Monday Empire Report

soaofny • April 24, 2023

The Empire Report - Monday, April 24, 2023 - Race Analysis

RACE 1 - (1) WICHITA LINEMAN has taken 3 of his last 4 starts and the last one was just totally

dominant - pretty hard to go past from the pole tonight...especially since it was just Glen Campbell's

birthday this weekend! (6) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD was pocketed by #1 last week, took a shot at him to

3/4s but was easily repelled, losing 2nd at the end - gets another tough draw, but the winner of 5 of 9 starts

this year still feels like the biggest threat. (3) PRETTY HANDSOME kept digging last week and was able

to collar #6 for 2nd at the end - he's been a very solid player at this level, and a logical one to include in

exotics once more. (2) OURRHYTHMNBLUES N took off the gate last start for the first time in 7 weeks

and was never able to get in the hunt - he'll be much closer to the pace tonight, and we'll see if he can hang

around to the end against this tough bunch of 50s. (5) THRASHER is always finishing strong but may be

hurt by a lack of pace tonight - good one to throw in for 3rd, looking for that late rally. (7) DEETZY has

been racing well for weeks but hasn't had to spend much on win photos this year - figures to be hampered

by the terrible draw tonight. (4) FLOW WITH JOE could only manage a weak-ish 2nd last week despite a

perfect trip - seems better suited vs. a bit easier.


RACE 2 - Short field, but a good race! (3) BURNHAM BOY N has 3 local starts and was a short-priced

winner the one week where he wasn't facing tougher - he returns from NJ in fine form, and should be able

to work out a good trip here - his barn has been a little unreliable at YR so far this year, so just make sure to

get a fair price if using on top! (5) RAUKAPUKA RULER N is just one of many recent additions to the

"Dynamic Duo" barn to see their form quickly head in the right direction - he appears to be feeling like a

kid again, and just may be sharp enough to handle tonight's class hike seamlessly - very dangerous here if

the trip turns out decent. (2) ULTIMAROCA is hard to fault right now and he followed up a blowout across

the river with a blowout here last week - he'll face tougher tonight, and also figures to be tested a lot more

than in his last couple...may be vulnerable here at a short price. (1) LEVINE had a very forgettable 2022

season but is off to an outstanding start in '23 - Zeron's own has shown he can hang with these, and may

offer some decent value from the pole tonight - consider. (6) PYRO is being listed pretty far down here but

that's only because he draws poorly but still figures to be a pretty short price- his last 9 starts have produced

5 wins, 2 seconds, and a third, and that makes him hard to dismiss even from this potentially tough spot. (4)

QUALITY BUD is off to a great start this year but tonight's class hike may slow him down just a bit.


RACE 3 - (6) CHANGE STRIDE N was off a month to his last start (after being scratched injured) but still

charged home full of pace through the lane to end up 3rd behind a pair of razor sharp 40s - drops down to a

much easier spot tonight, and figures to be very tough....unless a wheel fell off during the week (3) SHARK

PLAY was claimed by our leading barn on 3/10 and immediately delivered a blowout win (up in class) the

next week - picked up an 8 hole 2nd in his next, but was derailed by a tough trip in his last - should get a

much smoother journey tonight with the move inside, and looms a legitimate threat. (1) WAR DAN DELI

GHT N is winless in his last 50+ starts at Yonkers but that hasn't stopped him from being claimed in BOTH

of his last 2 starts - he's actually very good right now and does feel ready to break that long local losing

streak some time soon....maybe tonight? (4) MIKEY CAMDEN was able to wire softer off the class drop 2

back and should appreciate moving from 40s to 30s - he does prefer to race on/near the lead, and that may

not be easy to accomplish tonight...don't take too short a price if he's your choice. (7) PROVOCATIVEPRI

NCEN raced well for Gingras when 2nd behind a beastly winner 2 back - he definitely fits with these but

his best game is on the lead, and that seems a bit unlikely from this spot...that 12-1 ML price does make it

tempting to at least throw him in, though! (2) GENTLEMANJIM II IE hails from a hot barn but does seem

to prefer to be in cheaper - his 0 for 19 local slate is also a big concern. (8) BETTER UP was a dead game

first over 2nd two back but that was from the pole, vs. easier - much tougher scenario now. (5) LYONS

LIBERTY was no good at all in his 2nd start off the layoff - sticking with others.


RACE 4 - (1) BELMONT MAJOR N paced a final half in:53.4 from hopeless spot here 3 back, then held

off a razor sharp ROCKNROLL RUNA A at Stga. the next week - just conceded here from Post 8 last

week but moves all the way inside now, and big effort is expected. (5) CAPTIVATE HANOVER took no

prisoners in a sharp front end score 2 back then raced as well he could from an impossible spot last week -

gets important post relief for tonight, and that should make him a very live player once again. (4) THE RE

GULATOR also moves inside after a hopeless trip from Post 8 last week - his overall recent form has been

rock solid, and he looms a very legitimate threat tonight (3) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N makes the occasional

early miscue and last week's break cost him any chance - his best work does come vs. a bit cheaper but he's

a good finisher, and a hotly contested pace would give him a chance to be a late threat. (6) PEACE OUT

POSSE almost held 2nd from Post 8 (at 75-1) to runaway SPLASH BROTHER 2 back, then was an easy

front end winner last week - takes a double jump up in class here and also draws poorly...but anything this

barn sends out right now shouldn't be dismissed too quickly. (7) ROCKAPELO was moving up 2 classes

last week (off a narrow win) but was well backed, hard used, and came up a strong 2nd best - would have

liked his chances a lot more with a better draw, however. (2) LOORRIM LAKE A picked up back to back

wins over cheaper before faltering at the Open level last week - drops a bit, but may still find things a bit

tough vs. a few of these. (8) WINDSUN RICKY has been racing very well but was sidetracked by a bad

trip last week - won't be any easier tonight with the terrible draw.


RACE 5 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Consolation, $75,000: (1) DELITFULCATHERIN N was a game 3rd in

Leg 1 of the Series...made a very unfortunate stretch break the next week (she would have been right there

at the wire), then was caught in the back after a poor draw the following start - finished up with a pair of

excellent 2nds in the last two legs but ended up 9th in the point standings, and failed to qualify for the Final

- she's clearly the one to beat in the Consolation from this spot. (4) MABALENE N was taking a big class

jump for this Series but after missing the first week (due to sickness), she raced very well in the next 4 legs

- she's used her speed to land on good trips, and that's probably going to happen here too - looking at a nice

piece. (7) MORNING HAS BROKEN has been finishing well every week but always from too far back,

against tough mares - she may find herself in that same boat tonight but IF Gingras can somehow find her a

decent trip, it's at least possible that she could charge home for the upset (3) GOTTHEGREENLIGHT

could do no better than 4th in any leg but was still heavily backed in 3 of them - definitely ok for a piece

here, but probably no value using her on top. (2) GIAS SURREAL just hasn't found her form in 6 starts this

year, unable to even hit the board - will need to be better tonight for even a good piece in the Consolation.

(6) ALTA MADEIRA N didn't embarrass herself against the top mares but she wasn't a threat either - she'll

really appreciate the class relief that will be coming after this. (5) WAHS FIRE BUG N struggled in her last

few starts and is another that should be looking to the class relief that's on the horizon. (8) LYDEO used a

pocket trip to win Leg 2, but hasn't been able to overcome some tough posts...like this one.


RACE 6 - MGM Borgata Consolation #2, $50,000 - tough race! (7) ANOTHRMASTRPIECE N picked up

checks in 4 of 5 Series legs but was never a serious threat - he does have speed (if Bartlett opts to use it)

and a quick start would make him a very legitimate player...one of several with a chance tonight, depending

on how the race plays out. (4) ROCKIN WITHELVIS A didn't make a lot of noise in the Series but wasn't

terrible either - he has one good move in him and IF things get a bit hot up front, he may be able to be a late

threat. (2) AMERICAN DEALER N had plenty of pace in tight quarters in Leg #1 then was 2nd best to

JIMMY FREIGHT the next week - folded badly in Week 3 and has been on the sidelines since then - he's

more than capable of beating these IF ready off the bad date...but it's hard to know just how serious he'll be

tonight. (5) SPLASH BROTHER earned himself a start in Leg #5 after outrunning (much) cheaper for 4

straight starts - ended up behind a tiring leader (#3) and had no real chance, but it's still questionable as to

how well he fits with these right now - we'll get a better picture after tonight. (1) JACKS LEGEND N had

been struggling all year - a drop to NW16000 didn't help enough, but last week's plunge to NW10000 saw

him make the lead, and come out on top - hard to say if he's "back on track" after that, but it's hard to take a

short price here "hoping" that's the case. (3) BEE TWO BEE is capable of a big effort at any time but he

just folded terribly last week, and hasn't been better than 3rd in 8 starts this year - needs to bring his best.

(6) BAD TOTHE BONE N and (8) IM SIR BLAKE A are nice horses but both figure to be severely

compromised by their poor posts - keep an eye on both for next week.


RACE 7 - MGM Borgata Consolation, $100,000: (4) AMERICAN COURAGE was outbrushed by COVE

RED BRIDGE in Leg 4 and weakened to 3rd at the end - his connections reported that he bled that night

but after taking off Week 5, it's a little surprising that he's not returning on Lasix - regardless, the Yonkers-

loving 5YO should be tough in here, if anywhere close to his best. (3) HEMSWORTH N only drew well

once in his 5 series starts and was able to upset LOCHINVAR ART A from the pocket that night - he was

flying for 3rd from an impossible spot last week, and gets Stratton to jump off #7 to stay on board tonight -

big chance to outperform that 10-1 ML price! (1) TATTOO ARTIST has been a "Jekyll N Hyde" horse in

this year's Series, racing very well in 2 starts (one win) and throwing duds in the other 3 legs - on his best

he'd be very dangerous here but since he seems to always get way overbet, there may be some better value

with a couple of others. (6) UNDRTHSOUTHRNSUN N hit board in 2 of 5 legs and picked up a check in 2

others - he's a notch below the top players but his barn is hot, and he'll be a big price if looking for a viable

bomb. (2) PRICELESS BEACH came into this Series sharp, and picked up 2nds in the first 2 legs - was no

threat in Weeks 3 & 4, though, and looms a bit of a question mark for tonight - playable if the price is good

enough. (5) NANDOLO N hasn't looked close to his best in weeks - a wake up call is always possible, but

the signs aren't there right now. (8) NONE BETTER A hasn't been "bad" by any means, but he also hasn't

been on his best game - very tough spot to overcome here. (7) DEAN B HANOVER raced well throughout

the Series but is really up against tonight with the terrible draw.


RACE 8 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Final, $328,200: (3) DOUGS BABE A has been perfectly managed

since arriving in the U.S, with this Series as the goal- she was allowed to "relax and rally" the first 2 legs,

kicking home full of pace each time...a first over trip led to victory in Week #4, then she left the gate the

next 2 starts, resulting in one front end score and one from the pocket - she's peaking just at the right time,

and her versatility is surely a big asset - gets top billing, especially since listed at 5-1 ML. (2) RACINE

BELL raced in 4 legs, delivering 2 wins and a pair of 2nds - in the last 3 years she's posted an incredible

30-13-13-3 record at Yonkers, and just missed in last year's Final - very real chance to get it done this year.

(1) AMAZING DREAM N started off her season with 3 straight Matchmaker victories before coming up

2nd best (to the top choice) in leg #4 - the Down Under millionaire was rested last week, and will surely be

ready for her best tonight - another serious threat in a VERY good race! (5) LIT DE ROSE has been sharp

all Series long, finally picking up a win in Leg #4 - if the top ones end up battling each other into

submission, she's a great 20-1 ML horse for a chance to pick up the pieces late! (6) DRAMA ACT was able

to just hold off #2 in last year's Final, and the pair have maintained their feud right into 2023 - she finds

herself at a big disadvantage tonight (thanks to the draw), and it may be hard for Brennan to find a winning

trip from this very tough spot. (4) LUCKY ARTIST A is a chronic overachiever, outracing her odds many

times over the past few seasons - she's still going strong at age 10, but likely looking at only a smaller share

in this stacked field. (7) INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW has proven to be a very tough mare, but an awful lot

would need to go her way to reach from out here. (8) KARMA SEELSTER picked up a win, two 2nds, a

3rd and a 4th but tonight's draw leaves her with very few good options.


RACE 9 - MGM Borgata Pace Final, $511,000 - should be an outstanding race! (1) COVERED BRIDGE

was actually razor sharp throughout this series, even when going off at big prices (and getting no racing

luck) early on - his last two wins have been incredibly impressive, and he's as sharp as any horse in here

right now - if Buter can put him in the right spot, he may give the barn back-to-back Borgata victories -

with 2 different horses! (3) IDEALSOMEMAGIC A started the year racing at the bottom level and here he

is today, a big threat in the Final just 3 months later - he's shown he can handle ANY trip, and may end up

with a very live one from this spot - belongs on your tickets. (8) BACKSTREET SHADOW has enjoyed a

major revival in this series and the 8YO is as sharp now as he's been at any point in his career - he's been

terrific every week, and that win 2 back was just breathtaking....shouldn't be 20-1 ML, even from Post 8 -

we'll see if he can be as powerful late if used harder earlier on. (6) FUNATTHEBEACH N tripped out to

shock in last year's Final, and is definitely in top form heading into tonight - his barnmate (#1) seems to

have a better chance (thanks to the draw), but don't ever count this guy out...especially at 20-1 ML! (2)

THIS IS THE PLAN got hit with the deck last week - needed a win for any chance to make the Final, ends

up in a very soft division, wires the field (to move up to 9th place) then gets into this race when JIMMY

FREIGHT had to scratch- the former champ always deserves respect, but listing him as the 2-1 ML favorite

makes it hard to make a case for playing him on top. (4) LEONIDAS A landed on an impossible trip in last

year's Final and has to get a better one tonight - he's a certified Yonkers beast (40-22-10-3) but a few others

do seem a little sharper right now - playable IF his price is juicy enough. (7) LOCHINVAR ART A was the

talk of the town after winning his first 5 U.S. starts but a disappointing loss in Leg #3 was followed by a

week off and a dull try in Week 5...and tonight's draw stamps him as an outsider, for sure. (5) HELLABAL

OU feels overmatched, and will need to go the mile of his life to have any shot at all.


RACE 10 - (2) PEDRO HANOVER came into his last razor sharp but did see his 3 race winning streak

snapped by the tripsitting GINGER TREE PETE - he'll get his chance at revenge tonight...and his price will

definitely be better than last week. (1) GINGER TREE PETE stalked the top choice from the start last week

and was able to rally by late - he draws inside of him once more, but will be racing from a new barn, with a

new pilot....it may not matter, and it would be hard to leave him off your tickets! (4) JOJOS PLACE came

up with an eye popping victory on 3/17 after being claimed by his current barn - was taken from that race

but finished dead last for his new crew the following week - was reclaimed from that start and got right

back to the winner's circle the next week - not sure why he made that "maintenance qualifier" last week but

it looks sharp, and we'll see if this guy is ready to do his damage up at the $40K level. (3) MAJOR DESIRE

has been solid in most of his starts this year but his lone win came at the $25K level - willing to use him

underneath. (5) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES races well for his current barn, and gets a pass for last week

(impossible spot) - a live trip could land him somewhere on the ticket. (7) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER seems

to race well nearly every week but he's lost at least 41 straight here at The Hilltop - his new barn does have

a good history at getting these types to the winner's circle...but that will be tough starting from Post 7, up in

class. (6) LOVE THAT BLUES N picked up 4ths in his last pair, and seems destined for only a minor share

tonight. (8) DELIGHTFUL TERROR generally struggles when drawn outside.


RACE 11 - (8) THE IDEAL DANCER A had some issue and finished way back on 3/27 in the 2nd Leg of

the Borgata- he took 3 weeks off and rebounded with a solid effort in last week's Open, finishing with good

pace to be 4th - he'd be the clear choice from any decent post but assuming the price is fair, we'll look for

Bartlett to find him a manageable trip even from Post 8. (1) SEMI TOUGH was all out to prevail two back

after the big drop out of the Borgata but he was unable to get it done in his last, despite controlling things

on the front end - has to be heavily respected from this spot, but he may also be a bit vulnerable at a very

short price. (4) BALLERAT BOOMERANG had no prayer after taking back to last from Post 7 last week

but the move inside may see him a lot more aggressive tonight - legitimate player this spot. (2) ROLLING

WITH SAM seems to need easier to pick up wins these days but tonight's draw does make him a threat to

tow along closely, and take home a decent chunk. (5) OUR CORELLI N has been inconsistent lately,

making it hard to know which version we'll see - if it's the "good" one, he can land somewhere on the ticket

- at a nice price. (7) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK lands in a tough spot but he does have speed if Zeron

thinks he can leave for a spot - a quick start puts him in play for a small piece. (6) MARLBANK ROAD

has raced well more often than not this year but this is a tough spot, and he's slated for a class drop next

week - prefer to wait until then. (3) MICKY GEE N qualified nicely after being away since November -

guessing that he'll need one, but it wouldn't hurt to at least take a peek at the tote board.


RACE 12 - (5) SON OF A TIGER AS steps up one more notch as he seeks his 4th in a row - he's feeling

mighty good right now, and just may be able to pull it off. (6) OAKWOODNITOWNIT IR dropped out of

the Borgata last week and came up 2nd best to a currently sharp ULTIMAROCA - he's the one to beat as he

drops down another peg, but he may be a bit vulnerable right now. (2) GAMBLINGTERROR was very

good in last week's 8-1 upset as he was involved in most of the hot :26.4 opener, yet still able to take over

the lead to 3/4s and prevail easily - might be able to pick up a good piece (up in class) if he's as sharp this

time around. (3) MY ULTIMATE STAR A finally picked up his first local victory on 3/7 and has remained

in good form since then (though ultimately DQd from a win the following week after a post race positive

test)- can pick up a good piece with a live trip. (8) GENIUS MAN can beat better than these under the right

circumstances but it may be hard for him to overcome tonight's draw - consider IF the price is good enough

(1) CAPTAINS PLACE seems much more comfortable one (or two?) levels down, but the good draw at

least puts him in play for a minor award. (4) HYPNOTICDREAM is 0 for 10 at Yonkers, and that includes

many starts vs. softer than these. (7) LOUIE THE HORSE N fits fine at this level but another outside draw

may leave him waiting for a more manageable spot.

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