by Al Cimaglia
May 15, 2023
Yonkers Raceway starts the week with an 11-race card. The twin features roll in Race 8 and Race 9, both an Open Handicap Pace with a $36,000 purse. The $1.00 Early Pick 4 opens the card, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 1
2-Escapetothebeach (6-1)-Drops to the level of the last win on 4-11 and finally gets an inside post draw. Should be a player and Stratton can have this veteran forwardly placed.
5-Major Desire (7/2)-Gets needed class relief and has the gate speed to get a good early seat. Is camera shy but this is a level to compete for a picture.
Race 2
1-Twin B Heart Throb (6/5)-Made the wrong choice last week looking to fade this Cullipher trainee in the 1st start at Yonkers after shipping in from Philly. Destroyed that field and is still eligible to stay in this condition. Draws the rail again and does face a different bunch but will look for the same result.
Race 3
2-Macheasy A (6-1)-Looking for a solid price, Stratton is a different set of hands and could help this veteran get to the wire first. Should have the ability to seal the deal versus this kind and the post draw shouldn't hurt.
5-Jay Bracken A (5/2)-Comes off a nice effort to finish a close 2nd in the 1st start after shipping in from Philly. Drops, looks like a main player, and has hit the board in 3 of 4 at Yonkers with 1 picture.
Race 4
3-Jojo's Place (9/5)-Won versus this kind from the same post last week. Won't go off a 7/2 but should be respected in an attempt to double up.
4-Change Stride N (3-1)-Claimed for $30k on 5-1 and scratched lame on 5-6. Then lands in the Daguet barn, races on 5-8 versus $30k claimers, and shows some life from post 7 even though the trip was bumpy. Curious circumstances, but if 100% is a player at this class.
5-War Dan Delight N (9-1)-Interesting price shot that makes the 1st start after a $30k claim for Garcia-Herrera and doesn't win often. This barn knows the 8-year-old and was claimed away on 4-14 for $25k. Not loving the 1-68 record here but should offer a healthy price.
$1.00 Early Pick 4
2,5/1/2,5/3,4,5
Total Bet=$12
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