RACE 1 – (2) FORWARD LOOK had the same terrible start in his career debut that he had in his 2nd qualifier but it
just didn’t matter, as he was able to still effortlessly circle the field despite being well back in last at the half – it may
be a bit tougher to overcome such a disastrous start against this somewhat better field, but the ability he showed in
that debut makes him hard to go against. (1) ALLBETSONFRITZ ships down from Canada showing good current
form, and he has speed from the pole with Yannick – seems like a very live player. (7) SKIPFROMTHETOP IR is
one of 2 UK imports the barn sends out tonight and both were freshened up after Nov. qualifiers, and came back
recently to qualify once more – check the tote board for clues. (8) TRAIN STATION has now been 2nd in 3 straight
starts and could be looking at another bridesmaid finish tonight – certainly belongs in exotics, even from Post 8. (3)
VALENTINE HUNTER hasn’t shown much but may prove best of the rest, thanks to the draw. (4) BETTORUPTHE
ANTE started to unravel late in the year, and the last qualifier (after a barn change) doesn’t inspire much confidence.
(6) HELSINKI put in a decent bid last week before tiring badly – tough draw for tonight, though. (5) BEST BETTO R makes his 2024 return after managing no wins and just a pair of 2nds from 36 starts last year.
RACE 2 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (7) MC ANGEL finally avoided her nemesis SALE EL SOL last week and
was able to deliver the sharp, front end score – it’ll obviously be tougher starting from Post 7 tonight, but that also
means the price will be better – chance to repeat. (5) GOLDEN QUEST N was held responsible for interfering with
LINE EM UP when sent wide off turn three last week, and it nullified her otherwise solid victory – chance to make
amends tonight, if she can work out a good trip. (1) PURAMERI hasn’t clicked yet in ’24 but maybe the rail draw
will perk her up a bit – she’s capable of being a player IF she brings her best. (3) ROCKNROLL ANNIE hails from
a hot barn but has been only “meh” herself – probably looking at another smaller piece here. (6) CALLMEQUEENB
EE A stayed sharp out of town during the winter break but was no factor in her local return – this is a softer spot, so
we may see a better effort now...willing to include underneath. (4) WOODMERE HARRIET was an even 5th off a bad date
last week – another easy trip may lead to some more minor spoils. (2) CORAL BELLA was a little better in
her last, but it’s been quite a while since she’s been “good”.
RACE 3 - “Stake Your Claim” Series: (1) PHELGON had no chance from Post 8 upon arrival last week but really
wasn’t bad...may end up sitting a winning trip tonight, and that may be the key to coming out on top in this fairly
soft division. (3) BETTOR B SAWYER has technically been facing “cheaper” out of town but in reality, that’s
where most of these would belong – she has solid overall form, gets Gingras, and could be a threat tonight. (2)
FEELIN RED HOT returns to a barn that has gotten some big miles out of her in the past, and will surely look to
take these wire to wire...she’ll also be way overbet, and it’s hard to predict if she’ll improve enough to be able to
pull it off. (4) SHORTYS GIRL had just one win last year but she did have eight 2nds – she’s been facing males in
many of those amateur races, and may prove a good fit in here – possibility. (7) SEZANA N seems up against it
from Post 7 in her current form but we’ve learned that this barn can never be totally counted out from a big-priced,
form reversing winner. (6) WESTERN ROSIE has her moments but will need a quick start for any real chance to be
a major part of the action. (5) EVAS SPORTS CZECH failed to earn a check in 5 local tries last year.
RACE 4 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (2) CHUPPAH ON didn’t have her “best” year in 2023 (only 4 wins) but still
banged out $118K thanks to a bunch of 2nds and 3rds– she was freshened up and qualified back sharply right behind
a good looking import...we’ll see if the time off has helped her regain her edge. (1) TERACITA was a beast at the
$20K level last year but has been solid so far at this $50K level in ‘24 – hails from the most dangerous trainer/driver
team around, and looms a major threat from this spot. (6) SHEIK YABOOTY N could only manage an even 4th moving
up to this level last week but finished right behind three sharp ones – she’s really upped her game since a
recent barn change, and can’t be overlooked here. (7) SOUTHWIND JAVA was claimed by a very hot barn but is
listed at 5/2 ML and has had some issues getting around Yonkers at times – playable, but be careful about taking too
short a price. (4) PINK RUBY tries very hard every week but may be better suited vs. a bit easier – we shall see. (5)
PURE SILKY gets a much better post but will need to up her game quite a bit to take advantage and be a serious
player. (3) ANNELIESE HANOVER disappoints far more often than she delivers – sticking with others.
RACE 5 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (5) SHOTGUN PERSUASION was thriving in 50s after a late season claim
but has struggled a bit at that level in the new year – the drop back down to 20s tonight may be just what the doctor
ordered. (2) TUAPEKA JESSIE N made a break on 11/21 but has otherwise been 5-3-1-1 since joining forces with
our leading stable – hard to leave off your tickets, but also hard to “love” at a very short price. (4) UNITY arrives
from Ohio with some iffy form, but should fit well with the locals – her wins at Northfield last year suggest she’ll
get around YR just fine, and getting Gingras on board can only help – possible. (3) AINTNOHOLLABACKGRL
was a little better in her 2nd start of the year, though still not at her “best” – ok to use underneath. (1) HARMONY
OF NOTES seems a notch below the top ones but the good draw (and 10-1 ML price) makes her worth at least
considering for exotics. (8) PLZDONTLIETOME N has never gotten back to her “top” level but she’s at least a
steady player these days – the draw is a killer, however. (7) ROLL WITH SHORTY seems way off her game and
draws horribly. (6) JOSSIE JAMES A is prone to clunkers and iffy even on her best effort these days.
RACE 6 – (2) KINGSVILLE returned sharp from the winter break, charging home for 2nd last week behind front
end winner SPEED MAN N – drops, draws inside, and looms a big threat tonight. (3) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N
came up a little short at the end last week after being used for the lead from Post 7 – he fits perfectly here, his barn is
off to a great start and it would be hard to leave him out of the exotics. (1) DIAMONDBEACH hasn’t really been a
threat since handling (much) easier 4 starts back but he hasn’t been terrible, either – good spot for a close up trip and
decent piece. (5) ON ACCIDENT does his best work with a bit easier but still may be able to take home a slice if the
trip goes his way. (4) SOUTHBEACH HANOVER was no factor last week in a race he figured to need - we’ll see if
he can have at least a bit bigger say tonight. (8) THRASHER is good right now but unlikely to work out the same
decent trip as he did vs. easier last week – may have to wait for a better spot. (7) VENIER HANOVER tired badly
the last 2 starts after putting in bids – hard to like his chances from out here off those efforts. (6) TIM MCMIKI
seems a bit overmatched for his local debut.
RACE 7 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (4) ONEDERFULBEACH was an 8 hole (front end) winner here upon
landing in our top barn (from Ohio) – finished ok in her next (in NJ) after a shuffle, but found things a little too
tough here last week against the likes of LUCKY ARTIST A, MAN DONTFORGET ME, etc. – drops in to this
easier claiming series, and that should be more to her liking. (2) COMMANDER CATHY N had a useful tightener
last week and does fit well with these types – she’s a bit camera shy, however, and better used underneath, rather
than on top. (6) GET ANSWERS gave it a very nice try here when 2nd in her first start of the year but ended up
brutally parked last week – she can be a player here IF things go more smoothly. (3) BETTERB CHEVRON N was
just an ok 3rd in her first start of the season, and gets a pass for last week (8 hole) – should be more involved tonight,
but may not be sharp enough to win right now. (8) LINE EM UP flattened badly last week but that may have been
because she was briefly forced four wide off turn three – she’s a good fit, but will need some trip luck to land a good
piece from out here. (5) LOVE THAT SMILE was sharper a while back, and needs to find that better form if she
hopes to rally for a decent chunk tonight. (7) PARADISE ROCK L was an upset winner off the claim last week but
that was vs. cheaper, in a “fall apart” race – may not be as fortunate here. (1) ITTY BITTY draws the pole, but
hasn’t clicked in some time.
RACE 8 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (2) WINDSUN MOJITO gave it a good try on the front end last week and
there’s no shame coming up 2nd best to TUAPEKA JESSIE N – deserves another chance tonight. (4) GOLDEN LEADER
finished strong from a hopeless spot 2 back then was right behind the top choice (in 3rd) last week – might have
been the top choice tonight if a top catch driver was listed, but still worth a look at a fair price. (6) ROSEY TIME
has been facing cheaper out of town but may still be a good fit here – tough post, but a good price makes her worth
considering. (5) PLEASURE SEEKER has some lines that would surely make her a threat here but she’s 0 for 17
here over the last 3 years, and it’s hard to just overlook that. (1) BLUEBIRD GRAF returns from Dover showing
dismal lines and is hard to endorse...although she’s the only one in the field to have won a start at Yonkers. (3) SUN
SET SOPH hasn’t been bad, but just seems a little cheaper – would consider using on the bottom of exotics. (7)
MEADOWBROOK JENNY should like the drop back to 20s, but would still be hard to recommend from out here.
RACE 9 – “Stake Your Claim” Series: (2) DREAM DANCING benefited from a good trip in a “fall apart” race to
win last week but she also beat these in her last start of 2023 – she debuts tonight for our leading connections, and
there’s a solid chance she’ll be able to take another. (1) BRONZE OVER N used an aggressive try 2 back to (barely)
hang on for the win, but wasn’t able to last on the front end last week – an easier trip tonight may braven her up, and
put her in play for a big piece. (3) FLIP THE SCRIPT is very capable with these on her best game, but really hasn’t
looked all that good lately – this field is soft enough where a wake up call is at least possible. (7) BROOKDALE JE
SSIE hasn’t won in ages but she’s not racing poorly – good bomb for 3rd/4th despite the bad draw. (4) PRAY THE
ROSARY had some pace finishing into last week’s slow final quarter – been ages since she’s threatened to win one,
however. (6) BELLATRICKS appears to have raced a little better in NJ last week but overall, has really struggled to
get anything going since returning from a long layoff last winter. (8) THUNDRA throws a good one here and there,
but seems unlikely to be able to get into the hunt from Post 8. (5) TARGARYEN EMPRESS has been struggling for
some time – sticking with others.
RACE 10 – (5) HEMSWORTH N was full of pace finishing in his first start of the year and was REALLY good
winning last week, despite poor cover – he’s sharp enough to take another, but Kakaley may want to be a little more
aggressive, to avoid another tough trip. (1) SHINE A LIGHT generally does his best with a bit easier but he was
VERY good in his first start of the year, and had good pace finishing from an impossible spot last week – the right
trip could put him right there at the end. (3) SPEED MAN N hit the top in an easier spot last week and the classy
veteran was able to pick up his first win of the year – steps up, but can make a lot of noise here too. (4) ORLANDO
BLUE A has held his form beautifully as he’s been climbing the class ladder, and he finished with plenty of pace in
his first start of the year – chance to outrace his odds here, even with a new trainer listed. (7) SEMI TOUGH left
enough to grab a pocket last week but ended up in the 3 hole after the lead changed hands and was no real threat
after that – can always be dangerous when things do go his way. (8) BOILING OAR had license to tire last week
after making an early move and rolling from there – would have listed him higher if not for Post 8. (6) LOUS SWEE
TREVENGE had things his own way as the prohibitive choice last week and couldn’t get it done – lands in a much
tougher spot for tonight. (2) EVER HOPING A makes his U.S. debut – check the board for any clues.
RACE 11 – Wide open: (6) VINTAGE CHEDDAR N certainly benefited from a very live trip last week but the fact
that he was able to win off the sick scratch (off a month!) is impressive – tough draw tonight, but maybe another live
trip could help him repeat...at a better price. (4) BILL HALEY N finished crisply for 3rd last week, even if helped by
an easy trip – one of several that become dangerous in here with the right journey. (2) THE REGULATOR can go
through some losing streaks but he still found time to be 1st or 2nd here 11X last year – he may look to get aggressive
from this spot, and that could make him a threat. (3) ANOTHERSTATEMENT A came up with a big first over try
last week when a head behind the top choice in 2nd – that 10-1 ML price does make him worthy of a look! (5) BRAE
VIEW BONDI A would look better with a class drop but his barn is off to a good start in ‘24 and this guy is usable
if the price is right. (1) BEREAVED HANOVER looked like he may struggle a bit with the Hilltop Oval in his first
local try – was better last week (off an easy trip), and he’s certainly in a good spot IF he’s ready to step up with his
best effort. (7) SON OF A TIGER N shows a pir of decent preps after 3+ months away but lands in a tough spot for
his seasonal bow. (8) PHOENIX OF FLUZZY drops a bit, but that may be offset by the terrible draw.
RACE 12 – (1) STATESIDE DEUCE GB opened some eyes upon arrival from the UK when he qualified right there
with the classy SAILBOAT HANOVER – he was scratched when in to go on 11/28, but just re-qualified in very
impressive fashion once more – there are a few solid ones in here, but it’s worth a stab that he’s the right one. (2)
VENTURESOME ARDEN N beat a softish field in his stateside debut on 12/19, then moved across the river and
quickly took a nice 1:50.4 mark in his next start – didn’t fare as well the following week, however, and his last local
try (WAY up in class in the 3-6YO Open) ended in disaster – we’ll find out tonight if he’s just gone south in a hurry,
or if he can bounce right back in this more suitable spot. (6) VICI gets a pass for his last when plagued with
equipment trouble – his prior form is excellent, and he should be able to make a lot of noise tonight. (8) CAPTAIN
MAX HENRY won his first 2 local starts then just missed 2nd last week (racing off a bad date) – clearly he fits with
these, but the draw could put him at a disadvantage tonight. (7) SURFSIDE BEACH was a HUGE overlay when a
solid 2nd at 47-1 last week – he does fit, but may have a tough time finding a manageable trip. (4) UNDER YOUR
SCARS seems a bit below the main players in here, but may be able to handle the others. (3) TOMMY THREE STI
CKS has some ability but has struggled to get around Yonkers in the past. (5) PINE BUSH ITALIANO needs to find
a much easier spot to be any kind of threat.