The Empire Report – Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – (1) MICKY GEE N takes a drop from 40s to 25s and the usual question arises (did a wheel fall off, or are
they looking for a realistically better spot to pick up a win) – we’ll guess that he’s still one piece and should be able
to handle these...but wouldn’t take a very short price to find out! (4) KEYSTONE DASH was sent off favored last
week against a horse that had just won 3 straight and was able to beat him – he’s definitely sharp now, and becomes
very dangerous if #1 doesn’t show up. (7) DELIGHTFUL TERROR came up a close 2 nd best to #4 last week, seeing
his 3 race winning streak come to an end – he was certainly sharp, however, and should be able to find a decent trip
tonight even from out here...not opposed to trying him on top, at what should be a pretty fair price. (3) HURRIKAN
EKINGJAMES hasn’t won in some time but he’s racing “ok” most weeks – good one for the bottom of exotics. (5)
NOME HANOVER was an ok 4 th last start, but likely still looking at only minor spoils. (6) KB MAC has had a
decent year overall but does seem a bit off his game – tonight’s draw won’t help his cause. (8) SMOKIN BY N has 9
wins this year and drops in class – he’s also well off form, and stuck with Post 8! (2) LYONS PEGASUS feels like
an outsider, even with the inside draw
RACE 2 – (8) LYONS SURFING banked $275K at 2 and 3 but clearly something has gone awry at 4 – he recently
changed barns, and that last qualifier suggests that perhaps his red hot trainer has began to solve his problems –
willing to give him a ty from put here in this very modest field. (4) LAST POUND gets a potent combination of both
post and class relief and should be able to make his presence felt here – could be the right one if #8 is unable to
replicate that last qualifier. (2) INDIGENOUS HANOVER appreciated the class drop at Fhd. last week, putting in a
big move from the back to get the job done – should also fit with the locals, and be part of the equation. (5) THAT
DOG WILL HUNT has gone the wrong way since the 7/25 claim – may still be able to beat out some of these for a
small piece. (7) COLD CREEK FELIPE picked up a 3 rd last week but mostly by default – his overall form suggests
he could have trouble overcoming tonight’s draw. (3) FLIP MY CHIP was a surprise claim as he really hasn’t been
finishing his miles very well – we’ll see if he can do any better for a new barn. (1) FOUT came into his last at
8-0-0-0 at Yonkers and after seeing him unable to hold 3 rd after a very easy trip, it’s not hard to understand why – not
sure the rail draw is enough to help him grab any decent piece. (6) PINEBUSHDRAGONLIFE seems overmatched
RACE 3 – NAADA Amateur Fall Series - (2) BUZZ figured to be a good pickup for these amateur races for the
hottest amateur around these days (12 years old, over $500K on his card, and still loves to win races) – he’s already
taken 2 of his 4 starts for these new connections, with a miscue and a brutal trip in the other pair – deserves top
billing. (5) IMA STANDUP GUY has shown legitimate ability since joining this barn in August but remains his own
worst enemy, with miscues in 3 of his 6 starts (though hitting board in 2 of those starts!)– can be very dangerous
here with a clean mile, but hard to get too excited about a wager at that 2-1 ML price. (3) BY A HOFF HANOVER
doesn’t win too often but he does ship down off a Monti victory, and figures to be forwardly placed tonight – use in
exotics. (4) PILSNER FROSTY ships on sharp from Fhd., and seems another good one to include underneath. (6)
RACEACE seems to need to be on/near the lead to be effective but it’s questionable if tonight’s draw will give him
that chance -would need a pretty big price to consider. (8) CALL ME THEFIREMAN has been very solid lately, but
faces a serious roadblock starting from Post 8 – much trip luck would be needed to overcome this spot. (1) LIVING
ONTHERAIL is winless in 55 starts over the past 2 years, half of them here at Yonkers – sticking with others. (7)
LIMERENCE used a good trip to cling to 2 nd last week but unlikely to get near the action tonight
RACE 4 – Tough race: (7) WILLY WALTON has become a very reliable player for these connections, hitting board
in 5 straight – he hasn’t been able to hang on for a WIN, but maybe this is a field he can outrun? (8) BULL BOY HI
LL has been behaving every week (that wasn’t always the case) and was an excellent first over 2 nd in his last –
obviously it won’t be able to overcome Post 8, but a big price makes him worth at least considering. (1) BRAVE BY
DESIGN hasn’t been “great” in a lot of his starts but he did wire the field in his last, and now draws the pole for the
meet’s leading trainer – have to respect his chances to repeat. (5) MORNING EDITION raced ok in a few recent
starts and drops in for a tag tonight – wouldn’t be any great surprise. (3) ALL STAR SWAN made a big recovery
after a miscue in his local debut, but did disappoint off a live trip last week – too soon to write him off, but would
need a good price to give him a look tonight. (2) KEYSTONE APACHE was an even 5 th from a tough spot last week
– he may be on the cheaper side, but he’s clearly sharp...maybe a small piece? (6) ICE BREAKERS K upset these at
25-1 last week, aided by a hot up front battle – not sure he’ll get the same beneficial journey tonight. (4) HOBBS
feels a bit overmatched at this $40K level
RACE 5 – (1) LOUS THE ATTTUDE finally picked up his first win of the season last week but he was sharp doing
so, pacing his opening quarter in :26.3 then still with enough left to fend off a currently sharp TWIG – actually gets
a bit of a drop here (as he takes on age-restricted 30s) and remains the one to knock off. (8) BAD BOY TOO is a
terrific 10-5-2-0 locally but did throw a dud last start – he was reclaimed by a barn for who he’s 2 for 2 this year, and
may be worth a stab at what figures to be a pretty nice price (he was FAVORED vs. #1 last time out). (1) I AINT NO
MACK didn’t have his usual big kick last week but that was at least partly because he was trying to rally into a hot
final half, with other fresh horses in front of him – legitimate chance here. (3) HUNT FOR CASH generally needs
an easy trip to grab any decent piece – look for him to save ground, and hope for small slice. (4) VANDALISM
usually lags much of the way, sometimes rallying for a minor share – maybe 3 rd/4 th? (5) CLEVELAND B MIKI was
better last week, but was helped by a good trip in a weak field – may not get the same results tonight. (6) LAZ just
hasn’t been sharp in some time – tonight’s draw won’t help. (7) SOUTH POINT has a few ok tries since arriving 10
starts back but overall, has disappointed – brutal draw tonight
RACE 6 - NAADA Amateur Fall Series – (4) DWIGHT HANOVER lost any realistic chance when offstride before
the start last week but recovered, caught the pack, and wasn’t all that far off at the wire – he was doing very good
work at PcD not long ago, and could offer some decent value tonight. (3) MUFASA AS hasn’t been able to find the
Yonkers winner’s circle this year but he definitely fits with these types, and may be looking at a good trip – another
worth a look at the right price. (6) SECRET BRO was claimed here on 7/18 but had a rough outing that night – not
sure why he qualified four times after that, but that last prep does suggest he’s ready for action – as mentioned many
times before, these are very dangerous connections (especially in amateur events). (1) WINNERESS has been very
camera shy at Yonkers the past few years but usually gives a decent effort in these races – definitely ok for exotics
starting from the pole. (5) KASHAS BOY has picked up some pieces this season, though another that has been very
win-averse...he also comes into tonight off a sick scratch. (2) SHOWME SOME MUSCLE was dullish last week
but may be capable of a bit better – minor piece? (7) EXCHEQUER probably fits ok but will need some help to
overcome Post 7. (8) JESSIES OUTLAWED is 15-0-0-1 at Yonkers and starts from Post 8
RACE 7 – Tough race: (4) DONATO PATRIOT K puts his modest 2 race winning streak on the line as he steps up
another class but he’s shown that he can go at this level too – he’ll get the services of the very capable A Nap, who
delivered a 4 bagger on Monday night...we’ll give him the narrow edge. (1) CANTKEEPMIASECRET drops out of
the FM Open and this may or may not be an easier spot – her recent form is mixed, but she can be in play here if she
brings one of her better efforts (8) HERODOTUS hasn’t had a “bad” year, but he also hasn’t lived up to expectations
(after banking $254K last season) – it seems like he’s returning in good form from PA, but he’ll also have to contend
with Post 8 – worth a look IF the price is right. (3) BAR COINS had been racing well for weeks but just never fired
at all off the claim last start – too soon to write him off, though it is possible that he needs to be in a little easier. (7)
PASSIONATE PROMISE was quickly reclaimed from her last by her previous connections but not before delivering
an ultra-impressive parked the mile victory – obviously it’s impossible to fault her current form, but the class bump
and 7 hole MAY slow her down a bit. (2) BEERTHIRTY K probably would like to be in a little easier but a good trip
from this spot could land him a piece. Both (5) UNFORGETTABLE and (6) HAT TRICK MARLEAU may need
some class relief before we see their best
RACE 8 – (3) MISSISSIPPI STORM has been very solid for weeks and gets a kind draw for tonight – the recently
minted millionaire hasn’t WON a lot lately, but he’s picked up lots of good pieces, at nice prices...maybe this is a
spot for an upset? (6) ARI FERRARI J is now 2 for 2 at Yonkers this year and that includes a win last start in the
$250K Miecuna Trot (although that was arguably just a modest Yonkers Open Trot, going for 6X the usual purse) –
clearly sharp enough to take another, but won’t offer much value as the 8/5 ML choice, starting from Post 6. (5) TA
KE ALL COMERS was a winner here in his first start of the year...but hasn’t been able to get his picture taken
since then – remains a weekly threat, but hard to accept too short a price on top. (7) STORMY KROMER landed on
a nice pocket trip last week and was able to convert it for his first victory of the season – may land on a tougher trip
from THIS spot, however. (4) DIAMANTE TRIO IT started the year strong, continued to improve and now comes
into this having won the FM Open Trot 3 of her last 4 tries – can she handle the boys...suppose we’ll find out
tonight. (8) KEG STAND looked like he was really starting to hit on all cylinders but did disappoint last week after a
pretty easy trip (though still a close 3 rd) – may have a hard time overcoming tonight’s draw, even if at his best. (1)
TACHYON is having a strong season for a hot barn, but may need a bit easier to show his best stuff. (2) P L
NOTSONICE has enjoyed a terrific season but does seem to finally be tailing a bit...and now has to take on the
boys
RACE 9 – (2) NOWS THE MOMENT was starting to look like the long (successful) year was finally taking its toll
on him, but he really bounced back with a big one last week, parked two turns for the lead and only losing by a short
nose at the wire to the classy, tripsitting STORMY KROMER – he’ll be pretty tough if he brings that kind of effort
tonight. (4) GHOSTLY CASPER was handled fairly conservatively in his local debut last week, and it may have
cost him a victory (though he certainly raced well for 2 nd) – could be tighter the 2 nd time around, and that would
make him a serious threat. (6) CECIL HANOVER won his first 3 local starts this year before coming up 2
nd best in his last pair to ARI FERRARI J – can be a major player here too, and give him extra consideration if ARI FERRARI
J comes up really big in Race 8! (7) EUROBOND has some big efforts here the past 3 years but also some duds and
miscues – even if on his game tonight, the draw could slow him down quite a bit. (3) VINNY DE VIE has 2 recent
wins over easier but likely looking at only minor spoils against these. (8) UNEVERGONNAGETHIS would look
better one level down...and that’s probably where you’ll find him next week. (1) SWISS HOUSE ON FIRE feels
like he’s pushing his limits up at this level. (5) WINDSONG PIONEER is another likely in need of cheaper
RACE 10 – (2) WALKINSHAW N disappointed 2 back then had to settle for 4 th off a tough trip last week – others
in here do look sharper right now, but this trainer/driver team paired up for a trip of winners on Monday night, and
sometimes it’s not a bad idea to just stick with the hot hands. (6) OUTLAW MAN N was favored in his U.S. debut
(at The Swamp) and rallied nicely for 3 rd – he was hammered here last week and was able to deliver the victory,
though having to work a bit late to hold off #5 – willing to stay on his team tonight but only if the price comes up a
bit. (4) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A was trapped too long last week but did finish crisply at the end – good value to
horse to consider if you think they may mix it up a bit. (5) ITS MAHOMES A weakened to 3 rd after cutting the mile
as the favorite in his U.S. debut (in PA) then have it a good try here last week, letting #6 take over and then chasing
him closely all the way – would be no surprise at all. (1) SARANAC BLUE CHIP is a streaky sort and he ships in
from Fhd. in good form – can definitely hurt others with his speed, and a piece is within reach. (3) THRASHER has
just been too sluggish lately – small slice only. (8) YO AJ isn’t bad right now, but faces an arduous task from out
here. (7) VENIER HANOVER failed to beat a single horse in his last 3 starts.
RACE 11 – Tough race: (4) MOVIN ON UP isn’t at “peak form” right now but he has been showing some better
signs the last couple of starts – he’s faced (and beaten) better than these this year, and may be in a spot he can handle
right now. (2) RICARDOSHILYSHALLY is a tough call – he was a disappointing 2 nd in his only local try this year
(back in March), and now resurfaces in a new (top) barn returning from Canada, and off 24 days – just very hard to
know what we’ll get from him. (3) RAYRAY raced well in 2 of his 3 starts since adding Lasix – a good trip could
make him a player here. (8) MYSWEETBOYMAX has had success here in the past, but had no offer at all last week
in his first local try of the year – brutal draw for tonight, but a wake up call IS possible. (1) CAPTAIN BATBOY’s
rough year continues, now at 0 for 13 – perhaps the month off will benefit him, but he would be hard to endorse at a
short price. (5) VIVA LAS VEGAS N is just 1 for 21 this year (with only one 2 nd) but still has a chance to rally for a
small piece in this field. (6) B LIKE CRUISER is 1 for 20 this year, and 8-0-0-1 here at YR – looking elsewhere. (7)
MOONLITE DRIVE N draws outside and hasn’t hit board in any of his 10 local starts.
RACE 12 – (2) ROGER RABBIT is rock solid at this level and comes off a tough-beat nose loss after being used
very hard – he debuts tonight for an owner/trainer team that has suddenly become very active in the claiming game,
and we’ll give him top billing. (3) STICK WITH ME KID has been very sharp (in amateur races) for a long time,
but the class jump to 40s didn’t bother him at all last week (when a close 3 rd) – gets Bartlett tonight, and could be
right there once more. (4) KINDA LUCKY LINDA was kinda dull last week but he was also racing off a bad date –
could be sharper tonight, with a bigger say in the outcome. (6) BROOKVIEW DARIUS has finished with “trot in
traffic” in all 3 local starts – maybe he can pick up a bigger piece tonight with a little better trip? (1) J S HOPSCOT
CH has been stuck on minor pieces for some time, and likely looking at a similar result for tonight. (7) LOVE THIS
BAR has been sharp out of town in both amateur races and regular overnights but vs. easier – moves up in class and
gets stuck outside...and that could give him some trouble tonight. (5) MISSION VOYAGE has only managed one
3 rd from his 6 local starts, is off 3 weeks, and just needs to be better. (8) DRACO S is just 1 for 26 this year and lands
all the way outside tonight.