The Empire Report – Thursday, April 18, 2024 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – (3) CYRUS N has been in a few no-chance spots, facing better – he drops, moves inside, and his barn is
off to a start in 2024 that even our most high-flying outfits would envy (winning at nearly a 40% clip!) – just needs a
decent trip to be a big threat. (7) TYPHOON BANNER N was our top choice last Thurs. when the card was halted
after 3 races – he still has a big chance...but he definitely was in a better starting spot a week ago. (6) HURRIKANE
JONNYBOY caught tough fields for his first 2 starts of 2024 then tired in a hot mile (in NJ) last week after showing
speed from the outside– could go either way tonight, but that 20-1 ML price is definitely attractive (8) BLUE HUNT
has plenty of ability but he’s also very lazy, and draws Post 8 for a barn that’s been dull recently – could be overbet
from a tough spot. (1) GOTHIC ROCK turned in a better one last week and draws well for tonight – may be a bit
below the main players, however. (2) WAR DAN DELIGHT is another that fits well at this level and gets a good
draw...but also faces a couple of tougher ones – small piece? (4) KIMBLE A is finally starting to do better things
after a rough start to his U.S. career – not sure how he’ll handle the class bump, however. (5) BENHOPE RULZ N is
a consistent “piece getter” at this level, and could do better if an easy trip comes his way
RACE 2 – (4) HILLEXOTIC just re-qualified sharply for a barn that knows how to have ‘em ready – he’s always
been a “Yonkers lover”, and was 4 for 5 here last year – we’ll try him right off the shelf. (5) NOWS THE MOMENT
has been like a machine here the past 3 years, compiling an outstanding 38-17-5-6 record – he MAY not be at his
absolute peak form right now, but remains a very dangerous threat anytime he’s in to go. (3) CREDIT CON tends to
be a little in-and-out but he was certainly on his game for last week’s “pocket rocket” win over a bit easier – he can
go at this top level when at his best too. (2) I GET IT was terrific in his first 2 starts in from Dover then just “ok”
last week – needs to bring his “A Game” if he hopes to contend for a bigger slice. (1) TEXSONG SOPRANO has
earned his way up to the top level after 3 straight wins over cheaper– now he gets to show if he can hang with these,
as well
RACE 3 – Good race: (1) INN AT RODANTHE has been very steady lately, and may have won his last had he not
been trapped in the pocket for too long – he’s overdue for a victory, and maybe this is a spot where he can get over
the hump. (3) STEUBEN HANOVER wins more than his share of starts but he’s also prone to some duds – he
moves from one top barn to another tonight, and has to be seen as a dangerous player...but don’t fall in love at too
short a price. (4) J S HOPSCOTCH was caught wide leaving last week (into a driving rainstorm), hit the top but then
broke off the first turn, recovered at the back then was sent wide on the final turn, rallying on by in the lane in a
pretty remarkable recovery – his form at this $40K level is stellar for sure, but we’ll see if he can replicate it for a
new barn tonight (after being claimed from his last). (5) WILLY WALTON landed on a beautiful trip last week and
was able to score the upset for his first victory of the season – leaning to others for the top slot, but he’s certainly
eligible to be part of the exotics. (7) BAR COINS finished steadily in his last and seems to be trending in the right
direction right now – the tough draw may limit him tonight, however. (2) IN MY DREAMS has more than enough
ability to hang with these but he’s been offstride too often lately for our tastes. (8) NO TURNING BACK picked up
an opportunistic 2nd last week but doesn’t figure to fare as well from Post 8. (6) CREDARENA seems overmatched
RACE 4 – (2) MISSISSIPPI STORM has three tighteners under his belt, including a decent 3rd here last start – he
should pair up well tonight with Zeron, and should offer some decent value from this spot. (4) EPOS OSTERVANG
DK was a “play against” for us when the card was canceled early last week (he had an unknown pilot at the lines) –
Bartlett is back tonight, however, and that makes him mighty dangerous...just like every week! (3) HAT TRICK
MARLEAU has been climbing back up the class ladder with 2 wins and 2 seconds from his last 4 starts – sharp
enough for a chance at a piece. (5) TOP ME OFF is a tough call – when on his game, he’s gone some big miles this
year...but he’s also been more prone to “off weeks” lately, and it’s hard to know which version we’ll see tonight. (1)
GAELIHILL has been away for 3 weeks after backing up badly here on 3/28 – he’s capable of much better, but he’s
also in pretty tough tonight. (6) UNEVERGONNAGETHIS has struggled to find his best form this year – starting
from the outside tonight doesn’t figure to help his chances
RACE 5 – (4) PAT STANLEY N was super in that win 2 back then a “good” 3rd last week – he’s become a bit tough
to predict from week to week but IF he brings his best, he can be very tough tonight (5) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES
had fallen a bit off form recently but his last effort was a step in the right direction– very logical player. (1) GLACIS
got roughed up last week and paid for it – he should get a much better trip tonight, but make sure to get a fair price if
using on top (as he’s been pretty camera shy, historically). (2) PASS A GRILLEBEACH looked home free last week
until the winner just became airborne late and nailed him at the wire – he can be a little inconsistent, but his best
effort puts him into the mix. (7) SULLIVAN is sharp again and may have been the top choice with a better draw...
but Marohn has limited options from out here, and may need to wait for a better spot for a chance at the top prize.
(3) HEART ON MY SLEEVE held for 3rd last week and a few of his barnmates have perked up lately – maybe 3
rd/4th? (6) FOREVER FAV was seriously overdriven last week and killed his own chances – tough draw tonight. (8)
ODDS ON PICK SIX’ best efforts this year have come off easy trips, from better posts
RACE 6 – Amateur Race: (3) ITSONEOFTHOSE rattled of an incredible mile here 2 starts back, enjoying a big
lead all around the track and absolutely trouncing an NAADA field by 7 lengths (in a pretty quick time for that
night!) – anything close to that will make him mighty tough against these too. (1) LIONHEAD was 7-2-0-2 at
Yonkers last year, and recently had a win, 2nd, and 3rd with “Yogi” at the lines – logical player for tonight. (2)
BACARDI just missed here three back then rallied for 3rd in his next – he returns off an overnight win at Fhd., and
that 15-1 ML price does make him worth at least considering! (8) BULLY BOY draws all the way outside and is
prone to miscues...he’s also capable of BIG miles (like the one at Monti last week) and he’s a great bomb to
consider if you don’t think the top choice will able to just wire these again. (5) B MEDITHREE was sent off at a
miniscule price here on 3/21 and just held on (by a quivering nostril) over #2 – he probably won’t go off nearly as
short tonight, but he still figures to be somewhat overbet, and could be a bit vulnerable. (4) SKYWAY PROFESSOR
has been solid lately, gets along well with his pilot and is eligible to grab a smaller piece here. (7) ALLINDOTIME
was our choice last week (when the card was canceled after Race 3) but that was from an inside post – his options
have become greatly reduced with the poor draw. (6) SOUTHWIND FROST picked up wins 3 and 4 back in NJ and
won with tonight’s pilot on 1/27 at Fhd. – we liked him a lot better when he was scheduled to start from the rail last
week, however.
RACE 7 – (1) STOP STARING perked up 2 back with the drop to 20s, and was also one of several from the barn to
elevate their games recently – he moves up to 25s off last week’s victory, but draws the pole in a “not too scary”
field – decent chance to take another, but can’t possibly offer any value with that 6/5 ML price. (2) MISSILE SEELS
TER seems to have suddenly come to life with last week’s 3rd place finish but the truth is that he hasn’t really been
bad, but rather been hampered by an endless slew of awful posts – he could be a player here too. (3) BRUSHING
UP has been picking up lots of smaller pieces but is still seeking his first win of the season– prefer to keep using him
underneath. (4) IM A POWERPLAY A drops below the level of the claim after last week’s horrible effort – hard to
know if a wheel came off OR if his connections are looking for a “drop and pop” scenario. (8) MAJOR DESIRE
lands all the way outside but Gingras has shown a willingness to leave with him in the past – worth at least a look at
what figures to be a pretty juicy price. (7) ON THE VIRG does fit nicely with these but figures to be compromised
by the draw. (6) LUCIANO drops a peg after a decent speed try vs. 30s – tough draw, though, and he rarely wins (5)
BLUEBIRD RECON is one of the few from this barn that has never got things going in 2024
RACE 8 – (5) TAKE A CLOSER LOOK pulled off the 23-1 upset 3 back but made clear that it was no fluke in his
next 2 starts (2nd by a nose, win by a head) – feels like they’ll have him to catch and beat. (6) URIEL BLUE CHIP is
somewhat of an enigma– he HAS the ability, but just isn’t “smooth” some weeks and becomes his own worst enemy
– he’s usually the type to avoid at a very short price, but consider if the odds get more attractive. (2) FINAL CHEES
ERECIPE raced much better than expected in his local debut but was unable to replicate that mile the 2
nd time around – if you think he can bring that “A Game” tonight, he’ll definitely be a good price. (7) WISE THINKING
toured the oval from 8th in his local debut but really wasn’t bad – he probably fits with these so if the tote board
suggests that he’ll be more serious tonight, you may want to include him on some tickets. (1) OTHER PEOPLES BE
ER gets a barn change that often produces good results but The Meadows shipper does appear to be a little on the
cheaper side – leaning towards others. (3) DEMPSEY HANOVER grabbed 3rd at a big price in his only local start
then took time off after a lame scratch on 2/5 – qualified ok, but prefer to just watch, for now. (4) ALLBETSONFRI
TZ was a decent 3rd at PcD last week but his local efforts have been “meh” – leaning elsewhere. (8) HURRIKANE
CHUCK is the outsider...both literally and figuratively
RACE 9 – (8) TIPSY MONI gets to duck the boys and gets back in with the girls tonight...where she’s been
virtually unbeatable – gets top billing, even from out here. (4) NO MAS DRAMA has become a bit unpredictable
this year, mixing in “good” efforts, with “great” efforts and also some not-so-hot efforts – can be a big player IF she
shows up in the right mood. (6) HOT FLASH KIMMY made a BIG recovery after a first turn miscue in her local
debut – she re-qualified sharply at Pocono, and MAY have a chance to threaten (at least for a piece) tonight if she
can find a way into the hunt. (1) P L NOTSONICE landed on a tough trip in her YR debut and still almost picked up
a 4th – she seems capable of better, and we may see it from the pole tonight. (2) PERFECT VIXEN has had an
amazing season so far, going from the bottom levels upstate to winning the FM Open here at YR – she’s missed 4
weeks, however, and her barnmates that have had similar layoffs have produced a mixed bag of results recently – not
sure what to expect! (3) IMA DIAMOND BABE picked up a no-threat 3rd in her local debut – we’ll see if she can
build off that tonight. (5) LADY JETER got lost at the back last week – she should be closer to the action tonight,
but still feels like she may be in a tough spot. (7) CALL ME DANI figures to be hurt badly by the draw
RACE 10 – (3) HIGHLAND MOWGLI was a jogburger 2 back then ran into the “good” CREDIT CON last week
and was an excellent 2nd best – sharp enough to come out on top tonight. (4) P L OSCAR made a break last week but
that’s not usually an issue for him – he may be able to grab a good trip tonight, and he generally offers good value –
worth considering. (2) KEG STAND would be the clear favorite in here if at/near his best but his first 2 starts (in NJ)
suggest that he may not be hitting on all cylinders just yet – Yannick does take the drive (over #3), but he still may
be vulnerable at a short price tonight. (1) DWS POINT MAN has raced well ever since arriving here in February,
holding his form nicely as he ascended the class ladder – very playable in exotics. (5) B NICKING was very good
for a long time but broke two back then lacked any real pop last week – feels like he MAY be tailing a bit, but we
could get a better picture after tonight. (6) HELPOFTHESEASON lost her spot in the FM Open to barnmate TIPSY
MONI, and this is probably a tougher assignment
RACE 11- (1) VIVA LAS VEGAS N drops, draws the pole, and his barn has been very solid lately – catches a
pretty modest group tonight, and gets the edge to come out on top. (6) GENIUS MAN put in a good one last week,
coming up 2nd best to the very well meant winner – he can be inconsistent at times but he picks up his share of wins
every year, and often against fields like this – the main danger? (8) AIR FORCE HANOVER looked like a good
play last week but unfortunately, the card was canceled before his race – he’s still worth a look at a big price, but
he’ll need a lot more trip luck to get it done from out here. (3) SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL has “figured” any number
of times in the past but he’s now 0 for 19 at YR (last 3 yrs.) and getting tougher to use on top– willing to include on
the bottom of exotics, though. (4) WON LAST FEELING has been stuck on minor pieces lately and that’s actually
been his story for much of his time at Yonkers – another one to consider underneath. (2) HURRIKANE HUNTER
(no Lasix tonight) just re-qualified after 6 months on the shelf – prefer to just watch, for now. (5) MARLBANK
ROAD is listed as the 5/2 ML choice but hasn’t raced in 10 months and qualified up the track – pretty hard to be on
his team right now. (7) LAST MACH draws post 7 off a month and was 3-0-0-0 here last year.
RACE 12 – Tough race! (4) LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND has been ultra consistent since returning for his 2024
campaign– he gets his regular pilot back, and is one of several players with a legitimate chance in here (2) PERRON
wasn’t on his game the last 2 weeks but he also dislikes an off track (0 for 14) – if the surface comes up dry, he may
be a good bomb to consider. (1) FLIP THE SWITCH saw his 4 race winning streak snapped 2 back – he was
claimed that night, then made a break for his new connections last week – has become a bit iffy, but that also means
a better price for anybody looking to hop on board. (8) MANCLANE was very sharp to start off the new year – hit a
rough patch, but feels like he’s getting his game back together again – just insist on a fair price if trying him from
Post 8! (7) TOCCOA FALLS shipped in off a pair of NJ clunkers and his speed try came up short – seems a bit risky
right now for that 3-1 ML price, especially from Post 7. (5) ICE BREAKERS K has a mixed bag of tries here this
year – chance to at least be in the hunt if he brings his best effort. (6) THE BALLYKEEL DEAL upped her game
considerably after shipping in from Canada to one of our top barns – struggled a bit in last week’s FM Open, and
this spot may not be any easier. (3) CRESCENT BEAUTY won a “fall apart” race on 2/29 but has struggled in her
other 6 starts this year.