with a bit easier but he does have plenty of back class, and should be looking at a pretty good trip tonight – might have a chance at the upset if he brings one of his better efforts. (2) BOILING OAR just hasn’t been on his best game in some time, but it would be hard to not at least consider him a player with the move inside – wouldn’t take a short price, though. (8) SLING SHOCK seems back on his game and he’s listed at 20-1 ML – he may just take back to last and struggle to get involved tonight but IF Siegelman can get him into the race, he’d have at least a shot to make some noise. (7) SOUTHWIND CELSIUS was right there to the top of the lane last week when he made that costly miscue– he’s another that could be a player IF able to get himself in play. (3) ALADDIN never got close from Post 8 last week but has otherwise held form nicely even as he’s climbed up the ladder – may be able to snag a small slice. (6) BRAKE AHEAD wasn’t as sharp in his last and will be asked to step up TWO classes tonight – tough assignment. (5) AIR FORCE HANOVER shows a pair of nice preps but he did struggle for much of 2024 – prefer to just observe in his first start off the long layoff.
RACE 7 – (4) WHOS PERFECT had pace from a tough spot vs. the 25s last week – drops down to 20s, and Bartlett can probably handle her more aggressively tonight…we’ll give her a narrow edge. (1) SALE EL SOL (another new barn) has been hitting board every week but she’s also been the odds-on choice in 6 of her last 7 starts, and only been able to deliver with a victory twice – very logical threat, but also likely to be overbet. (3) HURRIKANE LORI ANN flashed good speed in her local debut and did finish alertly last week – could see her having a big say here if the trip goes to her liking. (5) CANNERY ROW races well pretty much every week but always has to settle for a smaller piece (and is 0 for 28 here at Yonkers) – make sure to get a fair price if using her on top. (8) LAZIN ON THE BEACH fits for sure, and has enough speed to at least TRY to establish a trip from Post 8 – could see trying her on top IF the price is good enough. (7) PLEASURE SEEKER did a nice job holding 2nd to a runaway last time but faces obstacles trying to work out a manageable trip tonight. (2) PINE BUSH MAGA is 0 for 41 locally, but the good draw gives her hope for some minor spoils. (6) SUNSET SOPH draws poorly after showing little in her last 2.
RACE 8 – (4) SOHO DOW JONES A looked super in his qualifier, finishing right behind VERDUN – he went a “winning” mile in his first pari mutuel start, but had the misfortune of running into ANOTHER very talented import (MOSSDALE BEN N) and had to settle for 2nd, despite kicking home in:27.3 – he meets a few solid foes in here, but we’ll look for him to find the winner’s circle tonight. (2) HEZ ALLTHE RAGE N has been very consistent lately, and shown that he can race well from off the pace too– good value horse for exotics at that 12-1 ML price. (5) STRENGTHFROMABOVE is thriving in his current barn and holding form beautifully as he climbs the class ladder – no reason he can’t grab a nice chunk here too. (3) BLUE HUNT qualified back nicely and should be ready to go in his first start of 2025 – he may deserve an “extra” look as his barn sent out a pair of longshot winners on Monday night. (6) SURFSIDE BEACH has been on a long form spree but tonight’s draw MAY result in a tough trip – could be looking at a small share this time around. (1) LOUS SWEETREVENGE draws the pole but may still find himself quickly outleft, and possibly looking at a tough trip – would need a good price to use him for a top slot. (8) CURBS IDE PICKUP has certainly taken to his current connections’ program as he went from being an afterthought $15K claimer to currently riding a 5 race winning streak- but tonight’s draw just may derail him, at least temporarily. (7) LYONS STEEL was actually sent off favored last week but he was unable to bring his fine form over from NJ and ended up backing up badly – he gets a nice switch to Holland, but it’s the post that’s a real concern.
RACE 9 – (3) CHIAPANECAS just missed to PEMBROKE SOUTHIE the last 2X (off 3 weeks in that last start) but did beat her on 1/24 – since the two are pretty tough to separate, we’ll go with this mare…since the price will be better! (1) PEMBROKE SOUTHIE has won 5 of her last 6, but the lone loss did come to #3 – remains the one to beat! (2) ILLUSION SEELSTER raced very well in her local debut, finishing 2nd despite a tough trip while racing off a sick scratch – she’ll need to be even better to knock off the top pair, though. (4) TOBAGO TIME is on an extended form spree but vs, easier – on the flip side, her barn did send out 2 longshot winners last night – still think she’s looking at a smaller piece. (6) OKINAWA BEACH A is a solid fit in this class but tonight’s draw may limit her to a more minor share. (8) IDEALINFUN raced better last week than her line might suggest, but she still faces an uphill battle trying to get any decent trip starting from the 8 hole. (5) ALTA MADEIRA N threw a dud last week after mostly solid tries – leaning elsewhere. (7) PARTY CRUISER has been taking home minor spoils but even that may be tough tonight with the terrible draw.
RACE 10 – (5) BEANTOWN BABE came up a little short as the favorite in a couple of recent starts but certainly left no doubt who was best in her last couple (front end blowouts) – she steps up a notch off the reclaim, but still deserves top billing…but there are definitely a few other sharp ones to deal with in here. (4) IRIS SEELSTER came to life 3 back then delivered sharp efforts in her last pair as well – if she can find a live trip here, she’d have a chance to upset these. (3) RACIN FOR ROYALTY is another with upset potential – she BEAT the top choice in her local debut and was an even 4th last week, racing off a bad date – would be no surprise at all. (1) JUST ROSAS LUCK was a decent 4th upon arrival 2 back then a sharp, pocket-popping winner in her last – she has an excellent local history, and can’t be taken lightly from this spot. (2) NITE TIME DEAL may prefer to be in a little easier but she fits well enough with these to have a chance with the right trip – not a fan of that 3-1 ML price, though. (6) MORNING HAS BROKEN has been disappointing all year, especially after failing off the class drop last week– leaning towards others. (7) HARPER SEELSTER does fit well with these but faces an uphill battle because of the draw – she’s also a bit camera shy. (8) WOODMERE HARRIET has been very consistent recently but she’s just 1 for 21 locally (last 3 years) and also has to deal with Post 8 tonight.
RACE 11 – (5) DREAM DANCING has some good recent form in NJ, gets Bartlett for her Yonkers return and has a solid local history – certainly worth a try in the finale. (4) AT THE HOP was a nice winner 2 back, then finished ok from a tough spot in her last – if things get testy up front, her chances go way up. (3) GINGER TREE LIZ was able to sweep the field in last week’s fall-apart race and COULD benefit again tonight if a few of these duke it out – a repeat performance is not impossible. (8) REAL LADY SADIE was an 8-1 overlay winner last week, and won 14X in 2024 – wouldn’t leave her off your tickets too quickly, even starting from out here. (2) RAISE THE ANTE was 3 for 3 here last year but hasn’t been able to keep her speed going as well in 2025 – she does get a much better draw, and there’s always a chance she could steal one on the front end. (7) UTE BLUE CHIP faltered badly on the lead in a soft spot here 2 back and it’s hard to see her overcoming Post 7 tonight (in a field that’s much better, overall). (1) FLAMBOYANCE arrives from NJ and would be hard to endorse off those last few dismal efforts (6) EVAS SPORT S CZECH just isn’t clicking at all.