Friday Empire Report

RACE 1 – (5) TRICK OF THE LIGHT is hard to “love” after missing three weeks, but she’s held her own vs. better

and will be a major threat in here... IF the time off doesn’t hurt her game too much. (7) TALENT TO SPARE A

gave it an aggressive try with the post relief last week and can be forgiven for giving way vs. much better than these

– moves back outside but can still be a serious player against this bunch. (3) CRUISE ALERT is 0 for 11 this year

and just 1 for 27 over the last 2 – she did race a little better in her last pair, however, and may be able to grab another

piece tonight. (4) FREESTARFLIGHT banked over $100K last year but 2025 has been a struggle (so far) – she did

at least flash a little more life last week, and we’ll see if she can build off that tonight. (1) VIBRANCE can be added

to the list of mares in here that just can’t get going in 2025 – she’ll perk up eventually, but it’s hard to take her at a

short price right now, HOPING for a wake up call. (8) PARISIAN BLUE CHIP fits well enough with these and gets

a pass for her last (equipment issue) – she may have a hard time reaching from out here, though. (2) CAPTAINS ST

AR made only 3 starts last year and is finally resurfacing after a year off– watch mode only, for now. (6) COWGIRL

LILLY was just 1for 43 in 2024 and this year isn’t looking any better (already 8-0-0-0 here at Yonkers).

RACE 2 – Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, Leg 5: (6) BEAUTIFUL SEASIDE was a sharp (surprise) winner in both

of the first 2 legs but could only manage a 5th in Leg 3 then skipped Leg 4...leaving her sitting in 6th place in the

standings, and looking for a big effort to help solidify her spot in the Final – worth a try tonight, as long as the price

is decent. (2) COACHELLABOUND N tired after a tough trip in Leg 1, had good (sneaky) pace finishing in her

next, gave it a big try in Leg 3 when 2nd to a sharp ROCKET DEO, but had no 2nd move in her last after grabbing a

good early spot – she can be a threat, if she brings her best. (3) TALK CURDY TO ME left from Post 8 last week

but found no holes and was forced to retreat to last (losing all chance) – she can have a big say here with an easier

journey. (5) CHERYLS SHADOW came up flat last week after picking up a pair of 2nds in her prior 2 starts – she

gets a switch to Bartlett tonight and does have a chance...but would be hard to endorse on top as the ML favorite.

(4) MY RED SEA was caught behind traffic into the lane last week after picking up minor shares in previous weeks

– chance for a small share tonight. (1) INTOTHEMYSTICMOON has looked a bit overmatched but the rail draw at

least gives her a shot at a piece. (7) ONE LAST WISH hasn’t been bad at all, but likely needs a much better draw to

be a serious player with these.

RACE 3 – (1) DREAM BIRD makes his local debut sporting some solid Pocono form (including a near miss last

start, despite racing off a bad date) – draws the pole with Gingras, and they’ll probably have him to catch and beat.

(2) DONT JUDGE A BOOK has raced well here at times in the past, including a nice price win last year – he was

good in his last pair in PA, and isn’t a bad value option to consider. (4) ALADDIN beat better earlier in the year, and

is absolutely an excellent fit with this bunch – possibility. (3) POINTOMYGRANSON is listed as the ML favorite

but he’s struggled all year, earning just $600 from his 5 starts – pretty hard to hop on his team tonight (at least on

top). (5) GALANTE A was no factor at all last week but did catch a fast mile off a bad date – could at least be a bit

more competitive tonight (6) JOHN THE BAPTIST hasn’t been finishing well enough vs. the age-restricted claimers

– doesn’t feel like a good spot. (7) BUCHANNON HANOVER figures to have a hard time getting close from here.

RACE 4 – (2) VINNY DE VIE is in a field he SHOULD be able to beat, but he also feels like he’s not quite 100%

right now – we’ll give him the edge, but it’s a tepid one. (1) SWISS HOUSE ONFIRE has been stuck on smaller

pieces this year but some have come in pretty solid fields – may be a spot where he can uncork a bigger effort, and it

doesn’t hurt starting from the rail and adding Bartlett. (4) B NICKING has struggled to win races the last two years

and has definitely lost a bit off his fastball – still, this may be a spot where he can leave the gate, and be a big part of

the action. (5) WARRAWEE YANG is the “x factor” – he was super in last year’s John Brennan Trotting Series but

then started to falter badly in all of his Yonkers starts (and then everyplace else too) – he’s back to putting in good

efforts out of town (recent wins in NJ and PA), but he’s still struggling here at The Hilltop – still respect his chances,

but no value at that 9/5 ML price. (6) CREATIVE VENTURE had a couple of very good starts here in Feb, but

hasn’t been at his best lately – maybe he can rally for a small piece tonight? (3) MUSICAL RIDE was an ok 4th last

week after a month off and weak qualifier – still seems a notch below these. (7) INTL BLOCKADE put in a big

mile to beat a softer field across the river 2 back but tired badly in his last, and lands outside for his return.

RACE 5 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, Leg 5: (1) AARDIE B MIKI N is 3 for 3 since arriving in this country and

all 3 victories have come in this series (and all 3 were absolute jogburgers) – she’s shown that she can race any way

Bartlett wants her to, and she figures to be the prohibitive choice here...even though she’s facing a couple of other

very nice mares. (4) SILK CLOUD A has a pair of wins, a 2nd and a 3rd in her 4 series legs, and her good speed

allows her to keep grabbing easy trips – she may complete the exacta with another one tonight. (6) WALKIN ON SU

NSHINE won 3 Invitationals in preparation for this series – she jogged in Leg 1 but was shockingly beaten in Leg 2

at 5 cents on the dollar – she was a no-threat 2nd to #1 in Leg 3, then got back to the winner’s circle last week – with

her spot in the Final locked up, she may take a conservative approach tonight. (2) HIGH FLYIN FILLY has a win

and a 3rd, but was no factor in her other 2 legs – good spot to tow along and hope to grab a small slice. (5) EASY TO

PLEASE has actually been finishing ok from tough spots – could see using her for 3rd/4th, hoping to spice up the

exotics a bit. (7) TARAPASTA was a sharp winner in a very soft division in Leg 3, then a game 3rd last week (after

cutting the mile – she’s looking at limited options from out here, and may just be better suited to race in the

Consolation anyway (she’s currently tied for 9th in the standings). (3) FACTORY GIRL will look much better with a

class drop after the series is over.

RACE 6 - Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, Leg 5: Interesting division with sharp mares, and some ramifications in

the point standings for a few of them: (5) ROCKET DEO raced well but came up 2nd best to SILK CLOUD A in the

first leg (her first as a 4 year old), then disappointed at 1/10 when 3rd the next week – she did bounce right back with

a sharp first over score in Leg 3, then was very sharp again in last week’s victory, reversing her decision with SILK

CLOUD A – may be peaking at just the right time! (1) TURN THE PAGE N has three 2nds and a 3rd from her 4

series starts and has made it clear that she can bang heads with some very nice mares – draws the pole, and figures to

be right in the mix once more. (4) UPTOWN HANOVER started her 2025 campaign in this series and has raced

well every start, even though she’s without a victory – not sure she can pick one up tonight, but another nice chunk

is well within reach. (2) SEASIDE DIVA wasn’t finishing her miles well enough but was sharper last week, and able

to hang on for a front end score – she’s currently tied with LIT DE ROSE for 7th/8th in the standings, and would no

doubt like to pick up some important points! (8) LLOYDS LOVES was a solid 3rd in Week 1 but folded on the lead

in her next, got stuck in the back a week later, and was too far back again in her last, flying late but only for 3rd –

she’s actually on the outside looking in right now just for the Consolation, and she’ll need to find a trip that can help

her grab some much needed points! (7) LIT DE ROSE picked up a win in the 2nd leg but has been no better than 4th

in the other 3 weeks – she gets a terrible draw for tonight, and last year’s Matchmaker Champ could be in danger of

dropping out of the Top 8 unless she can produce a big effort. (3) LYDEO picked up minor shares the last couple of

weeks and likely looking at no more than that tonight. (6) PROMISELAND A had an improved start when 2nd two

back but quickly regressed again last week – others just sharper now.

RACE 7 – (2) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY looked home free last week only to get nipped late as she weakened

right near the wire (her 2nd straight narrow loss) – deserves another chance to make amends. (1) IDEAL COVER

recently had a streak where she finished 7th or 8th for 4 straight weeks...but she’s turned things around completely,

and now hit the board in her last 4 starts...no reason she can’t be right there once more, even moving up a bit. (5)

REC TIME will be coming hard late, but the question is from how far back...would consider on top only if the price

was pretty decent. (4) HURRIKANE LADY LOU returned sharp off the layoff, beating a NW7500 field in her first

start back – she rallied hard to be a close 3rd in her next, but couldn’t keep it together when looking to cut the mile

last week – decent one to use underneath tonight. (6) GOLDEN QUEST N was raging in traffic 2 back but lacked

the pop to win off an easy trip last week – won’t get any easier from Post 6 tonight. (3) KAT seems a notch below

the to players in here, but an easy trip could send her home with some minor spoils. (7) TRUE BLUE HANOVER

gets another drop but that may be offset by another bad draw – leaning elsewhere. (8) MISS DOTTIE MAE really

wasn’t bad last week (too far back, off a bad date) but now she moves up and gets stuck all the way outside.

RACE 8 – (6) FRONT PAGE STORY was a strong 15-5-3-3 here last year and is off to a great start in 2025, her

slate sitting at 10-4-1-1 – she came up 2nd best to the streaking PASS AND STOW last week, but she’ll certainly be

the better price tonight and may be worth a shot to turn the tables on that one. (8) PASS AND STOW changed barns

and went 5 for 5 here last year– she got a three month vacation and has continued her streak since returning, winning

both of her starts (extending her streak to 7) – with even a bit of trip luck she’ll have a real chance to stretch that

streak to 8...but she also may be worth taking a shot against, if another very short price. (1) CHIAPANECAS threw

a rare disappointing try 2 back but rebounded with a good 3rd last week behind the top two choices – she has a big

post edge on both tonight, and we’ll see if that gives her a chance at a mild upset. (5) LINEMUP KNOCKMBACK

has held her form during her recent ascent up the class ladder – maybe she can grab a piece, at a good price? (7) TA

KING THE MIKI A was a winner in her only start here last year and has a win and a 2nd locally in 2025 (the 2nd was

behind #6) – she’s more than good enough to go with these, but the draw could cause some difficulty. (2) LAURIE

LEE has been doing some good things out of town but generally needs to be in a little easier on the local scene. (3)

TWIN B SUNKISSED tends to do her best work vs. a bit easier. (4) RESURRECTION DAWN drops a 2nd off her

card after tonight and will look much more appealing with a class drop next week.

RACE 9 – (6) QUEEN OF ALL was way back with no chance last week but finished full of trot to be a pretty close

4th on the wire – she’s certainly been trending in the right direction lately, and her barn is showing more signs of life

as well – good week to hop on board. (1) CAL MILES N SHELL can be a little inconsistent but he drops, draws the

rail, and should be able to make his presence felt tonight. (8) TACHYON left well from Post 6 last week and that

should give McCarthy the confidence to leave with him again – he’s been racing ok vs. better, and could have a say

tonight, even with the bad draw. (5) WINDSONG PIONEER likes to be on the lead but got a little too hot last week

and tired in the lane – may be able to keep it going for a better finish here. (4) VALI HANOVER tailed dramatically

from 2023 to 2024, and isn’t off to the greatest start in 2025 – would consider him for a piece, but hard to justify him

being the ML favorite. (2) CREATE MYSTIQUE raced well in her first start in from Ohio but quickly hit a snag –

feels a bit unreliable right now. (3) JAYDENS PRIDE ships in from NJ with weak recent form and actually fits the

bottom class. (7) BLACK TIE BASH is struggling, and now has to deal with Post 7.

RACE 10 – (5) DOROTEA TRIO IT hasn’t just won her last 3 starts she’s taken them all with ease – hard to say

what her ceiling is, but she seems more than capable of handling this bunch in her current (razor sharp) form. (2)

MISSISSIPPI STORM doesn’t feel like he’s on his absolute best game right now, but he’s certainly racing well and

picking up weekly pieces – should have his usual say tonight, as well. (6) DWS POINT MAN is another that’s doing

good work right now, picking up a win and two 2nds from his last 3 starts (made a break in the other) – tough draw,

but still a threat for a good chunk. (4) P CHICO had no prayer last week but his overall form remains solid, he

moves inside and could add some value to the exotics. (1) TEXSONG SOPRANO has been struggling and while his

last effort was certainly better, it was helped tremendously by an easy trip – may be vulnerable tonight. (7) BARRY

BLACK turned in a big 24-1 upset 2 back but seems unlikely to threaten from Post 7, at this level. (3) BIG AL M

has been away since September and the guess is that he’ll need a start or two.

RACE 11 – Stronger NW5000 field than usual: (2) IMMIGRANT AM S was stuck at the back of the pack (on a

sloppy track) for his Yonkers debut and never had any chance – his prior start at Pocono (his first in the U.S.) was a

front end score (from Post 8) with Kasper Foget in the bike...look for an effort more like that one tonight. (6) KIND

A LUCKY LINDY was in a hopeless spot last week and actually raced very well just to be 5th – he’s listed at 20-1

ML for one of the strongest trainer/driver tandems at Yonkers, and certainly deserves at least a look. (1) BEERTHIR

TY K was patient early last week, rallied nicely into 2nd to the final turn but couldn’t get to the classy front end

winner – should be able to have a big say here too, but won’t offer much value with that 8/5 ML price. (7) THE LAS

T CHAPTER was a solid 3rd in his last local try (dropping down from the 40s) then rallied for 3rd across the river in

his next – gets a terrible draw as he returns to Yonkers, but is still very playable in exotics with that 20-1 ML listing.

(4) CAPRICIOUS ONE struggled 2 back (off track) but rebounded with an ok 3rd last week – chance for a small

piece here too. (3) FOR A DREAMER just re-qualified after 5 months away and the guess is that he’ll need a start

or two – keep an eye for next time. (5) J S HOPSCOTCH really hasn’t been sharp in a long time – minor spoils only.

(8) LADY JETER was 0 for 16 last year and 9-0-0-0 to start off 2025 – Post 8 isn’t going to help her cause.