Yonkers Raceway begins the week with an 11-race card. The feature goes in Race 8, an Open Handicap Pace with a $36,000 purse. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 also starts in Race 8, and the sequence will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8

3-Semi Tough (3-1)-Did all the heavy lifting, then got caught at the wire and finished a tight 3rd losing by a neck. My play will be based on beating the program chalk #7 Nandolo N (2-1). Gingras and the connections get a post edge and possibly some redemption.
4-Oakwoodnitownit IR (5-1)-Stayed inside, enjoyed a nice trip and finished 2nd in the same race as the one above. That was the first start since 12-5. My take is the same trip could happen here, getting a pocket ride behind #3 and then look to cross the wire on top.

Race 9

3-Feelin Western (3-1)-Drops from facing Open Handicap company to the level of its last picture on 1-23. Looks like a main player versus this kind and knows how to win. Posted 10 wins in 34 starts last year and has snagged 9 wins in 33 races at Yonkers.
4-Blank Stare (9/2)-Does better racing closer to the lead and with this post draw Holland can work a smooth trip. Should be in contention around the last turn and did pace the back half in .55 last week.
5-Genius Man (6-1)-Drops to a better level and might be driven more aggressively. There is speed inside but could be put in play early, land in the pocket and trip out at a square price.

Race 10

3-I Draintheswamp A (5/2)-This Aussie bred is interesting and hopefully won't be over bet. Shows good speed at the Big M with a 3rd place finish in 149.3. Now the Erv Miller pupil tries the half-mile oval and appears to be getting acclimated. This will be the 6th U.S. start since coming back and last raced at home in June of 2022. This is also the 5th try on Lasix and so far hasn't connected for a win.
7-Western Joe (5-1)-Drops after finishing 7th in a needed race. Has been on the bench since 10-21 and if tight enough should like the company. Joe B could have the pedal down and has the gate speed to land a close up seat. Has a 151.4 mark here in 2021 and should be a fair price.

Race 11

3-Velocity Komodo (6-1)-Willing to toss last from the 7-hole in the first appearance since 12-19. There aren't any standouts in this group and could be in play turning for home. The Stratton barn has been posting 24% winners and Jordan should provide an efficient trip.
4-Benhope Rulz N (2-1)-Steps up after a well rated win as Gingras got on the engine and didn't look back. Could repeat and did beat this kind back in October. Will respect chances but this won't be as easy. Using, but will hope for the others who offer more value.
5-Tiger Baron (9/2)-This 8-year-old has a pair of 2nd place finishes to show for his efforts after coming off the bench on 1-17. Moved up a position versus this kind in last due to a placing and drew the rail in both races. Joe B could leave and land in the pocket behind the program chalk #4 and snag a trip-out picture.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

3,4/3,4,5/3,7/3,4,5
Total Bet=$36

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