RACE 1 – (4) TOBAGO TIME ended 2024 with a pair of wins and was victorious in her ’25 return as well – she
was claimed last week by a very hot barn...for who she won 3 of 4 starts this Fall (8 hole in the other) – lots to like
as she looks to make it 4 in a row! (5) NIKASA N is 2 for 2 to start off the new year, and will look to extend that
streak to 3 as she goes for yet another new barn – if anybody can knock off the top choice, it’s likely her (but won’t
be easy after drawing to her outside). (3) SUGAR BRITCHES was only even last week but that still was better than
several of her other recent starts – we’ll see if she can build off that with a more competitive try tonight. (1) PINK
RUBY is a terrific $20K claimer but probably pushing it against these better ones – still, chance for a decent piece
with the move inside. (2) LOOKOVERYOUR clearly needed her last start (returning from the winter break) – would
like to see some better life before endorsing, however. (6) SUNBURNT was an ok 4th last week, but the outside draw
figures to limit her chances tonight.
RACE 2 – (3) CELSIUS shipped back in sharp from NJ but just couldn’t overcome a tough trip last week, racing
very well to be a close 3rd – an easier journey may help her find the winner’s circle tonight. (1) RACEY RACH N
was sharp off the claim last week, coming up a close 2nd best to the sharp NIKASA N – major threat from the pole
tonight. (6) ROCKNROLL ANNIE was simply hammered at the windows last week (Post 7, off the claim) but made
a break on the first turn while trying to loop to the lead – her price will surely drift up tonight, and she’s surely worth
considering at that 10-1 ML price. (5) HARPER SEELSTER landed a much better trip off the claim last week and
rallied to be a close 2nd behind the streaking TOBAGO TIME – can’t be counted out here, though a smaller piece
seems more likely than a larger one. (2) NUTTINBUTHEBEST was looped into the first turn by #6 last week and
ended up making a break herself (followed by another miscue on the final turn) – may be handled conservatively
tonight after last week’s struggles. (7) PARADISE ROCK L tried to steal one on the front end last week but got a
little tired in the lane and finished 3rd – tough task starting from Post 7 tonight. (4) PASTA MOMMA wasn’t bad 2
back in her local debut, but then seemed to regress last week – jury still out on this mare.
RACE 3 – (3) RHYDS SUPERFLY GB had NJ lines that suggested he might be a stickout in his YR debut...and
the only real “surprise” was that he paid a fairly decent price – remains the one to beat, but the price figures to be
pretty short this time around. (5) ICACO HANOVER was no match in the stretch for the top choice last week but
was able to hang on to 2nd – he’s ultra consistent, and may complete the exacta once more. (1) CUPID SHUFFLE sat
an easy trip last week so his weak stretch response was disappointing for sure - he’s capable of better, and could
land on the ticket somewhere if he finds that better form. (2) LEGAL ATTACK paced home evenly when 5th last
week, making his first start after the winter break – another with a chance to be part of the exotics if on his best
game. (7) KID FROM THE BRONX has held his own plenty of times in this class but he does his best racing
on/near the lead and that may not be possible from this spot. (4) FERRAGAMO HANOVER has done little lately –
sticking with others. (6) CHOICE IS YOURS arrives from Canada in a new barn, and will need to prove he can
compete with the locals.
RACE 4 – Tough race! (7) WESTERN ERA gave it a nice try 2 back when 2nd to the classy BOILING OAR but lost
all chance last week after making a break before the start (at 9/5) – his price will go way up tonight for anybody
willing to give him another try. (4) SHADOW CAT debuted for our leading trainer last week but just seemed to get
WAY too hot on the front end, and tired in the stretch – could be much tougher tonight if able to relax a bit more. (2)
OPTICAL ILLUSION N was an ok 2nd 2 back (off the bad date) then finished with pace for 3rd in his last, after
shaking free in the lane...would be no surprise at all. (3) ODDS ON CAPITALISM held 2nd behind a sharp front end
favorite 2 back, but was no factor at all last week – he’s held his own with tougher (when sharp), and could be a
viable longshot stab tonight. (6) ITALIAN LAD N took a tough loss last week when nailed right on the wire after
cutting the mile – gets a bad draw, but he’ll be worth at least a look at a big price. (5) LOUS SWEETREVENGE
was an “ugly” winner last week, all out to barely run down a lesser foe at the wire – he COULD repeat against these
better ones, but there won’t be much value to be had. (1) ALWAYS ROCKIN is probably racing well enough right
now for a chance at a piece from the pole, but his local slate doesn’t evoke too much confidence (23-1-1-2). (8) SPR
INGSTEEN was a fast, talented youngster but he’s been inconsistent at best in his last few years of racing – hard to
see him finding a manageable trip from out here.
RACE 5 – (7) TWIN B DELUXE gave it a big go off the winter break but lost all chance when hung out to dry – he
(understandably) was handled conservatively last week, then hurt by dullish cover...maybe he can pull off the upset
tonight if Kakaley can work out a manageable trip? (4) OUTLAW MAN N made his way to the top last week but
took a tough beat when nipped at the wire – he moves up a notch, but his best effort makes him a threat here too. (2)
JUST ENUFF STUFF wasn’t really clicking at the end of last year but the few weeks off seemed to help as he
returned with a good one in his last – moves inside, and has to be seen as a very live player. (3) BRAKE AHEAD
just hasn’t had any success since arriving from Ohio – we’ll see if another class drop can help pick him up a bit. (6)
TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK tired on the lead in his first start after the winter break but was able to complete the
wire to wire score last week – tough post and class jump tonight may slow him down a bit. (8) GINGRAS BEACH
should appreciate the drop in class but that will likely be offset by the horrible draw – suppose he’s an okay bomb
for longshot fans. (1) MEA CULPA A was no factor in his local debut but he also had a bad post, off a bad date –
he’s at least eligible to be better the 2nd time around. (5) AUSSIE HANOVER was right there last week but with an
easy trip, in a much easier field – not sure he can have the same impact tonight.
RACE 6 – (8) FORTUNADA hit the board in 3 straight to close out 2024 – she won her first start back in 2025
(where she was claimed), then was stuck racing from Post 8 in a much better field than this one (and still finished
with sneaky pace) – she CAN beat these from Post 8...but you’ll still want to get a “fair” price if using on top. (2)
MIKI THE CLOWN was really gaining late and almost got up last week – legitimate chance tonight with the move
inside. (6) RAISE THE ANTE won all 3 of her starts here in 2024 then began the new year by finishing 2nd from
Post 8 (at a big price) – don’t hesitate to include her on your tickets tonight. (7) DASH N CACHE won her last Fall
of a long layoff, then raced ok for a couple more starts – she’s definitely leveled off recently, but still worth
considering underneath at a big price. (1) SPLIT POT has lines out of town that suggest she can hang with these if
close to the action...but she’s also been away since 12/27 and may just need this start. (4) AT THE HOP was an
even 5th arriving from NJ last week and likely looking at only minor spoils once more. (3) WILDCAT ANTONIA
has raced well here in the past but she’s been away since November and may not be wound tight enough just yet. (5)
PINE BUSH MAGA usually ships in with good Monti lines....but she’s 0 for 27 locally over the past 2 years.
RACE 7 – (4) ROCK THE BELLES had a new trainer listed last week and raced like a new horse, offering a
sustained rally from the back to ALMOST upset at 102-1 – he really deserves top billing here...but it’s also hard to
accept an odds-on price tonight after being TRIPLE digits last week! (3) GALANTE A wasn’t too far back here on
1/20 (vs. better) then raced well in NJ last week – could be a very live player in this spot. (5) GREG THE LEG
turned in a much better effort last week but the pocket trip likely played a big role – he may not be as good with a
tougher journey tonight, so be careful about taking a shortish price. (2) MY ULTIMATE STAR A hasn’t been a
threat in some time but he gets a rare inside post and that may be enough to at least keep him in closer contention.
(6) RAYRAY is an in-and-outer that’s tough to predict from week to week – never a bad bomb to throw in
underneath. (7) GAMBLINGTERROR was able to pick up a 4th last week by saving ground – maybe he can steal
another small slice tonight? (1) WE BE JAMMIN hasn’t been sharp, and even the rail draw may not be enough to
help him grab a share. (8) BARON MICHAEL was no threat from a similarly bad spot last week.
RACE 8 – (1) PEMBROKE SOUTHIE stayed busy during the winter break with a pair of starts at The Swamp,
winning them both – she brought that good form back here to Yonkers, kicking home strong from the back to rally
for 2nd last week (behind #2) – could be very tough starting from the pole tonight. (2) CHIAPANECAS beat #1 last
start, landing on a dream trip and cashing in for the victory – would be no surprise at all to see her take another. (6)
IDEALINFUN went out a winner in 2024, one of her 7 victories here last season – she was in a tough spot for her
’25 return and while this spot isn’t much better, she may be able to have a bigger say tonight. (7) DELITFULCATH
ERIN N hasn’t been sharp, and drops in for a tag tonight – may have listed her a bit higher if not for the terrible
draw. (4) RAPTORS WON raced ok adding Lasix in NJ last week and did pick up a win here on 12/13 – ok to use
underneath. (3) PARTY CRUISER raced ok for a (no threat) 3rd last week – feels a bit overmatched at this level, but
still may be able to beat a few of the others. (5) SILKY STRIDE took no $$ last week and was no factor – waiting
for better signs before hopping back on her team. (8) CHARMING VIXEN could use a much better post in a much
easier field.
RACE 9 – (7) COVERED BRIDGE hasn’t been close to 100% in some time but it’s not like he’s been “horrible” –
there’s nothing all that scary in here, and this MAY be a spot where Holland can get much more aggressive – willing
to give the classmaster a try tonight, and will definitely be looking to see if he’s more live on the tote board this
week. (3) MISSED THE TRUTH A finished 2nd in both of his Yonkers starts last year, started off 2025 with a 3rd,
and just had no prayer after getting away 8th last week – could be a live player tonight. (1) KARLOO BRADLEY N
wasn’t sharp to close out 2024 but he returned a winner (11-1) in 2025, then paced home evenly from an impossible
spot last week – the good draw could put him in play for a good piece tonight. (6) KOPI LUWAK hails from a red
hot barn and would surely be no great surprise...he also disappointed a bit when 2nd as the heavy chalk last week,
and may be somewhat vulnerable tonight, as well. (5) SURFSIDE BEACH went plenty of big miles here last year
and returns sharp from across the river – possible for exotics. (2) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK was an “ok” 4th last
week, flattening a bit into the lane– will need to be a bit sharper to be a more serious threat tonight. (4) CADILLAC
BAYAMA is capable of taking on better than these, but just doesn’t feel all that sharp at the moment.
RACE 10 – (5) BACKSTREET SHADOW is definitely a bit off his “Borgata form” but the mega-classy 10YO still
is capable of big efforts, and last week is evidence of that – wouldn’t be willing to take a “short” price here, but
willing to give him a try if the price is fair. (6) TASTE OF HONEY was coming up with some very sharp tries in the
latter part of 2024 and his 2025 return was solid as well – he faces a tough task starting from Post 6, but he’s worth a
look at what figures to be a pretty juicy price. (2) HAZEVILLE is a streaky sort and he turned in a big one last
week, stretching heavily favored SPORT SECRET to his limits before giving way late – he could be in the thick of
this if he brings his best effort. (4) SLING SHOCK usually does his best Yonkers work vs. easier but he’s returning
from NJ in top form, and may be good enough right now to be part of the equation. (1) HEZ ALLTHE RAGE N had
been struggling at the end of his miles for a while but never looked back after hitting the top last week – won’t be as
easy to outrun THIS tougher field, however. (3) CAVIART SARGENT ended the year strong and has raced well in a
pair of starts since returning – possibility for a minor share. (7) JAHAN HANOVER generally does his best work
with a bit easier – and tonight’s draw surely won’t help his cause.
RACE 11 – (2) CANNERY ROW is 0 for 25 at Yonkers (past 3 years) but did race well in a bunch of those losses
(even her start here on 1/21 is better than it looks on paper) – she returns after grabbing a win at Monti last week,
and we’ll see if she picked up some confidence with that victory. (4) NITE TIME DEAL’s recent form in NJ is
mixed but she gets a big switch to Bartlett for her YR return, and she did have some success here last year
(14-2-2-2) – should be a solid player in this field. (3) GINGER TREE LIZ was a decent 3rd here on 1/21 racing off a
bad date – her barn has sent out a couple of live ones this meet, and she could be a good value horse to consider. (1)
UNITY banked over $100K here last year (9 wins) but most of it came much earlier in the season – definitely in
need of a big wake up call. (8) IRIS SEELSTER was much better last week after not functioning the start before –
not sure if Marohn can get her into the race, though. (5) DUCK INTO THE NITE had some good tries here last year
but not much recently – another in need of a wake up. (7) SACAGAWEA sat the cones and was a dull 5th in her
local debut – leaning elsewhere. (6) AINTNOHOOLABACKGRL had a weak 2024 season and ships back in from
NJ after failing to beat a single horse the last 3X she went behind the gate.