The Empire Report - Thursday, December 16, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (1) REAL MCCOY shows a mixed bag of Chester tries but he has a win 3 back, and he's a fresh
face in a (short) beatable field - assuming he's a fair price, he's worth a shot. (4) B FLOVER also invades
from PA but doesn't look as appealing as the top pick - we'll see how he fares against the locals. (5) GREG
has a local record that's impressive on paper (8-2-3-2), but the truth of the matter is he's never been overly
impressive (and has already burned plenty of $$ at the windows) - may just crush these, but the value may
be in taking a shot against him. (3) JESSIES OUTLAWED crawled through 1980s fractions on the lead last
week and still got beat....although a less than enthusiastic stretch drive from his catch pilot may not have
helped - remains a contender, but hard to take a short price on top. (2) DUANES COOKIE had a solid year
at the Iowa fairs but may be on the slow side - prefer to just watch tonight. (6) SQUABLE showed little in
his last pair, and draws outside the others
RACE 2 - (2) JODY shipped in sharp and stayed that way, winning both of her local starts in impressive
fashion (including one from Post 8 last week) - she steps up to face older foes tonight but that really
shouldn't be a problem for her right now - remains the one to beat. (1) BETTERB CHEVRON N was really
sharp not that long ago, but has lost some of that edge lately - came up 2nd best off a pocket tri[ last week,
and may be looking at a similar result tonight. (4) SHELLIE DE VIE started the year off slowly but has
been doing mostly good work for awhile now, and that includes last week's nice 2nd behind a classy winner
in PA - she upset this class here back on 10/21, and it's possible that she can be a big threat tonight too. (3)
LADYBELUCKYTONITE climbed her way all the way up the Open recently, even grabbing pieces at that
top level - threw a bit of a dud in her last, and comes into this having missed a month...prefer others tonight
(5) CHECKERED PAST has hit the board in 5 straight as she's climbed back up the class ladder - an easy
trip could land her a small piece once more. (7) CORAL BELLA is razor sharp for a small barn that's on
fire at the moment - gets no luck with the draw (while stepping up to face much better), and may not be as
fortunate this week. (6) RABLE was no threat in either start after shipping in from Delaware
RACE 3 - (7) MONICA GALLAGHER could be worth a play here - took the conservative route last week
when stuck with Post 8 but was full of pace coming across the wire - not a bad week for Kakaley to take a
shot with here. (6) SOMEBEACHSOMEFRA finished with good pace for 4th in her YR return and gets a
class drop for tonight - at 8-1 ML, she's definitely another worth considering. (4) DBLEDELITEBRIGADE
N is clearly nowhere near top form but she still has to be seen as one of the primary players in a field like
this (as she drops in class once more). (2) IRON MISTRESS bumps up one level after picking up a 3rd and
a 2nd in her last pair - chance for a small slice tonight. (5) LARJON LEAH landed on a perfect trip last
week and was able to cash in for the victory - this is a tougher spot, but she's capable of picking up a piece
with another good trip. (3) ACEFOURTYFOUR ALEX always gives her best and her barn has been
sending out live ones lately - usually prefers to be in a bit easier, but not a bad bomb for the bottom of the
ticket. (1) WAKEMESHAKEME folded on the lead as the favorite 3 back, and failed to beat a single horse
in her last pair - waiting for better signs before hopping back on her team. (8) ITTY BITTY doesn't figure
to get in the hunt from out here.
RACE 4 - Good race: (4) WISHFUL MAR seemed cheap out of town but her local debut was pretty
promising, finishing full of trot in the stretch after sitting well back throughout - faces a few solid rivals
here, but she'll be a big price and might be able to find her way onto the ticket. (3) CREDIT CON broke 3
back then was a so-so 2nd in his next....but he was an excellent first over winner in his last and the talent is
there when he's in the right mood - may be able to take another. (5) TOKYO SEELSTER disappointed at
Hoosier in a stake race last start (in the slop) but looked good in 3 prior starts after moving to a new barn -
very dangerous player in his YR debut, but also figures to be overbet. (6) ZENITH STRIDE jogged in his
first start here but faltered in the stretch in his last, tiring to 3rd - inconsistent 3YO is another that could be
a threat IF he shows up on his best game. (1) CIRCLE OF LIFE AS has been a steady performer in her last
few - seems a bit below the main players, but the inside draw gives her a chance at a piece. (2) BIG
MONEY HONEY had been racing well for weeks, and finally picked up his first win of the year last week
- prefer others, but wouldn't be shocked if he was able to land a piece from this spot. (7) AWESOME TRIX
broke in her local debut but had no trouble circling a weak field in her last - definitely has talent, but may
have a hard time reaching from out here
RACE 5 - (5) BEST HEAD WEST shipped down off a win in Canada and is 2 for 2 since arriving, looking
impressive both times - her trip is a little more unpredictable tonight (and she'll also meet some older foes),
but we'll still stick with the hot hand. (2) THEBEACHISCALLING won her first 3 local starts but came up
2nd best to the sharp JODY in her last pair - remains a major threat, but may come up 2nd best again
tonight. (3) MILLWOOD BONNIE was razor sharp for a while, tailed for a few starts, but seems to be
getting sharper once again - would certainly include her in exotics at that 15-1 ML price. (8) THUNDRA
has looked like a new horse since the barn change 2 back - she's moving way up in class and lands all the
way outside...but still a good value horse for the bottom of exotics. (1) IM VERY SPECIAL is just 1 for 24
here in 2021, and was an "ugly" 3rd last week - that being said, she raced well here too many times over the
years to not at least consider her for a small piece. (4) BYE BYE MICHELLE was well meant and used
hard last week, but ultimately weakened from the top of the lane - would probably look a lot better one
level down. (7) ELLAGATOR had been very sharp but got caught in a shuffle last week then had no offer
once free and clear - draws horribly tonight, and may have to wait for a better spot. (6) SCANDALICIOUS
drops, but doesn't seem sharp enough at the moment to be a threat here
RACE 6 - (5) TEMPUS SEELSTER was scary sharp for 6 starts here, going from NW5000 right up to a
pair of close 3rds in the Open - hit a speed bump over in NJ but has a pair of 2nds since returning, and gets
her favorite pilot back on board for tonight. (2) ROCKNROLL ANNIE finished just behind the top choice
2 back and did so again last week, despite dealing with stretch traffic - she always seems to be a good price,
and deserves a look tonight. (4) FEELIN RED HOT is always a threat to hit the top and never stop, but the
Super Siblings are mired in a rough 3 for 60 slump, so perhaps this isn't the best week to look for one of her
big efforts? (7) TURNTHEFROWNAROUND was missing pop the last few starts but does add Lasix for
tonight - we'll see if that helps her find a sharper effort. (8) GOLDEN QUEST N was off her game for quite
a while but has been MUCH better the last several starts - might have been the top choice from a better post
but with a win coming off the bottom of her card after tonight, her connections may opt to take a more
conservative approach from this tough spot. (6) NEVERFORGETWHOUR didn't have enough pop off a
good trip last week and gets stuck outside tonight - maybe a minor share? (1) PRAY THE ROSARY has
held her form nicely for some time, but may be pushing her luck a bit up at this level . (3) SPORTS FLIX
took her last 2 vs. cheaper, but has struggled (for the most part) against this type, lately
RACE 7 - (4) EXCHEQUER has been very consistent lately, hitting board in his last 4 starts while facing
better fields than this one - generally goes off at a decent price, and he's definitely worth a play tonight. (5)
SOUTHERN SWAN MAN has been finishing his miles well lately, sports a solid 6-2-1-1 local record but
still figures to be a decent price - use in exotics. (6) HOPE SO was already tiring before she broke 2 back,
then didn't finish all that well last week, even though 2nd - definitely possible here, but also vulnerable at a
short price. (2) GRAFENBERG has some ability "when right", but his 11 local tries have been loaded with
inconsistency - willing to consider if the price is decent. (1) BLANK SPACE as might have won 2 back if
not blocked in the stretch and did win by the slightest of noses in his last - this field is definitely stronger,
though, and he may be looking at a smaller piece tonight. (3) BLOGMASTER was 11 wins this year (in
Canada), but may have been facing cheaper, and also exits a barn that wins at a 40% clip - prefer to just
watch in his local debut.
RACE 8 - (4) KARMA SEELSTER was very sharp in her win at The Swamp upon arrival from Canada -
she was sent off as the 1/10 choice making her local debut in the Open and crushed that field by nearly 5
lengths - just seems like the "hot horse" right now. (1) DRAGON ROLL has enjoyed an incredible year,
currently with a 32-12-9-6 $272K slate -- she MAY not be at her absolute best right now, but still deserves
plenty of respect from this beautiful spot. (7) LIT DE ROSE is now 3 for 3 since arriving from up North,
and that includes last week's absolute jogburger in her first Open attempt - gets no luck with the draw this
time, so she may have to settle for a smaller piece (but don't hesitate to use her if the price is attractive
enough). (2) MYSTICAL CARRIE may be a notch below the top ones but can still take home a nice chunk
of this thanks to the inside draw. (3) DELITFULCATHERIN N has looked terrific since adding Lasix, but
is making a big class jump tonight - she'll need to prove that she can hang with these. (5) EDGE OF ETER
NITY has thrived ever since arriving at Yonkers, climbing her way up to the Open, and hitting board in 3 of
her 4 attempts - may have a little harder time replicating that success tonight, though. (8) THE BETHIN
ATOR has leveled off a bit after a couple of wins upon arrival here, and now lands Post 8 - wait for a better
spot. (6) WESTBEACH's 5 race win streak will be in serious jeopardy as she makes a big jump to the Open
RACE 9 - (5) SWEET SALLY SUE was well backed vs. better for her local debut, made the top, but went
offstride on the back side when tested by the tripsitter (and winner) - lands in an easier spot tonight, and her
connections have had another week to work out the bugs. (2) E R HILARY is a rock solid player at this
level, and was a winner 2 back at Stga. - main danger. (8) TELL ME A JOKE was absolutely formless
when she dropped down to this level on 10/20....yet was somehow sent off at 6/5, and crushed the field by 5
lengths - did little in her next 5 starts but drops back down to the bottom level again, and perhaps a glance
at the toteboard will be helpful! (1) J ROCKIN B just hasn't thrived for the Super Siblings since being
claimed recently, and her last couple were awful - as noted, the barn is currently just 3 for their last 60! (4)
CABOWABOCUTTIE is 0 for 43 over the last 2 years but did last for 3rd after cutting the mile last week -
minor piece> (6) VELOCITY MCSWEETS has only been earning small checks in most of her recent starts
- needs to find a lot more! (7) QUITE A DELIGHT N was a "trip 3rd" last week, but will have a harder
time tonight from Post 7. (3) NARINA HANOVER just seems a bit overmatched