Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card. The $1.00 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 5. The $2.00 Late Pick 4 rolls in Race 7, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7 (8:45 PM EST)

2-Funatthebeach N (10-1)-Put in a needed start last week and now Jordan Stratton sits behind the Gillis trainee. This barn has been cold since the Holiday break. It remains to be seen if the veteran will need another race before it’s ready for a big try. Willing to use versus a field that isn’t deep and could be in line for a cozy trip.
3-Rock Diamonds N (2-1)-Came out of the Holiday break on a 3 race wins streak, the last coming in Philly. They all came going gate to wire and last week tried that act again but fell short. Gets post relief, could get an easy lead and Joe B might be able to steal a quarter.

Race 8 (9:05 PM EST)

1-Layton Hanover (9/2)-Recent form at DD has been a bit dull but the veteran has had 2 races in January and this looks like a wake up spot. Likes to win, took 10 pictures in 32 races last year and did really well at Yonkers hitting the board in 18 of 29 with 10 wins. Matt Kakaley will likely be headed down the road and the Alexander barn has been clicking to start the new year.
3-Finvarra A (5/2)-Dillioian trainee went the 2nd half in 56.2 to take a picture as an odd-on choice. Yannick Gingras sticks and now steps up to face the Invites. Deserves a shot to prove itself at this level and had the 7-hole the only other time facing this kind.

Race 9 (9:25 PM EST)

4-Italian Lad N (5/2)-This is a scattered bunch in a race that isn’t easy to read. Will look to the Godinez trainee who has raced 2 times at M1 this month. Should fit here and ANap has the gate speed to use to get a good early seat.
8-Bechers Brook A (7/2)-The 11-yr old came off the bench with a solid effort leaving from post 8 against this kind. Landed in 4th and didn’t have the smoothest of trips and couldn’t make up any ground. But that was the first start since Nov 13th and will look for better here even with the same post draw. Kakaley should be able to advance off the gate and be in reach of the leaders in the 2nd half of the mile.

Race 10 (9:45 PM EST)

1-Gingras Beach (5-1)-The Bucci entry does better when drawing inside. Might be overlooked and could provide some value. Will take a swing drawing the rail makes a winning a difference.
3-Shadow Cat (5/2)-Raced up front to a hot pace and moved forward down the lane. Jason Bartlett can have in play when the wings fold and should be in the hunt at the wire.
6-Ultimaroca (7/2)-Faded trying to go gate to wire against better. Jordon Stratton sticks and could be a main player on the drop in class. Will look for an aggressive steer and should be blasting out to take control when the wings fold.

$2 Late Pick 4

2,3/1,3/4,8/1,3,6
Total Bet=$48

Check me out on Twitter!