by Al Cimaglia
March 3, 2025
Yonkers Raceway has an 11-race card. The $2.00 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 (9:05 PM EST)
3-Ammo (5/2)-Comes off a game effort to come a close 2nd and now tries the Invites. Could very well be up to the challenge in only the 2nd start since Dec 9th.
7-Verdun (8-1)-Pat Lachance had the 5-year-old closing sharply in last which was the first start since 1-27. Best to respect, and hopefully the 8-1 ML line holds up because this contest could set up for a closer.
Race 9 (9:25 PM EST)
2-Rock Diamonds N (3-1)-The Joe B 12-yr-old was dialed on high in last and easily beat a similar field going gate to wire as an odds on favorite. This might not be as easy but should be a main player again.
6-Venturesome Arden N (3-1)-Jason Bartlett posts 29% winners when working for the Bucci stable. Arden won the last time Bartlett steered going gate to wire. Now faces better and there is gate speed inside, so needs a sharp steer. But has won 12 of 38 at Yonkers, so will respect chances and not let the 6-year-old bust up the tix.
Race 10 (9:45 PM EST)
1-Final Cheeserecipe (8/5)-Beat this kind with a 56.3 back half and now makes the 1st start for the Adamczyk barn. Yannick Gingras should work a cozy trip and be in the hunt at the wire.
3-Big Dream Fella (3-1)-Will lean to a veteran who put in a needed start at PcD and now lands in a nice spot to take an overdue picture. Brent Holland will be at the controls for the Laterza barn and could be sitting on a big try.
Race 11 (10:05 PM EST)
1-Just Plain Loco (7/2)-Needed more in the late going at Stga in the last 2 starts at the Open Handicap level. Using from the rail against a soft group of $30k claimers. George Brennan should be on the point or in the 2-hole and could down this crew with an efficient trip.
3-Saddle Up (8/5)-This will be the 2nd race for the Nick DeVita barn after a claim and Bartlett gets the assignment. The 8-time winner in 2024 is 0-5 this year, but this could be a spot to wake up. Not loving the short morning line but Bartlett has been red hot, and when steering for this barn he posts 37% winners.
$2 Late Pick 4
3,7/2,6/1,3/1,3
Total Bet=$32
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