The Empire Report - Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (2) BEGINNERS LUCK drops down to the basement after holding his own several times vs.
much better - it's possible that he's dropping because he has a major hole but the guess here is that his
connections are just looking for a spot where he can grab a win - gets top billing. (6) WINNING LINC
throws a LOT of total clunkers (see last) but when he feels like performing, this kind of field is well within
his capabilities - one to consider IF the price is decent. (5) AMRCANBOOTSCOOTAA was good in 2019
and very good in 2020....but 2021 has not been kind to him (so far) - lands in a new barn for tonight and at
20-1 ML, he's worth at least a look. (1) CHACHING HANOVER faded badly after blasting hard in his last
but should be able to work out a decent/easy trip from this spot - too camera shy to use on top, but willing
to consider underneath. (3) STAR SPEAKER grabbed 2nd last week but was helped greatly by a very easy
trip - possibility here, but no value on top as the ML favorite. (4) ROCKIN RAMBARAN goes back to the
last barn to get a decent effort out of him - ok bomb for the bottom of exotics. (8) WE THINK ALIKE was
"ok" in his last couple but 0 for 24 here over the last 2 years, and draws Post 8 - tough spot. (7) ROLL
WITH FRED was up the track for his new barn last week and lands the same Post 7 tonight.
RACE 2 - (2) ON HIGHER GROUND was unable to overcome a very tough 8 hole trip 2 back but was
super winning from Post 8 in his last, with a better trip - moves up in class tonight but this is a very soft
NW7500 field, and he has a very legit chance to repeat. (5) DYNAMIC EDGE was just 1 for 19 here in
2019-20 but he's done some good work here in years past - returns from PcD in fine form, and can use his
speed to work out a good trip here. (1) TOTAL DIVA benefited from a "fall apart" race 2 back to pick up a
rare Yonkers victory - rail draw puts her in play for a pretty good piece tonight. (7) OOH RAH wasn't close
last week but that's because he caught a fiery 1:54 mile - chance to grab a decent piece with these, even
from Post 7. (4) BAZILLIONAIRE wasn't bad last time, especially since he was offstride (uncharted) at the
start - always a chance for a piece against this type, but way too camera shy to consider on top at a short
price. (3) BINGO QUEEN just wasn't very sharp when 4th last week and now moves up to face tougher -
prefer others. (6) MAKING SPARKS was ok in his last couple, but this bunch is tougher, and he draws Post
6 - wait for a better scenario
RACE 3 - Tough race! (1) MAKE A SCENE would appear to have some issues (just 12 career starts) but
also seems to have some ability - really wasn't bad last week off the layoff, and now drops right back in the
box and lands the best post - should offer a decent price, and not a bad week to give her a shot. (8) ROLL
WITH KAY was hammered at the windows last week (1/2) and just got the lead when she made a very
costly miscue - she'll be a much bigger price now, and it may not be a bad idea to stick with her. (3) FILLY
is the "x factor" in here - she ships in from Western Canada with a 4 for 4 slate, and lands in a barn winning
at nearly a 40% clip for the last 3 months - on the flip side, it's hard to know what kind of competition she's
been facing, and her trainer out there is clicking at an unfathomable 54% clip this year - really hard to know
what to expect from her! (6) ROCKING GOOD TIME may be on the upswing right now as she returns
from Western NY - could add some value to the exotics. (7) YOUR MOMMA failed to deliver as the odds
on choice in her last pair, and moves from Post 2 to Post 7 - demand a pretty good price if looking to stay
on her team tonight. (4) LINE EM UP tired after getting good early position last week - may just be a little
cheap, or may race better from an easier post - ok for a small piece. (5) EARLYBIRD SPECIAL moves to a
very live barn, but seems a bit on the cheap side - going to pass, but wouldn't be shocked to see her race
well. (2) PATTY JO M seems more comfortable with cheaper - sticking with others for tonight
RACE 4 - Another well matched race: (7) RELAY ROLL was a strong 2nd to Itzpaplotl at VD last week,
and that one would be the prohibitive odds-on choice against these - tough draw tonight, but worth a play at
what figures to be a pretty good price. (1) BACI BACI ships in from Hoosier with a 1 for 29 record, but a
lot of the locals are pretty camera shy as well - should fit well here for her new barn, especially from the
rail. (3) BEACHBLANKETLINDY is just 1 for 20 but has hit board in all 4 of her local tries - belongs in
exotics. (2) ROLL WITH SHORTY was an "ok" winner in a soft spot 2 back, and just missed in her last -
logical contender, but not worth using on top at a short price. (4) IDEAL CHIP perked up in her last 2 here
at Yonkers after struggling a bit in PA - yet another possibility in this wide open field. (8) BRUSH N
CRUSH lit up the tote board at 52-1 last week, rallying by late in a "fall apart" race - would have rated her
higher tonight had she not drawn all the way outside. (5) QUICK SIX almost won 2 back but also has too
many "no factor" efforts to back with any conviction. (6) HURRIKANEMYSHANNON did win here last
year but lately shows nothing but scratches and qualifiers
RACE 5 - (5) UVA HANOVER gets a tepid vote here - charged home for 3rd from a tough spot at this
level on 7/28 then was 3rd again in this class last week, just missing 2nd - he does figure to be overbet, so
don't fall in love at too short a price. (8) WHETHER OR NOT FI draws Post 8 and hasn't been on his best
game lately, but the class drop may perk him up a bit - should be able to give a decent account of himself.
(1) SEVEN IRON hasn't had the greatest time the last couple of years but the Pocono invader certainly
should fit well here - figures to be a close up player from start to finish. (2) SVF CASH DEPOSIT has
disappointed more often than he's delivered lately, but the move inside may help him improve a bit - ok to
use underneath. (4) SEVEN KNIGHTS is now 0 for 23 on the year and tough to consider on top - ok for a
piece, though. (3) TORKIL is now 0 for 22 this year after a 1 for 20 season in 2020 - another that can only
be considered for a minor share. (7) CELEBRITY ROLEX improved in his last at PcD but his overall
recent form has been lacking - will just watch tonight in his YR debut. (6) PETERS EXPRESS took way
more $$ than expected last week, went for the lead but broke before getting there - draws outside now, and
still not ready to hop on his team
RACE 6 - (4) IN FORCE was used chasing a very hot pace last week and really didn't tire all that badly -
moves to a barn that has cooled off a bit lately, but remains a threat to dramatically improve any fresh stock
- worth a shot tonight. (2) SHOREVIEW moved up to 20s off a nice win in 15s and now moves up another
level after a strong late rally for 3rd - may even get aggressive from this spot. (6) ROCK N TONY beat a
NW5000 field from the pocket 3 back, then charged home to just miss in this class last week - he should be
a decent price tonight, and deserves respect off that last effort. (5) OHIO VINTAGE drops down from 40s
but probably never belonged up there in the first place - a live trip could make him a player tonight, but
he'd need to be a juicy price to be worth using on top. (7) MARINER SEELSTER has been claimed 7
straight weeks...pretty remarkable since he probably went 7 YEARS in the same barn before this season -
his best work comes one level down, he's stuck outside BUT this will be his first try for a team that has a
knack for improving ANYTHING that comes their way...hard to ignore, even from this poor spot. (3)
CLASSIC PRO was claimed by a sharp outfit, but may be in a bit over his head at this level - we shall see.
(1) MAGRITTE has been invisible for ages - hard to like, even from the pole. (8) ALOTBETTOR N was a
pretty surprising claim last week - not expecting much from Post 8 tonight
RACE 7 - (4) ROCK THE NITE double jumps after crushing the 20s last week but when he's good, he can
go with the 30s as well - would normally shy away from horses leaving the Dynamic Duo, but this barn
tends to do well no matter whom they take them from. (7) HASH TAG SWAG was in a decent spot last
week when forced to pull up with broken equipment (something we've seen happen more in 2021 than at
any time in the past) -incredible barn just keeps winning races left and right, and this guy belongs on your
tickets...even from Post 7. (3) MASTERSON was terrific last week, winning first over in a mile as fast as
he's gone in the last few years - another that's taking a double jump, but his trainer has been sending out
some airplanes lately! (2) WAGON MASTER was an even 4th off the claim last week and has a license to
be even sharper in his 2nd start for new connections. (1) PEPPER GUY hasn't done much off the layoff but
gets major post relief tonight, and just may show up with a much more serious effort - include in exotics.
(5) WESTERN HILL was taken for $25K last week despite being 2 for 50 over the last 2 years - we'll see if
his new team can get him to the winner's circle a little more often. (8) JOJOS PLACE wasn't bad despite a
terrible trip last week but is stuck behind the 8 ball once again - wait for a better spot (6) SOUTHWIND
ONYX drops a notch but may still be hampered by the outside draw - prefer others.
RACE 8 - (6) PARTY QUEEN was a sharp 8 hole winner here on 6/30 then was stuck in the back in a fast
mile (in a good field) the following week - held her own in 3 NYSS events after that, and should appreciate
tonight's class drop - deserves top billing. (3) NORTH COUNTRY has hit board in 10 of 12 starts this year
and is a rock solid Excelsior A player - she won here back on 6/16, and could be the main threat tonight. (2)
GETTIN GONE has one good move in her - if Stratton can time it right, she can grab a good piece of this.
(1) IDEAL IN MIRACLES has been a very steady performer, and sports a 4-2-0-1 local record - no reason
she shouldn't be a close up player from start to finish. (5) SEA OF LOVE BC can be pretty inconsistent, but
is definitely eligible to grab a piece if she shows up on her "A Game", (4) REACHTHRUTHESKY AS was
a perfect trip winner (by a nose) 2 back, then had some mild pace for 5th in last - seems a notch below a
few of these, but still eligible to take home a piece. (7) BEAUTY BAYAMA just isn't sharp enough to
consider from out here - wait for a better spot. (8) DEL DIGGITY is the outsider - literally and figuratively
RACE 9 - (1) SCANDALICIOUS was empty at the back last week but may have already had tonight's
class drop in mind - she's clearly the one to beat from this spot, but she also figures to be way overbet - not
one to bet the ranch on. (2) PRAY THE ROSARY may very well have benefited from some time off - when
"right", she can be a legit threat at this level, especially with a trip (3) GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW was an
excellent 3rd last week, overcoming a bad trip vs. a better field - as long as she's a decent price, consider
using her on your tickets. (6) VELOCITY MCSWEETS raced well in both starts after shipping in from
Pocono, but had inside draws those nights - may still be able to do some damage from Post 6...but it'll be a
lot harder. (4) ACEFOURTYFOUR ALEX was too far back to threaten last week, but her overall recent
form is solid - chance to rally for a piece of this. (5) ASHTINI has only one start in 6 weeks and it wasn't a
good one - on her best, would be a serious player here....but she just doesn't seem to be clicking at the
moment. (7) ALL ABOUT AMY has some good efforts at this level but probably needs a better post to
have a realistic chance. (8) ZOE ELLSEN wasn't bad last week for a new barn but is stuck with Post 8
again, and could really use some better luck at the draw
RACE 10 - (1) LARJON LEAH was caught wide from Post 8 last week and had to drop in 3rd, paced a
sharp 3rd panel while battling first over, then remained dead game to the wire for 2nd - gets to call the shots
from the pole tonight, and a big effort is expected. (6) RCKAROUNDTHECLOCK N returns to YR and
looms the main danger - she's 15-11-1-2 on the year, and 3-2-0-1 here at Yonkers - she took her last
impressively at Stga., and was 2nd to the classy Dbldelitebrigade N at Plainridge the start before that - hard
to leave her off your tickets! (3) ROLL ON MAMA had pace at both ends of the mile last week, draws well
again tonight, and is a must-use for exotics. (4) ELLAGATOR was no good at all last week but that was off
a bad date - she's better than that, and does drop right back in the box - looking for an improved effort here.
(5) CHELSKI has been solid lately and grabbed a well earned win in her last - steps up to face better
tonight, and seems destined for a smaller share. (7) TUNDRA is pretty good right now but stuck with a bad
post - not sure she'll be able to reach from out here. (2) LET ER BUCK gapped 2nd over last week then
drifted and tired - would prefer to see a better effort before considering. (8) FOLLOW YOUR NOSE has
been grabbing smaller pieces only - will be hard to do even that from out here.
RACE 11 - (4) MADHATTER BLUECHIP is very sharp for a hot barn, and basically gets a free ride off
last week's super impressive 1:54 victory (equaling his lifetime mark) - remains the one to beat. (2) NO
DRAMA PLEASE should have some confidence after a pair of wins over lesser at Chester - lures Brennan
off EVS GIRL, and figures to be a major player tonight. (1) LADY EAGLE doesn't seem to be on her best
game right now, but we'll see if moving to a new barn perks her up a bit - she's more than capable of
hanging with these when in the right mood. (3) BIZET is on the cheaper side, but pretty good at the
moment - ok to include on the bottom of exotics. (5) TRUMP THIS did better work vs. a bit softer - moves
to a new barn off last week's claim, and seems destined for only a smaller share. (7) IN MY DREAMS is
eligible to throw a big mile at any time - though it seems unlikely from this spot, he's never a bad one to
throw in underneath when the price is long enough. (8) EVS GIRL was surprisingly dull off the barn
change last week and now gets stuck with Post 8 - not writing her off, but going to wait for a better scenario
before considering. (6) CON AIR HALL never got involved last week and that may happen here too
RACE 12 - (3) BELTANE A had been sneaky sharp and seemed like a good play last week...unfortunately
he got stuck first over into a hot 3rd panel and just couldn't get up to the leader...one more chance to make
amends for a hot barn? (4) MOHAWK WARRIOR doesn't seem to be all that sharp right now but he's in
pretty cheap tonight, and it would be a logical spot to look for a wake up call. (6) MCCLINCHIE N has
some excuses lately and is better than his lines look - include him in exotics tonight. (1) MARCO BEACH
has yet to earn a penny in 6 starts this year but get major post relief and if he's ever going to show some
life, this would be the spot. (8) SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN is a good fit here, but doesn't have too many
options from Post 8 - good bomb for 3rd/4th. (2) BARNABAS seems a bit cheap - we'll see if the good
draw is enough to help him grab a small piece. (5) KIMANI N was dull in his YR return - waiting for better
signs before hopping back on his team. (7) P H KENNY was dull ever since the 6/14 claim - draws poorly
in his return from Monti, and we'll at least wait for a better draw before considering.