Harness Racing: Mitchell hopes to match his picks with winners

Yonkers Raceway – Friday March 22, 2019

Four Divisions of the Matchmaker Series for Free For All pacing mares takes center stage at Yonkers tonight. The top pacing mares in the USA are in this series.

Yonkers Race 5
First division of the Matchmaker. Newborn Sassy (3) drew poor posts in both starts this year. Moves inside tonight for Tetrick and figures to improve. Rockstar Angel A (4) stayed second throughout the mile in last and finished second. Still, she beat the top level here at the end of last season. Expect a strong mile tonight. Don’t Think Twice A (7) - If she can get to the lead from this spot she could be tough. She had a nice win streak in November. Post is the only real knock. Kaitlynn N (5) - In general, she lacks late kick but she does show some solid races. This one raced evenly from the rail in last and finished third. Wouldn’t shock me if she sneaks into the tri or super.
Selections: 3,4,7,5

Yonkers Race 6
Second division of the Matchmaker. Apple Bottom Jeans (8) came up from Dover Downs in Delaware last start and went wire to wire in her division. Obviously, the outside is a problem. Driver Calllahan has to point her to the lead and pray for some luck. This is a case of best horse – worst post. Lispatty (1) - The rail is a big help tonight. She can keep her position from this spot. Still, if Apple Bottom gets the lead easily, it’s over. Magic Forces (7) makes her third start for the powerful Burke stable. Lost last from rail. Would have to improve greatly to beat these. Bettors Up (5) - Lone win this year was at Dover. In deep here but might find a minor check.
Selections: 8,1,7,5

Yonkers Race 8
Third Division of the Matchmaker Series. Ideal Lifestyle A (3) - She was allowed to control the lead from the 2 post and she really dug in late in the race for the win. If she can grab an easy lead again, expect another big mile. Caviart Cherie (1) - Finished third two starts ago from the rail. Expects to find a good trip from this spot. Gold Orchid N (4) - Fits perfectly under the ‘needed last, improves’ heading. Was sharp towards the end of 2018. Bettor Joy N (5) - Loomed large last start until the very last step of the mile. She really had no excuse as the 2/5 favorite.
Selections 3, 1, 4, 5

Yonkers Race 9
Final split of the Matchmaker. Delightfulmemphisn (2) - Won 5 of 8 this year with 2 seconds and is very tough from this spot. If Shartin N finds road woes, this one can easily win. Shartin N (8) was a recent purchase by driver Tetrick. Classic example of best mare in the worst spot. She did win last week from the 2 post while gaining the lead by the half mile pole. Speedy distaff is always a threat. Feelin Red Hot (4) shows typical form for a Burke trainee, that is, all sharp races. Seaswift Joy N (7) - This one could create a rough trip for Shartin N. That would create a win for Delightfulmemphisn.
Selections: 2, 8, 4, 7

Meadowlands – Friday, March 22, 2019

Meadowlands Race 4
This is tonight’s feature race, a mare Preferred Handicap pace. Alexa’s Power (6) makes her seasonal debut after a highly successful 3-year-old campaign last year. She made a boatload of money last year and won the Jugette (very impressive). Shows 2 qualifiers for this return but the key could be adding Lasix for the first time. She beats these if fit and firing. Stylish Beachwhere (1) chased less in last pair and has the rail tonight. She finished second from this spot two starts ago. Must be considered if Alexa’s dream falters. Believe In Waco (2) - Both 2019 starts were sluggish. She is really waiting for a return to Saratoga where she had multiple wins last year. She might be able to land a minor share vs these. Newsday (3) - Dull in Pompano return. That was a good tightener. Has a chance to improve a bit here.
Selections: 6, 1, 2, 3

Meadowlands Race 7
Good race for a longer price winner. Blush Hanover (6) lost both 2019 starts from the rail. Drops slightly in class and that might do the trick, Live Odds (1) draws the rail and that can only be a plus. She hasn’t won in years and probably won’t win tonight. Still, she can hit the board in the gimmick bets. Ella Christina (8) - She is not having a season like last year. Everyone keeps waiting for her to improve. But expect a better race vs these. Amethyst Seelster (3) had sharp races at Monti against cheaper. Gets Yannick tonight. Must consider in Tri’s and Supers.
Selections: 6, 1, 8, 3

Meadowlands Race 10
Do Your Job (8) - Was a remote second in last as the 2-1 chalk. Seems overdue for a big mile. This could be a good spot. Well Said Maria (10) scored a nice 3 post win in last. The poor post is definitely a negative while driver Yannick is a big plus. Can’t be eliminated despite post. Tearful Of Happy (4) - Nice win after claim. Surick stable has been very good. This one can be tough if she minds her manners. You Should Be Here (7) went for early position in last pair but then she lacked late kick in both. Gets Dexter in the sulky and he has been sharp lately.
Selections 8, 10, 4, 7