RACE 1 – (4) JUST ENUFF STUFF didn’t fire on 2/19 but other than that, has been excellent most every start – he
was 2nd behind dropdown OAKWOODNITOWNIT IT 2 back, then lacked room in the lane last week while right
behind the front end winner – should be a big player once more. (2) LOUS THE ATTITUDE wasn’t close in his last
pair but they were from bad posts, vs. better, with 3 weeks off between starts – could easily come to life with the
class relief, but he’ll also likely be heavily backed. (8) STRIKING IMPACT went through a rough patch recently but
he’s back on his game right now– if you think he can find him a way into the hunt from Post 8, the price should be
pretty decent. (5) AUSSIE HANOVER came back sharp off the winter break, picking up 2 wins and a 2
nd from his first 3 starts – he seemed to get lost at the back of the pack last week, but could easily rebound starting from a much
better slot tonight. (6) SHAKESPEARE can still bring a big one from time to time but he’s been lacking consistency
– tonight’s tough draw won’t make things any easier. (3) KING JAMES EXPRESS has struggled more often than
not in his recent starts. (7) TWIN B DELUXE appreciated the class drop & easy trip and scored easily in his last –
moves up, lands outside, and that could really hurt his chances for tonight. (1) TO THE HUNT was 4-0-0-0 here last
year and seems ambitiously placed for his YR return.
RACE 2 – (6) ADAM TWELVE is an incredible 13-8-5-0 since arriving at Yonkers and two of those losses were
right behind a razor sharp SIMON SAYS HANOVER – he comes into this off last week’s effortless blowout, and
figures to be heading right to the top tonight – not a “cinch”, but clearly the one to knock off. (1) BOILING OAR
came up 2nd best to the top choice last week, charging home through the lane from a seemingly hopeless spot – he’s
capable of big miles, and may be the one with the best chance to upend #6. (5) NANDOLO N has looked good in all
4 starts this year but as always, could be hurt by his racing style – he’s certainly sharp enough to win IF the trip goes
his way...but it would be hard to take a short price from this spot. (3) GREG THE LEG finally got his picture taken
last week after coming up a strong 2nd best in his prior pair – probably looking at a smaller slice vs. this tougher
bunch. (2) ROCKIN JUKEBOX was a very promising 4th in his seasonal return but fell apart off a pocket trip last
week – hard to say which version we’ll see tonight. (4) SONNY WEAVER N is a real hard hitter and only listed on
the bottom because he could be looking at a less than stellar trip from this spot.
RACE 3 – Borgata Series – Leg 1: (5) DESPERATE MAN was on our radar last year from the time he shipped
down from Canada to one of our leading barns and he certainly didn’t disappoint, going 7-5-1-1 locally (which
included bruising victories over COVERED BRIDGE , IDEALSOMEMAGIC A ,etc.) – his connections know how
to have one ready, and this guy could be primed to do some damage right off the bat (he goes over the $1M mark
with a win or a 2nd tonight). (2) SUMOMENTSOMWHERE A has done fine work since arriving in the U.S. and
shows recent Open wins in PA and Ohio – his connections know where to place one, so we’ll assume that he can be
a player in the series. (3) RED RIGHT HAND has a mixed local history but when he’s GOOD, he can do a lot of
damage – he seems to be hitting on all cylinders heading in to this, including a win last week over the previously
unbeaten in the U.S. OAKWOOD ARDAN IR – dangerous player. (6) HEMSWORTH N tends to be a bit unreliable
but he did win last year’s Borgata Consolation, and can always get a look when the price is juicy. (4) FOUREVER
BOY was excellent as a youngster, just “good” at 4, and we’ll see how he fares this year at 5 – he did race well over
the half the few times he’s tried it, but we’re leaning towards others right now. (1) VENTURESOME ARDEN N
seems a bit ambitiously placed with these.
RACE 4 - Borgata Series – Leg 1: (3) PLEASELETMEKNOW only made 19 starts as a 4YO but did go 13-5-1-2
here at Yonkers (after a 6-4-2-0 local campaign the year before) – he finished with interest in last week’s prep, and
faces a somewhat questionable field for tonight – might be a good week to give him a hot. (4) HELLABALOU (who
sprung the big upset in last year’s Borgata Final) didn’t look particularly sharp in his 2024 return but that doesn’t
mean he won’t be ready for a big mile tonight – deserves plenty of respect, but be careful about taking too short a
price right now. (5) I DID IT MYWAY added Lasix last start after a dull one at Dover and did finish crisply – his
current form would make him a big player but note that he disappointed in both local starts last year, and also
struggled over the half at Stga. (1) ROCKNROLL RUNA A is a multiple Open winner here but his current form is
somewhat questionable – if he brings his best, he can threaten here...but that’s a big “if” right now. (6) FUNATTHE
BEACH N is a previous Borgata winner but doesn’t seem to be at that level right now – another looking to up his
game the next few weeks. (2) WHATS STANLEY GOT A will need to improve considerably to threaten here.
RACE 5 – (1) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER hasn’t won in a while but he’s definitely been racing well lately – maybe
this is a spot where he can work out a winning trip, and pick up that first victory of 2024. (5) MOTIVE HANOVER
disappointed in his first local start of the year but has come up with three straight good ones since then – he may be
able to parlay a quick start tonight into a good trip...making him a very legitimate threat. (3) MY ULTIMATE STAR
A is feeling pretty good right now, gets along beautifully with Bartlett and has to be considered a major threat here –
would be hard to leave him off your tickets. (8) PRINCE MCARDLE N was a wire to wire winner in his only start
here last year, but that was from the pole, vs. a bit easier – he’s stepping up in his class as he returns from NJ, but is
also undeniably sharp – if you think Stratton will to blast him off the car, he’ll certainly be offering a good price. (2)
MACHEASY A returns sharp from Stga. but comes off a tough 1 for 16 year here in ’23 – maybe underneath? (4)
MEMPHISTENNESSEE N will look better when in cheaper but he’s still capable of towing along for minor spoils.
(6) SPORTS FAN could use a better post in an easier field...and the same can be said for (7) ROSE RUN X CON.
RACE 6 - Borgata Series – Leg 1: (5) COVERED BRIDGE seems more machine than horse, already 6-4-0-2 in ’24
after going an amazing 39-18-3-9 in 2023 – he’s outstanding with any trip, though it would seem like the front end is
in store for him tonight– will be heavily favored to start off the series on a winning note. (2) NATURALLY GIFTED
A has no shortage of ability but didn’t seem to love the turns in his first Yonkers start (where he charged late for the
win) – perhaps he’ll have a couple of adjustments for his 2nd local start, and the good draw does him a good chance
for a nice piece. (4) THIS IS THE PLAN didn’t have nearly as many big moments in 2023 but the triple millionaire
did find a way to bank $182K – solid prep for the series, but may need a start or two before we see his best. (1) THU
NDER HUNTER JOE comes off an excellent $317k 3YO season that saw him win multiple NYSS events (2
nd in the Final), while also grabbing a check in the Jug – pretty tough spot for his 4YO return, however. (6) CRANBOURNE
N, like barnmate LEONIDAS A, has been really struggling recently – tonight’s draw just makes things even tougher.
(3) OHOKA LE BRON N, like stablemate VENTURESOME ARDEN N, may find things too tough in the Borgata.
RACE 7 – (5) TIN ROOF RAIDER A has been racing well all year and despite no victories so far, has it board in 6
of 7 starts – he would have won LAST week if free just a bit earlier, and that should give Bartlett the confidence to
handle him more aggressively tonight – we’ll see if that works out. (4) PAT STANLEY N (whom Bongiorno seems
to have no interest in driving) will get Holland at the lines tonight, and they raced well together 3 starts back – he’s
definitely unreliable, but his best effort could take this. (1) MAXIMUS RED A has to be respected after winning 2
straight (and drawing the pole tonight) but neither win was particularly “impressive”, and he just may be vulnerable
here at a short price. (3) MAJOR DESIRE takes an ambitious jump to 30s after just missing in 20s last week but
knowing the amazing success his young trainer has enjoyed in his short time in the business, he has to at least be
considered. (7) ARTIST BEST was a pocket trip 2nd two back but really hasn’t been on his best game (overall) lately
– tough spot. (8) IM A POWERPLAY A has been in and out, draws horribly, but his quick starts at least give him a
chance to be part of the action. (6) BALLERAT BOOMERANG was close in a “fall part” race last week but has
otherwise been struggling. (2) TAKE A CLOSER LOOK returns to YR for top connections but seems overmatched.
RACE 8 – Borgata Series – Leg 1: (2) LINEDRIVE HANOVER didn’t really get his career going until his 4YO
season but he did earn $300K from just 17 starts that year – he banged heads with best last year at 5, earning nearly
$200K and finishing a crisp 4th in the Aria Pace in his only Yonkers start – he has a 1:49 win over the Flamboro half,
and his qualifiers suggest he’ll be ready to roll – gets the slight nod in this VERY solid division. (1) IDEALSOMEM
AGIC A had a pretty magical 16 win season last year, banking over $400K for his connections – he comes into this
sharp, and figures to be a serious threat from start to finish. (3) COACHES CORNER won 7 in a row for our leading
trainer before back to back narrow losses to COVERED BRIDGE and SIMON SAYS HANOVER – he wasn’t at his
best 2 and 3 back but sharpened for tonight with last week’s crisp front end score – will be interesting to see how he
fares against all these good ones as the Series progresses. (6) SEMI TOUGH is hitting on all cylinders right now,
riding a 4 race winning streak – he may need some racing luck to win from THIS spot, especially with good ones
drawn inside. (5) LEONIDAS A has been outstanding for years and seems to have picked a bad time to hit the skids
– hopefully he can turn things around quickly. (5) DUNKIN seems a bit ambitiously placed here but he’ll be getting
a massive driver change, and we’ll see if that can help him hold his own with these types (21 wins last year!).
RACE 9 – Good race: (6) AMERICAN DEALER N shipped in sharp from NJ and was a very powerful winner (at
1/5) last week (in a class opened up to fit him in) – this is a MUCH tougher assignment, but he could still be worth a
play if the price is good enough. (4) TAKE A GAMBLE finished crisply off a long layoff but wasn’t up for the hot
mile in his next start – he’s done a lot of damage here at YR, and shouldn’t be written off too quickly. (5) MACH N
CHEESE reversed form instantly after the recent barn change, and he gets a complete pass for his last (no chance to
pace) – could easily outperform that 10-1 ML price. (2) BURNHAM BOY N has been holding form even as he
climbs back up the ladder – another that could offer some good value, if things go his way. (1) HEAVEN ON HIGH
A ships in from PcD in good form, and has raced well here in the past – he goes for a new barn tonight, and we’ll
see how he handles the class hike. (3) FORTIFY has 12 wins here over the past 2 seasons but that qualifier suggests
he may be in a little tough in his first start since December. Both (7) SAVE ME A DANCE and (8) ROCK DIAMO
NDS N are also returning from layoffs, and the poor draws may see them limited this time around.
RACE 10 – A $50K claimer, but most/all of these are used to facing lesser: (1) WICHITA LINEMAN could be in
line for a very good trip from this spot – he likes to win races, and is worth using if the price is fair (which it should
be). (4) MOVIN ON UP bumps up to 50s, but the same can be said for the others in here – he’s been very sharp, and
could be a big threat if he lands on an easy trip. (5) THRASHER has been consistently sharp for quite a while, can
handle a variety of trips and gets a vote of confidence with last week’s re-claim – remains a dangerous player. (2) JU
DDY DOUGLAS A is another that fits well with these, and can make some noise if things go his way. (3) SAILBO
AT HANOVER has been sharp in his last 3 starts but goes for a new barn tonight, and didn’t fare so well the last
time he was claimed away from his most recent connections – bit of a question mark. (6) AS ALWAYS was a pocket
winner 2 back but that mile is surrounded by a trio if 5th place finishes – demand a good price if using on top here.
RACE 11 – (5) URBAN RENEWAL shipped in razor sharp and easily handled the class hike, giving odds-on
winner THRASHER all he could handle – he may benefit from a contested pace tonight, with a chance to effectively
use his late rally...at a good price. (4) TUGGIN ON MY HEART had Post 8 off a bad date 2 back but was all
business in his last, delivering the wire to wire victory as the 2/5 choice – legitimate chance to repeat, though this is
definitely a tougher field. (6) OAKWOODNITOWNIT IR seemed suspicious dropping in for a tag 2 back but had
no problems wiring the field – he dropped right back in for $40K in his next start, but went offstride going for lead -
he goes for a new barn after being claimed last week, and remains a question mark! (2) GLACIS was getting
significant trainer and driver switches for his last start and the public hammered him down to 8/5 from Post 8 as a
result – he raced big for the victory, and will now try to step up in class for another new team – possible for sure, but
may be overbet. (1) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES gets major post relief but his current form is a little iffy – would
consider on top only if the price is juicy enough. (3) SAN DOMINO A always takes $$ but most of his recent form
has been “meh”, at best – leaning towards others for the top slots. (8) REIGNING DEO had been 3rd in three straight
starts before converting off a perfect trip last week – he’ll be in need of some trip luck for a chance from out here.
(7) ON THE VIRG has been better, but seems up against it vs. these, especially from Post 7.
RACE 12 – (7) GENTLEMANJIM II IE failed to win in 17 local starts (2022-23) but did race well in most, and hit
board 10X – he shipped in sharp last week but landed on a horrible trip, still finishing full of pace – he CAN win
from out here if some racing luck comes his way...but his camera-shyness suggests that you demand a good price if
taking a shot with him. (4) HUDSON PHIL was sharp when claimed for $30K last October but started to really fall
apart after just one start – his last start at PcD suggests he may be ready to turn things around, and a decent price
makes him worth considering. (3) BIG SIR just missed last week but should have won easily off that trip if “sharp”
– he’s a possibility here for sure, but be careful about taking a short price. (6) ODDS ON PICK SIX is more than
capable with this type if at his best but he failed to sustain his bid last start, and gets no help with the draw tonight –
at least the price should be good. (1) STATEMENT MADE A really hasn’t been “good” in a long time – he fits
NW5000, and would probably look a lot better in one of those fields. (5) LUCIANO N is too camera shy to ever be
confident with, but he does pick up pieces at prices at times – never a bad one for the bottom of exotics. (8) FLOW
WITH JOE was sent off favored in this class last week but turned in a weak effort – won’t be any easier starting
from Post 8! (2) BLUEBIRD RECON just has way more disappointing tries than good ones lately.