The Empire Report - Monday, August 9, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (2) MARTY MONKHOUSER A is a very solid player at this level and simply had no chance in
his last pair (two 8 holes) - moves inside now, and his outstanding training tandem sent out 3 consecutive
eye popping winners at the end of Friday night's card -- gets the call in the opener. (1) UNICO LEGEND N
was away from February until June, failed to beat a horse in first two tries back then was scratched sick the
next week....so to say that last week's powerful, first over win (at 41-1) was a "form reversal" would be
quite the understatement - no idea if he can replicate that effort tonight but if he does, he'll have a chance to
make it 2 in a row. (3) BLUEBIRD RECON has been a steady player at this level and moves from one live
barn to another - he's never been a prolific winner at Yonkers, however, so he might be best used on the
bottom of exotics. (5) LATISSIMUS HANOVER missed his entire 4YO season but he's been doing some
good work at 5 - wasn't bad from a no chance spot in his only local try but he's in a bit cheaper now, moves
inside a bit, and may be able to grab a piece of this. (8) TALK SHOW benefited from a rail trip to get 2nd
last week, and doesn't figure to be quite as lucky from Post 8 tonight - minor share only. (4) CLASSIC PRO
had been struggling for a long time before finding a bottom level field he can beat 2 back - seems a bit
overmatched here. (7) MY MIND IS MADEUP grabbed his first YR win in ages two back, but was no
factor even before the miscue in last - new barn, bad post, and probably will need to wait for a better spot.
(6) ROCK N TONY was a pocket winner at the bottom level 2 back, but may be in too tough with these
RACE 2 - Excelsior A 3YO Fillies: (8) YOU MAKE IT EASY was 2nd here last year in this class, and
owns wins at Tioga and VD so far this year - her start here last week was excellent, finishing 2nd in a NW4
race to an accomplished 5YO male rival -- good value play from Post 8. (3) JUST JOSHING was a winner
at Goshen 3 back, and a sharp 1:58.3 Monti winner in her last (and beat this class here at YR, last year) -
very dangerous player if she brings her best tonight. (5) IZZY DEMSKY is another that beat this class here
at Yonkers last year - she won the Lady Suffolk (at Fhd.) in May, and wired the field at Monti last week -
she's clearly as good as the top pair, but does have a bit of a driver disadvantage against those rivals. (1)
LOVELY BELLE qualified better on 7/10 then won an Excelsior A division at Monti last week - she's on
the upswing right now, and MAY be ready to bang heads with the top three. (2) ONE MARGARITA made
breaks in 2 of her last 3 but seems a bit below the top ones even when she minds her manners. (6) CREDIT
INCOME stays trotting every week but even her best effort would likely leave her finishing behind a few of
these - needs to find some more speed. (4) ME THREE hails from a live barn but has spent most of her
time facing Excelsior B stock, as well as racing at the fairs - guessing she's a bit below these. (7) MAGGIE
SMONEY shows breaks in 3 of her last 4 and draws outside - pass for now
RACE 3 - (1) GHOST DANCE was involved in some fast fractions last week and still was a strong 3rd
behind a pair of pretty nice rivals - he cut a strong pace the week before coming up just a nose shy to a
classy tripsitter - this is not an "easy" field by any means, but the draw will let him call the shots...and that
earns him top billing. (4) LATE MAIL N just missed vs. 20s shipping in 2 back - was claimed that night
then went a big mile in his last vs. the 25s, holding 3rd after being used in a :26.2 opener...steps up again
off another claim, but has to be respected in his current form. (5) CHRISTEN ME N may be 13 years old
but the double-millionaire still has plenty of life in his legs, as evidenced by last week's sharp score - moves
up a notch after being claimed, and has to be seen as a legitimate threat. (6) EGOMANIA is "sneaky sharp"
right now - he'll be a good price here. and has a chance IF there's a hotly contested pace in front of him. (3)
MAJOR CROCKER A wasn't up for the first over try last week after three straight 2nds - been sharp for
some time, but he's 0 for 12 on the year, and too many others are also sharp right now. (2) CAVIART STE
TSON's lone local win was on the lead vs. cheaper - maybe can just tow along for a minor share? (7) KEPT
UNDER WRAPS A draws outside again and loses Siegelman - wait for a better spot. (8) ROCK ON LINE
was a little better last time but has been struggling in general, and draws Post 8 off the claim - pass for now
RACE 4 - Brutally tough race! (3) CHANGE STRIDE N has been sharp for ages, but particularly sharp in
his last couple -- hard to predict ANYBODY's trip in here but it would seem that this guy should get a good
one...and that may finally get him back to the winner's circle. (2) REVELRY landed behind terrible cover
last week and had no chance - there's a chance the pace could be hotly contested tonight and theoretically,
that SHOULD benefit him...too bad he's listed as the ML favorite. (7) DESIRES CAPTAIN is one of many
horses in this barn on a roll right now, as he's now beaten the 12.5s, 20s, and 30s in the last 3 weeks - he's
earned over $31K in his last 3 starts, matching what he earned in his 42 previous starts...hard to leave out
ANYTHING the "Dynamic Duo" sends out at the moment! (1) TOWNLINE FLIGHT has been doing lots
of good work but his only win at YR this year came vs. the 20s - not sure how he'll fare tonight but the one
thing that IS certain is that Clegg will be ultra-aggressive from the start. (5) YANKEE OSBORNE was
sharp when claimed on 6/28 by a low % outfit - struggled for a few starts but was claimed from his last,
and may perk up in a hurry for his new connections. (8) IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N is razor sharp right now,
crossing the finish line first in 4 of his last 5 - goes for yet another new trainer tonight and lands Post 8 -
hardly impossible, but some trip luck will be needed from out here. (4) PROVEN DESIRE is ambitiously
placed here in $40K claimer - seems overmatched. (6) PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN needs the lead to be
effective and that seems highly unlikely from this spot - wait for a better scenario.
RACE 5 - (2) SUGARTOWN was outstanding in his first try off the claim last week, rushing to take the
top into a hot :26.3 opener then never looking back, crushing his rivals with a visually impressive
performance - if he's as sharp tonight, he'll have a solid chance to make it 2 in a row. (1) PICARD A is a
tough call - on his best he'd be a major threat, especially from the pole...but he's definitely showing some
"concerning" signs recently, so we'll see if the class drop helps get him back to his "A Game". (4) WEONA
SIZZLER a rallied from well back for 2nd in his first start off the claim but that was a "closer's race", with
the top ones rallying as the leaders tired - definitely respect his chances, but also think he'll be overbet off
that last line. (7) HUNDIE N wasn't bad in his last vs. better - gets a class drop and returns to Brennan, but
also lands Post 7...may have to settle for a smaller piece from this spot. (5) TREASURE MACH has a new
trainer listed for tonight, and a change of scenery may do him some good - willing to include underneath.
(8) RECORD YEAR already has 7 wins in 2021 and is sharp right now - a lot would have to go his way to
beat these from Post 8, though. (3) GIVENUPDREAMING picked up a rare local win 2 back - was claimed
from his last, and tonight's class bump may be too much for him to handle. (6) OHIO VINTAGE picked up
small checks in his last pair, and looks like he'd appreciate some class relief.
RACE 6 - NYSS 3YO fillies- $153,900: (4) MONI FOR LINDY was super consistent as a 2YO, compiling
a 9-2-4-2 record ($70K) - she's maintained that fine form so far at 3, going 6-4-1-1 including NYSS wins at
VD and Tioga -- what is conspicuous, however, is her avoidance of half mile tracks, until now - she seems
like she should be able to get around Yonkers just fine... I guess we'll find out tonight! (7) ILLUMINATA
was 2nd best to the top choice at Tioga 2 back, and would have won at Monti last week if not for a late
miscue - if MacDonald can work out a manageable trip for her, she'll have a chance here...at a decent price.
(3) SPLASH BLUE CHIP was able to win at Monti last week, but only because barnmate ILLUMINATA
broke nearing the wire - she's gone some big miles in her career so far, but also throws some lesser efforts
as well (including both YR starts last year) - clearly a chance to beat these, but also figures to be overbet.
(5) TITANS HOPE lit up the tote board here at 71-1 three back in a NW2 race - wasn't far off #3 and #7 at
Monti last week, and definitely has a chance for a decent piece tonight. (6) AELA JAMIESON showed
ability from early on at 2, but remains a "work in progress" now 9 starts into her career - wouldn't shock,
and not a bad one for longshot fans. (1) SOUKUP BLUE CHIP broke in her last after weakening in her
prior 2 - sticking with others. (2) TRANQUILITY K seems to only go her best miles at Chester.
RACE 7 - (5) DRAGON SAID finally saw his incredible 8 race win streak snapped when a tough trip 2nd
two back, then was 2nd again from another impossible spot in last - this feels like a much better spot to
work out a decent trip, and find his way back to the winner's circle. (8) JACKS LEGEND N has been razor
sharp for a long time, and his ability to handle any kind of trip has helped him overcome some tough spots -
has a chance to win again even from out here....but make sure to get a fair price if using him on top. (6)
RAUKAPUKA RULER N has been forced to race from behind the last 3 starts and been unable to be a
serious player - he has beaten these in the not too distant past, however, and he's a good bomb to throw in
IF you think he might try to leave tonight. (7) ROCKAPELO comes in two versions - if you think we'll see
the "good" one tonight, then by all means include him on your tickets...if you're expecting the one that we
saw last week (and 6/28 & 7/12), then leave him out...he can be a tough horse to guess with! (4) ALLUNE
EDISFAITH N has been ultra consistent for some time - not sure he can beat these, but a good trip may
land him somewhere on the ticket. (1) BRONX SEELSTER has struggled to get wins vs. cheaper lately,
and was fortunate to hang on last week - wouldn't say he'd be a shock to win here, but he's a poor value
play as the 5/2 ML choice! (2) MICKY GEE N hasn't been up at this level in some time - was sharp in that
last win, but seems up against it vs. these tougher foes. (3) SAN DOMINO A was sharp with cheaper 2 and
3 back but not quite as effective moving up to the Open level in last - may struggle a bit tonight
RACE 8 - (1) BEACH BOOGIE was an excellent 2nd shipping in from Ohio despite a tough trip - he's
done great work here in the past, and the draw may give him the advantage he needs to beat a few of his
tough foes tonight. (3) FOREVER FAV has hit board in pretty much every recent start...except the two
times that he ended up getting parked the mile - barn has been winning at an insane rate since the beginning
of June, and their three Friday night winners all improved by leaps and bounds...pretty hard to NOT have
him on your tickets. (5) EFFRONTE A has earned $51K in the 5 starts since being moved to his current
conditioner - and that's $10K MORE than he earned in all of 2020-21 prior to the switch -- obviously in
razor sharp form right now, but may be looking at a tougher trip this week - could be a little vulnerable this
time. (7) JUST PLAIN LOCO has been on an extended form spree that has seen him stay just as sharp even
as he's climbed the class ladder - he'll need them to really mix things up for a chance from out here...but he
COULD win if that happens. (2) KEYSTONE PHOENIX flattened out late for his new barn last week and
that's the way he's been for a long time - prefers to outrun cheaper these days, and will need to be a lot
better for a chance to beat these. (4) HIGHLAND TARTAN has been a hard-hitter for years, but he goes for
a new barn tonight and lands in the middle of several very sharp horses - probably looking at only a minor
share tonight. (6) WHITE HAIR ROCKS was an excellent 3rd despite a very tough trip in his local debut 2
back, then finished ok for 4th off an easy trip in last - he's just 1 for 53 over the last 2 years, though, and
that makes him pretty hard to consider on top! (8) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD was never close from a
similar spot last week.
RACE 9 - Good race: (5) SIMPLE KINDA MAN shipped in on 7/19 showing seriously sharp Stga. form
and showed that he was "for real" that night, rallying from well back to be 2nd to the classy Nandolo N -
won his next back at Stga. then shipped back down again last week, showed unexpected speed and ended
up finishing 3rd, after sitting the pocket - gets some class relief tonight, and we'll give him the narrow edge.
(6) LYONS KING is yet another "Super Sibling" performer currently in raging form, although he did find
the Open a little too tough last week - the class drop instantly stamps him as a prime player. (7) NONE
BETTOR A is hitting on all cylinders right now, and is just a neck shy of a 3 race win streak - he does have
the ability to blast if Bartlett chooses to, so don't be afraid to use him if the price is right. (1) BRANQ
UINHO made only 12 starts in a disappointing 4YO campaign but is making up for lost time at 5, and
comes into tonight with 3 wins and 2 seconds from his last 5 starts - he's moving up in class here, but the
rail draw gives him a chance to do some serious damage - possibility. (2) BUDDY HILL has just been a
new horse since the barn change this spring, but did throw his first "bad" one in a long time last week (to be
fair, it was a first over trip in the Open) - drops in class, draws inside, and may be able to rebound with an
easier journey. (4) CAVIART LUCA picked up his 7th win of the year last week, but the 10YO really had
to work for it - he'll need to be sharper for a chance to beat these. (3) WINDSUN RICKY is good right now,
but may be in a little tougher than he'd like - sticking with others tonight. (8) CASUAL COOL has gone off
form and this doesn't seem like a good spot for him to get back on track
RACE 10 - (3) TIGER BARON has been facing much tougher (and from some bad spots) and hasn't
embarrassed himself - gets some meaningful class relief tonight, draws inside his main foes, and should
have a decent chance to be right there on the wire. (5) MYKINDACHIP always figures, is usually right in
the hunt, and returns from PcD off a series of sharp tries - very logical threat, but he's just 1 for 14 here at
Yonkers and is usually a better one to use underneath, rather than on top. (8) CARLISIMO is actually very
good right now and gets a class drop - unfortunately, he draws horribly yet again, and much luck will be
needed to grab a win from out here (the price WILL be juicy, though). (6) CAPOZZO fits nicely at this
level, but would look far more attractive from a better post - another that's playable IF the price is right. (7)
DIAMONDBEACH is having a solid year, and fits very well with these - he's off 3+ weeks, however, and
does drop a win off his card after tonight -- with the bad draw, he MAY already be looking forward to next
week's class drop (and hopefully better post). (2) GRIFFON HANOVER is cheap, but sharp - might be
good enough right now to pick up a small piece with another ground saving trip. (1) FIZZING N is a solid
player at this level but he's missed 4 weeks (sick scratch) and seems a bit iffy for tonight. (4) TOM ME
GUN N is probably a bit overmatched up at this higher level.
RACE 11 - (8) SPLASH BROTHER earned $300K at 3 but he's really blossoming into an excellent
performer as a 4YO - he's 2 for 3 at Yonkers this year, with the lone loss coming against Dragon Said, in
blistering 1:49.4 mile - going to give him the nod, even from Post 8. (2) JJ FLYNN just wasn't right when
he shipped in here 3 starts back but those last 2 wins at Chester suggest that it was a one time blip - major
danger tonight if he brings that PA form back over to Yonkers. (1) DECISION DAY is moving up quite a
bit in class but he's very sharp now, has raced at these higher levels in the past, and seems more than
eligible to pick up a good piece here. (3) TITO ROCKS caught a couple of tough spots in his first 2 starts
back off the layoff - he's been rock solid for most of the past 2 years, and should be ready for a sharper try
tonight - include underneath. (5) IM BENICIO A was pretty much non-functional for many weeks before
making an instant turnaround upon changing barns on 7/2 - raced conservatively in last after a break the
week before, but he's a decent bomb to use in the bottom of trifectas. (6) CAN B PERFECT is a very steady
performer but the outside draw figures to limit his chances tonight - will need some trip luck just for a small
piece. (7) IM SIR BLAKE A steps up sharp while also getting a barn change - not sure he'll be able to get
into the hunt from out here. (4) BLACK CHEVRON N has been doing his damage vs. much lesser - had to
get re-qualified after having an issue on 7/12, and we'll just watch him, for tonight.
RACE 12 - Another tough race: (3) PYRO grabbed a couple of wins in May but he's been finishing just
behind some pretty good ones lately, picking up 2nds and 3rds - catches a few sharp foes tonight but it still
feels like a spot where he can pick up his 8th win of the season. (1) SEMI TOUGH moves up in class off a
nose loss 2 back, and a victory in his last - he still hasn't gotten to 100% since returning from the layoff but
he seems to be getting sharper each start, and the rail draw should leave him with a good trip tonight (5)
ROLLWITHPAPAJOE would be the top choice if on his best game but his last couple definitely suggested
he's not quite there right now - that could change at any moment, but there's probably some value going
against him here. (6) KEEP ON ROCKING A was a winner in his Hilltop return 3 back, finished 3rd
behind 2 good ones in his next, then was hopelessly blocked through the stretch in his last - he does fit here,
and deserves a look if the price is juicy. (2) LISBURN moves up off a sharp win in his last - definitely
below a bunch of these, but the inside draw may allow him to just tow along for a small check. (7) FINE
DIAMOND has efforts all over the place this year (including a win in the Open) - not usually a good play
from a spot like this, though. (8) ITALIAN DELIGHT N had been good for some time so it was definitely
disappointing when he squandered what could have been a winning trip last week - not sure he'll be all that
involved from Post 8 tonight. (4) GARDYS LEGACY A is off 3 weeks and faltered at this level last week -
he gets the same barn change as IM SIR BLAKE A (race 11), so perhaps see how that one does?