The Empire Report – Thursday, August 8, 2024 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – Excelsior A, 3YO C&G – excellent betting race: (3) JONES HANOVER has ability for sure, but found
the NYSS competition a bit too tough – he went offstride in his first try at this Excelsior A level, but just missed at
Btva. Last week – he should be a good price (in a field full of legitimate contenders), and he’s one of several with a
decent chance here. (1) RENDEZVOUS BAY won his first Excel A try of the season back in May, but has been
stuck on a smaller pieces since then – he’s always in the hunt, goes with Lasix for the 2 nd time tonight, gets a good
driver switch and also the rail...some things to like! (4) JABBAR just missed in this class at VD as the odds on
choice – he was too far back to be a bigger threat at Monti but he ships in off an excellent try at PcD, and could have
a big say here...at a good price (6) PRINTVILLE comes into this riding a 4 race winning streak and clearly deserves
plenty of respect – the obvious concern is the draw, so be careful about accepting too short a price. (2) IDEAL PAR
is as solid as any in here, and hails from our leading barn – he may end up a bit overbet in a solid field, however. (8)
FREE ART hit board in his last pair but tonight’s draw may slow him down considerably. (5) MAN RAY has been
stuck on minor spoils – more of the same tonight? (7) EURO STEP is way too erratic to consider from out here
RACE 2 – NYSS, 3YO C&G: (1) HOWLENTHEHILLS is now 9-8-1-0 on the season, the lone loss when he went
a big mile here to finish 2 nd in the Messenger Final – he did appear steppy/shaky at times, but that hasn’t stopped
him from winning all year long...will be very tough to beat, at a very short price. (2) VANDIEMEN BLUECHIP
ended his 2YO campaign strong and has come back solid at 3, picking up three 2nds and a 3rd in his last 4 NYSS
efforts – may complete a VERY short exacta. (3) TARANAKI’ three wins this year have come in overnight events,
while stuck on smaller pieces in his NYSS tries – likely more of the same tonight. (4) BRUCES VO N COKE
picked up wins in his last pair, but that was at the Excelsior A level – asking a lot for him to replicate that against
these tougher foes. (5) TEXAS HOLDEM picked up a 2 nd to the top choice at Monti but he sat a pocket that day and
still finished 6 lengths back – in a much tougher spot tonight
RACE 3 – Another tough race! (6) LOS BALLYKEELAMIGO lands outside but has shown the ability to fly off the
car – he came up 2nd best to the streaking CANTKEEPMIASECRET in his last pair, but does avoid that rival tonight
– one of many here with a chance for the top prize. (5) TOP ME OFF had put together a series of excellent starts
before coming up a little flat last week – he’ll go for a new barn tonight, and he’s worth a look if the price is right.
(3) AIRMANS JACKPOT has done some damage at this level and returns quickly to YR after a steady
4th at PcD – can be tough here if on her best game. (2) P C FREE WHEELING got parked from Post 8 and lost all chance last
week, but was able to capitalize on a PERFECT trip the week before, scoring the pocket victory – another good trip
makes her a very live player. (1) WILLY WALTON used his speed to pick up a win and a 2nd vs. a bit easier, but
took back to last from Post 8 last week and had no prayer – he’ll surely be in the mix from the pole tonight, and
could easily be a player. (4) BAR COINS was an ok 3 rd the last 2 starts, but just not as sharp as in that victory 3 back
– needs to bring that same top effort for a chance to get his picture taken tonight.
RACE 4 - NYSS, 3YO C&G: (2) HUNTINGFORCHROME was already a talented horse before the recent barn
change, but he’s certainly elevated his game considerably since then (took 1:48.1 mark in a 3YO Open,
2nd in his Adios Elim. before a good 4 th in the Final, then an ultra-impressive NYSS win at Btva. last week) – has to get top
billing with the inside draw. (5) BOSTON ROCKS (last year’s NYSS 2YO Champ) is having another good year at
3, currently 9-4-3-1 on the year – his last at Btva. was definitely a little disappointing, but we’ll look for him to
bounce back with a big effort tonight. (1) ESCAPE TO AMERICA is probably more comfortable facing a bit easier
but the good draw (and likelihood of a good trip) definitely can put him in play for a good piece. (6) SEEN HERE
won his only local try of the year (NW3) and his first NYSS attempt (last week at Btva.) was obviously very good –
tonight’s draw may slow him down a bit, however. (3) DEALERS TURN feels a bit on the cheaper side but he’s
clearly on the upswing, and his barn is “quietly hot” right now – maybe a good value horse for exotics? (4)
AMERIT RIC is a steady player – could easily grab a better piece if the trip goes his way
RACE 5 - Excelsior A, 3YO C&G: (1) POP IT found things a little tough in the NYSS earlier this year but has been
much more at home in these Excelsior A races recently – he won here last year, and will surely flash big speed from
the pole tonight – faces a few solid rivals, but they’ll likely have him to catch and beat. (4) WITHIN THE WILD has
hit board in all 7 career tries, and that includes his last 3 in this class – legitimate threat. (3) CRUZIN AMERICA is
another that’s right at home against these types, and figures to have a big say – note that he’s still looking for his first
career VICTORY, however, before accepting a short price on top. (7) HURRIKANE JUSTIN folded badly after
cutting the mile last week but most of his starts this year would make him a good fit against these – if you think he
can rebound quickly (and also overcome Post 7), the price will certainly be juicy. (6) CAUTIOUS CLAY hasn’t
been as consistent as several of the others but he did pick up a win at VD when Dunn hopped on board, and he’s
getting Brennan tonight – possible longshot? (2) SPECTACULAR PLUS definitely fits well enough to grab a decent
piece, though others seem more likely for the top slot. (5) VOLTAGE BLUE CHIP just hasn’t been sharp lately –
prefer others. (8) BOLD EXPRESS figures to struggle to get close to the action from out here.
RACE 6 – Amateur Race: (2) ICE BREAKERS K has been good in general but very good last week, getting away
2 nd to the raging STICK WITH ME KID and hanging right behind him from start to finish – he faces another tough
foe tonight, but we’ll see if he can come out on top this time. (5) INFINITY STONE just didn’t function 2 back but
that mile is sandwiched between a pair of sharp victories (vs. 40s) – he gets a very talented amateur pilot for tonight,
and looms a major danger. (1) EXPLOSIVE RIDGE moved to a new barn and got a new pilot last week and just
wasn’t anywhere near as good as he has been – we’ll see if he can rebound tonight, and find that better form. (4) WI
NDSONG PIONEER is a much different horse on the lead and he ALMOST was able to steal one last week – lands
in a bit tougher spot now, gets a new pilot, and may not be able to replicate that last excellent effort. (6) BONTONI
DEGATO S was fortunate to find a spot to drop in 4 th on the 2nd turn last week, but did race ok after that – tough
spot, but maybe he can rally for a small slice. (7) MAX will likely be coming from last, and just may find himself
too far back to seriously threaten tonight. (3) DOO WOP KID broke last week and just seems off form, in general
RACE 7 – (5) PASSIONATE PROMISE beat the 60s in her first local try but could only manage a pair of 4ths in
her next 2 starts – dropped down to the 40s last week and despite a less than stellar trip, was still coming hard late to
be 3 rd – feels like the one to beat, though that 6/5 ML price figures to result in him being overbet. (1) THE AMERIC
AN EAGLE gave it a good 8 hole try 2 back, and can be forgiven for tiring late – never got involved last week, but
we’ll look for a more aggressive try tonight. (6) ROGER RABBIT has been solid in almost all of his starts at this
level – wasn’t at his best last week but was claimed by a barn that has been super with fresh stock this year, and
we’ll see if this guy picks up for his new connections – playable at the right price. (2) CARRERA HANOVER was
2 nd to the currently sharp FRENCHY HANOVER in his debut for this barn – grabbed 2 nd in his next to the well
regarded CECIL HANOVER but did make a break at PcD last week and drops in for a tag tonight – mixed feelings.
(4) MISSION VOYAGE broke upon arrival 2 back but was a steady 3 rd last week – minor share? (3) J S HOPSCOT
CH was sharp earlier in the year but hasn’t been close to that form in some time
RACE 8 – (5) DIAMANTE TRIO IT raced from Post 8 with her owner driving last week so just ignore that line –
she’s been rock solid in this class week after week, often using her good speed to create good trips for herself – look
for a quick return to form with Brennan back in the bike. (6) P L NOTSONICE is another that has thrived week after
week, and she’d probably have more wins if not for a slew of outside posts (while lacking in a lot of natural gate
speed) – still, a real threat with any half-decent trip. (3) QUEEN OF ALL feels like she’s struggled for much of the
year but she’s still found a way to earn $108K this year (so far) – her last was encouraging (2 nd to the classy YANKS
DUGOUT), and perhaps she’s ready to start doing a bit more damage in this FM Open class. (1) CANTKEEPMIAS
ECRET had been on an extended form spree (since early May) and was finally claimed last week, after winning 4 in
a row – this is a step up for sure, but she’s more than sharp enough to still hold her own...with a good trip. (4) ENO
LA’s connections must be wondering how she failed to win either of her last 2 starts vs. the 40s, but was forced to
draw for posts 3-6, while the streaking CANTKEEPMIASECRET got to draw for the inside – regardless, she seems
more likely to be battling here for a smaller slice, rather than the top prize. (2) NO TURNING BACK threw a total
dud last week and now has to battle these Open mare trotters – sticking with others
RACE 9 – Amateur Race: (1) SKYWAY PROFESSOR was right there at the wire in a tight 4-way finish last week –
he’s a solid $40K claimer, and did crush these 4 starts back – gets the hottest amateur pilot on board this week, and
we’ll give him the edge over a few other live players. (3) VOYAGE TO PARIS has been thriving since the recent
barn change and came out on top against a few of these last week– very legitimate chance to repeat. (6) CAL MILES
N SHELL was also on the wire with the top pair last week, and appears to be debuting for a new (top) barn tonight –
tough draw, but still deserves a look if the price drifts up high enough. (4) ITSONEOFTHOSE was flat-out scary in
that win here 4 starts back, then was 2 nd best to the top choice the next week – he followed that up with a pair of
miscues at Monti, however, and has to be viewed as somewhat risky at the moment. (2) BEACON BEACH’s lone
win this year did come in an amateur race, but a few in here just seem a little sharper right now than he is – small
piece? (7) SKRILL has been good lately upstate and was a winner in an amateur race last week – that was from an
inside post (with a better pilot), however, and he faces a long haul starting from Post 7 tonight. (8) IMA STANDUP
GUY arrives on the scene from Canada in a new barn, but draws Post 8 after missing 3 weeks and that’s not usually
a winning formula. (5) PERRON is still looking for his first win of 2024 – don’t think this is the spot for it
RACE 10 – (6) INCOMMUNICADO usually looks likes he’s struggling to get going but somehow Dube eventually
gets him on the bit, and he’s very tough to deny if anywhere close turning for home – definitely deserves top billing
in this abbreviated field, but wouldn’t bet the rent money at a short price. (1) MISSISSIPPI STORM is feeling pretty
good these days, and the rail draw should leave him with a pretty nice trip – can finish up strong for a good piece of
this. (4) NOWS THE MOMENT flew right to the top last week but blew up past the first turn (he’ll do that from
time to time) – he’s eligible to shrug that off and bounce right back, and he’s won way too many of these to not at
least consider at a decent price. (3) TACHYON looked like a threat as they turned for home last week but just didn’t
finish up strong enough – leaning towards others. (2) WARRAWEE YANG won all his legs and the final of the
Brennan Trotting Series this spring, took some time off, but his 2 tries at the Open level (since returning) have
produced a tiring 6th, and last week’s miscue – not ready to hop on his team just yet. (5) STORMY KROMER was
handled very aggressively in his 2nd try off the long layoff and came up well short – feels like a spot where he’ll be
handled conservatively, though a check of the tote board might be a good idea
RACE 11 – (6) GENTLE GIANT charged home up the cones to win in his first start off the claim – he was sent off
at 4/5 in his next but broke in the pocket past turn one, recovered on the rim and then went wide AROUND a parked
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK to rush up uncovered at the leader, was left out the entire mile and STILL was beaten less
than 2 lengths, finishing 3 rd in just a scary effort – he goes for another new barn (off the claim), and we’ll give him a
chance to redeem himself. (4) CAPTAIN T HANOVER saw his modest 2 race winning streak ended last week but
was still a tight 2 nd after getting roughed up early – remains a very serious threat. (1) HUNT FOR CASH landed on
the dream trip in the race where the top choice was brutalized, and was able to cash in for the victory – may have to
settle for a bit smaller prize tonight. (2) TAKE A CLOSER LOOK was parked in the same mile as #6 last time – he
didn’t go nearly as big an effort, but he was still pretty good under the circumstances – playable in exotics from this
spot. (7) SURFRIDER has to be taken seriously having won 3 of his last 4 starts but he draws outside some sharp
foes tonight, and that could leave him looking at only minor spoils. (3) DE LA HOYA HANOVER moves to a new
barn here – could improve, but still leaning to some of the other currently sharp players. (5) LAZ hasn’t been sharp
for some time – needs to up his game. (8) SOUTH POINT lands outside after failing to impress in his local efforts
RACE 12 – (2) CECIL HANOVER steps up in class and faces a field full of pretty sharp horses...but he has plenty
of talent himself, and we’ll look for him to make it 3 in a row. (1) RITSON ships in from PA for a new barn and has
missed 3 weeks – he’s also in fine form, and the guess is that’ll continue here – live player. (5) CRAZYLAND has
hit board in all 7 starts this year, including 3 victories – hard to predict his trip from this spot, but he can be right in
the mix if it’s a good one. (4) SWAN FLYER was off a month and racing from a new barn last week but he was solid
in his return to YR, a good 4 th despite a tough trip – eligible to be even sharper tonight, and that would make him a
threat to land on the ticket somewhere. (7) STORMONT DIVIDE has won 3 of his 6 local starts and hit board in 2
others – terrible draw, but a good longshot to include in exotics. (6) DONATO PATRIOT K was handled
aggressively last week and was an excellent 2 nd best behind #7 – not sure if he can be as effective with tonight’s
tougher draw, however. (8) HERODOTUS has no shortage of ability, but he draws Post 8 off a miscue last week and
may be handled somewhat conservatively tonight. (3) TORRONE is being listed on the bottom but only because
somebody had to be – he’s sharp enough for a piece with the right trip, even up in class.