Monday Empire Report

RACE 1 - (2) PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN perked up with a better effort 2 back, then was placed on the

front end for the first time in a LONG time last week, and definitely remembered what do - may not have

things as all to himself this week, but the classy 12YO may be sharp enough now to wire these too (it

would help if Dube doesn't torture him with the rail horse, early on). (4) BET YOU wasn't bad from a no

chance spot 2 back, and was a solid first over 2nd to the top choice in his last - no reason he can't be a very

live player once more. (7) MISSILE SEELSTER just missed cutting the mile (off the claim) 2 back, and

was right there 3rd in his last - will need some trip luck from out here, but can be a legitimate threat if he

gets some. (3) GLACIS will almost certainly be hitting his stride late and finishing strong -- he's also very

camera shy, and is usually better to use underneath, rather than on top. (1) CLAYTONS BETTOR N is

winless in 10 local starts but generally races well from good spots (like this) - one to include in exotics. (6)

GLOBALDOMINATION N was sent off at 1/5 in a soft spot last week and was able to prevail - raced "just

ok", though, and MAY be a bit vulnerable this week (or may gain confidence and race even better?). (5)

BARON MICHAEL picked up a nice trip win over cheaper 2 back but came up empty with a perfect trip

vs. better in his last - leaning towards others. (8) BOURBONS COURAGE has just 1 start in 38 days and

lands Post 8 - fits ok, but tough assignment tonight.

RACE 2 - Borgata Pacing Series, Leg #2: (3) POSEIDON SEELSTER really wasn't bad last week as he

was simply in a hopeless spot - he reunites with his favorite pilot for tonight, and the pair nearly won the

Graduate Final (in NJ) last year - he's capable of some big miles at times, and this may be a spot where he

can throw one - good value play? (5) NANDOLO N delivered as the 1/5 choice in the first leg with a sharp

first over victory - he remains the one to beat, but may run into a tougher trip tonight- and at another pretty

short price. (7) ELVER HANOVER gets Gingras at the controls tonight (with Brennan handling the top

choice), and he may be handled more aggressively at the start - he held well for 3rd after a tough first over

trip last week (paced his 3rd quarter in :26.3), and he could have a say here with the right trip. (1) MACH

N CHEESE was absent from the first leg but tries his luck tonight off a pair of front end scores over much

cheaper - he's capable of big miles at any time, but it's been a while since he's been competitive with this

type. (4) DEAN B HANOVER was sharp to end his 3YO season and has continued to do good things at 4 -

he's still somewhat unproven against THIS type, however. (2) WOODMERE STEALDEAL sat 3rd to the

top of the lane last week then tired - will need a better effort to contend for a piece tonight. (6) BELMONT

MAJOR N failed to rally off a 3rd over trip last week, and figures to be coming from well back tonight.

RACE 3 - (6) ELWELL has been on a form spree for what feels like forever - he was a winner the last 2X

he raced in this class, and we'll give him the nod even from Post 6 (as he's shown the versatility to handle a

variety of trips). (2) MONEYMAN HILL weakened a bit to 3rd last week but it was still a nice try at 33-1

from Post 7 - he beat the 75s twice in December, and figures to be a pretty decent price even with the move

inside - willing to use on some tickets. (4) VELOCITY KOMODO was rock solid for weeks vs. the 50s,

and has been just as good vs. the 75s since being claimed on 2/14 - if he lands on a live trip, he'll be right

there at the wire. (3) LYONS KING dropped down and beat this class by a nose 4 back, but has settled for

smaller pieces since then - remains a weekly threat, but a couple in here seem a bit more appealing (on top).

(5) RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N had struggled up at this level in the past but did get sharp and win 2 starts

back - gave way and tired vs. the 100s last week, but he's eligible to bounce back with the quick drop back

to this level. (8) BELTANE A has been 1st or 2nd in 5 of his last 6 starts, with the other mile being a break

on a horrible track - exits two (very) high % barns, moves up in class, and also draws Post 8 -- and that may

be a lot to overcome this week. (7) MIGHTY SANTANNA N had trouble beating the 50s, but remains in

for $75K for his current connections - prefer others. (1) MR KELLY was facing much softer when last seen

here, and seems ambitiously placed tonight.

RACE 4 - Borgata Pacing Series, Leg #2: (3) SEMI TOUGH traded victories with LEONIDAS A back in

early February but threw a dud on 2/21 then was a no factor 5th when he returned 3 weeks later - he was

much better last week, though, when he kicked home crisply for 3rd behind the top sharp pair (who were

1st and 2nd around the track) - if he can build off that solid effort, he can be a big threat in this overall

softer division. (5) PAT STANLEY N was getting sharper every week leading up to this series (vs. cheaper)

so it was really no big surprise to see him pick up a 2nd in the first leg, especially after a nice trip following

heavily favored NANDOLO N - if he ends up with another live trip, there's no reason he can't be in the

hunt once again. (1) LYONS STEEL was used hard in the opening quarter last week and paid for it late,

tiring from the final turn - his new pilot for tonight is a very promising youngster...but we'll see if perhaps a

more experienced driver might have been a better choice for a race this important. (2) WHICHW

AYTOTHEBEACH had a strong $428K 3YO season but it's hard to gauge from his few lines so far at 4 if

he's ready to tackle the big boys - this is a pretty modest division and he gets significant post relief - maybe

a piece? (7) CAPTAIN BARBOSSA was ok for 4th last week, though run down for the show spot by the

top choice - he draws poorly now, and his only local win did come vs. considerably easier - may need an

easier spot. (4) TOWN GOSSIP did good work here at 2 and 3, compiling a 10-3-6-0 record (mostly in

stakes races) - still unproven against this type, however, and we'll stick with others for now. (6) TYGA

HANOVER is a hard hitting overachiever, but the outside draw figures to make it tough for him to get

involved - wait for a better scenario.

RACE 5 - Borgata Pacing Series, Leg #2: (6) CHASE H HANOVER attracted plenty of attention (4-1) as

he made his 4YO debut in the first leg of this series...and he went a strong mile in defeat, coming up 2nd

best to last year's series winner, THIS IS THE PLAN - doesn't land in the greatest spot tonight but as long

as he's a decent price, he's worth using. (2) SPLASH BROTHER may offer some value tonight - landed in

terrible spots for his first 2 starts of the year but did have pace finishing last week, and now gets major post

relief - he was 1st or 2nd in 10 of 13 starts here last year, and a live trip MAY make him a player. (5) DRA

ON SAID weakened to 2nd in his last start before the series after cutting the mile, and was pretty much all

out to hang on in his Leg 1 victory - have to respect his chances of taking another, but he does seem a bit

vulnerable at a short price tonight. (4) AMERICAN DEALER N was very impressive winning his U.S.

debut over at The Swamp as the heavily backed even money choice, but sat last in his series debut and was

no factor at all - can't write him off after that one effort, but would definitely want a pretty good price to use

him on top tonight. (3) FUNATTHEBEACH N paced home in a sizzling :54.1 last week but that was only

good for 5th....as the race came home in :54.2 -- one of several in here capable of an upset with the right

trip. (7) BEE TWO BEE was actually very good last week, used hard to make the lead after a :26.3 quarter,

tested by the heavy favorite from 3/4s and still lasting for 3rd - the obvious knock here is the post, but he's

another worth at least a look at a big price. (1) GROOVY JOE was an even 4th last week, but he's generally

been cheaper than these for some time - too many others just look more appealing. (8) SHOOBEE DDO A

bottomed out chasing the sizzling pace last week, and now gets stuck behind the 8 ball.

RACE 6 - Tough race! (4) BLACK CHEVRON N was a close 2nd behind currently very sharp AIR

FORCE HANOVER in his last local start - shows a recent mixed bag of starts across the river but if he

brings his best, he's one of several that appear to have a shot in here...and the price should be decent. (6)

DINA BOLT N jogged here off the claim on 12/6 before racing a few starts in NJ - he won both local starts

after returning, and now moves from one high % to another as he also moves up from 40s to the 50s - may

be sharp enough right now to overcome both the draw and the class hike, and certainly belongs on your

tickets. (3) CRUZING HILL was well backed on 2/21despite being away for 9 months and he was able to

fly home to beat the 30s - double jumped to 50s but got away in the back the next 3 starts and never had a

prayer- he was actually a good 4th in his last, and a live trip here could make him a legitimate threat. (2)

MAGRITTE hasn't been bad in his last few, but he also hasn't hit board in his last 4 starts since his VERY

long winning streak finally came to an end - his connections always deserve major respect, but he may be

vulnerable at the moment. (5) GIVENUPDREAMING has several very good recent efforts, and looks much

better than the horse that went 1 for 30 here last year - not a bad value horse for exotics. (1) DARK

ENERGY N was on a tear right up to the winter break, but has had trouble regaining that form in 2022 -

maybe tonight's new barn will figure out how to get him sharp again. (7) OUR CORELLI N dropped back

down to this level last week and was able to prevail on the front end - faces a much tougher trip tonight,

and just seems to be in a very difficult spot...leaning towards others. (8) SUMTHINBOUTIM is the

outsider, both literally and figuratively.

RACE 7 - Borgata Pacing Series, Leg #2: (4) THIS IS THE PLAN served notice that he returned for this

series in top form, effortlessly rattling off a :54.2 final half to dominate his division in Leg #1 with a 1:51.3

victory - the winner of last year's Borgata Final is clearly the one to knock off tonight. (1) SONNY WEAV

ER N has been very good lately, and finished 3rd behind the top pick last week after coming first over into

that wicked final half - maybe he can complete the exacta from the pole? (6) TATTOO ARTIST hit the top

from Post 7 last week and rattled off blistering fractions...but as he's done a couple of times in the past, got

a little leg weary late and was no match for the tripsitter - if he can end up sitting the pocket to the top

choice this week, it might help him finish a bit better - regardless, always a dangerous player. (2) NONE

BETTOR A showed up ready for the first leg, working out a two hole trip and finishing a solid 2nd to the

pacesetting favorite - could be tighter tonight, and definitely a candidate for a good piece here with the

inside draw. (3) DIAMONDBEACH really wasn't bad last week, having to overcome a bit of a shuffle but

still finishing decently - lands in a tough spot, but may be able to grab a minor piece, with a decent trip. (7)

WESTERN JOE was a workmanlike winner last week, coming first over to gradually collar the leader, then

edging away easily at the end - the issue tonight is the draw, and it just may keep him from getting into

contention. (5) OSTRO HANOVER figures to be getting away near the back, facing an uphill battle to find

a way into this race.

RACE 8 - Borgata Pacing Series, Leg #2: (5) AMERICAN HISTORY had been sharp in NJ leading up to

this series and was pretty well backed, despite the outside draw...so it was definitely a surprise to see him

take off the gate, and be left with no chance right from the start - have to believe he'll be handled a lot more

aggressively here, and at least be given a chance to perform....worth a shot. (1) COVERED BRIDGE was

very good in Leg #1, used very hard early for the lead but holding together very well through the stretch,

even after getting worn down by the sharp winner - starts from the best spot tonight, and looms a very live

player. (7) LEONIDAS A has always been a good horse from OFF the pace, so it was no surprise to see

him gobble up TATTOO ARTIST from the pocket last week - hard to say what kind of trip Siegelman can

find for him from Post 7 tonight, so the best strategy may be to USE him if he's a decent price, but tread a

bit lightly if he does get overbet. (4) JACKS LEGEND N just lost touch at the back last week but the fact

that he's right back in the box suggests that he may have just lost interest early on, rather than having any

sort of physical problem - his resume is excellent, and there's a good chance we'll see a different animal this

week - definitely consider if the price is nice. (3) IM SIR BLAKE A would appear a bit too cheap for these,

but he really did finish well from a tough spot last week - would consider for a minor piece. (2) SAVE ME

A DANCE just doesn't seem sharp enough to be a player with these right now, even with the inside draw.

(8) NICHOLAS BEACH was a solid 3rd last week in a race that should serve as an excellent tightener - the

draw was unkind to him, however, and he may have a hard time finding a manageable way into this race.

(6) BRAEVIEW BONDI A might have a chance for a piece from the inside, but figures to struggle against

these from all the way out here.

RACE 9 - (2) SPEED MAN N won this race 2 of his last 3 starts before taking off the gate from Post 7 last

week - still finished with plenty of pace, and the inside draw should see him handled more aggressively

now - he's usually a fair price, and is certainly worth using tonight. (3) LOUS SWEETREVENGE has been

VERY sharp for a long time, and was a winner the last 2X he wasn't coming from way out of it - legitimate

threat here. (5) JOESSTAR OF MIAA stepped up from the $100K claimers and was able to beat these last

week - he's likely looking at a tougher trip here, but that doesn't mean he can't come out on top once more -

just don't take a short price. (4) BUDDY HILL took some $ last week in his 2nd start off the layoff - he

actually was on the move fairly early but dropped back to the cones after initially getting the flow started

from the back, then paced home evenly from an impossible spot - on his best effort, he's definitely capable

of beating these. (1) ALL HANDS ON DECK hasn't enjoyed quite the success of DRAGON SAID but like

his barnmate, he moved to this barn while floundering at the lowest levels out of town, and instantly shot

up the class ladder - he's been finishing crisply every week, and belongs in exotics from tonight's inside

starting slot. (6) ROCK CANDY has been on his game for weeks (months?), and is only being selected this

far down because of the outside draw - a live trip could easily put him in play for a good piece. (7) MOVIN

ON UP is hard to fault off his Dover form, but many shippers with similar lines have trouble replicating

that success over here (at this level) - Post 7 is just another obstacle. (8) ROCKAPELO has picked up his

game up considerably, but still figures to be an outsider from this spot.

RACE 10 - (2) CASUAL COOL had been sharp for weeks before racing in the Open the last 2 starts,

drawing Post 8 the first time, and following some excess cover in his last - drops back down to a more

comfortable level, and he could easily rebound with a big effort tonight. (4) BRONX SEELSTER moved to

his current connections last summer and promptly picked up a new lifetime mark in his first start (at Scioto)

- raced well several more times before a sick scratch landed him on the shelf for 5 months - his last start

(2nd off the layoff) showed much better life, and he may be ready now to show his best. (3) AIR FORCE

HANOVER has been very good for a while, and there's a good chance he would have won last week had he

elected to stay outside and go wide on the back side, rather than drop back to the cones (when he got stuck

behind a quitter, and took too long to shake free in the stretch) - would be no surprise at all. (5) REVELRY

upped his game dramatically after being claimed on 2/14, and probably would have been selected even

higher had he not been scratched sick last week - will still consider if the price is juicy enough. (1) WATER

SPORTS TEEN elevated his game immediately upon joining the Super Siblings and is no doubt looking

forward to an excellent 4YO season - he's been away for 4 months, though, and is listed as the ML favorite

against tough older foes....better value with others, tonight (but it would be no real surprise to see him come

out on top). (6) CONBOYVILLE followed up a trio of 3rds with a trio of 2nds, including a good one last

week - really does seem in store for a much tougher trip tonight, though. (7) SOHO LENNON A has been

away for 3 weeks (sick scratch) and draws Post 7 - sticking with others for tonight. (8) RAUKAPUKA

RULER N is still trying to find his game....and Post 8 isn't the answer!

RACE 11 - (1) VENIER HANOVER has been pretty much an automatic selection the past few weeks - and

he's won easily each time -- things are a bit more risky this time (up in class, exiting a couple of VERY

high % barns) but he lands with a trainer off to a good start in 2022, and still deserves top billing. (5)

BALLERAT BOOMERANG was an excellent 2nd at this level in his first start off the claim, but seemed

just a bit overmatched in his last couple against the 50s - drops back down, should be a decent price, and is

absolutely worth a look. (2) I GET THAT recently beat the 25s, and beat the 30s - has a pair of 3rds from 3

starts at the $40K level, but MAY be able to beat these too with the right trip -- at 15-1 ML (for an always

hot barn), he's worth consideration. (4) SHOREVIEW is generally camera shy but did pick up a win 2 back

in his 2nd try for a barn that has done incredible work the past several months (and probably longer) - use

in exotics. (3) ALOTBETTOR N picked up 2nds to runaway winners in his last couple, but is definitely a

question mark against the 40s - small piece? (7) YANKEE ROLLER A is somewhat unreliable, but does

have a pair of 2nds and a 3rd from his last 6 starts - throw in for 3rd. (6) GINGER TREE PETE has just

stalled badly to the final turn in his last 2 starts (before doing a bit better later on, after the fact) - wait for a

better effort before hopping back on his team. (8) REGAL SON went some good miles recently but seems

to have tailed - won't get any easier from Post 8.

RACE 12 - (1) THINKBIG DREAMBIG was well backed last week, raced hard but was outbattled late by

a very sharp foe - will likely get to control the action tonight, and we'll see if he's sharp enough to get it

done. (5) THE WILD CARD had a series of sharp tries before throwing a clunker last week - barn has been

clicking lately, this guy drops right back in the box, so perhaps he can bounce right back and be a serious

player once again. (2) IDEAL ARTILLERY was "sneaky good" last week, and gets post relief for tonight -

would definitely include in exotics. (8) HEISMAN PLAYER draws all the way outside but shows several

recent big rallies from similarly impossible spots - include underneath. (3) GINGRAS BEACH drops and

moves inside, but is also making only his 2nd start in the last 6 weeks - may be at a bit of a conditioning

disadvantage. (6) GAMBLING TERROR had a useful tightener off the layoff last week - had an excellent

2021 season, and perhaps the tote board will offer some clues about his chances for tonight. (4) MINNIE

VINNIE has enjoyed some success here in the past and did qualify effectively - will probably just watch

him for tonight, though. (7) ITSMYCHECK GB backed through the field after cutting the mile last week -

glad to see him right back in the box, but he's fairly unplayable tonight off that mile.