by Al Cimaglia
August 19, 2024
Yonkers Raceway begins the week with an 11-race card. The 0.50 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool rolls in Race 5. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts 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)
1-Birthday (7/2)-Looked great winning last week and bumps up a few levels now but will respect chances from the rail. George Brennan could take control and not look back. If not, a pocket ride might work too in a competitive affair.
4-Dunkin (5/2)-Should be a main player if Jim Marohn can hold this 4-yr-old together off the gate. Loves to win and that showed in the Dan Patch at Hoosier. Using, hoping isn’t over bet and isn’t dancing going into the first turn.
8-Racing Rampage (7/2)-Fell a nose short at Nfld and now returns to Yonkers where its posted 5 wins in 6 starts, that includes winning and being Dq’d. Some will dismiss from this post but best to respect.
Race 9 (9:40 PM EST)
4-Whats Stanley Got A (5/2)-Stanley has been facing some tough winners-Hemsworth-Typhoon Banner-Covered Bridge, and they aren’t an issue this time. Desperate Man can be, but he has been off for 20 days, so will use just in case the morning line choice isn't ready for a top effort. Has been in good form and best to not overlook.
5-Desperate Man (8/5)-Came off a month hiatus then won two of three and both races at YR. The only loss was from the 8-hole in a Saratoga stake race. Should have the lead off the gate and this race probably goes through the Alexander trainee.
Race 10 (10:00 PM EST)
1-Hunters Hero (8/5)-Has hit the board in 6 of 12 races at Yonkers with 2 pictures. Drops, draws the rail, so Matt Kakaley can work a cozy trip.
2-Maximius Red A (7/2)-This will be the 3rd start off a $40k claim by the Joe B barn and lands in a soft spot. Should be handled aggressively with this post draw and could go gate to wire.
Race 11 (10:20 PM EST)
1-Pound For Pound (4-1)-Dropped from this level and popped, making every call a winning one. This won't be as easy, but the recent win might bolster confidence.
5-Funatthebeach N (5-1)-The question is will Jordan Stratton leave to land on the point? Not sure but a stalking trip could also work. Won both ways against this kind in May and June. Should be a square price and its versatility might be the winning difference.
6-None Bettor A (9/2)-Drops and George Brennan should have his foot through the floorboard when the wings fold. Can get the top, versus this kind could steal a quarter, and be difficult to tackle.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
1,4,8/4,5/1,2/1,5,6
Total Bet=$36
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