Harness Racing: Mitchell picks the Friday night cards at Yonkers and the Meadowlands

Yonkers Raceway – Friday, April 5, 2019
First post time: 6:50 P.M.
3 Divisions of the Matchmaker Stakes highlight the Friday night card at Yonkers

Yonkers Race 7
First division of the Matchmaker Stakes. Twinkle (2) Raced in 2 divisions of the Matchmaker and finished second both times. Gets another great trip tonight. Can post a mild upset. Feeling Red Hot (3) Won last pair and displays typical Burke form. Very sharp miles. Is the one to beat here. Don’t Think Twice A (1) Shows high speed and draws the rail. A dangerous combination. Must consider in all bets. Caviart Cherie (6) draws outside of the good ones tonight. Figures to close late from this spot.
Selections: 2, 3, 1, 6

Yonkers Race 8
Bettor Joy N (7) Speedy wins last pair in Matchmaker. Can overcome post vs these. Ideal Lifestyle A (1) Shows razor sharp miles and has the rail. Is the key to all bets. Itty Bitty (2) From Allard Stable. Obviously the inside post is a big lift. Betterb Chevron N (3) Shuffled back in last. Might be able to get into the Tri or Superfecta.
Selections: 7, 1, 2, 3

Yonkers Race 9
Shartin N (4) Best mare in this series. Drew clear in last at 1/10 odds ($.10). Will repeat against these. Seaswsift Joy N (8) Fired away in last, found pocket trip, and won. Draws the 8 post against Shartin N. Would need great luck. Kaitlyn N (1) Solid tries but still 0 for 6 this year. Finds a good trip from this spot. Magic Forces (7) Burke trainee was sharp earlier but has cooled off.
Selections: 4, 8, 1, 7

Meadowlands – Friday, April 5, 2019
First Post time: 7:15 P.M.

Two divisions of the Wiggle It Jiggleit pacing series for n/w 2 pacers is on tap for tonight. For those who are not familiar with Wiggle It Jiggleit, I consider him the best horse ever. He won every major stakes race including the Little Brown Jug. He had 51 career starts and was on the board 50 times (not a misprint). He was nothing short of incredible. He is owned by George Teague, trained by Clyde Francis and driven by Montrell Teague.

Meadowlands Race 7
Rocking Praline (5) Seeking a longshot upsetter here. This one fites under the ‘neeeded last’ category. Rainbow Room (6) Both ’19 races were dull, but he’s better than that. Holloway trainee will be over bet vs these. Has ability but might need one now. Bettor Chill Out (1) Took a drop in last last start and beat up on cheaper. On the rail tonight and figures to keep up. Fancy Creek Jolene (2) shuffled back in last from 2 post. Needs aggressive drive to threaten.
Selections: 5, 6, 1, 2

Meadowlands Race 8
First division of the Wiggle It Jiggleit pacing series for 3-year-old colts and geldings. Twin B Watching (2) Blew BIG lead in return as chalk. Amends from here with Gingras driving. Union Station (3) Quit late after setting modest pace. Still, he needed last and can improve. Respect Our Flag (5) Rested, closed well in qualifier. Closes late tonight. Live Like A Boss (6) rested, had good experience last season but might need one now.
Selections: 2, 3, 5, 6

Meadowlands Race 11
Ode To Gray (8) No one looks outstanding here, so let’s try a longshot. Both of his ’19 races were solid, but there are better horses inside. Upset chance. JK Captain Jack (4) Strong win on first over bid in return. Still tough. World On Edge (3) From Burke stable. Can go faster than the qualifier looks. Must consider. One Corona To Go (5) Beat similar in return in 1:52 4/5 at 2-1. Remains very dangerous vs these.
Selections: 8, 4, 3, 5