Yonkers Raceway begins the week with an 11-race card. The 0.50 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 5. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 rolls in Race 8, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8

1-Vespa N (6-1)-This will be the 2nd start off a sick scratch for the Erv Miller-Brent Holland combo and was game last week despite a 1st over trip. This 8-year-old might be overlooked on the class hike and could be rounding into form.
3-Alex Tye (7/2)-Drops and should be in the hunt at this level. Gets significant post relief and will look for a more aggressive steer from Siegelman.
5-Chantee (5/2)-Raced from the back of the pack in the 1st start on Lasix last week and came out of the clouds to just get up in time for the win. Could be driven more aggressively off the gate and might be ready to repeat despite bumping up in class.

Race 9

1-Elwell (2-1)-Program comment says garden trip, did land in the pocket but in reality, got trapped behind the leader down the lane and was somewhat compromised. Willing to excuse and should be a player but the price will be small.
3-Brackley Beach (6-1)-Came hard late to miss by a nose last week when dropped to this class and this race could set up well for the 1st win since 12-12. There are a few that could leave and if the pace is lively chances for success go up for this competitive 8-year-old. Best to respect, this will be the 3rd start off a sick scratch.

Race 10

3-Son Of A Tiger N (3-1)-This is 2nd time Lasix and drops to the softest spot of the year in search of a win. Left from past 8 on 3-6 and landed in last. Closed with a .55 back half and should be forwardly placed here.
6-Raukapuka Ruler N (5/2)-Faded in a M1 race after getting on the point and sizzling to a .53 opening half. This is an opportunity to get on the engine in a race without a lot of gate speed. Joe B might be able to steal a quarter and finish off the mile.

Race 11

3-Townline All Good (2-1)-Winner of 4 out of 6 including the last 2 races now steps up and makes the 1st start for Engblom. Gingras gets the assignment, and most of this field moves up in class. This could be the time to take 3-straight pictures.
4-Long Weekend A (9/2)-Got a pocket ride behind a leader who faded in the late going and a cavalry charge rolled by. It could have been a one off or might have lacked some pop but willing to excuse. Has won at this class before and has shown the ability to bounce back. Should be a solid price.
5-Barbados (7/2)-Comes off an even effort on 2-27 and makes its 3rd start for the Di Domenico barn. This guy knows how to beat 50K claimers and has won 20 of 50 at YR. Maybe the week off will help, and did race the 2nd half in 56.2 but was pace compromised.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

1,3,5/1,3/3,6/3,4,5
Total Bet=$36

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