The Empire Report - Tuesday, November 30, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (6) SCHWARTZ BROS PAT shipped in razor sharp from Hoosier (5 wins and a 2nd in last 6
starts) and raced well against tougher in his local debut, finishing 3rd behind a pair that would be heavily
favored in here - meets a few newcomers tonight, but he's the one to beat, despite the outside draw. (1)
FIRST GLANCE has been 1st or 2nd in 15 of 24 Canadian starts, moves to a very sharp barn, gets around
the half, and draws the pole - definitely a lot to like about this shipper. (4) GAMBLING ADDITION shows
similar Canadian form to #1, also moves to a sharp local outfit and is more than eligible to be a big player
in his local debut. (2) FROMASHESTOASHES N picked up a nose victory in his YR debut after finishing
2nd and 3rd at Chester in his first 2 U.S. starts - should fit well here, but just not sure what his actual upside
is. (8) ARRHYTHMIC SURGE was "sneaky sharp" vs. better in his first 2 local starts, rallying late from
impossible spots both times - he definitely fits with these, but may have too far to come for more than a
small piece tonight. (3) SAMSON BLUE CHIP would have had to qualify in the past after an effort like his
last one but nowadays the public is forced to just GUESS on a horse's fitness after a start like that - we'll
just watch, for now (since he's listed at 3-1 ML, and will offer no value). (5) KAUAI KING has gone a few
ok tries against this type, but may be a bit below the main players here. (7) CONTROL ME ONCE was off
a month before his local debut and just didn't function - he did qualify back nicely, but we'll just keep an
eye on him from Post 7 tonight.
RACE 2 - (1) RED RIGHT HAND has been very sharp for weeks, highlighted by that career best 1:50
score in a Simpson division on 10/22 - should get to call the shots with the inside draw, and looms a very
short priced favorite in his Hilltop debut. (6) VEL MR NICE GUY jogged in his last 2 after an acclimating
mile (from Post 8) on 11/2 - would normally have been the pick (even from Post 7) if not for the arrival of
the top choice - looks like the one with the best chance to knock that one off. (2) L DEES JACK LOPEZ
usually races ok from spots like this - he's looking at an easy trip here, and has a decent chance to land
somewhere in the exotics. (5) CAPTAIN SLEAZE is a solid 12-3-3-3 here at Yonkers, and can use his
speed to try to work out a decent trip - include underneath. (8) MYSWEETBOYMAX is a quality colt and
went a big mile in his last (taking a very tough nose loss) - not sure if he can find a way into the hunt from
out here, but he's very playable in exotics IF the price is decent. (4) STELLAR YANKEE is better than his
last few lines might look - decent bomb for 3rd/4th. (3) FOOLS RUSH IN arrives with solid out of town
form, but it's hard to say how well he fits with these - hard to ever dismiss anything this barn drops into the
box, but we'll probably just be observers for tonight. (7) MARLBANK ROAD lands outside for the first
time in a while and that may make him an outsider for tonight.
RACE 3 - (2) PRETTY HANDSOME was right there with a razor sharp BETTOR MEMORIES in his YR
debut, then was "sneaky sharp" 2 starts later - threw a major dud last week and that seemed to prompt his
connections to move him to the hottest trainer in the business....we'll bite! (4) LISBURN just kept getting
sharper throughout the year and has put together a nice $85K season (so far) - could perk up with a big
effort off the class drop tonight. (8) BEST IN SHOW hasn't been nearly as successful at 4 and 5 as he was
as a youngster, but his current Canadian form is pretty solid and should make him a very good fit with these
- liked him better when he had Post 5 for last week's canceled card, however. (6) CODY HANOVER has
done excellent work since joining the "Super Siblings" but he's another that drew better for the canceled
card (Post 3) - not impossible, but a much tougher spot tonight. (1) NOCTURNAL BLUECHIP had to
work hard to win his last, and now jumps up 2 classes and faces much tougher - can't say he won't beat
these too, but he's likely to be overbet and there's better value with a few others. (3) IM BENICIO A had a
tough trip in his return off the layoff - willing to give him a pass, but still prefer others in this field. (7)
HEAVENS GAIT drew his FIFTH straight 8 hole so he probably didn't mind last week's cancellation - as
you can see, he didn't draw much better for tonight, though! (5) MACINTOSH N really does his better
work vs. easier than these - wait for some more class relief.
RACE 4 - (4) BOLT OF BEAUTY's last 2 starts here saw her defeat a NW20000 field, then a NW30000
field -- few (if any) of these could do that, so we'll stick with her dropping into this $50K claimer. (1) DELI
TFULCATHERIN N added Lasix last week and went a BIG mile, overcoming a very tough trip to be right
there 3rd on the wire - Holland is back on board, she draws the pole, and could be the main threat to the top
choice. (3) COWGIRL LILLY is on a very good roll, winning 3 of her last 4 starts, with the lone loss being
a tough trip 2nd to a currently sharp rival - next in line should the top pair falter...and probably worth using
on top IF the price is good enough. (2) WOODMERE HARRIET raced in this class in her last 2 starts and
picked up a pair of 3rd place finishes - remains a threat to take home another good piece tonight. (6) MAL
NIFICENT does her best work with a bit easier, and Post 6 doesn't help - minor piece only. (5) FIRSTUP is
hard to gauge from her out of town form - will probably just keep an eye on her, for now. (8) ITTY BITTY
has a good local history so some may see her as a good bomb to take a stab with in her YR return - we'll
just pass for tonight, and watch for future consideration. (7) KAITLYN N is 0 for 24 on the year and fits
much cheaper - pass in here
RACE 5 - (2) SOUTHWIND PETYR raced ok for 4th from Post 8 last week and may not have been
cranked up all the way - he's capable of better, and may be ready for a sharper try this week, especially with
the move inside (had Post 8 for the cancelled card last week). (1) UCANTTOUCHTHIS has been ultra
consistent the past couple of months and draws best tonight - very legit threat, although he does tend to get
overbet! (3) LAUGHAGAIN HANOVER did enough good work to make it to the OHSS Final...and picked
up a close 4th in that race - should fit well with the locals, and worth including in exotics. (8) BAYFIELD
BEACH was used hard from Post 8 in his YR debut and can be forgiven for weakening late - delivered the
game front end score in his next, but now gets stuck outside once more...MAY be able to overcome it, but
insist on a good price if using on top (6) NATIVES FILOU wasn't too far back last week (even though 7th),
and picked up a win and a 3rd in the two starts before that - willing to include underneath at 20-1 ML. (8)
EXPLOIT has some ability but is just 2 for 20 this year, and draws Post 8 for his YR return - maybe a small
slice? (5) CANTSTOPLYING was extremely dull from an easier spot last week - will just watch, for now.
(4) DIAMOND HEAD may need to be in easier in order to strut his best stuff
RACE 6 - (6) RHODENA ROAD is now 3 for 3 since arriving at Yonkers and just looks better every start -
moves outside a bit from his recent starts but as long as Stratton puts him in play early enough, he'll have a
good chance to make it 4 for 4. (7) COLONEL BAYAMA debuted for his new connections off 24 days but
was still a very nice 2nd to the top choice - could be even sharper tonight, and that would put him right in
the thick of this, even with the difficult draw. (3) UNCONTROLLABLE definitely seems to be on the
upswing now, just missing 2 back then finishing 3rd in his last - good one to include underneath from this
spot. (4) WOODMERE ALVIN has been pretty solid at 2 and 3 in The Maritimes, and now moves to the
barn of one of the fastest rising young stars in the game....hard to gauge how well he fits with the locals, but
we'll find out more tonight. (2) ILLBEWATCHINGU is just 12-1-1-0 on the year but can offer a decent late
rally at times - ok for 3rd/4th. (5) BALI BEACH was able to easily wire a much softer field in his local
debut - may struggle a bit with these, but wouldn't be shocked if he was able to grab a piece. (8) HEARTL
ANDBANYSBRO wasn't bad in his local debut but that was from the pole - moves out to Post 8, and he
may find himself unable to get in play from out here. (1) DANCING JOE draws best, but just seems a bit
below the main players
RACE 7 - (6) ON THE CARDS N is worth a shot in a wide open race - took back to last from Post 7
(off a bad date last week) but he's left from Post 8 twice recently, and hit board both times - willing to use
from this spot (off the class drop), assuming the price is fair. (3) ENVIRONS HANOVER shipped in sharp
from PA and has been as good (and likely even better) since being claimed for $40K back on 10/18 - draws
much better tonight than he did last Tues. (cancelled card), and that could make him a serious player once
again. (4) SANTAFES COACH gave the classy Caviart Luca all he could handle last week, and was good
the previous start as well - potential upsetter if the race falls apart (which is possible). (7) ALL HANDS ON
DECK's incredible career transformation has been well documented here several times - he lands in a tough
spot for tonight, but would hardly be a shock (just insist on a good price if using from out here). (2)
GINGRAS BEACH was in no chance spots in his last couple but may be ready for a more aggressive try
with the move inside - definitely okay to include underneath. (1) HERRICKROOSEVELT N added Lasix
returning from a 3 month layoff and raced super, finishing 2nd to #7 - was scratched sick the next start,
however, and comes into tonight having missed a month - hard to know how tight he'll be. (5) FIZZING N
is much better with easier - wait for some class relief. (8) DANCIN DRAGON was scratched lame the last
time he was entered and now lands Post 8, off a month - pass for tonight
RACE 8 - Very tough race! (2) POPPY DRAYTON N has come close a few times lately, but hasn't won in
a while - maybe she'll be the one to trip out in a race filled with possibilities? (5) CLASSY CHAPEL N was
handled aggressively 2 back and that led to a nice pocket victory - not a bad spot to try that again. (7) TALL
POPPY N was sent off favored in his last 3, coming up with a win, a 2nd, and a close 4th - if she's anything
close to that 15-1 ML price, she has to be worth including on your tickets. (8) ROCKIN PHILLY shipped in
sharp from Chester but came up 2nd best to the classy front end winner - more than good enough to beat
these, but too much can go wrong from Post 8 to ever take a short price here. (1) SHECAN DANCE N has
been stuck taking home smaller pieces and that may happen tonight too - use underneath. (6) MILLWOOD
BONNIE N won the first edition of this $50K F/M claiming class but hasn't gotten back to the winner's
circle since then - another that's playable on the bottom of exotics. (4) BALFAST N often has some late
pace to offer - minor share? (3) SANDYS BEACH has been no factor in some time but does finally gets
some post relief....we'll see if that helps her find a better effort.
RACE 9 - (5) WALTER MITTY shows a bunch of recent PcD lines that would give him a big chance to
beat these - his last start here (off the claim) looks terrible on paper but he drew Post 8, and his connections
MAY have been anticipating tonight's class drop - willing to gamble that a much better version show up
tonight. (7) LA PLAYER A has been a major bust (overall) since arriving in the U.S (11-0-0-1 here at YR)
but at least he's starting to come to life at these lower levels - willing to include him on some tickets tonight
even from out here. (1) DRACARYS Z was no threat in either local try since shipping in from The
Meadows but he's looking at a good trip from this spot, and may be able to improve enough to grab a piece.
(3) ITSMYCHECK GB shipped in from Nfd. to one of our sharpest outfits and jogged in his local debut
(against easier) - draws inside as he moves up one notch, and he should be able to hold his own with these,
as well. (6) LUCIANO N held his form at the higher levels for a good stretch before finding his way back
down in these lower classes lately - has a few good recent efforts, and would have a chance at a piece IF he
brings his "A Game" tonight. (8) ROLLING WITH SAM is just 3 for 53 over the past 2 years, and 1 for 27
locally - hard to consider him on top from this spot, but the right trip may help him pick up a minor share.
(4) VERGEOFGREATNESS N seems to try hard, but hasn't looked great on some of the turns - minor
piece only. (2) ZACH MAGUIRE N is 24-0-1-6 on the year, and hard to consider even with the good draw
RACE 10 - (3) IMMA BE tempted fate dropping back in for the $30K tag after crushing that class on 11/5
and sure enough, he won AND was claimed - steps up to a solid NW8 class off those 2 wins but has looked
like a horse that can handle it - we'll stay on board. (5) DEAN B HANOVER was a very game 3rd despite a
tough first over trip in his local debut, then was absolutely loaded with pace near the wire last week with no
place to go - could offer some good value tonight...with some trip luck. (1) CAPTIVATE HANOVER was
stuck with Post 8 last Tues. but ends up with the rail after the card was scrapped - could be the difference
between having very little chance, and rallying for a good piece of this. (2) CAPTAIN FANCY raced better
adding Lasix last week but the very easy trip may have been a bigger factor - mixed feelings about his
chances tonight. (6) GAMBLING TERROR draws poorly but MAY be able to leave enough to find a good
early spot - include him underneath in exotics. (7) IDEAL ARTILLERY certainly fits well enough, but will
be at a major disadvantage from Post 7. (4) TELL THEM LOU disappointed on 11/1 then was scratched
injured on 11/9 - prefer others right now.
RACE 11 - (2) SETH HANOVER was a very solid PA fair horse at 2 and 3....moved to one of the leading
barns in the nation before his last start and went a HUGE effort, parked every step of the way and only
losing by a nose - should be very tough tonight with a trip that should be MUCH easier! (1) MIDNIGHT
REBEL was sent off at 4/5 for his local debut, was the one who parked the top choice last week but when it
came to crunch time, he couldn't finish the job, finishing 3rd and even losing to the horse he parked - he's
now just 1 for 34 (16X 2nd and 3rd), and should probably only be considered for the bottom of exotics. (3)
PINEBUSH LIFESAVER tired in the stretch last week after being driven very aggressively but was racing
better with more conservative trips prior to that - definitely one to include in exotics. (4) MARC IN THE
BOX took no $$ for either local start and wasn't a factor either time - prefer others for the top slots, but
maybe can tow along for a minor share? (6) LINCOLN BOULEVARD is hard to gauge from his Canadian
lines - connections have a similar shipper in Race 1, so perhaps note how that one does, and rate this guy
accordingly. (7) GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE wasn't terrible in his local debut but gets no luck with the draw
tonight - maybe a good bomb for 3rd? (8) JET ACE debuts for a hot local barn but has uninspiring Midwest
form - prefer to just watch him from Post 8. (5) EYE MISS GARY seems overmatched
RACE 12 - (8) TEXAS TERROR N just missed from Post 7 two back and was right there 2nd again from
Post 8 last week - stuck outside once more, but the 13YO still has a good chance to get his picture taken
tonight. (2) BLUEBERRY HEAVEN has been a model of consistency lately, hitting board in 6 straight
(including 2 wins) - very logical threat. (5) RAPTORS FLIGHT N rallied nicely for 3rd in his first start
back off the layoff - eligible to be even sharper tonight, but he's just 1 for 17 on the year and hard to back at
a short price (on top). (1) UNION STATION put in a good try from a similar spot 3 back - chance for a
piece with a similar effort. (6) GOTHIC ROCK has been less than stellar but moves to a new barn. gets a
new pilot, and is listed at 20-1 ML -- ok for 3rd/4th. (4) OHOKA JOHNNY N was no good in NJ last time
after the sick scratch - needs to get back to his better form for a chance at even a minor piece. (3) WE
THINK ALIKE moves in a couple of places and does throw a decent try once in a while - maybe can tow
along for a small check? (7) MACH TIME N is 2 for 44 over the last 2 years, draws outside, and doesn't
figure to have much impact tonight.