It is International Trot Day at Yonkers Raceway. The card is loaded with New York Sire Stakes Finals and other big money stakes. The International Trot goes in Race 7 and has a field of 10 battling for a share of a $1,000,000 purse. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 8, and the sequence will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8 (3:10 PM EST)

1-Dame (6-1)-Not sure this filly can beat the program favorite, but Gingras should have her blasting out and could land in the pocket. Led from gate to wire last time, albeit against lesser but that type of plan hasn't been in the play book. Should be a solid price and if the chalk gets roughed up this filly could benefit the most.
7-Earthwindfire (2-1)-This should be the winner unless the trip is bumpy. Suffered her only loss in the last start versus a 1-9 shot at Tioga who got on the engine and won easily after a 29.4 second quarter. There is no embarrassment in losing to Twin B Joe Fresh, and there isn't a horse that caliber to worry about this time.

Race 9 (3:35 PM EST)

3-Royal Filly (5/2)-The Tony Alagna pupil is having a very nice year posting 5 wins in 12 starts and things have clicked after going 0-7 in 2022. My thinking is the money will show on the one below, and this gal will offer better value in what appears to be a 2-horse race.
5-Instagram Model (2-1)-There were high expectation for this $350,000 yearling purchase. May have fallen short of lofty expectations but has banked over $386,000 in 16 starts. Should add to that total and could cash the biggest check but did lose to #3 in the first start this year.

Race 10 (4:00 PM EST)

2-Leonidas A (20-1)-This veteran has a giant heart and usually doesn't get the respect it should. If the opening half is sizzling, that makes for an interesting finish as this 8-year-old likes to hunt down a target. Will respect chances of getting a hot pace and will use to get some pop in the gimmicks.
3-Allywag Hanover (9/2)-Usually works on the bigger ovals but has good gate speed and should be forwardly placed. Looks like a player if the turns aren't an issue and could offer a fair price. Has had trouble late in miles in some starts and maybe the shorter stretch will help chances.
6-Bythemissal (2-1)-Comes off an upset in the Canadian Derby but lost by only a neck to a super sharp Tattoo Artist. If this race was at an Ohio track she may have been a single on my ticket. The Burke entry is the one to beat but hasn't raced at Yonkers and can't completely trust in a deep field.

Race 11 (4:25 PM EST)

1-Thunder Hunter Joe (5/2)-Winner of 2 in row has the gate speed to protect the rail and shouldn't be worse than 2nd around the first turn. Has not missed the board in 3 races here and has posted 1 win. Using and trying to beat the program chalk #5.
2-Metal Man (5/2)-This is a nice 3-year-old who tries hard and has won 4 of 5 at Yonkers. Should get a decent early seat and may look to make a move before the half to get on the point. Could be tough to collar if gets a smooth trip.
6-Goldin Greatness (5-1)-If the fractions are hot, which should be the case, Bartlett could have the Ryder trainee in striking range. Needs the right trip from this post but best to not overlook because the price should be worth the risk.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

1,7/3,5/2,3,6/1,2,6
Total Bet=$36

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