by Al Cimaglia
June 20, 2025
Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card featuring the Eliminations for the Messenger Stakes. The $2.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 7, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
1-Thirsty Thursday (2-1)-Oakes pupil towers over the field in career earnings and the 3-year-old is 1 for 2 this year. Does well on smaller ovals and can get the top without issue here. Favors getting on the point and making every call a winning one. That could happen, will respect but not single and look to another with more value.
5-World Of Wishes (6-1)-Didn't have the smoothest journey on 6-10 and Dexter Dunn gets the call. Should offer a solid price, has gate speed and a 2-hole trip is a possibility.
3-Chulo (2-1)-Comes off even efforts against better and did cash small checks. From this post and at this level Jason Bartlett should get away close to the leader. Its typical plan is to come off cover, unless the trip is bumpy, that will happen and a picture will follow.
3-Kat (6-1)-This is a taffy pull, and the entire 8-horse field have combined for 7-wins this year. Kat has won 3 of 11 at Yonkers and against this kind should be in the hunt at the wire. Comes off a dull effort after dropping to this level but did come off a sick scratch. This time comes right back instead of 27 days and will look for a big try against a suspect bunch.
6-Mc Angel (3-1)-This year has been rough after winning 9 of 24 races in 2024. Was facing $50k claimers in April, and this will be the 2nd start since 4-22. Brent Holland could be aggressive off the gate and try to make every call a winning one.
2-Jimmy Connor B (3-1)-This is another race without much form. Stayed inside last time versus this kind and cashed a 3rd place check. Did go the back half in 55.4, tonight George Brennan should land on top or in the 2-hole when the wings fold. Camera shy DiDomenico trainee is a trip-out win candidate.
3-Warrior For Truth (4-1)-The Mark Ford barn doesn't win often but when teamed with Jason Bartlett they post 25% winners. Ships in from Pocono and this is the 3rd start off a sick scratch. Can post the 3rd win this year if racing near the leader turning for the wire.
1,5/3/3,6/2,3
Total Bet=$16
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