by Al Cimaglia
November 24, 2025
Yonkers Raceway has a 12-race card featuring action from the MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series. There is a $10,459 carryover in the $1 Pick 5 that begins in Race 5. So, that sequence will have a $25,000 guaranteed pool tonight. The $2.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 9, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)
1-Miki Shan (3-1) N-1-Miki Shan 3-1-Hasn’t raced since 10-12 and was scratched sick here on 10-28. Did put in a nice qualifier on 11-17. Raced from the back leaving from post 6 and stormed home in 54.3. Finished a close 5th against a tough field. Could wire this crew if fires hot off the bench.
2-El Rey (5-1)-The 5-year-old has a 151.3 mark here last year and usually only races on the Hilltop on special occasions. Bartlett will have the Andrew Harris pupil forwardly placed and with the inside draw could put up a win in the 1st leg of the Grand prix series.
Race 10 (9:45 PM EDT)
1-Vicious (5-1)-The Joe B entry is best, as in only wins if on the engine. That seems to be the case, and Brent Holland will have the pedal down to take control. If left alone, this pilot could steal a quarter and then it has a chance to knock-off the one below.
4-Christopher Dance N (6/5)-The Cullipher 5-year-old exploded home with a 54.2 back half to draw off by over 4 lengths in last. Faces the same kind tonight and should be another tiny price. Jason Bartlett has options, and speed at his disposable, this is a must use at a tiny price.
Race 11 (10:05 PM EDT)
1-Hammering Hank (5/2)-The Burke trainee came a good 2nd at 8-1 last time. That was the 1st start in town since shipping back from The Meadows. There could be others that leave but when the dust settles Yannick Gingras should be no worse than in the pocket. Looks like a main player in a race without a standout.
3-Just Enuff Stuff (9/2)-Makes the 1st start for trainer Mike Forte barn and that barn posts 18% winners after a claim. Won 2 and 3 back and that streak ended last week with a 7-hole draw. Beaten chalk could make amends if George Brennan does a good job of timing the gate. Should have a big chance of getting a top of the stack trip, just like the one above.
Race 12 (10:25 PM EDT)
3-Rockin N Talkin (7/2)-Back in October while in the Stratton barn, the veteran beat the $25k claimers twice and the $30k claimers. Then was claimed by Deb Daguet and has raced against the $40 claimers in the last 2 starts and recent form has looked dull. Gets some needed class relief and now faces a beatable group of $30k claimers.
4-Walkinshaw N (2-1)-The 13-year-old doesn't bring his fastball out every race, but when it leaves from the inside it usually is in the mix. Has a similar profile as the one above, form has tailed off and now gets class relief. But the Hudson trainee has an advantage over others, it gets a new set of hands as Bartlett is at the controls. There is some early speed inside and the race could set up for a closer.
$2 Late Pick 4
1,2/1,4/1,3/3,4
Total Bet=$32
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