Monday Empire Report

soaofny • September 13, 2021

The Empire Report - Monday, September 13, 2021 - Race Analysis

RACE 1 - (2) MY MIND IS MADEUP raced well from impossible spots in his last pair - the last time he

drew inside (4 back) he was a winner, and he'll have a solid chance to replicate that feat tonight, for his new

connections. (5) BLUEBIRD RECON has been fairly camera shy throughout his Yonkers career but he's

been a major player almost every start for weeks, and perhaps tonight's change of scenery will bring him

some better luck. (3) PLAY THE FIELD was reclaimed once again by previous connections, this time off a

win in his last - he's stepping up to face better tonight, so insist on a decent price if considering him for the

top slot. (7) INFORCE was well meant for his new barn last time but lost all chance when brutally parked -

lands in a terrible spot for tonight, but he's still worth a look IF the price is juicy (which it figures to be). (4)

BRACKLEY BEACH has some good efforts this year but is now 0 for 17 here over the past 2 seasons, and

exits a very strong barn for tonight - leaning towards others. (6) TOLLY HO wasn't a bad 2nd to the

runaway winner in his only local attempt but he moves up in class, draws outside, and is likely looking at

only a smaller share. (8) VALIANT IVY's PA lines suggest he'll fit here, but he may need to wait for a

better spot before we see his best. (1) TITANIUM just seems overmatched, despite drawing best.


RACE 2 - Good race: (4) TREASURE MACH has been ok vs. the 40s and takes a meaningful drop tonight

down to 30s - if the trip goes his way, he's one of several that are eligible to come out on top tonight. (7)

HASH TAG SWAG had an equipment issue in his first try for the Dynamic Duo but was excellent in his

last, finishing 2nd best to the standout winner - tough spot tonight, but barn is so ridiculously hot right now

that it may not matter....have to include on your tickets. (5) AWESOMENESS has a few very sharp efforts

and should fit nicely with these claimers - another that could come out on top tonight. (2) MARTY MONK

HOUSER A steps up for another new barn after beating the 25s in his last two outings - would be no

surprise at all to see him threaten here, despite the move up. (3) RECORD YEAR drops back down to 30s

and that should help him find a better effort - he has 7 wins here this year, and can't be taken lightly. (1)

OHIO VINTAGE hasn't been sharp but he draws best for a new barn and there's always a chance he could

perk up a bit. (6) ALOTBETTOR N's last line looks very good, but it was definitely trip aided - not a big

fan of his from this spot but at 20-1 ML, can't just toss him, either. (8) JOJOS PLACE draws Post 8 yet

again, and was unable to make any noise in his last 2 starts.


RACE 3 - (3) KINNDER JACKSON was a winner the last time he was in this class (6/14) then won one

level up the next week - gets a MAJOR drop tonight, and enjoys a significant post advantage over his main

foe...deserves top billing. (8) KERFORD ROAD A is also getting major class relief tonight, and can beat

better than these most weeks - only knock is Post 8, and we'll see if Buter can find a way to overcome it. (7)

MOHAWK WARRIOR will likely be slowed by the outside draw but he CAN win at this level with the

right trip - not a bad one to consider (at a big price) IF you think Holland might handle him aggressively.

(1) BIG SIR seems to race better when allowed to relax early - an easy trip may help him grab a piece of

this. (4) OURMAJORDAN A wasn't bad in his last couple - willing to throw him in for 3rd. (5) ANTHEM

N definitely has his moments at this level, but does land in with a couple of classy foes - another with a

chance for a small piece. (2) B LIKE CRUISER was no factor in his only 2 local starts vs. lesser - prefer

others. (6) SPORTS BETTOR does his damage vs. easier - outside draw only makes it even tougher.


RACE 4 - Another tough race: (1) MAROMA BEACH has actually upped his game since the recent claim,

and added more consistency - hasn't won in a while but he should be a decent price tonight (despite the rail)

and is definitely worth a good look. (2) AMERICAN BOY N really perked up for his new barn 3 back, was

right there in this class in his next, then just landed on a very tough trip in his last - goes for another new

barn tonight, and he can be a threat IF he maintains the same excellent form. (5) LATE MAIL N is a bit of a

question mark at this level but he debuts here for the Super Siblings so if you leave him off your tickets,

you do so at your own risk! (3) TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN moves back into claimers after a pair of pocket

victories - no reason he can't be right there again if the trip goes his way. (4) GLENGARRY KNIGHT N

drops down to 40s and he did grab a 2nd at this level 3 starts back - prefer others, but he wouldn't be a

shock. (8) CHANGE STRIDE N has been in top form for a LONG time, and grabbed an overdue win in his

last - draws all the way outside for a new barn, however, and will need a lot of trip luck to be a threat here.

(6) TIGERS WAY was claimed by a very hot barn but he's just 1 for 27 at Yonkers and may be in a tough

spot here. (7) HIGHLAND TARTAN lands outside off a bad date - wait for a better scenario.


RACE 5 - (4) DESIRES CAPTAIN has earned $63K in his last 5 starts....and that represents about HALF

of what he earned in his first 153 starts!! He comes into this seeking his 6th straight victory and while it

won't be easy against these, he has a very real chance to get it done. (2) UPTOWN FUNK hit a bit of a

rough patch but has been back on his game in his last couple - solid threat if he lands on a good trip. (3)

LOUS SWEETREVENGE shocked at 24-1 last time but he was legitimately sharp (after a couple of good

Chester efforts prior to that) - has to be respected in his current form. (1) BETTER NOTBITTER A was

claimed for $12.5K five starts back and kudos to his connections for running him right up the ladder to this

$50K level - not sure if he can beat 'em, but he'll be right in the thick of things from the pole. (5) BETTOR

AT HIGHTIDE hasn't been bad, but still hasn't proven that he can be a threat at this level - probably

looking at a smaller piece only. (6) KEYSTONE PHOENIX can beat these when things go "his way", but

this doesn't feel like a spot where he figures to thrive - sticking with others. (8) DREAMFAIR CHARRO

was a winner last week but vs. a bit easier, and with the help of a perfect trip - doesn't figure to get as

fortunate tonight. (7) VELOCITY KOMODO seems overmatched, especially from out here.


RACE 6 - (2) BETTERTHANTHEBEACH was beyond impressive winning his local debut, and gets to

stay in the same class via the "NW9PM" condition - any similar effort would make him very hard to knock

off. (1) SOHO LENNON A was cutting the mile last week when the top choice outrushed him to the final

turn - he did hold well to the end (just missing 2nd), and should be able to stay stronger this time - looks

2nd best. (4) WINDSUN RICKY gapped for too long last week and had too much ground to make up after

finally finding a better stride - can be a bigger player tonight if he can stay a bit more motivated early on.

(3) KILOWATT KID N really wasn't bad last week despite a terrible trip - chance for a decent piece here

with the post relief. (6) BENHOPE RULZ N picks up his share of pieces at this level - could add some

value to the bottom of the exotics. (5) BETTER MEMORIES is eligible to reverse form at any time but the

classy veteran really hasn't been clicking in his last few. (7) SANTAFES COACH will likely find himself

too far back to have any say tonight. (8) GINGRAS BEACH drops a notch but lands the same Post 8 that

he had last week - will probably have to wait another week, hoping for a more manageable spot.


RACE 7 - (2) PYRO was fortunate to be assigned an inside post, considering he was favored in this class 2

back, and raced very well in his last - definitely a chance to capitalize in an Open that came up on the light

side this week. (4) BRONX SEELSTER seems to have appreciated the change of scenery, racing very well

in his 3 starts since the recent barn change - might be good enough to step up and beat these, but would still

be hesitant to take a short price with him. (1) MICKY GEE N has come to life along with many of his

stablemates, and his stretch kick last week was reminiscent of the "good" version we've seen very often in

the past - dangerous here, despite the class jump. (5) PEACE OUT POSSE has been razor sharp for the

talented training tandem, but that's almost a given....he's also been off for a month, while bumping up in

class....and that may be enough to slow him down a bit here. (6) FUNATTHEBEACH N carved out a

blistering mile last week and held safely, despite easing up a bit at the end - goes for a new barn now, is

forced to draw outside (despite exiting a claimer), and it's hard to say if he'll have the same impact tonight.

(7) AMERICAN COURAGE has a ton of ability but is struggling a bit right now, and it seems pretty unfair

to force a 3YO to draw outside in his first foray against older OPEN pacers - he might win this, but he'd

need to be a pretty juicy price to be worth a bet (he also goes without Lasix tonight, as that experiment

didn't work out). (3) WESTERN FAME was short off the layoff - wait for better signs before considering.


RACE 8 - (2) TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY was up the track (Post 7) in his first try at this level but showed

up in a big way last week, refusing to quit into the blazing fractions before finishing right there in a wicked

1:50.3 mile - he has a terrific Yonkers record over the past few years, and is worth a play tonight. (1) FORE

VER FAV was off a bad date to his last but it certainly didn't hurt his performance, just missing to the

perfect trip winner - major danger tonight, despite moving up in class. (6) ROBBIE BURNS A is now

5-3-0-2 since arriving here at YR and his last mile was better than it looks (used into the blazing 3/4s in the

very fast mile) - tough post, but still one to fear. (7) BEACH BOOGIE comes into this with wins in his last

pair, and 3 victories from his last 5 starts - lands in a brutal spot, but too sharp to just ignore. (3) AINTNOB

ETTOR A has done good work here overall, but especially in his last couple - draws well, and has a chance

to be a live player once more. (5) MELODIES MAJOR is taking a big step up but has definitely elevated

his game since a new trainer was listed recently - chance for a minor share. (8) BARBADOS remains in

fine form but will have to pass 'em all from Post 8, and that seems like a tall order. (4) IM SOME

GRADUATE is having a rough year, and doesn't figure to just turn things around tonight.


RACE 9 - (4) PAT STANLEY N has been very consistent lately, finishing strong week after week - can be

a handful late if the trip goes his way tonight. (3) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A is NOT known for

consistency, but his best effort would make him a viable player here. (1) TIN ROOF RAIDER A seems a

little cheaper on paper but he's gone his share of big miles here, and gets full post relief - not impossible,

and certainly eligible for at least a piece. (5) ROCKAPELO will take plenty of $$ off the class drop but he's

clearly not on his game right now, and will need a major form reversal to come out on top - it's possible, but

wouldn't be taking a short price HOPING that happens. (2) MACS JACKPOT's tough season continues,

now just 1 for 22 on the year - hard to use him for more than just a piece. (6) CAN BE PERFECT has raced

primarily vs. a bit easier, and he also draws outside here - ok for a piece, but looking elsewhere for the top

spot. (7) GUMPTION can hold his own with these but maybe not from out here - just a tough spot. (8)

IMSTAYNALIVE would get a look from the inside but it's hard to make a case for him from out here.


RACE 10 - (4) BELMONT MAJOR N shipped in razor sharp from Pocono and had no trouble

transitioning to face older foes, scoring an impressive first over victory despite missing 3 weeks - should

only be even tighter now, with a chance to pick up his 5th win in his last 6 starts. (1) JUST PLAIN LOCO

has been on a very lengthy form spree, and his days of being a "cheaper claimer" seem like ancient history -

solid chance to trip out from this spot and be a major player. (3) ON THE CARDS N took heavy heat to

3/4s last week and while he was able to fend off that challenger, it left him a little weak in the latter stages -

he beat this class 4 starts back, so it would hardly be a surprise to see him do it again. (7) WEONA

SIZZLER A has been in peak form for some time, and comes into this off a pair of very sharp, easy wins -

he'll be helped by the compact field, but still at somewhat of a disadvantage from the outside post. (2) THE

REAL ONE saw his 3 race win streak snapped when moving up in class last week - may have to settle for a

minor share against these too. (5) MAJOR BETTS is being selected for “last", but could easily outperform

that rating - he just doesn't seem to be on his best game, despite grabbing three 3rds from his last 4 starts.


RACE 11 - (8) RAUKAPUKA RULER N lands the worst post but still merits top billing - he's used to

facing the top horses each week, and often holds his own...did the best he could with a tough trip off the

drop last week and can beat these from Post 8...assuming Stratton drives him aggressively enough to have a

chance. (3) SHADOW CAT lacked the late pop he needed last week after a fairly difficult trip - this seems

like a spot where Siegelman can use him early, and he usually races well that way...legit player. (2)

ALWAYS AND AGAIN has been away for 5 months but that last qualifier hints that he may be ready to

roll - there's definitely ability here, so perhaps the tote board will offer some clues to his readiness. (5)

FUNKNWAFFLES can be a bit unpredictable from week to week - on his best, he can make some noise

here...but it's hard to know which version will show up. (1) SO MANY ROADS was able to get the job

done vs. lesser last week but this is a tougher bunch - probably looking at a smaller piece here, even with

the rail draw. (6) ROCK THE DEVIL raced for a new barn last week but was able to maintain his sharp

form - if he lands on a live trip, he'll have a chance to take home another decent piece. (7) ITALIAN

DELIGHT N definitely fits at this level but faces a very uncertain tri from out here - prefer others this

week. (4) KEY ADVISOR has been holding his form pretty well, but may be pushing it against these.


RACE 12 - (6) BUDDY HILL has been very sharp ever since moving to this barn a few months ago - he's

at a disadvantage here starting from Post 6 but he'll be a pretty nice price, and does have a chance to take

the finale IF Kakaley can find him a manageable trip. (1) ROLLWITHPAPAJOE is surely the one to beat

from the pole but he hasn't been at his absolute best lately, and may be a bit vulnerable at a short price. (7)

TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER is very capable at this level, but may be stuck without too many good options

from Post 7 - still, worth considering if the price is long enough. (3) LISBURN has thrown some big efforts

this year (once finally finding his form) and last week's was probably his best - chance for a piece, even

moving up in class. (2) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP seems a bit below a few of these but the draw may

allow him to tow along closely enough to grab a small share. (5) CAVIART LUCA has 7 wins this year so

it would hardly be a surprise to see him in the hunt...but this really does feel like an unlikely spot to see him

strut his best stuff. (8) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH is sharp enough to be a player, but may not get the

opportunity from out here. (4) DANCIN DRAGON hit the top and grabbed an easy half on his way to

wiring cheaper last week - won't be nearly as easy tonight, however.

By soaofny February 12, 2025
The Empire Report – Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 11, 2025
The Empire Report – Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 10, 2025
The Empire Report – Monday, February 10, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 7, 2025
The Empire Report – Friday, February 7, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 6, 2025
The Empire Report – Thursday, February 6, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 5, 2025
The Empire Report – Wednesday, February 5, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 4, 2025
The Empire Report – Tuesday, February 4, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 3, 2025
The Empire Report – Monday, February 3, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny January 31, 2025
The Empire Report – Friday, January 31, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny January 30, 2025
The Empire Report – Thursday, January 30, 2025 – Race Analysis
Show More
Share by: