RACE 1 - (1) BETTOR CAT looked like he might end up hopelessly trapped last week but it all worked
out fine as he moved out to 3/4s, and easily paced on by in the lane for his 3rd straight win - moves to a
new barn tonight, but has a solid chance to extend that streak to 4. (2) WINDSONG JACK was very good
when 2nd to the top choice last week, cutting the mile on a night where a lot of the speed horses just folded
- he's been sharp for weeks, and looms the main danger. (4) IN THE HUDDLE was a no threat 4th off the
re-claim last week - have to respect anything this barn sends out, but definitely feel stronger about the top
pair. (8) COACH CAL drops back down to a more comfortable level but gets stuck with Post 8 - maybe can
rally for a piece at a nice price? (6) EGOMANIA was the black sheep in a barn that was winning nearly
40% of its races, unable to do much of anything week after week - was finally claimed away at the reduced
$12,500 price, and actually raced ok for his new barn last start...maybe can rally for a minor share? (3)
MAJESTIC KIWI N was just no good at all shipping in from PRc - takes a meaningful drop here, and we'll
see if he's any better the 2nd time around. (5) ASTON HILL DAVE flopped in his first start off the claim
but was a close 3rd in his last - moves to a new crew for tonight, and we'll probably just sit back and see
how he does. (7) CASINO BAGS ANSO was a dull 6th off the claim last start and now goes from the rail
to Post 7 - sticking with others.
RACE 2 - Short field, but difficult race! (5) GOTHIC ROCK improved considerably for his new barn last
week, overcoming a tough trip (from well back) to just miss at the end - he won't be the same 30-1 tonight
but the price should still be decent...the right trip could make him a threat. (2) CAPTAIN HILL drops down
to a level where he's most effective, and this is the type of spot where he can go a big mile - another that
will probably be a fair price in a race with no real throwouts. (1) MILITARY MASTER A went an insanely
good mile to jog off the claim on 11/16 but then was scratched lame on race night from his last (and we
know he has his share of problems - IF he races anything like he did for that last win, he'll be awfully
tough to beat....but he's also going to be a very short price, and has to be seen as somewhat risky! (3)
BUGGER BRUISER has been 1st or 2nd in 15 of his 34 starts this year, and often uses his gate speed to
secure a good trip - another that could easily be in the hunt. (6) WE THINK ALIKE blasted to the top at
24-1 last week and it took the classy Texas Terror N to give everything he had to just beat him - draws
worst, but the short field helps...not impossible. (4) TASTE OF HISTORY is being picked on the bottom
but he just missed at 18-1 last week, and really wouldn't be a surprise tonight.
RACE 3 - (2) IMMA BE was sent off favored in a good NW8 field last week (off the claim) but just wasn't
the same against those better horses - drops back down to the level he beat twice, and that stamps him as
the one to beat tonight (although this is a pretty solid field). (4) ER VEGAS just missed when 2nd in this
class 3 back, and raced well in his next pair against the AGED 30s - very dangerous dropping back in with
3 and 4YOs. (3) PERFECTBOY HANOVER raced very well for 3rd in his first try at this level last week -
should land on a good trip from this spot, and that puts him in play for a decent piece of the purse. (5) SCH
WARTZ BROS PAT was caught wide and then got rough last week, resulting in him being parked when he
finally tried to rush up for the lead to the quarter - he'll be a much better price tonight, and may bounce
back with a good effort (with a better trip). (6) SAILBOAT HANOVER was non functional for several
starts - was just "no factor" 2 back (an improvement), and built off that with last week's first over victory -
tough post here, but can rally for a piece if his form holds up. (1) KEYSTONE NOLAN stuck around for
3rd last week after looking like he might pack it in on the final turn - chance for a minor piece mostly
because of the draw. (8) MOONLIGHT SHADOW beat this class 2 back but that was on the lead, from
Post 3 - was no factor from Post 8 in his last, and looking at a similar scenario tonight. (7) BARRYWHITE
HANOVER doesn't seem up for these right now...especially from Post 7.
RACE 4 - (7) AMIGO VOLO made about half a million at 2 and followed that up with almost a million at
3 - like so many, he's struggled to match that success at 4....but this is a field that's certainly well within his
comfort zone, and Bartlett did drive him to a jogburger win (in the slop) back in October at Pocono - just
don't go overboard if he ends being way overbet! (1) HAYEK really seems to prefer racing from off the
pace, and last week's impressive score is "Exhibit A" - can handle the class hike with a similar effort and be
a legit player here. (2) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN crushed this class 2 back and won easily at this level on
10/2 as well - just ignore last (bothered), and look for him to be right in the thick of this. (4) WHAT
CHAPTER does his best with a little cheaper, but an easy trip could help him earn a small piece tonight. (5)
HUNTING AS showed last week that he's sharp enough right now for a chance at a piece at this higher
level IF he lands on a live trip - ok for 3rd/4th. (3) HILL OF A HORSE was away for 3 months and that
qualifier wasn't overly inspiring (2nd place finisher flopped in NW5000 on Wed.) - prefer to just watch, for
now. (6) KINDA LUCKY LINDY used a live trip to pick up 2nd last week, but he really prefers to be in
cheaper - outside post will hurt too. (8) EYE OF A TIGER AS landed on a dream trip last week and was
able to get up by a nose on the wire - long way to come from Post 8 tonight, however.
RACE 5 - Hard to feel confident about anybody in here! (1) SEAFARER was bet down to 3/2 vs. 25s last
start but was used hard for the lead then folded badly after giving way - if willing to just ignore that mile,
his previous form would make him a solid threat here, dropping down to 20s and drawing the pole. (2)
TOLLY HO drops in for $20K after being claimed for $30K 3 starts back - is it a real red flag, or are his
connections just looking to "steal" a win -- hard to know! (4) MISTER HAT has 2 local wins this season
from 9 starts, but vs. easier - has only been able to get pieces at this level, but may be a legitimate player in
this very suspect field. (7) KIMANI has been 3rd FIVE straight times but draws outside and is 0 for 11 at
Yonkers this year (and 1 for 34 overall) - would need a good price to use on top. (3) LOTTERY WINNER
seems too cheap but has to get a mention if only because he's moving to a barn that has done some amazing
work with fresh stock throughout their incredible debut year (at Yonkers) (5) HEARTLANDBANYSBRO
moves from NW4 to 20s and it's hard to guess how he'll fit. (6) MAJOR BUCKS has really fallen off form
and hard to recommend right now, (8) APEX SEELSTER draws Post 8 after missing 3 weeks and with
some less than stellar recent tries.
RACE 6 - (7) ETHAN T HANOVER is a 3YO facing older but he has the speed to create a good trip for
himself, and while he's definitely sharp, some of the others are in questionable form right now - worth a
play as long as he's not way overbet. (3) OUR WHITE KNIGHT was in a little tough in those NW20000
starts but certainly enjoyed the class relief over at Fhd (where he won his last pair) - fits nicely with these,
draws inside, but he's also just 1 for 15 at Yonkers, so make sure to get a fair price if using on top. (1)
HALO ITS ME hasn't been on her best game lately but the move inside may help her find a better effort -
would be a threat if she brings her best. (5) FULL RIGHTS just never got back to his top form after he took
some time off, but he was racing well enough to at least be in the hunt with these - didn't love his last pair,
but he's another eligible to perk up and make some noise tonight. (4) LIFETIME ROYALTY was on a good
roll before struggling in his last try across the river - may be a little cheap, but would consider for a small
piece. (8) CASINO CUTIE IT is feeling good right now but she lands all the way outside and may have a
hard time getting involved in her YR return. (2) OOH RAH grabbed an opportunistic 2nd at 56-1 two back
but he normally would need a bit easier to be a serious player. (6) MY BOY CHRISTIAN broke before the
start last week and will likely be handled conservatively tonight.
RACE 7 - (5) LISBURN ended up parked last week but was still close at 3/4s despite the blistering 1:22.3
fractions - he only lost by 7 lengths, and gets a class drop for tonight - definitely can beat these with a more
favorable journey. (1) WALTER MITTY was well meant last time but came up 2nd best to #4 - he's eligible
to be a bit sharper tonight, and the rail draw may leave him with a very nice trip - should be a live player.
(2) AUDI HARE N was sharp winning his last pair, but was also racing well for a couple of starts before
that - he steps up here, but seems sharp enough to still have a major say. (4) ITSMYCHECK GB is 2 for 2
at Yonkers for his new barn - he's also facing tougher now and we'll see if he can remain as successful if the
trip ends up being a bit tougher. (3) CAPOZZO hasn't been "bad", but it does seem like the 10YO nay have
lost a step (or perhaps is just a little off his best at the moment) - smaller piece only. (6) HEAVENS GAIT
is on a run of bad posts that almost makes tonight's draw look GOOD - hard to know what to expect from
him as it's been ages since he's even been close to contention! (7) MINNIE VINNIE has been holding his
own vs. better, but the move outside figures to hurt his chances significantly.
RACE 8 - (1) LETTUCERIPRITAA has two wins and two 2nds from his last 4 starts, draws the pole in
very sharp form, and will be the heavy choice to come out on top tonight - hard to make a case against him,
but there won't be a lot to be made betting ON him, either. (3) CLASS SIX had been struggling for a while
but did look a lot better in his first try for a new barn last week - perhaps the one to use if thinking of taking
a shot against the top choice? (2) DERECHO was doing good things at the lower levels but really tailed off
after moving up too high in class - last week's drop was offset by the bad post, so maybe he can show some
better life with the move inside tonight. (5) CARRACCI HANOVER was going pretty well but broke off
the claim 2 back, then was too far out of it to be a player last week - maybe he can grab a piece of this with
a good trip? (7) ALLGONOWHOA got an important class drop last week but was never able to get close
from Post 8 - was claimed by the Dynamic Duo that night, and would have definitely been rated higher here
if not for another terrible draw. (4) BRANDON HANOVER has been steadily picking up pieces lately and
we'll see if he can continue to do that for his new connections. (8) CINNABAR DRAGON wasn't up for
last week's very aggressive drive and weakened to 4th - may have to wait for a better spot after landing Post
8 tonight. (6) STARK HANOVER hasn't clicked at all in his 2 starts since the claim.
RACE 9 - Tough race: (7) LEAN HANOVER had been ultra consistent lately and was finally rewarded
with the victory last week - has enough speed to at least improve a bit at the start, and figures to be a decent
price even off the win last week - maybe he can make it 2 in a row? (5) WARRIOR ONE is another who
has been right there week after week, and comes into this off 4 straight 2nd place finishes - definitely can
find himself right back in the mix tonight. (8) THANKFUL NO is a very talented mare, and has won 4 of
her 5 Yonkers starts (the lone loss being when GREY came up with the mile of her life to beat her) - the
issue here is that she draws Post 8 after missing a month, and just may not be fully cranked for tonight. (4)
SECRET BRO has elevated his game since being purchased by the Super Siblings but is still unproven at
this top level (pair of 4ths, so far) - we'll see if he can be a little better tonight, and have a chance at the top
prize. (3) FANATIC has hit board in 4 of his 5 local starts, and was coming from 8th in the other - he's
another that still has to prove himself in this top class, but he's a decent bomb to include underneath. (1)
BARRY BLACK does his most damage vs. a bit cheaper but the French import is a hard hitter, and the rail
draw gives him a shot at a piece. (2) NEW HEAVEN tries hard all the time, but does his better work with
easier - will need some trip luck just for a minor share. (6) HL REVADON saw his bid stall in the same
spot the last 2 weeks and comes into this having missed a month - prefer others this week.
RACE 10 - (5) PATRIARCH HANOVER weakened on the lead last week but speed was terrible much of
the night and he actually raced very well (almost holding 2nd after the razor sharp winner rolled on by) -
he's definitely back on the upswing and this is a good week to hop on his team. (2) NEXTROUNDSONME
finally got post relief last week and squandered it - perhaps he deserves one more chance (4) D P ROCKET
just didn't look good even before the break last week, but that was a "weird" surface that night (lot of
breakers, and horses just finishing up the track) - crafty connections drop her right back in the box, so
maybe she can rebound tonight. (7) ROCK OF CASHEL hasn't been on his best game, but he'll be a big
price from out here and maybe can slip into the exotics at a nice price. (6) MAGICAL JOURNEY just
hasn't been finishing his miles well enough recently - drawing outside isn't going to help his cause. (1)
WINDSONG PIONEER is at his best on the lead, vs. cheaper - doesn't feel like a great spot for him. (3)
KASHA V won his last but has missed a month after s sick scratch.
RACE 11 - (4) ROCKIN JUKEBOX took a while to find his best stride last week but really finished up
strong once into the lane, collaring the leader and drawing clear at the wire - chance to make it 2 in a row,
even though Stratton takes #1 in here. (2) CENTURY GRIZZLY came up 2nd best to sharp winners in his
last pair and remains a big threat to get his picture taken- certainly belongs on your tickets. (8) MR KELLY
appreciated the class drop last week and was a pocket rocket winner over #2 - brutal draw for tonight, but
willing to consider if the price is really juicy. (1) HEART ON MY SLEEVE dropped back down from the
50s last week and was able to get it done in a slowish mile - draws best, keeps Stratton, and belongs in your
exotics. (5) REMEMBERING SHORTY was 2nd at Fhd. adding Lasix then 3rd in his YR return last week
(at 33-1) - chance for another piece...at another big price. (3) CASHNCAM just lacked the pop from the top
of the lane to be a bigger player last week - needs to find more. (7) ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP raced well
from an impossible spot last week -- unfortunately, this spot doesn't seem any better. (6) EL DISCOS
JOHNNY went through a major rough patch - better signs in an Amateur race last week (in NJ), but still
not ready to hop on his team.
RACE 12 - (4) FOLLOW YOUR HEART has some legitimate excuses in several recent starts and now
drops to the bottom class and catches a pretty soft bunch - good spot for a wake up call. (2) HEAVENLY
SOUND 1 just 1 for 26 at Yonkers but did have some life finishing last week, and may be able to land
somewhere on the ticket tonight. (5) BETTING EXCHANGE is notoriously camera shy at YR but this is
the kind of field where he can at least be a threat - would still need a decent price to use him on top of the
ticket, though. (1) SPORTSKEEPER has shown nothing in a while...but the rail in a soft field may help him
at least be a contender. (7) WAY TO CLOSE landed on a brutal trip off the claim last week and raced very
well under the circumstances - moves to another new barn for tonight, but also lands another terrible post -
worth a look IF the price is big. (3) TIGERS WAY has earned just ONE 5th place check in his last 7 starts -
really needs to improve for even a small share. (8) REVELRY has been void of any form lately and now
draws Post 8. (6) CAVIART STETSON failed to beat even a single horse in his last 4 starts.