RACE 1 – (5) NANDOLO N was handled far more aggressively than usual in his last NJ start (after missing more
than 5 weeks!) and that should have him plenty tight for tonight– gets Bartlett back on board, and this certainly feels
like a spot he should handle...even if he’s been a “risky” play at short prices in the past. (1) SPLASH BROTHER
wasn’t bad in his 2025 return and he built off that try last week, looking very sharp in his front end score – could be
the main threat. (3) BENHOPE RULZ N paced home evenly from a difficult spot last week but the class drop and
better draw should put him right back into the mix for tonight – use in exotics. (7) ULTIMAROCA couldn’t last on
the lead 2 back but did finish alertly from OFF the pace last week – he fits very well here, but faces will have a post
disadvantage vs, his main rivals. (6) FIZZING N would look better in a bit easier but he’s probably good enough to
contend for a small share, with an easy trip. (4) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N had a rough 2024 season and just
re-qualified after being away since August – just observing, for now. (2) SOUTHBEACH HANOVER was beaten
by 17 lengths last week – should do better tonight, but still seems like an outsider. (8) PRICELESS BEACH draws
Post 8 for his first start since May – keep an eye for future consideration.
RACE 2 – (4) BONDI LOCKDOWN A has been a solid performer ever since arriving in the U.S. this summer – he
returns to YR off several sharp tries across the river, and he flew home (from an impossible spot) in his only local
try (10/7) – could offer some decent value in a very competitive affair. (1) MOMENT IS HERE was very well meant
last week (as the favorite) but nipped on the way by a fresh import that shook free on the final turn– legitimate threat
once more. (6) VENTURESOME ARDEN N is a strong Open performer when on his game, but clearly he’s not in
that peak form right now...still good enough to be a dangerous player against these, however. (3) FUNATTHEBEA
CH N was no threat in his first 2 starts of the year but wasn’t terrible either – worth a look at the right price. (2) LUC
APELO A was close at the wire in his local debut but definitely needed a bit more – willing to consider underneath.
(5) RENAISSANCE DEO had a big wake up call for 3rd last week at a big price – we’ll see if he can build off that
with another solid try tonight. (7) CHANTEE was well back in his 2025 return- pass for now, (8) SOUTHWIND
PETYR has been idle since 12/16 and draws Post 8 for his return.
RACE 3 – (8) FLIP MY CHIP has taken 3 of his last 4 starts and 6 of his last 8 – he goes for a new barn tonight
(and from a bad post) but his continued outstanding form still stamps him as the one to knock off. (3) MUSIC HALL
got caught in at the half last week (after leaving from Post 7) and never really had a great shot after that – he feels
like an excellent fit at this level, and could be a major danger if things go his way tonight. (2) CAPTAIN T
HANOVER was an outstanding 38-9-14-5 at Yonkers last year and has gone strong miles for this barn in the past –
he drops back down to his preferred level, gets a good draw with Yannick, and deserves plenty of respect. (5) RICA
RDOSHILYSHALLY jogged in his final local start of 2024 and was a good-finishing 4th here last week – could be
worth a look at that 10-1 ML price. (4) HARD TO CATCH seems a bit below these but he does add Lasix so we’ll
see if that helps him up his game a bit. (7) HIGH ON ROCKNROLL is just 1 for 57 locally (past 3 years) but does
grab his share of pieces – maybe not from THIS spot, though. (6) WARRIOR FOR TRUTH had an excuse last week
(trapped inside) but still may struggle to get in play from Post 6. (1) EMINEM HANOVER has really been
struggling for a while.
RACE 4 – Tough race: (6) BOILING OAR may have benefited from an easy two hole trip in his 2025 return but he
looked sharp in victory, and is capable of beating better than these, when sharp – maybe that victory will launch him
on a form spree to start off the new year? (3) LEONIDAS A was well meant last week but clearly outkicked from
the top of the lane by #8– may have a better chance tonight with a more aggressive start (5) HEZA CHARTTOPPER
A can be a little lazy at times during the mile but he’s won both Yonkers starts and gets to remain in the same class –
obvious threat, but also likely to be overbet. (7) ROCKMYSTER N hails from a red hot barn and the import could
not have looked any sharper in his U.S. qualifier – threat to be ready at first asking, and definitely with appeal at that
15-1 ML price. (2) VICI came up flat last week despite an easy trip, and wasn’t sharp in his previous NJ try either –
needs to find his better game if he hopes to be a serious player tonight. (8) TRANSPARENCY is razor sharp,
charging by in the lane in both starts this year for easy victories – he’ll have to pass a LOT of rivals tonight, though,
if he hopes to keep that winning streak alive. (1) TWIN B POWERBALL has been a solid player in this class, but
may still need another start before he fires his best shot. (4) CYRUS N was dull last week – leaning elsewhere.
RACE 5 – (1) HAMMERING HANK can be forgiven for coming up 2nd best last week to the streaking ORLANDO
BLUE A (in 50s), and now drops back down a peg to the level he beat on 12/16 – deserves top billing, (4) SHINE A
LIGHT rallied nicely in the stretch to pick up 3rd in his first start off the winter break – may prove the biggest threat
in this overall soft $40,000 claiming field. (2) CENTURY ENDEAVOR took no $$ and came up empty in his first
start of ’25 – he was claimed that night, and we’ll see if he can bounce back to his better form for his new crew. (3)
FULSOME was a no-threat 5th in his first start of the year but is capable of better – willing to consider underneath.
(8) MACH N CHEESE was used hard early off the bad date and only weakened at the very end – brutal draw, but he
CAN have a say if Siegelman can find a way to get him in play. (5) SANTAFES COACH was racing well in PA vs.
a bit easier to close out 2024, but the 5 weeks off may leave him a little short for tonight. (6) YNOTTHISHOS won
here last week but vs/ much easier – may find these a bit out of his comfort zone. (7) THREE IN HEAVEN A’s only
recent success has come vs. much easier.
RACE 6 – (4) MACS MARVEL had no prayer last week (8 hole vs. 50s) but really wasn’t far back at the end – gets
significant class relief, moves inside, gets a switch to Holland, and may have landed in a spot he can handle (6) THE
REGULATOR left from Post 8 last week but suddenly retreated to last then pulled up (due to an equipment issue) –
his barn already has 17 wins in just the first 2 weeks of the new meet, and anything they send out demands plenty of
respect. (2) ALADDIN raced ok in his 3 Yonkers starts at the end of 2024 and was a useful 3rd in his first start back
off the winter hiatus...fits with these, and can definitely have a big say. (7) QUALITY BUD finished ok from a no
chance spot last week – this spot isn’t much better, but he may be able to have at least a bit more say with these. (3)
CASINO ACTION N was just 1 for 23 here last year but did grab his share of smaller pieces – willing to consider
for the bottom of exotics. (1) MARLBANK ROAD lands the pole but has been away since 12/19 – have to believe
he'll need a start. (5) PHOENIX OF FLUZZY was terrible in NJ 2 back, and no factor at all here last week – waiting
for some better signs. (8) ALEX TYE may look better with a class drop (and better post) next week.
RACE 7 – Good race! (5) SPEEDY DOMINIC A jogged here upon arrival from Ohio on 12/11 – he raced well at
Chester to end 2024, then was a winner once more in his Yonkers return last week – hardly a cinch in this very well
matched field, but we’ll give him the narrows edge. (2) TWIG wasn’t up for the aggressive front end try on 1/20 but
he raced super last week, a close up 2nd despite a very long first over trip...possibility. (3) IM A POWERPLAY A
got parked in his seasonal return but quickly made up for it last week with a sharp wire-to-wire score – he was an 8X
winner here last year, and an absolute threat from this spot. (8) J B GRAM was outstanding last week off the claim,
overcoming both an early miscue AND brutal trip (after recovering) to still be 2nd best to the razor sharp FLIP MY
CHIP – has to be respected tonight despite the bad draw, new barn, and tougher field! (1) LAZ may be better suited
vs. a bit easier but he likes to win races and may be able to beat these if the trip goes his way. (4) GENTLEMANJIM
II IR is another from the barn that was racing well at the end of the year in PA, but comes into tonight having missed
time – leaning towards others right now. (6) OZONE BLUE CHIP will probably find his best form eventually, but
right now just doesn’t seem sharp enough to beat these. (7) HEISMAN PLAYER charged home to win 2 back (1st
local win in a long time) but was a no threat 3rd last week from a much easier spot than this.
RACE 8 – (5) ORLANDO BLUE A has hit board in what feels like a zillion straight races and that includes sharp
victories in both 2025 starts – he exits a very hot barn but lands in one that’s been even hotter...remains the one to
beat. (2) CUT N RUN N was a stablemate of the top choice (until this week) and is also 2 for 2 this year (including
last week’s victory in a good NW30000 field)– he did benefit from a pair of excellent trips, though, and the drop in
for the $50K tag is probably a wise one...deserves plenty of respect! (1) SHAKESPEARE put in a good first over
bid last week and held decently after being repelled by the top choice – always a threat whenever he brings his
absolute best effort. (3) AROUND MIDNIGHT gets major post relief and was sharper 2 back than his line might
look – ok for exotics. (6) PEACE OUT POSSE felt iffy coming into his last (off a sick scratch and qualifier) but
raced very well for 3rd – tough draw, but a chance for a piece with a decent trip. (7) LYRICAL GENIUS A had pace
after shaking free last week and does fit with these...very tough spot tonight, however. (8) I DRAINTHESWAMP A
was a well-backed, sharp winner over a bit easier last start, but faces a tall task from this spot. (4) AMRITRIC is a
4YO with 5 career winds taking on some very tough older foes – prefer others, even with the barn change.
RACE 9 – (1) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A finished the 2024 season in raging form and though his line may not
show it, he was really on his toes for his 2025 return (hit the wire full of pace, after sitting last all the way) –
possible upsetter in this wide open race. (5) WHATS STANLEY GOT A comes out of the same race as the top
choice and he also was full of pace finishing – he’s more than capable of beating these if he shows up anywhere
close to his “A Game”. (4) TICKERTAPE HANOVER ended last year with a pair of victories – he had NO chance
in his 2025 return, but he did look good coming through the wire last week, after being handled very conservatively
– may be ready for a more aggressive try now. (3) SPORTS SECRET is undeniably sharp, winning 3 of his last 4
starts, while hitting board in 5 straight – the class jump shouldn’t bother him too much, and he was Bartlett’s choice
over #7...won’t offer much value, though (7/5 ML). (7) THE IDEAL DANCER A really upped his game after the
barn change in Nov. and was full of pace finishing in his 2025 return – may have some trouble working out a trip
from out here, but could still get a look at a big enough price. (2) DUVAL STREET flashed legitimate ability last
year but he’s been away since July and that qualifier may not have him tight enough to take these on just yet. (6)
BINGE ON YANKEE was “ok” last week, but may look better next week with a class drop.
RACE 10 – Wide Open: (6) ROLLING WITH SAM has been stuck on smaller piece for a long time, but often due
to tough trips – he had good pace finishing both starts this year, is overdue for some good racing luck, and is one of
several with a chance to come out on top here. (4) EVER HOPING A couldn’t get to the leader with his first over
bid last week but did keep trying hard to take home 4th – his barn has been off to a good start this year, and this guy
may have a chance here with the right trip. (2) TWIN B HEART THROB worked out a great trip after leaving from
Post 8 last week and that allowed him to hold 2nd to the sharp front end winner – logical threat tonight with the move
inside. (3) VULCAN STAR N had pace when clear last week and that follows up a nice 3rd in PA, the start before –
could be worth a look at that 10-1 ML price. (7) MASONS DELIGHT N can be somewhat inconsistent but any of
his “good” efforts would make him a threat here, even up in class from a bad post (1) DEETZY can beat much better
than these when “right”, but it’s hard to get too excited about his chances tonight after last week’s poor showing. (5)
WATTSUP SUNSHINE A turned in a much better effort last week with the class drop but it’s hard to say if he can
build enough off that mile to be a threat here too. (8) ITS MAHOMES A is inconsistent at best, and probably needs
an easier spot to threaten even on his best game.
RACE 11 – (3) LAYTON HANOVER might have been able to beat the Invitational field last week had he moved
sooner, and not lost momentum to the top of the lane – he gets a class drop, and should be a major threat in tonight’s
finale. (2) SMIFFYS TERROR N was handled conservatively in his U.S. debut but he certainly knew what to do
after shaking free on the final turn, charging home powerfully to pick up the victory – steps up in class, but looked
like a horse that can handle it. (5) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR raced from the back in his ’25 return but finished up
alertly – this field is within his comfort zone, and he could have a big say here. (1) WALKINSHAW N finished
alertly from a bad spot last week – he’s in tough tonight, but the inside draw puts him in the hunt for a piece. (4) SH
AZAM BLUE CHIP didn’t seem all that serious off the layoff last week but tonight could be a different story – if the
tote boars suggests he’s “live”, you may want to pay attention. (8) FAMILY RECIPE is sharp enough right now to
hold his own with these...but may have trouble getting close enough to the action starting from out here. (7) IDEAL
SOMEMAGIC A got too hot last week, had to move very early and lost all chance – this field MAY be a little out of
his range right now, regardless. (6) SPEED MAN N was never in play last week and may suffer the same fate
tonight.