by Jerry Connors

Harrisburg, PA — The Rooney Final at Yonkers, the first “million-dollar baby” of the year, is a race where it really doesn’t look like there will be that much front-end commotion.

Mattdultery, Home Bed Advantage, Forensic Z Tam, and Poker Hat seem likely to be racing off the pace; Glass Pack couldn’t last from the rail in the elim and now has post seven, so he shouldn’t dominate a lead argument. Southwind Lynx did show speed two back (and has Tetrick), but that speed was against far lesser; nonetheless, he seems the most realistic threat to leave…behind Takeshigemichi and Tivoli Hanover, the protagonists of the Hempt Final and last week’s faster elim. With these draws, Ithink they can insist on being 1-2 throughout.

I pick Takeshigemichi this week, because I really don’t think he’ll have that much pressure on the lead. At Pocono, they opened in :26.2 and went to the three-quarters in 1:21.4; the leader was softened up for Tivoli’s (admittedly-impressive) last quarter rally. Last week, they sat 1-2, and Tivoli just outkicked the speed on the line.

This week I think “Take” controls the throttle and has enough to beat Tivoli. The morning line suggests that the crowd may go to Tivoli this time (and might overbet the Teague entry). I’ll go for Takeshigemichi, but will not be surprised if Tivoli outrallies him from the pocket. “Take” may be the better value, too.

Editor’s Note: The Rooney Final will be the fifth stop on the USTA’s Cyber Circuit. Be sure to view the race replay moments after the “official” sign is posted. Follow the entire Cyber Circuit by following this link.