The Empire Report - Monday, March 15, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (3) BLAYDE HANOVER was no factor for a couple of weeks from tough spot but brought his
"A Game" in last, an impressive first over winner - more than capable of repeating with a similar effort, but
be prepared to get a much shorter price this time. (1) MILLIONDOLLAR WAVE has been much improved
since the claim and is getting closer and closer to grabbing a win - maybe tonight? (6) RECORD YEAR
failed to fire for his new barn last week and saw his 3 race win streak snapped - moved to yet another new
barn for tonight, and may bounce back with a better effort - definitely worth considering if the price is fair.
(4) GUNPOWDER N is the "x factor" here - was scary for months at the bottom level, then raced just as
well double jumping against the 20s two back - never looked good in his last, though, and it's hard to say
which direction he'll go in tonight - can't blame anybody for using him, if the price is juicy. (5) OHOKA
JOHNNY N just stole one on the front end last week, made easier when the other main players all came up
no good - faces tougher tonight off the claim, but also gets a big driver switch - mixed feelings about his
chances. (8) RUTHLESS DUDE shipped in sharp from NJ and had plenty of pace finishing for 3rd last
week - lands all the way outside, though, and may just have too far to come...small piece? (2) WHATS
GOIN ON gets post relief but just hasn't done much lately - needs a big wake up call. (7) SOMWHERENB
ROOKLN N doesn't seem sharp enough right now to do much damage from out here.
RACE 2 - (5) TWIN B SPEEDO was off 3 weeks and starting from Post 7 last week but still raced big,
hitting the top, yielding for a pocket trip, then kicking home strong for 2nd behind the sharp winner (#4) -
gets right back in the box, figures to cut the mile tonight, and that means that the road to the winner's circle
runs through him. (4) MAGRITTE beat the top choice last week with a sharp first over performance, and
that was his 3rd win in 4 starts - clearly on top of his game right now but he'll be going for a new barn here,
and it's hard to say if he'll be able to retain his stellar form - tough call, especially since he'll likely be the
2nd choice in the wagering. (3) CLASSIC PRO has been 1st/2nd in 4 of his last 5 starts and that deserves
respect, even if benefited from some good trips, vs. softer stock - we'll find out if he can do as well against
this tougher bunch. (6) PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN wasn't bad last week, considering that he generally
needs to be on the lead to be any good - unfortunately, it seems unlikely that he'll be able to cut the mile
tonight - willing to use underneath. (7) GIVENUPDREAMING made up a lot of ground in last but really
should have been able to get 3rd - not sure he can reach for more than another small piece from this spot.
(8) APEX SEELSTER was terrible for months but really came back to life in his last 4 at PcD - would have
ranked him a lot higher here had he not been unlucky with the draw for his Hilltop return. (1) TACT TATE
N never looked "strong" 2 back but did keep trying to grab 2nd - no factor in last, but perhaps the rail will
help him grab an easy trip...and a piece of the purse. (2) FIREBALL draws well for his YR return but his
current form is uninspiring, and he wasn't great in a lot of his 2020 local tries.
RACE 3 - MGM Borgata (Levy) Pacing Series: (4) LET IT RIDE N arrived on our shores in the fall and
quickly went from beating a NW7000 field in PA to taking 3 straight Opens, including one right here, from
Post 8, as the prohibitive 1/10 choice - comes into this series at 6 for 6 in the U.S. and although he happens
to land in a tough division, is surely the one to beat for his new owner partnership. (1) THIS IS THE PLAN
is a perennial hard-hitter, and closing in on $2M in earnings - his only start here last year was a win from
Post 7, and he qualified sharply for a barn that can be counted on to have him ready - the main danger. (3)
AMERICAN HISTORY can be VERY good when "right", and has gone some monster miles right here at
Yonkers - he'll likely be heard from before this Series is over but he seemed a little short in his qualifier,
and catches a couple of beasts in this first round - wouldn't be a shock, but may have to settle for a little
smaller piece tonight. (2) WESTERN JOE can still beat this type on any given night, but landing in this
tough division makes it more likely that he'll be shooting for a smaller share, rather than the top prize. (5)
STARS ALIGN A raced here plenty of times in the past and while always a good "Saturday Night Horse",
he was never really an Open-type -- he DID up his game dramatically in the midwest after a barn change
last spring, regularly outrunning the locals with some pretty impressive speed shows...we'll see if that can
work against these top foes, as he debuts here for a new barn. (6) RODEO ROCK is no stranger to the top
levels, but he was 0 for 14 last year, and does seem to have lost a step - comes into this off a win vs. much
cheaper, and he'll have to prove that he's ready for this type of competition again. (7) BRONX SEELSTER
was off form before registering wins in his last pair - those were from up close against cheaper, though, and
he seems up against it from out here. (8) TELLITSABB did a nice job getting 3rd making the big jump to
the Open last week but the 5YO is facing an uphill battle from Post 8 in this stacked field.
RACE 4 - MGM Borgata (Levy) Pacing Series: (6) NONE BETTOR A debuts for a new barn (owner
definitely moves his horses around a lot!) and has been prepping beautifully for this Series - last 2 YR tries
were solid 2nds to a then raging Micky Gee N, and he finds a very soft spot here in Round 1 - the one to
catch, and beat. (3) LYONS STEEL is never really thought of as a top Open player but the 6YO does throw
some BIG miles, and he's coming into this Series in fine form - good spot for him to be a legit contender.
(2) AMERICAN MERCURY was a solid young stakes performer but struggled to find his way at 4, finally
winning a couple of races here this fall - it's possible that he'll put it all together at 5, and that qualifier is a
step in the right direction...in easy enough tonight to make some noise, if he lands on a kind trip. (5) MACS
JACKPOT hasn't been close to top form, or he'd be ranked higher in here - goes for a new barn this week,
so we'll see if that helps him get closer to his "A Game". (4) CAVIART ROCKLAND just toured the oval
from Post 8 last week (off a sick scratch) but is likely to be a lot more aggressive here - not sure how well
he fits with these but he DOES like Yonkers, and may be able to grab a piece of this. (8) AFLAME HANO
VER is another that just never clicked at 4, after doing good things at 2 and 3 - qualifiers suggest that he's
ready for some big miles, but Post 8 may leave him waiting for a more manageable spot. (1) YAYAS HOT
SPOT N seemed ambitiously placed when the nominations were released, and last week's loss (NW7500)
doesn't inspire much confidence - needs to improve dramatically, in a hurry. (7) RAUKAPUKA RULER N
hasn't been "bad", but he hasn't performed at a level that would make him a threat with these - pass for now
RACE 5 - MGM Borgata (Levy) Pacing Series: (4) SAN DOMINO A is the 2nd horse from these
connections moving to a new barn for this series and just like NONE BETTOR A, seems to have a good
chance to get off to a good start - was flat out awful in his last 3 starts here but a month off seems to have
done him good, and he's been a consistent Hilltop winner when on his game - gets top billing for tonight.
(5) PAT STANLEY N has been hitting on all cylinders recently and simply had no prayer in his last - fits
very nicely here, and should be right there at the end with any half-decent trip...only knock is that the barn
had a horrible week (overall) leading up to this (but a lot of bad trips definitely didn't help). (1) TOOKADI
VEOFFDIPPER has raced "ok" since changing barns in Jan. but has just one win - doesn't seem to be on
his best game now, but he's done enough damage at this level to at least be included in exotics from the
pole tonight. (7) JESSE DUKE N was outstanding in his first 8 starts after arriving in the U.S. (including 2
big miles here at YR) and seemed to have unlimited upside - definitely tailed a bit in his next few, though,
and went on the shelf in October - his two qualifiers heading into this series don't inspire a lot of confidence
but looking forward to watching him tonight, to see if he's getting closer to "race shape".(3) TYGA
HANOVER has been very solid for some time, but is a question mark against this caliber - draws well
enough for a chance at a small piece. (6) MACH N CHEESE had a rough 2020, with just one win and
$14K in 13 starts - qualified back nicely for a new barn but was no factor in his first start, and will need a
big wake up call to be part of the equation tonight. (8) ROCKAPELO was in career form for a while but
after a couple of "excuse" lines from Post 8, failed to fire at all from Post 3 in last - hard to recommend
tonight from out here as the 3-1 ML favorite! (2) JAHAN HANOVER wasn't bad in his local debut but got
beat in the bottom class and is now facing Open pacers...hopefully just for this one week
RACE 6 - MGM Borgata (Levy) Pacing Series - excellent race!: (1) HESA KINGSLAYER N is always
pacing powerfully to and through the wire, but his racing style has left him with more good pieces, than
wins - might end up with a nice trip just off a contested pace tonight, and that could set up his late kick
beautifully - one of several who could take this very competitive division. (7) ANA AFREET N was razor
sharp when they stopped with him in Dec., and he's come back looking just as good since the freshening -
draws horribly for his Yonkers debut, but he's way too sharp to leave out, even with the poor post. (4)
SHNITZLEDOSOMETHIN always seems to race well here and returns for the Series off a pair of excellent
tries at The Swamp - add him to the list of very possible winners in this strong division! (5) OSTRO HAN
OVER is a good one for longshot fans - raced conservatively in last from a tough spot but he's a proven
winner at The Hilltop, and he'll be a big price tonight - if the race gets wildly contested, he could show up
at some point with a good rally. (8) SHERIFF N arrived in the U.S. after missing nearly TWO years, but
the classy import has looked very good in a trio of local starts - it's just unfortunate for him that he lands
Post 8 in what shapes up as the most competitive division! (3) THE WALL is a former Levy player but was
struggling here this fall to beat much easier - has definitely upped his game for his new/current connections
and we'll see if he's sharp enough to be competitive at this level. (6) SEMI TOUGH has an outstanding
9-6-2-0 local slate, but hasn't faced THIS type in his Yonkers appearances - not bad at all vs. #7 and #4 in
NJ last start, but he draws outside here and may not be able to get involved. (2) IDEAL JIMMY comes
into this off a sharp win but he hasn't been a player against this type in a long time - prefer others.
RACE 7 - MGM Borgata (Levy) Pacing Series: (4) BACKSTREET SHADOW didn't race here at all in
2020 but he did pick up $433K out of town, tackling the toughest in the business all season - looked good
in his starts here as a 4YO, and his qualifier looks outstanding....should be a big threat tonight, and through
the entire Series, as well. (5) LEONIDAS A has excelled since arriving in the U.S. and that includes a
strong 6-3-1-1 local slate - he has a very powerful late kick, but it's hard to say if he'll be able to work out a
decent trip tonight - very dangerous, but wouldn't want to take too short a price on top. (6) ASHLEY
LOCAZ N has an outstanding Down Under resume, earning $271K and recently battling the top stakes
horses before shipping to the U.S. - hard to love off that qualifier, but this is a sharp outfit and wouldn't be
racing if they didn't expect him to compete - decent bomb to consider (2) WESTERN FAME was dominant
through the 2019 Series (winning the Final) and seemed to be peaking right in time for this year's battle -
but he never looked sharp at all in his last (as the 1/2 favorite), and he was just one of many top performers
for the barn to struggle last week - of course he could bounce right back, but he does seem a bit risky at the
moment. (3) NO EASY DAY has been racing well enough lately to contend for pieces in this Series, but
also seems to be a bit below the top players - willing to use on the bottom of exotics. (8) CHIEF MATE did
some fine work in his 3YO stake races and is looking good so far at 4 for his new connections...but as sharp
as he is, it's asking a lot for a 4YO to overcome Post 8 against a few of these classy, aged performers. (7)
ARTIES IDEAL has plenty of ability but struggles on turns (at times) and isn't used to facing this caliber
on a regular basis - at least wait for a better spot. (1) ESAI HANOVER is 2 for 36 life and loses regularly to
NW4 horses - hopefully Pantaleano will yield, stay out of the way, and come back next week in a far more
reasonable class.
RACE 8 - (4) KEEP ON ROCKING A shipped in sharp from Rosecroft and has been terrific in all 3 starts
since arriving, racing as well as one can without actually grabbing a win - faces a tougher bunch tonight but
also gets a little post relief...and that may be enough to get him over the top. (6) PYRO has proven to be an
astute purchase from the January sale, winning his way right up to the Open, and then jogging in that class
last week - moves out from the rail to Post 6, but he's way too sharp to leave off your tickets...even from
out here. (3) CARLISIMO really elevated his game at the end of 2020 and has remained at this top level all
through 2021 - came up 2nd best in his last pair, and is looking at another nice chunk tonight. (1) FINE
DIAMOND gets a pretty kind post assignment, considering he's been picking up pieces in the Open for the
past 4 weeks - should be able to take advantage of the draw with another piece of the purse tonight. (2)
SOHO LENNON A moves up the class ladder but he's more than sharp enough (and classy enough) to still
sit a close up trip...and grab some piece of this. (5) HEAVENS GAIT looked very sharp beating cheaper in
his first 2 starts back off the hiatus - regressed in his next pair but rebounded with a nice try 2 back, and
used an easy trip to get there for the win in last - may be below a few of these in here, though. (7) ROLLWI
THPAPAJOE had been on quite a roll before coming up short in last (when up in class) - seems like a
brutal spot tonight....but the barn IS picking up many of their horses dramatically over the past few weeks.
(8) CAVIART LUCA doesn't figure to ever get close to the action tonight.
RACE 9 - Totally wide open! (2) NO ORDINARY MAN was a little disappointing when 3rd three starts
back but was actually pretty good in his last pair, finishing well from impossible spots - with so many
possible horses getting involved in this very competitive affair, he might be able to just show up late and
pick up the pieces...at a pretty nice price. (7) BILL HALEY N finally got the wake up call we were waiting
for last week, but came up a nose shy at the wire - assuming he can build off that mile tonight, he'll have a
good chance to seriously outperform that 20-1 ML price - worth using! (3) RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N
drops back down to the level he beat 3 back, draws inside, and the right trip could put him right back on the
wire (even if Bartlett opts for #6). (5) EHRMANTROUT wasn't at his absolute best last week but was still
able to win one level down - if he shows up on his "A Game" tonight, he'll have a legitimate chance to step
up and beat these too. (4) MCMIKE was very well driven last week and picked up his first local win -
barely held on, though, and just seems better on the bigger track - possible repeater, but don't take a short
price. (8) MIGHTY SANTANA N finally picked up a long overdue victory 2 back, but got really roughed
up in last (but still held 3rd) - absolutely fits with these, but has his work cut out for him from Post 8. (1)
DENVER SEELSTER is very solid right now, but also on the cheaper side, rail definitely helps, but still
think he'll struggle with a few of these. (6) OUR MAX PHACTOR N used his back class to prevail in his
last pair, but faces much tougher now - Bartlett stick with him, but not sure he's up to beating these from
Post 6
RACE 10 - Well matched finale, to cap off an excellent card: (1) TWIN B TUFFENUFF draws the pole
again after finishing a tight 3rd behind a couple of very sharp foes - hardly a cinch, but worthy of top
billing with the post advantage he holds. (5) QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP has held his form nicely as he
climbs the class ladder - last was better than it looks, and barn has been sending out a ton of sharp ones -
one to include on your tickets. (2) SPRINGSTEEN is capable of delivering one of his "brush and crush"
performances here...and equally capable of being no good at all, and everything in between - enigmatic
6YO is as hard to predict as ever! (3) IDEAL STAR N was an even 4th in a quick mile last week after
handling softer the week before - not quite sure if he's up for beating these, but he's worth considering if the
price is juicy enough. (4) ON THE VIRG threw a clunker 2 back to end his 3 race win streak, but did
rebound quickly in last, pacing steadily for 4th behind 3 good foes - ok to include underneath. (7) HOT
DEUCE got really sharp here last fall but then went on the shelf for 2 months - seems like an unlikely spot,
but note that the barn has been sending out rocket ships lately...check the tote board? (8) DON DOMINGO
N is hard to fault off his current form...but he does draw Post 8 in a very competitive field, and will need all
sorts of racing luck to get involved. (6) IMSTAYNALIVE just hasn't been sharp - waiting for better signs
before endorsing.