The Empire Report - Wednesday, July 7, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - This race marks the debut of (6) ROGER MACH EM for a barn that has compiled an amazing
14-8-2-1 record since early June, and that makes him pretty hard to go against - this outfit usually takes
horses that look like 50-1 shots on paper and gets them to win in their first start; this horse actually looks
GOOD on paper already, so that means you can expect the price to be in the neighborhood of 1/5. (3) NIHI
LATED TRUTH wasn't bad at all last week, racing off a 6 month layoff and still finishing well after a bad
shuffle - good week to use him in exotics. (5) GINGER TREE PETE raced very well off the barn change in
his last, even if helped by a nice trip - definitely will include him underneath. (4) SLUGGEM N held well
for 3rd after getting outbrushed two back, then was a game front end winner in last - barn has continued to
thrive even as their usual listed trainer serves a short suspension, and this guy can be a player once again -
as long as he lands on a decent trip. (1) FAST ON THE DRAW was a game winner last week, fending off
extended pressure to prevail - he can certainly be a player once again, but he also figures to get overbet off
that last win. (2) ENERGYZONE HANOVER left sharply and established a good trip last week only to
fold in the pocket - would prefer to see a better spot before hopping back on board. (7) LODI MACHETE
MAN was 3rd despite a brutal trip last week and definitely fits here - the problem is the draw, and he may
have a hard time finding away into contention from out here.
RACE 2 - (2) ZAGSTER was a sharp 2nd in his YR return, chasing the stickout frontrunner from start to
finish - he figures to be on top or in the pocket again tonight, and looms a solid threat here. (7) LIFETIME
ROYALTY gapped his cover on the final turn last week and that cost him a better chance at the win - takes
another class drop tonight and will attract plenty of attention....but note that he's just 1 for 22 at Yonkers,
before taking too short a price from Post 7. (3) TORKIL woke up with a few nice starts at this level this
spring, but then struggled a bit when forced to move up - tough first over trip dropping back down in last,
but can have a good say here with an easier journey. (1) SHOWMEYOURGUNS will attract some good $$
from the rail, but he usually gets off to a slow start even when drawn inside - he's definitely been racing
well enough to suggest that he WILL win a race some time soon, but he's just not worth a pretty short price
tonight - at least on top. (6) TAX SAVINGS has been racing ok at Monti, he gets a switch to Bartlett, and
his trainer has won 2 of his 4 recent starts - at 20-1 ML, he's worth including underneath. (5) MIGHTY
SURF has been in a little too tough in his last few local starts and tonight's drop will help - expect a live
drive from Holland here, but we'll see if he can hold together better than last week against this easier crew.
(4) PETERS EXPRESS returns from Pocono and he's just never been a very good Yonkers horse - prefer
others. (8) CIRCLE OF LIFE AS raced well here a couple of times in NW4 back around April, but lands in
a very tough spot for her YR return - wait for a better scenario
RACE 3 - (4) WATCH MY LUCK was ready to do damage right off the qualifier last week but Buter drove
her like it was another qualifier, getting off slowly from the pole and only cutting her loose in the final
quarter - she did charge home full of pace though, and there should be no reason for her not to be handled
more aggressively tonight - worth a play in this well matched field. (6) COVEREDNDIAMONDS N goes
to her 3rd barn in 3 weeks but she seems to race well for whoever trains her - has the speed to grab herself a
good trip here, and she's more than sharp enough to win this - worth using. (1) ISLAY N has been racing
very well lately, and gets a pass for that mile 2 back (7 hole, vs. better) - expect her to have a big say from
the pole tonight. (7) E R HILARY often gets in trouble when you try to leave hard with her...as Dube found
out last week - guessing he'll be more patient tonight, and she can come charging late...if she lands on a
decent enough trip. (8) FOLLOWTHEWIND N has definitely improved a bit in her new barn, but has been
hurt by first over trips the last 2 starts - unfortunately, Post 8 may yield an even tougher trip tonight. (3)
ALL ABOUT AMY picked up a win 2 back but that was vs. a much softer group - will use underneath, but
prefer others for the top slots. (2) MADAME LEZA N will be helped by the post relief, but she catches a
tough bunch tonight and will need some luck for even a small piece. (5) TRIPLE DIP has plenty of speed
and will probably put it all together with a big mile one of these nights - she just doesn't seem quite ready to
do that just yet, though.
RACE 4 - (6) DC BATGIRL showed good potential during a solid NYSS campaign as a 2YO - returned at
3 with a close 3rd in a Reynolds division, but has come a little short in her two NYSS so far this year - she
added a new partner after her last start (one of the game's biggest owners), and lands in a much softer spot
in this NW2 event - good spot to pick up a win, and add some confidence. (1) FRENCH SHAKER shipped
in sharp from Chester and did as well as could be expected from Post 8 - draws the pole tonight and if
anybody is going to knock off the top one, it will likely be her (but MORE likely will end up 2nd best). (4)
BEACHBLANKETLINDY is just 1 for 16 but hit board in 11 of those 15 losses - barn has been going well
here, and this filly has a solid chance to land somewhere on the ticket. (3) SANTAFES MJ has 4 career
starts (at PcD) and paced evenly for a small piece each time - maybe can do the same in her YR debut? (2)
LOUD BRAZILLIAN only raced well in 1 of her 7 local tries but tonight's good draw at least gives her a
chance at a minor piece. (7) UPTOWN CALLIE is 1 for 33 (0 for 19 at YR) and draws outside - Holland
does leave with her sometimes, so maybe she's not a bad bomb for 3rd/4th? (5) MEAN IRENE put in an ok
bid last week before stalling, and then going offstride - guessing she'll be handled pretty conservatively
here. (8) EYES DONT LIE hasn't done much on the racetrack, and lands Post 8 for her local debut after
missing 3 weeks - we'll just watch, for now
RACE 5 - (1) HAYEK made a big recovery after an early miscue last week, but he's never had a shortage
of ability - Stratton knows him a little better now, so maybe the pair will have better luck tonight - he's the
top choice, but definitely a little too risky to ever take a short price with him. (3) STINGLIKE A B K was
a little disappointing off the class drop last week, but he gets another drop tonight, and perhaps this will be
the one that perks him up - he was holding his own vs. much better not long ago, and his barn has made a
solid impact since starting to race here this year. (2) MUFASAAS woke up last week with a big try after a
few lesser performances - if he shows up just as sharp tonight, he'll have a shot for a good piece of this. (6)
UVA HANOVER used to do some damage here at Yonkers back when he was a younger horse - still has
some life in his 10YO legs, and goes with a catch driver for the first time in a while tonight - deserves at
least a look for exotics at 20-1 ML. (7) BRIDGE WORKS shows several Stga. lines that would probably
make him a legit player in this class - unfortunately, he may have to wait for a better post to show it. (5)
CASINO CUTIE IT found an easy enough NW5000 field last week to pick up her first local win of the
season - moves back up tonight, and has only been picking up smaller pieces at this level. (4) BAZILLION
AIRE is 0 for 18 on the year - we'll wait until he at least drops to the bottom level before considering. (8)
WILLIE B WORTHY can be a player in this class....but probably not from out here.
RACE 6 - (6) ACEFORTYFOUR DOME is racing well for her current connections, picking up 3rds in 3 of
her last 4 starts (with a terrible trip in the other) - she has more gate speed than she's shown lately, and
tonight would be a good spot for Marohn to use it....solid chance here with a decent trip. (7) PRAY THE
ROSARY was public choice in last but she got away well back and never had a prayer (but was pacing well
way after the fact) - is Siegelman can improve position at the start, she'll have a legit chance here...worth
using at 12-1 ML. (5) ZOE ELLASEN hails from a top barn and has been racing well enough lately for a
chance here - on the flip side, she's listed as the 2-1 ML choice and has a 14-0-0-6 record here over the past
2 years - seems like one that's better used underneath, rather than on top. (1) AMERICAN TOUR N is a
tough call - on her best, she'd have a real chance from this spot...but her current form has been dismal, and
she'll need a major wake up just to be a contender. (3) PAPPY ROCKS continues to struggle for her current
connections - minor share only. Both (2) TYRONBETTORSELLA N and (4) SWEET YOU have abysmal
records here the past 2 years...but since both draw well tonight, maybe one (both?) could have a chance to
take home a minor share. (8) LITTLE HONEYBADGER did win a race here last year, but seems unlikely
to do much damage drawing Post 8 in her return to Yonkers.
RACE 7 - Good race: (3) MY CAM GIRL was a game 3rd despite a tough first over trip last week, after
wiring cheaper from Post 8 the week before - barn seems to have a way with these mares, and the right trip
may get this one home in front....one of several that could take this. (7) MAN DONTFORGET ME was a
wire to winner in each of her last two starts, facing many of these same mares - could be looking at a much
tougher trip from Post 7 tonight, but she'll also be a better price (because of the draw) - worth having on
your tickets as she looks for the "threepeat". (1) HIGH MINDED was stuck first over in her first local try
and just missed 3rd - no chance in last from Post 8 but she draws the rail tonight, and a good trip could put
her right there on the wire. (2) WAKEMESHAKEME came up 2nd best to #7 in her last pair and is yet
another with a chance to take this....IF the trip goes her way. (4) NATASHA wasn't bad at all last week,
finishing ok for 4th after a LONG layoff - it's reasonable to expect her to be even sharper tonight, but
there's also a good chance she'll get way overbet by much of the public using that same thinking - would
prefer to just use her underneath for now. (5) SOMEBEACHSOMEFRA just seems to be a notch below
these - maybe can save ground and earn a minor share? (6) PETTYCOAT BUSINESS gets a pass for her
last (bad date), but her overall form just hasn't been great - leaning to others. (8) SOUND IDEA has fallen
off form and to add insult to injury, lands Post 8 - pass tonight.
RACE 8 - (6) ALOTBETTOR N's last start at Yonkers was back in Feb. of 2020 - he won that night, and
tonight he lands back in the same barn that won with him that night - we'll look for some deja vu here! (1)
VENIER HANOVER raced well in a couple of starts for his 80 year old pilot at Monti so it's no real
surprise that he ran off by 8 lengths when Devaux hopped on board last week - draws best for his YR debut,
and he should fit well here - use in exotics. (2) BOURBONS COURAGE looks unplayable off his lines but
he moves to a new barn here, and his previous trainer was only winning at 2% clip - license to improve here
(with Lasix), and he'll be a big price. (8) PARTY BOY draws Post 8 with his owner on board but he's better
than most of these, and does have a chance to grab a piece of this IF his pilot is willing to move him before
the top of the lane. (3) BIG BAD BILL was awful in his last two but he has been known to reverse form
now and then - maybe tonight? (4) WAVES OF FIRE A is just 1 for 33 over the past 2 years and really
hasn't clicked since the recent claim - maybe he can grab a small piece? (5) CHIP WALTH ER returns off a
2 month layoff and while he'd be ok for a piece if ready, it's hard to endorse him as the 5/2 ML choice! (7)
DEEDENUTO A was ok last week but the move outside figures to really hurt his chances
RACE 9 - (3) SUMMER RAE wasn't up for that fast mile in her Park MGM Fillies elim. but her form prior
to that had been excellent, including a couple of NYSS races - we'll look for her to bounce right back vs.
this somewhat softer NW4 field. (4) DELIGHTFUL Z TAM had really been blossoming before making an
unexpected miscue as the heavy favorite in her last - returns tonight adding Lasix, and she definitely
belongs on your tickets. (6) JANE DIAMOND was well backed at Chester last week and was a close 2nd
best - she was a winner there 4 back, and does appear to fit well with these - expect Buter to be aggressive
with her, and she'll be a threat if not roughed up too badly. (1) ROBMOTION BLUECHIP has been flying
off the car from Post 7 so you know she'll be getting away crisply from the rail tonight - sharp enough to
take home a good piece, with a good trip. (2) BEAUTY BAYAMA was dull for a couple of starts after the
sharp win 4 back...then rebounded last week with an excellent try for 2nd - hard to know which version
we'll see tonight, though. (7) PARTY QUEEN was well backed for her last and had no problem wiring
cheaper from Post 8 - not impossible here, but this is definitely a MUCH tougher bunch. (8) IDEAL
HANNAH was an upset winner 2 back, then stuck in traffic at the back in last - would have given her a
longer look if not for Post 8. (5) MISS TRESSA seems like the outsider in her current form.
RACE 10 - (2) TANGO DANCER N has been facing much better at Chester and she's generally been right
there every week (at short prices) - catches a much softer bunch for her Hilltop debut and gets a strong nod.
(4) BETTER B CHEVRON had been showing improved form lately so it was no surprise to see her finally
pick up her first local win of the year last week - has more than enough back class to handle moving up a
notch, and is definitely one to include in exotics. (6) ASHTINI caught the "good" Angels Pride last week
but raced well to be 2nd - not a great post here, but she's better than a bunch of these, and may be able to
find her way into the exotics. (8) IDEAL CLASSIC is an unpredictable mare, capable of losing at the
bottom level while still charging home for pieces against good mares, on other occasions - she'll be a big
price here, and not a terrible bomb for the bottom of tris and supers. (5) PAMMY JO has given no real
indication that a wake up call is coming, and has been underwhelming (to say the least) - maybe she can
find a little better effort tonight? (1) QUITE A DELIGHT N is more reliable one level down, but an easy
trip from the pole may help her pick up a minor share. (7) FRANSCHOEK won three straight (all from
rails) but now ends up with Post 7 (in a much tougher field) for her new connections - may struggle to get
involved this week. (3) ALKIPPE seems a bit overmatched against many in here.
RACE 11 - (4) IT AINT THE WHISKY has compiled a strong 10-4-0-4 record this year and his first start
here at YR was excellent, rallying stoutly from well back to be right there 3rd - gets a better post tonight,
and we'll give him the narrow edge. (6) FASHION CREDITOR finished right behind #4 at The Swamp 3
starts back and could be his main rival tonight - like a couple of other trotting veterans from this barn, he's
recently come into sharper form, and he's certainly no stranger to Yonkers - hasn't won here in a couple of
seasons, but he may end that streak tonight (with the right trip). (3) FOMOR struggled at the bottom level
here for a long time before rattling off a couple of sharp wins this spring - finally gets the class relief he's
needed and may improve significantly tonight...would hardly be a surprise. (1) LADY EAGLE has done
good work since the claim in May, and while she'd surely appreciate being in a little easier, the rail draw
does make her a legitimate player here - wouldn't take a short price, though. (2) TOP FLIGHT ANGEL has
landed on a couple of tough trips since arriving from Fhd., but he may find a few of these a little too tough
for him - young pilot is still looking for his first Yonkers win this year...but may have to settle for a smaller
piece tonight. (7) KING CAST isn't bad right now, but this is just a very tough spot - chance for a minor
share with an easy enough trip. (5)WARRAWEE SHIPSHAPE has been pretty dull lately - doesn't feel like
a spot for a wake up call. (8) WINDSONG PIONEER draws yet another 8 hole - maybe will have more
luck with the draw when he drops in class again next week!
RACE 12 - (7) IN SPADES is worth a shot in the finale - he picked up solid 3rds in his last 2 starts, his
streaky trainer is quietly pretty hot right now, and Bartlett has finally found his touch again (after a slowish
start to the year ...at least for him) - legitimate shot with any trip luck. (2) TIGERS WAY raced better than
the line looks 3 back, then was a solid 3rd in back to back weeks to a razor sharp Mister Donald A - lone
win here this year was a jogburger down at this level. (1) SWEET TRUTH's only YR win this year came on
the front end, in this class - suppose he'll try that again tonight...but he'll need to up his current game a bit if
he hopes to pull it off. (4) CLASSIC PRO just can't find his better form lately, even with the class drops -
using underneath only. (5) TITANIUM N is just 2 for 53 here (last 3 yrs.) but does grab some pieces with
easy trips - willing to throw in for 3rd/4th. (8) HALF A BILLION was more alert in his 2nd start off the
layoff - drops tonight, but Post 8 may leave him too far back to ever get into the race. (3) BUNGALOW
BILL N just hasn't found any kind of form since returning from the layoff. (6) STEADY PULSE was
clearly short off the time off - will watch for signs of improvement tonight.