The Empire Report - Saturday, October 15, 2022 - Race Analysis
RACE 1
1 - FULL RIGHTS was away for 3 months, and has been finishing poorly in his starts since recently returning - he'll
make his presence felt with his speed, but it's the END of the mile that's the problem!
2 - FASHION FOREVER was racing over his head in the $50K claimers for a long time, and hasn't been able to find
his best form since recently dropping to this better level - chance for a small piece
3 - CRIME FIGHTER has been finishing well from impossible spots and finally gets a better draw - with the likely
favorites seeming a bit iffy here, this guy is absolutely worth a look
4 - MYCROWNMYKINGDOM shipped down from Canada showing a ton of talent, but also prone to clunkers - he
failed badly in his first local try but drops right back in the box, and may be a lot better here
5 - IN SECRET is one of the rare horses that joins this very high % barn who simply fails to thrive - this could be
the week he turns it around, but he certainly looks pretty vulnerable at that 9/5 ML price
6 - MATT SO SURE came up with a better effort 2 back (adding Lasix), and wasn't too far back last week when he
made a break on the final turn - may be a good bomb to throw in for 3rd?
7 - MUSCLE STAR hasn't really done any better since getting a new trainer listed 3 starts back - he's a "steady"
performer, but will need some racing luck to be able to reach from out here
8 - TURBOCHARGEDPETE has been making breaks for most of his career, but does have speed when he behaves
(see last)- he'll be handled by ETONNANT's pilot today, and is worth a look at that 20-1 ML price
RACE 2
1 - IT AINT THE WHISKEY changed hands 5 starts back and returns to YR showing solid form out of town - he'll
face a bit better here, but still seems capable of grabbing a nice piece of this.
2 - R HERBIE BLUE CHIP has 12 (out of town) wins the past 2 years, but his recent form hasn't been good - he'll
take the hopples off today, but it's hard to say if that'll help - needs to be a lot better
3 - LIFETIME ROYALTY kicked in on time to beat a little cheaper 3 back, but struggled a bit (vs. better) in his last
couple - may be able to rally late for a decent piece of this
4 - PLATOON SEELSTER broke 2 back and really struggled in his last - prefer others right now
5 - BAZILLIONAIRE often "figures" but is now just 1 for 60 over the past 2 years - he has enough ability to beat
these, but he'd need to be a decent price to consider for the top slot (with that poor win %)
6 - BIG NUDGE took advantage of a "fall apart" race last week and came up with the victory - that might help his
confidence a bit, and he also picks up Bartlett for today - include in exotics
7 - SWANSEA is having a tough overall year but the classy 7YO is clearly on the upswing, and comes into this off
an easy blowout last week - good chance he can make it 2 in a row against these
8 - FINNICK ODAIR missed all of 2021, and has been struggling to find his best form in 2022
RACE 3 - Good race!
1 - BLENHEIM shipped in sharp from PcD but lagged the first week and broke in his last - shaky right now
2 - ALL CHAMPY moved to our leading barn 2 starts back and like so many before him, made dramatic
improvement and crushed the field - weakened a bit to 2nd last week, but still looms a big threat here
3 - P L OSCAR had to re-qualify after a couple of miscues but trotted a fast mile behind a PACER - he's good
enough to grab a piece of this if he can mind his manners today
4 - HOBBS did well in his last couple with some class relief, but tends to struggle a bit at this $50K level
5 - CREDIT CON was a steady 3rd upon arrival at YR 2 back - his last effort was good too, but greatly aided by the
circumstances of the race...may have a tougher time replicating that effort today
6 - WILLY WALTON seemed to be going off form a bit but he delivered a sharp front end score in PA 2 back, then
scored from the pocket returning back to Yonkers last week - remains a legitimate threat
7 - FOR A DREAMER crushed this class twice in August - tailed for a couple of starts but rebounded with a big
mile for 2nd on 9/19, and might have won last week had he not broken a hopple to turn three - goes for a new barn
tonight, and could offer some good value at that 20-1 ML price!
8 - MUSCLE JACK was claimed on 6/6 then proceeded to rattle off SIX straight wins - saw that streak end when
nipped by #6 last week, and now has to contend with Post 8 - definitely a bit vulnerable this week
RACE 4
1 - PEACE OUT POSSE has been in solid form for some time despite a long run of terrible posts here - moves all
the way inside, and look for the "Super Siblings" to have him ready for a big effort
2 - LOUS SWEETREVENGE rallied stoutly last week to just miss to the classy front end winner - his last win was
vs. NW30000 on 8/8, and Bartlett is back on board for the first time since then - solid chance
3 - ROCKIE GOT FRAMED steps up in class off a so-so 3rd - appears overmatched against the top ones
4 - RAU RU has been getting better all through his 4YO campaign and has shown that he can bang heads with his
elders - not sure he can beat a few of the top ones here, but a good piece is within reach
5 - SETH HANOVER has been in career form lately but he was really roughed up hard last week, and may opt for a
more conservative try today - definitely leaning more towards others this week
6 - ONE EIGHT HUNDRED has hit board in 9 of 16 starts this year but has only 1 win - he's been sharp since a
recent barn change, but so far 2nd is the best he's been able to manage - needs a bit more
7 - KINGSVILLE struggled a bit in his last pair (facing older rivals) and now draws Post 7 - tough spot
8 - JAHAN HANOVER moves up in class while drawing Post 8 - wait for a better spot
RACE 5
1 - VIVA LAS VEGAS N shows a mixed bag of recent efforts - he should get away to a decent start from this spot,
and that may help him take home a small slice
2 - ESCAPETOTHEBEACH wasn't at his best last week, but he may have disliked the off going - he's used to facing
(and beating) better, and Bartlett gives him a vote of confidence by staying on board - solid threat
3 - WICHITA LINEMAN wasn't at his best when claimed 2 back, and didn't look all that sharp last week, either - he
may perk up and do some damage here, but there may be better value taking a shot against him
4 - EXOTIC SAND is having a solid year but steps up to face tough older foes here, and may struggle a bit
5 - RHODENA ROAD wasn't at his best returning from Canada last week, but he wasn't "bad" either - he fits nicely
with these, might be sharper now, and a live trip could make him a legitimate threat
6 - BIG SIR has a nice turn of speed but has been doing his biggest damage vs. a bit easier lately - gets a tough draw,
and is probably looking at only a minor piece
7 - MYSWEETBOYMAX got Bartlett to hop off his main client's horse to drive him last week and did not
disappoint, delivering the blowout score - he faces tougher now, draws outside, will have a different "JB" driving
today, but still could be a very live player with the right trip
8 - REAGAN BLUE CHIP has raced well in PA since arriving from Canada but does seem a little bit cheap
RACE 6 - 3&4YO Open Pace
1 - RED RIGHT HAND hadn't been on his best game lately but he was MUCH sharper last week, cutting all the
fractions and only getting outkicked by the talented tripsitter (#7) - major threat from the pole
2 - SAULSBROOK HERO struggled to gain into the fastest part of the race last week but never gave up, and was a
well earned 3rd at the wire - if things get a little testy today, he may be heard from at the end
3 - JMS FINALTREASURE disappointed off an easy trip last week - will need to be a LOT better today
4 - FEELIN WESTERN was hurt by dull cover last week, then was unable to really kick in through the stretch - he's
a very steady performer, but likely looking at only a minor award this afternoon
5 - COPPER TEEN had only 1 win last year and had only 1 win in 2022....until really turning things around after a
barn change this June - he's continued to get better and better since then, and he returns to Yonkers in the form of his
life - has to be respected here, especially with Tetrick hopping on board!
6 - GREAT SOMEWHERE is one of many horses in this barn that showed very little out of town, but quickly turned
into absolute beasts after the trainer switch - he was hurt by some traffic last week and could have been even closer
with a better trip....don't ignore him, even from Post 6
7 - PLEASELETMEKNOW is a very talented colt and was a winner in this race off the pocket trip last week - he
faces a MUCH tougher journey today, and definitely seems vulnerable from out here
8 - IMAGINARY LINE would need a lot of things to go his way to get into the hunt from out here
RACE 7 - MGM Yonkers International Trot - $1,000,000 -- 1 1/4 miles
1 - TYCOONCONWAYHALL (Denmark) is a 12YO with 92 career starts and his best days may be a little behind
him - he'll also be under the gun starting from the pole, and has to be seen as a longshot in here
2 - LOVEDBYTHEMASSES (Canada) had a solid 4YO campaign and followed that one up with an even better one
at 5 - he doesn't seem to be coming into this in top form, however, and he's facing a tough task
3 - COKSTILE (Norway) was placed 1st (via DQ) in the 2020 Elitloppet and the 9YO has $1.5M on his card - he
ships over sharp, and reportedly is very handy - a good trip makes him a threat
4 - STOLETHESHOW (Norway) was moved to top trainer Frode Hamre before this season and the 7YO has
become a new horse, banking over $500K and establishing himself as a legitimate star - the word is that he has good
speed, and that can only help his chances today - definitely one to consider!
5 - ECURIE D (Denmark) has been pointing to this race all season and the ability is obviously there - he only has 4
starts all year, however, and only one win (in his first start back) - he can never be counted out but if he's one of the
favorites (as he figures to be), there just may be some value looking elsewhere
6 - BACK OF THE NECK, like barnmate ECURIE D, is very lightly raced this year...but this guy comes into today
in raging form, has Tetrick on board, and will look to give the Taylors a victory for the U.S
7 - ETONNANT (France) is this year's Elitloppet winner and has proven to be an absolute beast - he's the likely
favorite, but most that have seen him race many times suggest that the tighter half mile turns MAY cause some
trouble for him - strictly from a wagering standpoint, he might be worth taking a shot against
8 - ITS ACADEMIC (U.S.) is just 1 for 13 this year, draws poorly, and would be a bit of a surprise in here
9 - KENNEDY (Sweden) was purchased for just $30K Euros....but has gone on to earn more this year than in the
rest of his years combined - seems a bit below the other Europeans, but we'll see if Bartlett can help
10 - ZACON GIO (Italy) is just 1 for 12 this year but seems to be sharp right now, and it would be hard to forget his
breathtaking sweep in winning this race in 2019 - deja vu??
RACE 8 - MGM Robert Miecuna Invitational Trot - $250,000 - 1 1/4 miles
1 - LEAN HANOVER has been sharp for a while (including a win last week), but he's been facing much easier -
seems like an outsider here, even with the rail draw
2 - SMOKING JET will be tested for class today but he's won 16 of 31 starts this year, including a world record
1:52.1 mile at Nfd. - not sure going 1 1/4 miles against these will suit him, but we'll see
3 - HILLEXOTIC picked up an overdue local victory 2 back but then made an unexpected miscue last week - if he
brings his best, he can grab a piece of this
4 - WHEN DOVESCRY is having a "lesser" year for her (just 2 for 13) but she's earned nearly $300K and continues
to race well week after week - she can go over the $2M with a win this afternoon
5 - AMIGO VOLO is a strong 9-5-2-1 at Yonkers but he did get beat (at 2/5) in his last 2 local starts - prefer others
on top, but he can definitely find a way onto the ticket somewhere
6 - HERCULISA made her local debut a winning one, and the 4YO retains the services of our leading driver - she
seems a notch below the 2 "big mares" in here, but she'll get her chance to show them up
7 - STORMY KROMER seems a but off his best game but the classy 8YO has rebounded with top efforts many
times in the past - he's won a zillion races here, and always worth considering at a big price
8 - TAKE ALL COMERS was a winner in his local debut and the 4YO is really starting to come around - he's taking
a big class jump, however, and also draws poorly - tough spot
9 - BELLA BELLINI is an amazing 34-18-9-6 over the past 2 years, earning about $1.7M along the way - would
have loved to see her in the International, but will be happy to see her at all - solid chance!
10 - INCOMMUNICADO is 2 for 2 at YR this year but loses Dube, and gets a tough draw - prefer others
RACE 9 - the two trailers make this a very interesting race!
1 - GEMOLOGIST was in a great spot last start but taken out by the breaking leader to turn three - he fits well with
these, is looking at a good trip, and could definitely be part of the equation
2 - WINDSONG PIONEER was a very game winner last start but that was a month ago - he moves up in class, and
also faces a very uncertain trip from Post 2 because of the trailers - prefer others
3 - EMOTIONS RICHES tends to be a little inconsistent but the ability is certainly there, and he was a very well
meant winner last week - belongs on your tickets
4 - LINDSEYS PRIDE has been pretty tough to predict from week to week since being claimed on 8/15 - he does
have a couple of recent 3rds with Bongiorno on board, so maybe consider for 3rd/4th today?
5 - BIG BAD SWAN beat this class 3 and 4 starts down, but wasn't as sharp in his last couple - his barn is clicking
right now, and he just may end up with a live trip here - worth a look if the price is decent
6 - JUST MAYBE THE ONE hasn't been clicking since the layoff - sticking with others
7 - BLUEBIRD JESSE benefited from the leader breaking last week, and cashed in with the live trip victory - may
be coming from too far back to threaten today, but would still consider for 3rd/4th
8 - TESLA SEELSTER beat this class 3 starts back - disappointed in her next, but was better last week than her line
might look - would need lots of luck from Post 8, but a good one for longshot fans to consider
9 - COCKTAILS N DREAMS is racing "ok" lately, but one of many facing an unpredictable trip today - chance for
a minor piece if things go her way
10 - IN MY DREAMS elevated his game significantly after being claimed for $50K on 7/25 - he drops back down
to that level today after a successful run at the $75K level, but Post 10 truly makes it impossible to predict what type
of journey he'll land on - might be worth trying against him at a pretty short price
RACE 10 - MGM Aria Invitational - $250,000 - Good race!
1 - THIS IS THE PLAN is no stranger to big races at Yonkers and has gone some big efforts here - he'll no doubt be
very aggressively handled, and that may or may not work out - don't jump at too short a price
2 - AMERICAN COURAGE certainly LOVES Yonkers (11 for 14!) but he lands a tricky post, and may or may not
appreciate the 1 1/4 mile distance - don't take too short a price if he's your choice
3 - NONE BETTOR A has gotten really sharp since moving to this barn recently (like barnmate GREY), gets a
pretty good "substitute" pilot (Dunn) and should have no issue with the longer distance - worth using in exotics at
what should be a square price
4 - CHARLIE MAY was the great "feel good" story of 2021, and he's continued to excel as a 4YO this year - he's
raced well here in the past, can handle any trip, and should be a very live player
5 - IGNATIUS A is winless in 6 local starts but did hit board in 5 of them - he had a good career Down Under before
coming to the U.S. and should be fine at 1 1/4 miles - decent bomb for a piece?
6 - POSEIDON SEELSTER has been racing ok up in Canada and he's definitely gone some big miles down
here...especially with Brennan driving - in tough, but a good bomb for longshot fans
7 - FUNATTHEBEACH N seems off form now and lands in a brutal spot - needs things to fall apart up top
8 - LEONIDAS A was a pure closer when he first arrived in the U.S. and he'll surely have to race from the back
tonight - IF things become wildly contested up front, there is at least a chance for a big upset
9 - SEMI TOUGH seems overmatched at the moment - would be a big surprise
10 - NANDOLO N just doesn't seem to be on his game right now - in need of a quick wake up call for any chance to
threaten at all
RACE 11
1- SEVENTIER broke in his first 2 tries after the purchase but qualified back nicely, then dug in to hang on (at 1/5)
on 9/24 - impossible spot in last, but did finish with plenty of trot - major threat here at short price
2 - MY BOY CHRISTIAN was dull 2 back returning to YR but flashed good gate speed in his last before weakening
to a well beaten 3rd - chance for a minor share thanks to the inside draw
3 - SWISS HOUSE ONFIRE was no good for an extended period but has looked a lot better in his last pair - seems a
bit below the main players in here, but another small piece is within reach
4 - ANDOVER CONTESSA shows mostly good lines out of town but it's hard to gauge how well she'll fit here -
she'll benefit from Stratton in the bike, and that 15-1 ML makes her worth including in exotics
5 - IM THE MUSCLE is used to facing (and holding his own) vs. better than these - he got parked every step of the
mile last week and still lasted for 3rd, and can be a big threat today if the trip is a lot kinder
6 - ME TOO BABY beat cheaper in PA off the barn change 3 back, but does seem a bit below these
7 - NEXTROUNDSONME has been a bit off form and draws poorly off 3 weeks - he's also banked $117K this year,
and would be a legitimate threat if anywhere close to his best - worth considering
8 - AFTER ALL PAUL had a strong 2021 season but took a while to return in 2022 - he's definitely starting to come
back to form, but may have to settle for rallying for a smaller share from out here
RACE 12
1 - HURRIKANE GEORGIE is on an extended form spree, finishing no worse than 3rd in his last 7 starts - draws
best, and will surely be a major player in the finale
2 - HES GONNA GETYA is racing well at Stga., but does seem a notch below a few of these - 3rd or 4th?
3 - SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL always seems to be a threat coming in, but he's now 0 for 9 at Yonkers and running out
of excuses - ok to use underneath, but sticking with others for the top spot
4 - BOBS REDEMPTION joins a very high % barn for his local debut, but he seems to be on the cheaper side - he
does get Gingras, but would need to be a pretty nice price to merit consideration
5 - SHIP WRECK BEACH K was disqualified last week in what was surely a debatable decision - he had 2 wins
and 2nd in this class just prior to that, and remains a significant threat
6 - DILLINGER is always a big price, and often manages to rally late for a small piece - use for 3rd/4th
7 - KOBRA KAI has shown speed and ability up north, and now joins a barn that routinely improves fresh stock -
tough post, but would absolutely consider using on your tickets
8 - BAY CITY fits well enough with these, but faces a tall task from the extreme outside