The Empire Report - Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (1) POUND FOR POUND tired here vs. (much) better 3 back but has otherwise been very sharp
in almost all his starts - gets a big edge starting from the pole tonight, and will be very dangerous if he's as
sharp tonight off the claim. (7) HURRIKANE GEORGIE lost all chance last week when Bongiorno went
on a mission with UP THE CREEK and hung this guy out to dry - he's been in raging form for a while, and
may be able to win even from out here if some trip luck comes his way. (5) STOP STARING may be a tad
below the top two but he's definitely sharp, hails from a very potent trainer/driver duo, and may have a shot
if the trip falls his way. (6) BRUSHING UP was right there on the wire last week but could have won if
sharper - gets a tough draw for tonight, and may have to settle for a smaller slice. (8) BLOODHOUND was
very good last week but benefited tremendously from the wild battling up front - may not be quite as
fortunate from this very tough spot. (3) ELM GROVE QWIGGLY seems a bit below the main players but
our leading trainer did have FIVE wins on Tuesday night- still leaning to others. (4) SPRINGBRIDGE DU
EL hasn't raced in a month - sticking with others here. (2) ALWAYS ROCKIN feels completely buried
RACE 2 - (5) EMPEREURTHEBEST FR was a winner in an amateur race on 11/11 after changing hands,
and has really been the victim of tough trips/bad luck since then - Gingras should have some confidence in
him after last week's try, and perhaps he can pull off an upset here with some better luck. (6) P L OSCAR
has quietly hit board in 6 straight local starts, but should still be a good price tonight - barn has pulled off
some upsets over the past few weeks....maybe this guy can be next? (7) FOR A DREAMER drew the rail
last week and that allowed him to control the action...leading to an easy win - he may be able to overcome
the draw and win from out here too, but make sure to get a decent price if using on top tonight. (3) IM THE
MUSCLE is very capable when on the lead, but not so reliable when it comes to other trips - if you think
Bartlett will get a chance to cut the mile tonight, he's worth considering. (1) QUIKSILVR BLUECHIP has
disappointed in his 4 starts since shipping in from Delaware - maybe this is his wake up spot, but it's hard
to count on that. (2) MUFASA AS should appreciate the post relief- maybe some minor spoils? (4)
CHARLIE BAR will be handled by his trainer tonight - we'll pass, for now
RACE 3 - (8) PRICELESS BEACH was a winner in NW10000 at Chester in his 2nd start off the layoff
then was bothered early in his next - we're used to seeing him at much higher levels than this, and he can
find a way to get it done even from out here. (4) POINTOMYGRANSON was handled aggressively off the
class drop last week and had the lead for every step until the last one - should be a major player once more.
(1) WAR DAN DELIGHT N was no match at all for the sharp front-running winner last week but did hold
2nd - the rail draw makes him a threat for a piece tonight too. (6) URBAN RENEWAL had some solid
efforts in 30s out of town recently and picked up a 2nd with some class relief last week - he's raced well
here in the past, and is playable underneath at that 20-1 ML price. Both (3) MAXIMUS RED A and (2)
ROSE RUN X CON are on the cheaper side and don't win very often...but either could pick up a small slice
here with an easy enough trip. (7) STELLAR YANKEE is definitely capable at this level but he's struggled
with bad draws in most of his recent starts and faces the same issue tonight! (5) ALEX TYE has just been
dull too often lately to consider right now
RACE 4 - (7) ABRUZZO has won 3 of his last 4, getting parked the mile in the one loss - Dube sticks after
winning with him at Chester last week and IF he brings his "A Game" tonight, he may be able to overcome
the draw and win another. (2) BLACK TIE BASH went a big mile on his local debut but came up a bit
disappointing the next week - if that first version shows up tonight, he may have a chance to make some
noise. (6) TORRONE was overmatched in the Open last week but certainly didn't embarrass himself- could
have used a better draw tonight, but a live trip could still put him in the mix (1) UNEVERGONNAGETHIS
has had an exceptional year but hasn't looked as good in his 2 starts since the sick scratch - definitely could
perk up from this spot, but would need a fair price to use him on top right now. (3) TIPSY MONI was sent
off at 1/20 in her first start for new connections and was an "ok" winner over much easier - had to work
hard in her next but dug in late and prevailed over a bit better - steps up considerably tonight and does seem
vulnerable....but her barn has been sending them out with wings this week, and that makes her hard to just
toss! (4) TACHYON never seems to race the same way from week to week - if he's in the right mood, he
can grab a piece. (5) KASHA V has been hot and cold this year bit still managed to bank $98K - piece?
RACE 5 - (4) MAURIES BONUS A has made 8 starts at Yonkers and draws Posts 6-8 in SIX of them (and
usually facing better than these) - he has a decent rally in him, and a live trip may give him a chance to
upset these. (8) BRONX SEELSTER can be a pretty nice horse when on his game (nearly $200K over the
last 2 years) but he's struggling right now and lands all the way outside - the drop to the basement MAY
wake him up, but he'd be hard to back at a short price right now. (5) GINGRAS BEACH hasn't done much
lately but his last start at this level produced a victory 10/26 - another viable value play. (1) MEMPHISTE
NNESSEE N was an ok 3rd returning to YR last week and gets another good draw - possibility for the
bottom of exotics. (3) BUCHANNON HANOVER already has 42 starts this year (after making 40 LAST
year!) but he's only been able to win 3X (and is 1 for 24 here at Yonkers) - maybe 3rd/4th? (7) MARINER
SEELSTER is now sitting at $989K in career earnings and running out of time to get to $1M before he
turns 15 on January 1st - this feels like a tough spot for him. (2) STATEMENT MADE A had a great year
but is really struggling right now - sticking with others, as he figures to be overbet. (6) ICE HOUSE was
2nd by default last week but may not be so fortunate this time.
RACE 6 - (1) HAT TRICK MARLEAU was a solid winner 2 back, and an "ok" 2nd last week - he draws
the pole with Bartlett in a field full of suspect players, and that makes him the one to beat. (4) IN MY DRE
AMS is a weekly player but has to be considered a bit of a question mark after backing through the field
last week - it may have been a minor issue and he may bounce right back with his typically solid effort - but
it would be hard to take a short price right now. (5) VEGAS TICKET has been facing cheaper out of town
but he's certainly been racing well - may be able to be a player in this shaky field. (6) PERRON was well
off form for a while but has started to show some better signs - willing to include underneath. (2) HAVEHO
RSWILTRVEL N ships in from PRc and seems a little cheap - the good draw may help him pick up a minor
share, though. (7) MACMORRIS HANOVER would look better in a little cheaper (and from a better post)
but he'll be a big price and may be worth using for 3rd/4th. (8) SHEENA SOLDIER has had some good
tries at this level recently, though she did weaken a bit last week - the draw could be a big roadblock,
though. (3) BIG BAD SWAN shows 5 qualifiers and a break from his last 6 lines
RACE 7 - (3) STATE SENATOR really tailed off for a while but he certainly seems to be feeling pretty
good again - went a big mile off a bad date last start, and now drops right back in the box - worth a play
here. (1) WORLD FOR TWO won his first 2 local starts then rallied steadily for 3rd from Post 7 last week -
the move back inside makes him a major threat here. (4) ODDS ON PICK SIX has several good recent
efforts with a few duds sprinkled in - willing to forgive that last effort (he was used hard early) and use him
in exotics tonight. (8) DONTLIKEITLEAVE his board in all 3 local starts after shipping in from Pocono -
terrible draw, but getting Gingras does help his chances for an aggressive try - will throw in underneath as
long as he's a decent price. (5) YS DO IT RIGHT was a winner upon arrival from Pocono on 10/30 but
hasn't come close to replicating that mile since then. (6) MERITO HANOVER and (7) JK STANDINGOV
ATION would need things to really fall apart up front to make any noise from out here. (2) PINE BUSH IT
ALIANO is just 12-0-0-1 at Yonkers this year
RACE 8 - (6) NOWS THE MOMENT has taken 9 of 22 local starts this year, mostly at this Open level - he
does well by drawing inside a couple of other rivals, and he's been able to avoid the early miscue the past 2
weeks - hardly a "cinch", but feels like the one to knock off. (2) HERODOTUS is a 3YO tackling strong
older foes but he's hitting on all cylinders for his connections right now, and may be good enough to pose a
late threat if in a good spot when they turn for home. (5) CREDIT CON isn't on his best game right now,
but it's not like he's racing poorly - he can handle a variety of trips, and that may come in handy in a race
that could go a few different ways. (8) JUSTICE is a talented 4YO that has made limited starts, but usually
races well when he does show up - at a major disadvantage with tonight's draw, however. (3) EUROBOND
is more comfortable in a bit easier but his trainer (already tops in the standings) has been on an unconscious
roll this week - hard to discount anything he sends out right now! (1) ROYALTY BEER benefited from the
breaking (1/20!) leader last week, but was nevertheless impressive in his YR debut - he has a lot to prove at
THIS level, however. (7) WARRIOR ONE has done a nice job getting back to top form but tonight's draw
may leave him looking at too tough a trip to overcome. (4) SOUTHWIND ARTURO would be a surprise
RACE 9 - (6) HELPOFTHESEASON is a 3YO filly racing off a bad date against Open mares BUT she
debuts tonight for a barn that has been able to improve fresh stock dramatically all year long, and just won
EIGHT races in Tues/Wed nights - we'll hop right on board. (7) WHAT SHOULD I GOO has a ton of speed
and can trot with the MALE Opens when sharp...but she tired two back and broke last week, making her a
little risky at the moment - would use on top only if the price reflects the risk. (1) ANDOVER CONT
ESSA was poorly driven last week and that probably contributed to that miscue - a clean mile would put
her back in the mix tonight. (4) SMASHIN RACQUETS basically stole this race last week in her local
debut - MAY be able to repeat, but it will be a lot tougher this time. (2) ABBEY D wasn't at her best last
week, but at least it was an improved try - can grab another good piece here if she keeps trending in the
right direction. (3) LADY JETER landed on a dream trip last week but hung badly late - leaning towards
others. (5) MUSKINGUM may have trouble trying to make the big jump from Monticello
RACE 10 - (4) ARDEN MESSI N had some issue at Fhd. on 10/14 (returning off a qualifier) but quickly
got back on track, and has been racing well in his last few in NJ - returns to YR at a level much easier than
he's used to facing here, and may have landed in a winning spot. (8) THE REGULATOR gets another bad
draw but he drops another notch after finishing 2nd from Post 7 last week, and Bartlett should be driving
with even MORE confidence than usual (after winning an unfathomable THIRTEEN races on Tues/Wed
nights) - possible! (1) ALADDIN was a game first over 3rd adding Lasix last week and draws the pole
tonight - belongs in exotics. (2) CAVIART SARGENT doesn't win very often but he's often good for a late
rally (and a small piece) - another worth including underneath. (5) OZONE BLUE CHIP dropped to the
basement, hit the lead in a weak field and cruised home to victory - he faces much tougher now, and not
sure he deserves to be the ML favorite against these much tougher ones. (7) IMSTAYNALIVE tried to air it
out on the front end in NJ last week in his 2nd start off the barn change - not the results they were looking
for, and we'll probably see him sitting back and trying to rally late - small slice? (6) CHIEFS BEACH is
feeling good right now, but facing this tougher bunch may dampen his spirits a bit. (3) LIERL LAD HANO
VER seems a bit overmatched with these.
RACE 11 - (1) EPOS OSTERVANG DK has hit board for a zillion straight weeks, and usually starting
from horrible posts - as noted, his trainer and driver have been enjoying a wildly successful week (on top of
an incredible year!), and he has to get top billing here, even vs. some quality foes. (3) STEUBEN HANOV
ER was super from Post 8 three back so it was no surprise to see him win his next pair - the main danger.
(2) WILLY WALTON has been very consistent lately, and is looking at a good trip tonight - solid chance to
land somewhere on the bottom of the ticket. (4) PAPA DOC doesn't always bring his best, but he's a pretty
solid performer when he does - not sure he can handle the top pair right now, even if he replicates last
week's sharp mile. (6) BRAVE BY DESIGN fits perfectly at this level but has a post disadvantage vs. his
main foes tonight - may have to settle for a lesser share. (5) CHAPOLIER ships in off a win at PRc but will
be facing a pretty tough bunch tonight - may struggle a bit in his first local start since 2021. (7) STAR LIT
RAMBO is just 1 for 18 here this year and seems buried from this spot. (8) JACKED lands Post 8 after a
break and sick scratch from his last pair
RACE 12 - (2) MAJOR SHOW shipped in off a couple of sharp Monti tries and his last was better than it
looks on paper - he's too camera shy to ever "love" his chances but he catches a weak field tonight and may
be able to grab a rare local victory. (1) B LIKE CRUISER certainly isn't close to his best form but still has
to be considered a very legitimate threat in a spot like this - he's also sure to be overbet. (7) DIAMONDBE
ACH lost action before the start last week and that compromised his chances - willing to give him a look
tonight if the price is fair. (3) HES ELECTRIC has one good move in him - if they mix things up a bit, he
may be able to show up late as a threat. (4) NOWHERE CREEK A went evenly last week in his 2nd off the
layoff - maybe he can improve enough for a piece of this? (6) DONT JUDGE A BOOK would be a threat
here if sharp, but his recent out of town form is definitely lacking - tough post, as well. (5) DENVER SEEL
STER looked overmatched in both starts since shipping in recently