Yonkers Raceway begins the week with an 11-race card. The 0.50 Pick 5 has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and 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 (9:20 PM EST)

2-Mirragon A (7/2)-This is a class test for just about everyone in the field and the Deters trainee should be competitive. So, will stick with those who can leave for the top and this veteran checks that box. Jordan Stratton should have the pedal down and take his chances when the wings fold.
3-Karloo Bradley N (4-1)-The Jared Bako trainee has cashed checks versus better. Matt Kakaley should be leaving and can land on top or in the 2- hole. The 8-year-old has been camera shy but may have met a beatable field.
5-Mind Hunter 4-1-The Jason Bartlett-Per Engblom combo shouldn’t be ignored this time The 5-yr-old needs a trip but may have an advantage being a bit more versatile than the others and should offer a fair price.

Race 9 (9:40 PM PST)

2-Sweet Troy (12-1)-Here is a price shot that put in a decent race from the 7-hole after being off 6-weeks. Raced the back half in 56.2 and drops to the level of the last win. Will look for Brent Holland, who stuck with the Paul Stafford trainee, to work a cozy trip at a big price.
4-King James Express (3-1)-Loses Holland to #2 but Jimmy Pants can handle the challenge in a difficult race to read. Has cashed checks against better and should relish the company in the 3rd start after the Holiday break. Has the gate speed to race near the top of the stack and should be in the hunt at the wire.

Race 10 (10:00 PM PST)

3-Statement Made A (9/2)-Will try to beat the 9/5 choice #4 and will look for better in the 3rd start off the bench for the Daguet barn. Did show some life last week and Mark MacDonald could have this one in play turning for the wire.
5-Alotbetter N (3-1)-Comes off a dull try, now drops and meets a field with no standouts. My take is Kakaley will have the gas pedal down and will try to wire this crew. There isn't much gate speed in the field, and this is the level of its last picture.
6-Rock This Way (9/2)-Was driven aggressively last time in the 3rd start since 12-9 when the Burke barn took over. Gets some post relief, should offer a solid price and with some live cover could roll by down the lane.

Race 11 (10:20 PM PST)

4-Sporty M Three (8/5)-The Burke trainee hasn't won since before there was frost on the pumpkin. This 5-year-old continues to drop and burned money last week at 4/5. Will look for a different trip in a return appearance against the same kind.
6-Brutallyhandsome A (5-1)-Aussie invader looks like the real deal and goes for 3 straight wins. Has big gate speed and this race will probably go through the 5-year-old. Bumps up but best to not overlook.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

2,3,5/2,4/3,5,6/4,6
Total Bet=$36

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