The Empire Report - Thursday, June 15, 2023 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (3) JAS BLUESTONE ships in showing mostly solid miles at Stga., adds Lasix, and debuts for a
barn that's been clicking here for some time - could be a good value play in tonight's opener at that 8-1 ML
listing. (5) PERRON appreciated the class drop and perfect trip last week, delivering a very sharp victory -
moves up a notch, but should be a solid threat against these too. (4) DOWN THE PIKE MIKE has been 1st
or 2nd in 5 of his last 6 starts (parked in the other), while holding his form very nicely as he's climbed the
class ladder - very legitimate threat, but may end up a bit overbet here. (2) WINDSONG PIONEER tends to
be a bit inconsistent, but his best effort would put him in the mix for a piece of this. (6) EPOS OSTERV
ANG DK may have needed last, as he had only 1 start in the 6 weeks prior - could be tighter now, but the
poor draw may limit him to a smaller slice. (1) LOS BALLYKEELAMIGO has been away for nearly 4
weeks after a disastrous effort in NJ - one of many from the barn that has been struggling recently
RACE 2 - (2) FIVE FISH SPECIES had mostly unexciting Canadian lines but raced much better than
expected in her local debut, trotting a strong final half to pick up 2nd behind the total standout winner -
perhaps she can pick up her maiden victory against these? (1) MILLIONDOLLARIDE finished 2nd to the
promising IM AN ANDOVER at Chester 2 back, then lost action/broke on the lead in his last - definitely
worth a look in his YR debut. (3) CRASH MY PARTY AS weakened a bit in the lane to 3rd last week, but
that was his first start as a 3YO (after being on the shelf since last Nov.) - could be much tighter now, and
he'd surely be no surprise tonight. (4) POP POPS TOMMY was no threat in 4 career starts in NJ but was no
doubt facing tougher than he'll see tonight - should fit nicely here, and could be a legitimate threat. (5) WA
RRAWEE YIMA was "meh" in winning his local debut, broke the next week then empty in his last - the
class drop should help, but that 2-1 ML price makes him hard to endorse
RACE 3 - (8) QUICK STOP is hard to go past, even from Post 8 - the talented filly was a stakes winner of
$285K as a 2YO, and her first start back at 3 produced a solid finishing 3rd in 1:53.2 in NJ - Tetrick comes
over just to drive her, and that's a pretty ringing endorsement. (3) DUSTIN HANOVER has a trio of 2nds
from his last 5 starts in Ohio and lands in a local barn that has enjoyed success with these types previously -
could add some value to the exotics at that 20-1 ML price. (4) AVACAKES has hit board in 5 straight and
become a very reliable performer in this class- have to include her underneath. (6) CONGRESS HILL EVA
has some pretty solid form (out of town) whenever she minds her manners - as long as she behaves herself,
she's another that could add some spice to the gimmicks. (2) TRANQUILITY K was a weekly threat here
early in the year but was never able to find the winner's circle (and sports a career 53-3-15-9 record!) - been
away for a bit since a sick scratch in late March, and it's hard to say where she's at right now. (5) MR ZUA
NETTI found a soft spot in PA 2 back and came up with the victory, but has otherwise struggled in his
other 3 starts this year - leaning towards others here. (7) LIVINGONTHERAIL draws poorly off the layoff
- we'll just observe, for now. (1) EL MISSION GODDESS draws best, but may just be a overmatched here
RACE 4 - (1) JULA MUSCLE PACK landed on a nice trip 2 back and powered home to an easy win - he
endured a very difficult journey last week, but still held very nicely for 3rd - Bartlett should be able to find
him a smooth trip from this spot, and we'll give him a slight edge over a couple of other sharp rivals. (3)
ZIG ZAG has been solid all year, and returns from Tioga off a sharp victory - could be the right one here if
things go his way. (4) B MEDITHREE came up a close 2nd best in his local debut and followed that up
with last week's blowout score - steps up a notch, but still looms a very dangerous player. (2) ETHAN T
HANOVER found a field he could beat 2 back but barely held on vs. cheaper - was no threat moving up
last week, and is looking at only a smaller slice tonight. (5) BIZET has been racing well lately but vs. softer
- seems a bit below the top players right now, and is another that's likely looking at only a minor share. (7)
VELVET STYLE used all of a perfect trip to beat softer last week - moves up to face tougher, and draws
terribly as well. (6) SWISS HOUSE ON FIRE is off a bad date, draws poorly, and hails from a barn that has
really struggled lately
RACE 5 - (5) NO MAS DRAMA made an uncharacteristic break 2 back then landed on a very tough trip
in her last - she's gone too many big efforts recently to not deserve another chance tonight (not sure what to
make of that "maintenance qualifier", as it was just 3 days ago)! (1) B NICKING broke at the start last
week but we've seen him bounce right back in the past - he actually fits cheaper, but barnmate B MEDITH
REE is taking the spot in NW15000 tonight....still a legitimate chance against these too. (6) SPICY
NUGGET has been holding his own against solid older foes since his solid 2nd in the Brennan Final -
chance to be part of this with a good trip. (4) WHAT SHOULD I GOO was a winner adding Lasix 3 back
but broke before the start in her next - was chasing the stickout winner nicely for 2nd last week before
getting a little shaky in the lane, though still safely holding the place spot...playable here, but only if the
price is fair. (8) GREY had been struggling for a while but a class drop and the front end perked her up in a
big way last week - she had a good draw when the card was canceled last Thurs., but this will be a MUCH
tougher task. (3) P C FREE WHEELING looked very good winning on 5/25 but was scratched from her
next and is now 3 weeks off....could be a bit risky tonight. (2) LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND found his form
vs. easier in NJ - we'll see how he fares against these. (7) TACHYON came up with a sharp one to beat
better 2 back, but then didn't fire at all last week - on his best, he'd be very tough here....but both horse
AND barn have been fairly unreliable lately.
RACE 6 - NAADA Amateur Summer Series: (7) CLASSY GUY may be worth a stab tonight - he was
purchased out of the Midwest but lasted only one start for his connections as he was claimed last week -
obviously this is a tough spot but "Yogi" Sheridan has won more than his share of races, and may be able to
steer this guy to an upset. (4) FINNICK ODAIR is winless on the year but he's hit board in half of his 18
starts - he's come close lately (with Beltrami on board) and maybe the pair can get over the hump tonight.
(5) DRAZZMATAZZ doesn't have the best looking current lines but he's also had some major excuses -
he's capable of being a player here if he can get some smooth sailing. (2) UNCLE KIP may be able to grab
the early lead and that would quickly make him a contender - consider if the price is decent enough. (3) GR
AFENBERG has won an impressive 6 of 17 starts this year but he's 4-0-0-0 here at YR, and squandered a
two hole trip in his last - he's capable of beating these, but needs to bring his best effort. (1) CYCLONE
MAXIMUS picked up a 2nd three back and does draw best tonight....too many recent dull ones to play with
any confidence, however. (6) WICKED NICK missed all of 2022 but has actually been racing well since
returning in '23 - comes into tonight off a sick scratch, however, and also draws poorly - leaning towards
others. (8) FASHION CANTAB is just 2 for 28 lifetime, 0 for 12 this year, and is stuck with Post 8
RACE 7 - (8) TAKE A GAMBLE was good here last year (4-2-1-1) but sensational (so far) in 2023,
winning 7 of his 8 starts - he had the rail for last week's canceled card but now gets stuck all the way
outside...while it makes it much tougher for him, it also means an opportunity to get a decent price - we'll
gamble that Zeron can find him a way into the hunt. (4) GREAT SOMEWHERE hasn't been AS impressive
as the top choice, but he is 8 for 16 this year, and 11 for 24 overall (at YR) - worth using if the price is fair.
(2) SHAKE IT has raced well in all 4 starts since arriving from PA, including last week's close up 3rd (from
Post 8, right behind 2 horses that both came back to win their next start) - could be right there with the right
trip. (7) SOUTHWIND PETYR has elevated his game significantly since joining forces with the Dynamic
Duo this spring...may have some trouble dealing with tonight's draw, however. (5) TUFFENUFTOWEAR
PINK really picked up his game after changing barns in April and that good form has held right up to this
lofty level - eligible for another good piece tonight. (1) GREG THE LEG changed hands after last week's
NW8 victory - he does have a win at this level, but really seems better suited vs. a bit easier - would be no
shock, though (3) KOOTENAY SANTANNA adds Lasix but still seems like he may need a bit easier to
really show his best stuff. (6) SHAKESPEARE has been good for weeks but will be coming from way back
tonight - not sure he can have much impact
RACE 8 - (6) INCOMMUNICADO last start here in 2022 was a winning one, and his first local try of '23
also resulted in victory (a VERY powerful "brush and crush" win over a bit easier) - the step back up to the
Open level shouldn't bother him, and Dube takes him over #2....could make it 2 in a row. (4) CREDIT CON
is putting together an excellent 2023 season, and has only gotten even better since the recent addition of
Lasix - could be the main danger as he looks to pick up his 5th win of the season. (2) STORMY KROMER
doesn't feel like he's found his "best" form yet this year, but he still comes into tonight with 3 wins and a
pair of 2nds from his last 5 starts - the mega-classy 9YO should never be taken lightly. (3) HOOLIE N HE
CTOR was unfairly forced to draw outside last start and can be forgiven for never getting in play - gets a
much better starting spot for tonight, and we'll see if he can parlay that into a small piece. (1) HIGHLAND
MOWGLI has the rail with plenty of speed but he's missed a month after a sick scratch, and has to be seen
as a bit risky for now. (5) HEY LIVVY has also been absent for 4 weeks after throwing a dud last start -
leaning to others this week. Both (7) KASHA V and (8) SWEET SOUL DAVID are going well right now,
but both face both class jumps AND horrible draws!
RACE 9 - NAADA Amateur Summer Series: (6) RACEACE was a winner (at 10-1) in his only Yonkers
start this year and won 4 of 8 here in 2022 -- as long as he's a decent price tonight, we'll give him a chance
to continue his local success. (1) JUDGE KEN turned things around here with that 37-1 shocker three back,
then raced well in his next pair as well - deserves plenty of respect from the pole. (4) JUMPSHOT makes
the occasional miscue but has otherwise been doing good weekly work upstate - gets a solid amateur pilot
for tonight, and looms a legitimate contender. (3) TURBOCHARGEDPETE is prone to costly miscues, but
can deliver a winning effort when he decides to behave - would consider IF the price is juicy enough. (2) LI
NDYS BOOZE CRUISE has a couple of recent wins, his pilot is familiar with him and the draw is a good
one - not impossible. (5) CALL ME THEFIREMAN was an upset winner here on 3/16 but hasn't found the
winner's circle since then - he stays flat and has speed, and that always gives him a shot at a piece. (8) LIO
NHEAD wired these last start but the move from the pole to Post 8 figures to really hurt. (7) REEL EM IN
doesn't seem sharp enough right now to be a serious threat
RACE 10 - (8) WALNER PAYTON earned $674K in a sensational 2YO season...and she may have gone
over $1M had she not had the misfortune of being in the same crop as the incredible SPECIAL WAY
(whom she finished behind a few times) - she may be a 3YO filly from Post 8 facing older males, but she
shouldn't have any problems here...assuming she stays trotting. (1) UNEVERGONNAGETHIS hasn't been
as good since the Brennan Series ended, despite hitting board in all 3 starts - that being said, there's a good
chance he could complete a very short exacta tonight. (5) BACKSTREET PLAYER has been solid in his 5
local starts this year, and has a couple of excuses- decent chance he could land somewhere on the ticket. (4)
THE BOSS MAN should have some confidence after a couple of Tioga wins (over cheaper) - small share?
(3) WANIA had been camera shy since arriving at YR but finally exits the NW4 class after back to back
wins - one of several with a chance for a piece of this. (6) TAP ME BLUE CHIP has a couple of upset wins
over lesser, but is hanging ok at this higher level too - maybe 3rd./4th? (2) ER NO MORE feels like he's
gone in the wrong direction lately. (7) CREDARENA has disappointed more than he's delivered this year
RACE 11 - (6) STELLAR YANKEE has some ugly looking recent form but he's been facing much better,
and often been in bad spots - definitely a shot where he can perk up with a much better effort...especially
with a good getaway. (4) ON THE VIRG may just be no good right now but he does seem to find a way to
grab his wins every year - maybe can find one of his form reversals from this spot? (3) HES GONNA GET
YA wasn't bad off the layoff 3 back, and hit the wire with some interest from an impossible spot last week -
not a bad one for longshot fans. (1) HYPNOTICDREAM figures to be part of the action all the way from
this spot but he's 0 for 14 at YR, and just 3 for 54 overall over the past 2 years - hard one to take on top at a
short price. (8) NOWHERE CREEK A draws Post 8 and rarely wins...he's also better than a lot of these, so
consider including underneath. (2) POSH ONTTHE BEACH A wasn't sharp here in most of his starts this
year but does seem to have found some form out of town, vs. cheaper - include in exotics. (5) HIGH ST CO
RRIDOR had some success here earlier in his career but he returns to YR in less than stellar form - prefer
others. (7) HURRIKANE GEORGIE is having a rough time in 2023 after an outstanding '22 season
RACE 12 - (4) VALI HANOVER benefited from beautiful trips the last 2 weeks but he certainly looked
powerful in each victory - he's hitting on all cylinders for his new barn, and gets a much better draw than he
had for the canceled card - gets the narrow edge. (1) FOR A DREAMER (12 wins last year) was sharp to
close out 2022....and returned just as good after 5 months off, scoring the impressive first over, 1:56 victory
last week -remains ever dangerous from the pole. (3) LINDSEYS PRIDE has been ultra consistent for a
long time, always using his quick starts to grab good trips - include underneath. (2) CRESCENT BEAUTY
debuts for a barn that has shown the ability to really improve one at times...but this just seems like a tough
spot to expect her to strut her best stuff - see how barnmate NO MAS DRAMA does tonight off HER qua.
3 days ago (8) AFTER ALL PAUL is "sneaky ok" now, but this is a brutal spot- minor share? (6) OH BOY
draws poorly after a break in his last - prefer others tonight. (5) I DA PRINCESS just feels like she's gone
the wrong way again - waiting for better signs. (7) BAZILLIONAIRE doesn't figure to be able to get in
play from this spot - a class drop would be nice