The Empire Report - Monday, July 10, 2023 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (2) CAPTIVATE HANOVER was going some BIG efforts not long ago - leveled off just a bit
for a couple of starts but certainly brought his best in last week's front end jogburger - stays at that same
level tonight, and remains the one to knock off. (4) GREAT SOMEWHERE gave it a big front end try last
week in the "lesser" Open, beating them all except for the classy tripsitter- can be a big player again tonight
if able to grab another trip that he likes. (3) SHINE A LIGHT was outkicked in the lane last week, but by
some pretty classy foes - this field suits him better, and he can have a bigger impact. (6) LOUS SWEETRE
VENGE shipped in sharp from Plainridge, enjoyed a nice inside trip but was still (surprisingly) outkicked
for 3rd - he's capable of better, but this isn't really an ideal spot. (1) VIVA LAS VEGAS N had been very
sharp for weeks (climbing the class ladder) but didn't have quite the same pop in his last - we'll see if he can
bounce right back, or if he may be looking for a softer spot. (7) OAKWOODNITOWNIT IR was well bet
off last week's class drop but really disappointed after cutting the mile - has rebounded in the past, but that
may be hard to do from this spot (5) ROCK THE DEVIL hasn't been as successful since moving up in class
RACE 2 - (3) STRIKING IMPACT was a winner in his last 3 "non Pop Up Series" tries, including last
week's blowout at this level - definitely not a cinch, but he does deserve top billing. (4) SHAKESPEARE
has 2 wins and a 2nd from his last 3 starts in this class - he was outkicked by some tougher ones last week
but tonight's class drop should make him a big threat once more. (2) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER has hit
board in 6 of his last 7 starts, finishing a close 4th in the other - he's a weekly player, and belongs in your
exotics. (6) LOUIE THE LOOPER really improved off the barn change 2 back when 2nd to #4 - wasn't at
all up for last week's very aggressive drive, and we'll see if he can bounce back with an easier trip tonight -
maybe 3rd/4th? (1) SIX FEET APART was no factor in his only local try at this level and it's hard to say
he's really "improved" since moving to our leading barn 4 back - hard to ever just dismiss any horse from
the rail with Bartlett, however. (5) JK STANDINGOVATION has certainly upped his game since that dull
effort as the favorite on 5/20 (in NJ) - not sure he's as good as the better ones in here, and also faces an
unpredictable trip from this spot.
RACE 3 - (6) WAR DAN DELIGHT N finally broke a LONG Yonkers losing streak this year and in fact,
actually won 2 in a row - he's held his form for some time, and has become a rock solid player against these
types - maybe he can find a winning trip tonight? (2) CONBOYVILLE is just 1 for 19 here this year after
going winless in 22 local starts in 2022 - that being said, he's been a solid player in almost all of his starts
this year, and is currently sharper than his lines might look - he moves inside, and is worth a look IF the
price is decent. (4) BRACKLEY BEACH has a pair of solid starts since being claimed by a very high %
barn but still remains winless in 19 starts this year - he'll get to the winner's circle one of these nights, but
just don't take any very short prices chasing him there. (3) COPPER TEEN is having a tough time getting
things going this year - he's probably facing a bit easier tonight, can use his speed, but he'll need to be
sharper if he hopes to threaten for the top slot. (7) KEYSTONE PHOENIX wasn't terrible in his 2nd start
off the layoff but gets no luck with the draw for tonight - maybe 3rd/4th? (1) BETTER B SWIFT got sharp
for a few starts and seems to have gone the other way - a wake up call is needed! (5) MCCLINCHIE N is
off a bad date, and is 0 for 20 here over the last 2 seasons - prefer others.
RACE 4 - (1) KING JAMES EXPRESS turned his season around starting in May, and has his now hit
board in 6 straight (including 3 wins) - was handled conservatively in his last (strong finish for 2nd), but
will likely be more aggressive from this spot tonight - not a "cinch", but still the one to beat. (2) IMMA BE
tired in a $15K claimer on New Year's Eve then disappeared until this summer - he finished up the track at
Tioga in his first start back (6/18) but was then shifted to a trainer that has been resurrecting careers in
bunches lately....and this guy was no exception, beating the 15s here on 6/24 and then burying the 25s a
week later - would anybody really be surprised if this miracle barn sent him out to beat the 50s tonight? (4)
COALITION HANOVER has 7 wins this year, bit none lately - would at least give him a look if the price
drifts high enough. (3) KOOTENAY SANTANNA was struggling vs. the Opens, despite adding Lasix,
equipment changes, etc. - he showed a better effort last week (despite a bad trip) in his first try off the claim
and we'll see if the 50s are more up his alley. (5) UMBERTO was no threat off the claim last week, and
draws outside a few sharp rivals tonight - not writing him off just yet, but sticking with others tonight. (6)
AUSSIE HANOVER has some good recent NJ tries but will have to prove that he can hang with these
RACE 5 - Good race: (5) ALOTBETTOR N is undeniably sharp with 3 wins in his last 4 starts - the loss
came vs. the 40s, but he landed on a bad trip that night...maybe he can get the job done tonight with a better
journey? (3) ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR arrived in town showing terrible Canadian form and with a less
than stellar Yonkers history....but he immediately turned things around for his new trainer, winning 2 in a
row before finishing 2nd in his last 3 starts - the current/new version is quite capable against these. (4) FLO
W WITH JOE used a good trip to pick up a win 2 back, then overcame a tough trip to pick up 2nd behind
the runaway winner last week - another live player. (8) JUSTASEC N gave it a big try here on 6/2, carving
out all the fractions before getting run down by the tripsitter - he returned last week with an even better try,
sitting the pocket to #3 and rallying on by late for the victory - will be a lot tougher tonight from Post 8, but
a good price makes him worth considering. (1) CHIEFS BEACH is winless here in 10 starts this year and
was 1 for 13 locally in '22 -- he's been racing ok lately, however, and could grab a good piece starting from
the pole. (2) HEARTONMYSLEEVE is on quite a roll lately, winning 4 straight before finishing a close
3rd in his last - he steps up off that loss, however, and his barn has been ice cold both here and in NJ since
the beginning of June - would consider using underneath. (7) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A wasn't bad
last week in his YR return but tonight's draw may leave him waiting for a better spot to strut his best stuff.
(6) BLUEBIRD RECON had an improved try last week, but this is a very tough spot
RACE 6 - (2) SAILBOAT HANOVER is another of Canadian arrivals to this high % barn that have really
elevated their games upon arrival at Yonkers - his last start was just an "ok" 3rd but he had major excuses in
his prior pair at this level, after picking up a win and a 2nd just prior to that - we'll give him a narrow edge
in a fairly well matched $50K claiming field. (3) STELLAR YANKEE saw his modest 2 race winning
streak snapped last week (at 2/5) when he could only manage a 3rd after a tough first over trip- another that
could come out on top if he brings his best effort. (1) THRASHER's recent efforts have been mixed, but his
overall form is still good, and he packs a good late punch when he lands an easy trip - a contested pace can
really boost his chances (6) PRETTY HANDSOME just reversed form out of the blue last week, delivering
a sharp 23-1 victory from the pole - even if he's as sharp tonight, he has Post 6 to overcome. (4) NOME HA
NOVER broke his Yonkers maiden here on 4/18 shortly after joining forces with the Dynamic Duo... but he
hasn't been able to win since then, despite racing well several times - possible, but leaning a bit more to
others. (5) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD moves to a new barn after throwing a surprisingly disappointing dud
last week - he's listed here on the bottom, but more than capable of racing much better than that
RACE 7 - (2) RED RIGHT HAND gets a very kind post assignment for his first local start of the year,
considering his terrific YR history AND coming off a rallying 3rd in last week's 1:46.4 mile in the Brower
Memorial - we'll see if he's able to capitalize in this (much) weaker of tonight's 2 Open Paces. (4) ANOTH
RMASTRPIECE N was also in the Brower and finished with good pace after being trapped in the back
most of the way (and into the stretch) - he rattled off 3 straight here at Yonkers just prior to that, and should
be able to have a big say here (and is Bartlett's choice). (3) HICKFROMFREN CHLICK has been sharp for
a while, and his last was better than it looks - could add some value to exotics. (1) SHAKE IT chased the
classy SEMI TOUGH from the pocket last week and was a solid 2nd best - he's hit board in 6 of 7 since
arriving from PA, and the good draw gives him a chance to do so again. (5) FORTIFY found his better form
back in April and has held it ever since - steps up in class here, and draws outside a few main players...and
that may leave him with a smaller slice here. (7) WALKINSHAW N has been in excellent form for weeks,
but will need plenty of trip luck (as he got last week) to do any real damage from all the way out here. (6)
ALLUNEEDISFAITH N is yet another Canadian shipper that perked up immensely for this barn upon
arrival in May, but he's leveled off a bit at these higher levels - drawing Post 6 isn't going to help his cause
RACE 8 - (5) COVERED BRIDGE had NO prayer last week (coming from last) but paced home very
crisply from 3/4s - he's been scary sharp all year, and the better draw makes him a serious threat to pick up
win #11 on the season. (2) LEONIDAS A drew Post 7 off a bad date last week (sent off at 39-1 as a result)
and just used that mile as a tightener - was only 3 lengths back at the wire, and he could be set for a much
more serious effort tonight - his YR history is simply outstanding. (6) IDEALSOMEMAGIC A has won 3
of his last 4 Opens and was parked the mile in the lone loss - he'll likely be forced to race from off the pace
tonight and while that's not an issue for him, it may leave him looking at a smaller slice. (3) SPLASH BRO
THER has been good for a while, overcoming trouble on turns every week - not a bad bomb to use on the
bottom of exotics, hoping for a trip. (4) HEMSWORTH N is another that just toured the oval last week off
a qualifier - he's done damage in the past, and could bring a much better effort tonight. (1) SEMI TOUGH
prefers facing a bit softer but the rail draw does put him in play for a piece. (7) AMERICAN DEALER N
was given a very kind spot in the much softer Open division last week and scored the pocket victory - but
now he's been handed a very tough spot, drawing outside against much tougher - prefer others tonight
RACE 9 - Very tough race! (3) SHERIFF N hasn't been sharp in any local starts for a long time but he was
much better recently in PA and really had no prayer in his return last week (7 hole vs. 40s) - maybe this is a
spot where he can come to life? (7) BRAEVIEW BONDI A draws his 6th straight horrible post here at YR
and it's unfortunate, because he does seem sharp enough for a chance to beat this bunch - maybe he can still
pull off the upset? (6) BUDDY HILL is more than GOOD enough to beat these, but he broke on the first
turn in his last 2 local appearances and his hard to get excited about as the ML choice. (2) GLACIS should
have been in a good spot dropping from the rail last week but he sat in and was no factor at all - drops again
and we'll see if this is the spot where he perks up. (1) HES ELECTRIC is an infrequent winner but does
usually offer a good late rally when handled conservatively - hard to say if Holland will give him that trip
tonight. (4) JAY BRACKEN A has gone some good miles here in the past but his current form is lacking -
he'll likely be overbet. (5) LUCIANO is 0 for 20 this year, and his barn is mired in a major slump as well
RACE 10 - (1) HEINIKIN BYTHEBAY makes his YR debut sporting a career 38-21-6-1 record and
showing some awfully impressive efforts vs. the best in Delaware (usually from horrible posts!) - he draws
best, gets a big switch to Brennan, and we'll see how he handles the class test. (4) CASUAL COOL is a
streaky sort and he ships in off a pair of wins at Pocono - he's no stranger to the Yonkers winner's circle,
and it would be no surprise to see him land there tonight. (2) EL LE TISSIER N has raced well in all 5 U.S.
starts, and has been undeterred by class jumps and bad posts - moves inside now, and looms a dangerous
player off his recent efforts. (6) MOONLIGHT SHADOW finished with good pace from an impossible spot
last week, and drops back down the level where he recently picked up a win and a 2nd - the post is the main
obstacle here. (7) LANJO LEE won 10 of 16 races at 3 (for his low profile connections) and showed plenty
of potential- he took 8 months off but has looked super since returning at 4, taking on Saratoga's best
-brutal spot for YR debut, but don't be stunned if he still manages to have say. (3) GROOVY JOE hit board
in 6 straight, including last week's easy win over cheaper - this is a much tougher bunch, however. (5) CHA
NTEE may find himself too far back to have any late impact tonight
RACE 11 - (4) ROLLING WITH SAM shipped in sharp from Monti and went a big mile here too, used
very hard throughout and almost holding 2nd - may be able to control the action more easily here, and
come out on top. (3) MY ULTIMATE STAR doesn't have a lot of wins at YR but he's been holding his own
with better for some time, and a live trip may give him a chance to rally for a big chunk. (5) MR PERFECT
N has done good work upstate since starting his U.S. career in may - hard to say how well he fits class
wise, but he's worth at least a look at that 8-1 ML price. (7) WICHITA LINEMAN has 14 wins over the last
2 years and was recently battling MUCH tougher for that optional $75K tag - he also seems off his game
right now, so it's hard to say whether this could be his wake up call spot - maybe the tote board will offer
some clues? (1) MAXIMUS RED A has been decent lately prior to a dud last week - can grab a piece if he
bounces right back. (2) THREE IN HEAVEN A is just 1 for 21 this year and seems a bit cheaper - prefer
others. (6) MY CARBON COPY N is 6-0-0-1 here this year and draws poorly. (8) NOWHERE CREEK A
threw a dud last week and now gets stuck behind the 8 ball
RACE 12 - (1) SONNY WEAVER N is 7 for 13 here over the last 2 years, draws best & can likely control
the action - Bartlett (understandably) opts for #5, but this guy may have the tactical edge for a mild upset.
(5) NANDOLO N is the one to beat at this (low) level but he's come up short (at pretty low odds) several
times this season - might be worth taking a shot against him, one more time. (2) OZONE BLUE CHIP is
not the beast that went 32-11-8-2 last year but he's still quite capable at this level with a decent trip - use in
exotics. (6) SON OF A TIGER wired a bit easier last week at a nice 10-1 payoff - if he's able to blast and
find a good spot, he may be sharp enough to take home a piece. (3) GENIUS MAN pounced on a live trip
last week to beat cheaper - his barn is starting to come around, and he may be able to grab a decent piece
here, even up in class. (4) KJ HUNTER shipped down sharp from Monti and was actually very good last
week - ok for a small slice. (7) MICKY GEE N has been good more weeks than not, but he's still seeking
his first win of the year and is sure to face some traffic coming from last - small piece only this week. (8)
ALTA BLUES A draws Post 8 off 23 days...while also moving up in class - bad spot.