The Empire Report - Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (5) TENTHOUSAND ANGELS has the same type of unattractive lines that barnmate ALL
HANDS ON DECK had before being purchased by the Dynamic Duo (from the same connections) - that
one improved by light years and is now 2 for 2 since the barn change, including an eye popping 1:51.2
score here on Fri. night - this mare faltered late in her first try at Chester, but generally horses from this
barn do their best work here at The Hilltop - definitely worth a stab at 20-1 ML. (1) CORAL BELLA was
stuck first over against the favorite last week and held well until very late in the mile - looking at an easier
trip tonight, and should be a solid player. (4) E R HILARY is rock solid at this level - goes for a new barn
tonight but Brennan knows her well, and she should be right there at the end. (3) QUITE A DELIGHT N
raced well in her last couple - an easy trip could land her a piece of this. (7) ATORITOTELL was better in
her last than the line might suggest (no room in the stretch) - another terrible spot, but not a bad bomb to
throw in for 3rd. (6) CLASSY CHAPEL N drops all the way to the bottom now but just hasn't shown any
life lately - sticking with others. (2) PAPPY ROCKS struggled for weeks in her previous barn and was no
better in her last after a switch - waiting for any sign of life before hopping on her team. (8) WINDSONG
PARISIAN is 0 for 18 at YR and draws all the way outside.
RACE 2 - (3) GREG has been less than stellar up in Canada, usually going off at big prices....but a pretty
sharp outfit saw something in him that resulted in a purchase after his last - should be a decent price, and
definitely worth considering. (5) YUCATAN PARTY MAN was sent off at an amazing 3/5 from Post 8 (off
the big driver change) 2 back but just never really grabbed the bit - raced better in a solid Excelsior A field
in his next at Monti, and draws better tonight for his YR return - solid chance here, but figures to be way
overbet once again. (7) CANE GANG has more ability than most of these, but has struggled to stay trotting
in many of his starts - goes for a new barn tonight, and he's not a bad play if close to that 15-1 ML price. (1)
CHERRY MASON is now 1 for 20, and that includes getting beat here on 7/29 after getting over the half in
1:04 - he's also off a sick scratch, and really should only be used underneath. (4) KEYSTONE VIENNA
seems to have matured a bit over the winter, and is now racing for a top barn - wouldn't be shocked if she
was able to pick up a small piece here. (2) THE PAPA BEAR was an ok 3rd shipping in last week but really
looks a notch below several of these. (6) TBTWELVE just hasn't shown anything so far in 2021. (8) BIG
CHARLIE MORAN re-qualified off 2 breaks and draws Post 8 - will just watch, for now
RACE 3 - (2) FIRST GUNNER compiled a 24-16-6-0 record racing at the Iowa fairs - moves to a top local
barn, qualified well, and meets no killers in his local debut - have to believe he's good enough to beat these.
(1) BACARDI was a steady 3rd in his local debut then came up 2nd best to a form reversing winner - very
logical threat from the pole, but not worth the very short price he's likely to go off. (6) CREATIVE VENT
URE broke in his local debut arriving from KY - solid 3rd in his next in PA, but too far back to make any
real noise here in his last - decent value horse to consider. (3) VINYASA got clear too late in his YR debut
then rallied for 3rd - made an early miscue in his next, then was no factor in his last at Chester - on his best
he can be a player here, so at least consider if the price is juicy enough. (4) KING JIMMY took 3 in a row
here before crashing back down to earth in his last - not quite sure what to expect from him, but definitely
leaning towards others off that last mile. (8) CHROME PACKAGE is just 1 for 31 but was 2nd or 3rd in 18
of those starts - horrible post, but an ok bomb for 3rd, if spreading in trifectas. (7) SQUABLE had finally
been improving a bit so it was no big shock to see him break his maiden last week - this field is much
tougher, though, and he may struggle just to even get close. (5) HEARTBREAK HILL looks like a "cast
off" from one of the top trotting barns - broke first time for his new connections, and we'll pass for now
RACE 4 - (4) SALLY FLETCHER A was outstanding in that win 2 back (even if vs. cheaper) and might
have been right there last week too if not bothered badly on the final turn by a breaking SEZANA N -
should be a decent price tonight, and she's sharp enough to win. (1) FRANSCHOEK struggled after leaving
the Super Siblings but last week's effort at PcD looks more encouraging, and she draws the pole tonight -
not a bad week to include her in exotics. (3) FREE FLYIN TICKET is another fresh Canadian acquisition
from the same team that purchased GREG (in Race 2) - if that one does well, maybe this mare deserves a
look too? (2) SEZANA N was right there 2nd over on the final turn last week when she tipped wide and
went offstride - still looking for her first win of 2021, but ok to use underneath. (6) ALII NUI has become
somewhat of an enigma, racing well out of town fairly often (vs. better), but currently at 10-0-0-0 here at
Yonkers this year - just doesn't seem to like racing here anymore! (7) FIRSTUP was no factor here from a
similar spot on 7/22 - wouldn't shock, but sticking with her inside rivals tonight. (8) SOUND IDEA hasn't
been "bad", but she also hasn't been sharp enough to really consider from out here. (5) AMERICAN TOUR
N is wildly inconsistent - moves up in class, and we'll at least wait for her to drop back to NW5000
RACE 5 - (1) BRILLIANT BOB turned a big effort 2 back when he was a dead game first over winner -
did well just to grab 3rd from Post 8 last week, and now draws the pole in a pretty modest NW6 field -
wouldn't expect him to be 12-1, though! (7) BIG BAD SWAN broke off the barn change in his local debut -
rebounded to win his next but then broke again the next start, and was just an "ok" 4th in last - he'll be a big
price here, and he CAN grab a piece if the "good" version shows up. (6) BABY MAKER HANOVER
pulled off the mild upset last week - steps up to NW6 but most of these are in a similar boat - chance to
have a say tonight as well. (4) CAVALIER GEORGE hasn't fared as well since exiting NW4 but should fit
well enough with these - chance for a piece. (5) MOON BRIDGE just isn't on his best game now, and has
been burning $$ lately - always a chance he could perk up here, but no value on top as the 2-1 ML choice.
(8) DIFFIDENT is clearly in fine form, but draws all the way outside and figures to be used hard to get into
the race - maybe a small piece? (2) BLUE DEVIL shipped in with less than impressive form but was an
upset winner in his local debut - not nearly as sharp moving up in his last, though. (3) REEL EM IN
seemed sharper when he first shipped in back in June.
RACE 6 - (5) TAKE ABIT OF LIFE has been good ever since returning from Florida, holding her own at
much higher levels than we're used to seeing her - was a solid 4th in a quick mile last week, and tonight's
drop may be enough to get her to the winner's circle. (4) AMERICAN DELIGHT N raced very well here
for 4th on 7/29 (vs. better) - may look to use her speed tonight, and she could be dangerous with the right
trip. (1) BALFAST N was a fast closing 2nd last week debuting for a new barn - can be a threat once again
with a similar effort, especially starting from the pole. (3) GREENHILL HANOVER probably looked
sharper losing by a nose last week than when she won (at 1/5) the week before - steps up another notch but
she's doing good work for her new barn, and may be able to grab herself a piece. (2) CHECKERED PAST
drops, moves inside, and is another with a chance to land somewhere in the exotics. (6) ANNABETH easily
wired cheaper in last but faces much tougher tonight, from an outside post, after missing 3 weeks - prefer
others. (7) LYNBAR ROSE N can be very "in and out" and surely wasn't on her game last week - could
bounce back, but would have her work cut out for her from this spot anyway. (8) TOPVILLE ANGELINA
just didn't look good at all for her new barn last week, getting very rough in the first and 3rd turn before
quitting completely - we'll just observe, for tonight
RACE 7 - (1) BOLT OF BEAUTY made a huge recovery last start after an early miscue and her overall
form has been excellent as well - ends up with the rail tonight, and there's a chance that could help her pull
off a minor upset. (7) SIESTA BEACH has been so good at the top level for so long that many have
probably forgotten that she was claimed for $20K last year - this is definitely a tough spot, but she's found
ways to race big from even tougher spots in the past - hard to leave off your tickets. (4) WARAWEE
UBEAUT has been a little slow to find her best form this year, and even got beat at 5 cents on the dollar
(dropping) last week at PcD - she'll wake up and get sharp at some point but for now, it's hard to use her on
top at a short price. (2) JIVE DANCING A raced very well the last 2 weeks, draws inside, and could easily
land somewhere in the exotics. (5) DBLDELITEBRIGADE N found her form again recently, although her
last was not her best (even though she was able to hold 2nd) - wouldn't be any surprise to see her right back
in the hunt tonight. (6) BETTERBCHEVRON N has climbed quickly back up the ladder off a string of
sharp tries - may be coming from too far back to threaten tonight, though. (8) IMPRINCESSGEMMA N
gets no luck with the draw once again - would need a lot to go her way to be a serious threat from out here.
(3) MAN DONTFORGET ME has been razor sharp for ages, but vs. easier - will need to prove that she can
hang with the big girls.
RACE 8 - (1) DIBABA N had pace in traffic here 2 starts back then followed that up with a decent try at
Chester - draws best in a field full of question marks, and may be sharp enough right now to come out on
top. (2) LAURIE LEE was a solid 2nd from start to finish behind last week's sharp front end winner -
should get a good trip here, and is a very logical player. (3) ANN HILL drops back down to the level she
was claimed at (on 6/24) but really hasn't been on her game lately - we'll see if some class reprieve helps
her cause. (5) KAITLYN N is 0 for 17 on the year but raced decently for 4th in her last pair - chance for
another smaller share tonight. (4) ROCKIN THE BOYS N was no factor in her last couple and comes into
tonight off a sick scratch - will probably just keep an eye on her, for now. (6) ACEFORTYFOUR DOME
drops below the level of the claim after just one (bad) start - feels like a red flag! (7) DONGAL RUNDLSC
RK N draws outside again in her 3rd start back off the layoff - guessing she'll be handled conservatively,
but a quick check of the tote board might be in order. (8) IDEAL CLASSIC used a slick drive ti rally late
for 2nd last week, but moves up in class while drawing Post 8 and may not be as fortunate tonight.
RACE 9 - (5) NATASHA was just too far back in her first attempt against the older mares but still raced
terrific for 4th - looking at a better trip tonight, and the talented mare deserves top billing. (2) CANDY ON
THE BEACH raced big in her local debut, forced to drop in 4th after leaving from Post 7, then holding very
well after a first over journey - major threat with the move inside. (8) PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL ships in
sharp for a live barn, and definitely fits with these - needs to find a way to overcome Post 8, but at least the
price will be decent - include in exotics. (4) ROLL WITH ANGEL is sharp right now, and the barn is
sending out some live ones - good one to include underneath. (1) LADYVELUCKYTONITE has been
solid since the recent claim, but is forced to take a double jump off last week's win - maybe can use her
good post to squeeze out a small piece? (7) NORMANS MADELINE got the job done last week but it
wasn't her sharpest performance - moves up, lands outside, and is likely looking at only a minor share
tonight. (3) VICIOUS CIRCLE is off 3 weeks, and may prefer to be in a bit easier. (6) LAALWAYS A
MARTINI brought her good Plainridge form back to Yonkers and was a close 3rd on 8/5 - didn't race as
well for a new barn in her last, and was immediately re-claimed by her previous connections - up a class
level now, and these may be a little too tough for her.
RACE 10 - (2) SEASWIFT JOY N was sent off favored in this class 2 back and had no trouble delivering
the dropdown victory - wasn't all that serious from Post 7 last week, but the guess is that we'll see her "A
Game" again tonight. (1) BETTORS HEART N looked super when she first arrived in the U.S. but went
south quickly and has never gotten back to that top form - she does seem a little sharper right now, and may
be able to put up a good battle from the pole this week. (8) NORTH STAR IDEAL may never get into the
hunt but IF she does, she can make some noise here - she's been razor sharp, and her barn has been sending
out some beastly performers lately! (5) SHEIKH YABOOTY N took two starts before winning for the
Dynamic Duo, then raced very well from an impossible spot in last - absolutely one to include in exotics.
(6) HEAVEN SHOWGIRL A arrives from Down Under and shows a nice Fhd. qualifier - this is a tough
spot to make her debut, but check the tote board for some clues. (4) ANGELS PRIDE usually struggles
once she gets up this high but has held her form surprisingly well...may even have a chance at a small
piece. (3) MONICA GALLAGHER got chewed up by the top choice then gave way and tired last time -
expect a more conservative attempt tonight. (7) APRIL AVA probably needs a better post to be a serious
player up at this level.
RACE 11 - (2) GRAFENBERG has continued to improve since landing in this barn on 7/22, almost
winning an Amateur event on 8/5, then coming up a strong 2nd best in this class last week - may improve
even more adding Lasix tonight, and he should offer some decent value despite his solid form. (4) TITANS
HOPE was a sharp NW2 winner from Post on 7/1, and has raced well in NYSS events since then - likely
the one to catch and beat. (1) VICTORIANA was sent off favored against these last week but was unable to
last on the front end - gets Zeron in the bike now, and that may allow her to make amends for last week's
defeat. (3) FAWN DE TOUGH clearly has some ability, but still is prone to making breaks - would need a
pretty good price to use her on top. (6) CHERRY RED is 0 for 13 here this year but has raced decently in a
bunch of those losses - not a bad bomb to throw in for 3rd if spreading a bit in trifectas. (5) EXCHEQUER
landed on a perfect trip in a weak field last week and was able to grab his first local victory - faces much
tougher tonight, however. (7) PADRE draws poorly, is 2 for 26, and made breaks in 2 of his last 3 - prefer
others. (8) SJS LADY LOU tailed badly in her last few, and now draws post 8 for new connections -
waiting for better signs before hopping back on her team.
RACE 12 - (4) DRAGON ROLL had some excuses recently but made an easy lead last week and jogged in
a career best 1:52.3 - chance to repeat in the finale, but there are definitely some other live ones in here. (8)
JOSSIE JAMES A pulled up after a break last week but it's good to see her right back in the box - she's
gone a bunch of big efforts (vs. better) this year, and does have the speed to blast from Post 8, if Dube
wants to - good bomb to consider. (5) SHECANDANCE N has been pretty sharp lately, and last week's
effort was better than it may look on paper - a live trip could put her right in the hunt tonight. (7) SHE NUN
BETTOR N beat this class in her local debut 3 back, but she lost to a bit lesser in her next, then was no
good at all in her last in NJ - comes into this having missed 26 days, but she still looks tempting at that
15-1 ML price. (1) ITS MESMERISE N has been hanging in there even at these higher levels, but probably
needs to be in a bit cheaper to be a serious contender - willing to throw in for 3rd/4th. (6) MACZAFFAIR N
just seems off form at the moment...and even if she perks up, she is in a pretty tough spot, regardless. (3)
WOODMERE HARRIET really upped her game with those back to back front end upsets, but she's facing
tons better tonight and will be hard pressed to replicate those efforts. (2) TELL ME A JOKE just isn't
clicking right now - at least she can start dropping in class now, as she looks to regain her form.