The Empire Report – Monday, March 4, 2024 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – (5) TUGGIN ON MY HEART was racing from Post 8 (off a month) and despite being way off the car at
the start, still hit the wire full of pace in a fast mile – drops right back in the box, and anything close to his best will
make him very tough in tonight’s opener. (1) PRETTY HANDSOME hasn’t been particularly sharp for a while but
he did finish okay from an impossible spot last week, moves all the way inside and does have plenty of back class –
could be a wake up spot. (6) PINEBUSH LIFESAVER hasn’t won in some time but he raced well in his last pair,
and a good trip could land him a good piece tonight. (3) GOTHIC ROCK can be a bit inconsistent but he’s usually
good for a late rally when relaxed early on – would certainly include in exotics. (4) ALEX TYE landed on a good
trip for a new barn and rallied well for 2nd – a similarly good journey could help him grab a piece here too. (7) EMI
NEM HANOVER disappointed last time but an equipment issue may have played some role – terrible post tonight,
but would still consider for 3rd/4th. (2) NOWHERE CREEK A just seems to need to be in easier to be a serious
player. (8) BALLERAT BOOMERANG hasn’t been close to his best recently – Post 8 won’t help his cause
RACE 2 – (2) FLOW WITH JOE returned sharp off his winter break, kicking home full of pace for 2
nd behind asharp winner – meets a less than stellar field of 30s, and can be very tough here if he builds even a little off that last
mile. (4) PAT STANLEY N was a very sharp winner 3 back, didn’t fire in his next, and was “ok” last week from a
tough spot – chance to be a threat tonight if he brings his best. (1) ARTIST BEST is very capable at this level,
especially from a spot like this – he hasn’t been all that sharp, however, and will need to up his game to be a serious
threat. (3) FULL SUPPORT looked super in those wins 3 and 4 back but hasn’t clicked since being claimed – would
need a good price to hop on his team right now. (6) LUCIANO N isn’t bad in this class but just doesn’t win often
enough to endorse on top. (5) STATEMENT MADE A drops a notch, but was struggling at THIS level as well – no
value as the ML favorite
RACE 3 – (5) CAPTIVATE HANOVER had a couple of rough patches in 2023 but at the end of the year he still
banged out 10 wins, and $176K – had a very useful tightener off the layoff, and could be a good value play in his 2
nd start off the layoff. (1) JAHAN HANOVER will take plenty of $$ here (dropping down, from the pole, for a pair that
seems to win 4 races a night) but he hasn’t won in a while, and MAY be just a tad vulnerable at the moment. (2) TH
REE GRAND shipped in sharp and went a strong mile from Post 7 last week – his trainer burst onto the scene last
year, and delivered an unfathomable 33% winning clip in just his first year in the business...clearly anything he
sends out deserves maximum respect! (4) PHOENIX OF FLUZZY is often overlooked but he did win his last 2
starts at this level, and can’t be discounted too quickly – he does face some solid foes tonight, though. (6) ON
ACCIDENT left from Post 8 at 38-1 last week, landed a pocket trip and held for 2nd to the end – he’s listed at 20-1
ML, and it may not be a bad move to include him underneath once more. (3) IM NO OUTLAW N trailed all the way
from Post 8 last week (shipping in from Stga.) and may be able to be at least in the hunt for a small share tonight. (7)
WINDSUN RICKY is quite capable at this level, but may opt to wait for an easier spot – check the tote board for
clues. (8) BENHOPE RULZ N figures to have a hard time getting in play from out here
RACE 4 – (1) DANCE ON THE BEACH apparently had some issues with atrial fibrillation (resulting in some
positive tests for the medication used to treat the condition) but he seems to be over that problem these days, and has
been very sharp in 3 starts this year – he lands the pole in a beatable field, and could be very tough tonight. (5) TIN
ROOF RAIDER A hasn’t been a prolific winner but he’s hit board in 3 straight, and could be in the mix once again.
(3) IM A POWERPLAY A tries it for a new barn after not finishing well enough in his last few – an easy trip may
help him grab a decent piece. (4) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N will attract attention off the class drop but he hasn’t been
in top form, and we’ll see if facing a bit easier can help him be a bigger threat. (7) ODDS ON PICK SIX has hit
board in 5 straight and 7 of his last 8 – on the flip side, he’s only won once recently, draws outside and moves up a
bit from age-restricted 30s – mixed feelings for tonight. (2) JOJOS PLACE is a streaky sort and has been off his
“good” game for a while – needs a big wake up call. (6) BIG SIR seems to thrive vs. a bit easier
RACE 5 – “Stake Your Claim” Series Final – good race! (5) THRASHER has been very sharp for weeks, finishing
1st or 2nd in 5 straight – he may end up the biggest beneficiary if a couple of other contenders go at it hot and heavy
early on. (3) MOVIN ON UP has taken two of his last 3 starts, with a close 2nd in between – he’s been thriving on
the lead, but can race from off the pace, if necessary – solid threat. (2) REIGNING DEO is too camera shy (at least
at Yonkers) to ever count upon on top, but he’s undeniably sharp and COULD get his picture taken with the right
trip – consider if the price is good enough. (6) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES was handled surprisingly conservatively
last week and never given any chance to thrive – we know he’s good enough to beat these, and he’s absolutely worth
a look at a big price. (4) SETH HANOVER hit board week after week before finally getting over the hump (and to
the winner’s circle) last week – not sure you’d want to take a short price looking for him to make it 2 in a row. (1)
AUSSIE HANOVER is 2 for 2 in 2024 but beat lesser stock, in slower miles – we’ll find out tonight if he can be
effective with this sharp bunch too. Both (7) OZONE BLUE CHIP and (8) GINGER TREE PETE are very good
right now, but both are back outside tonight (after benefiting from inside draws) and will have a MUCH harder time
having the same impact in this field
RACE 6 – (2) BOILING OAR has been razor sharp, and may have beaten a good field last week with some better
trip luck – he can make his own luck tonight from this spot. (1) BURNHAM BOY N has also been sharp, and
almost made it 2 in a row last week – he steps up a notch but the rail draw should help offset that...live player. (5)
OCEAN RIDGE N was overdriven last week and can be forgiven for tiring a bit in the lane (vs. better) – drops to the
level he beat 4 starts back, and could be a legitimate threat here. (6) BLAZING BANNER N was off a sick scratch
last week but still finished full of pace from a difficult spot – gets another unkind draw, but a live trip could see him
add some value to the exotics. (7) SHADOW CAT draws poorly and would probably like to be in a bit easier – still,
may be able to grab a small piece. (4) KINGSVILLE started the year strong but wasn’t as sharp (up in class) in his
last pair – he’s capable of better, and may be worth using for 3
rd/4th tonight. (3) SAMHARA N is an infrequent winner and really does his best work vs. easier. (8) SHINE A LIGHT draws Post 8 after a month off – prefer othersthis week.
RACE 7 – (5) FULSOME saw his 2 race winning streak broken last week when he got used very hard early, and
was left just a little short at the end – he still was an excellent 2nd , and remains the one to beat tonight...but this is a
solid field, so be careful about accepting too short a price. (6) STONEBRIDGE REX ended 2023 with a 2
nd to a razor sharp winner then was a winner right out of the box in 2024 – he’s remained sharp since then (2
nd and 3rd), andis an attractive possibility at that 12-1 ML price. (1) AS ALWAYS had been very sharp but was unable to rally from
the back on 2/19, then was in a tight spot in the lane last week (may or may not have had pace) – Yannick sticks with
him (over #5), and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back with a top effort. (7) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK
picked up sharp 3rds from impossible spots 3 and 4 back, ran down #6 to win his next, then was 3rd last week (after
being used way too hard in the opening quarter) – terrible post, but a big price makes him worth a look. (8) SHAKE
SPEARE came up with a sharp victory last week, even if helped by #5 and #7 taking the starch out of each other
early on – he’ll need even more luck if he hopes to overcome the draw tonight. (2) STRIKING IMPACT has been
well off form for a while but did at least have SOME life finishing last week – maybe if he’s a huge price? (3) UP
THE CREEK got pushed wide and forced to a BIG 3rd quarter last week and gets a pass for tiring – he still may be a
notch below these, however. (4) KING JAMES EXPRESS hasn’t won in sometime and faces a tough crew tonight
RACE 8 – Tough race! (1) MOONSHINE KISSES got absolutely brutalized getting to the top last week and gets a
pass for tiring so badly – it’s possible he’s just not close to 100% right now...but it’s also possible that starting from
the rail (with an easier trip in the cards), he’ll be more like the horse that won 8 of 20 starts here last year. (3) HEMS
WORTH N can be frustratingly inconsistent, but he still throws some big efforts when in the right mood – his price
will go up tonight for those inclined to forgive last week. (6) COACHES CORNER had been insanely sharp for his
first 9 local starts – he wasn’t nearly as good when 2nd (disqualified to 4th) two back, then may or may not have had
pace after a bad shuffle last week – he’s another that will see his price drift up this week, for those inclined to stay
on his team. (4) FUNATTHEBEACH N probably should have been able to win last week but to be fair, the winner
has been sharp and did sit right to his back – that 12-1 ML price seems mighty appealing for a horse of his caliber.
(2) CRANBOURNE can go some big miles but was hard used last week and a little light at the end – worth a look if
the price is juicy enough. (8) GROOVY JOE jogged over cheaper in his last start of ’23 and returned in fine form for
the 2024 season- would surely have been listed higher if not for the horrible draw. (5) PANETTONE HANOVER
ended the year with a major upset at Chester then returned in ’24 with a win at PcD – his connections have him very
good right now, but he’s way up in class and has had some trouble navigating the Hilltop Oval in the past – leaning
towards others. (7) ROCKIN JUKEBOX has been away for nearly 3 months, and lands in an exceptionally tough
spot for his return – prefer to just observe tonight.
RACE 9 – (5) COVERED BRIDGE was fortunate to hang on 2 back, and just a “good” 3 in his last – the 3 weeks
off may actually serve him well, as he did continue race straight through after winning an incredible 18 races last
year – willing to try him from a spot where it would be hard for him to get a “bad” trip. (2) IDEALSOMEMAGIC A
had a pretty amazing 2023 season as well, winning 15 local starts – he had plenty of pace rallying for 2
nd in his seasonal debut last week, and could be even sharper the 2nd time around. (4) HELLABALOU preps for this year’s
Borgata Series, hoping to replicate last year’s (big upset) victory – he may need a start, but wouldn’t be shocked if
he was ready to roll right off the bench. (1) SONNY WEAVER N is a real hard hitter but generally does his winning
vs. a bit easier – may be just a notch below. (3) NANDOLO N has started off the season with back to back wins over
a bit easier – wouldn’t be shocked to see him win here too, but there’s no value with him being the ML favorite!
RACE 10 – (2) CAUGHTINALANDSLIDE was a blowout winner in his return qualifier then raced very well in his
first start of 2024, finishing with good pace in a sharp 1:52.4 mile – very logical play getting class relief off that
effort. (4) ANOTHERSTATEMENT A had absolutely no room to pace in the lane last week but did appear to have
plenty in the tank – he definitely could outrace his odds tonight. (1) BRAEVIEW BONDI A hasn’t been on his game
and has been away for almost 3 weeks – he also drops to a level right in his wheelhouse, and thus could be a spot to
look for a wake up call. (8) KOMODO BEACH had a disappointing 2023 season but he was okay locally, going
7-2-0-2... he moves to a barn that can pick one up in a hurry, and he may be worth some consideration, even from
Post 8. (7) LEVINE squandered pocket trips the last 2 starts, fading to 4th 2 back and just a “meh” 2
nd in his last –he’s capable of better and clearly can leave the gate...maybe use underneath? (6) KOUNT BLASTER was handled
more aggressively last week and couldn’t keep it going into the lane – he may go back to a conservative approach
here, with a chance to rally for a small slice. (5) GENIUS MAN grabs his wins every year but usually when he gets
in spots easier than this. (3) LONG WEEKEND A has done little so far in the new year
RACE 11 – (2) GREG THE LEG went his best mile of the year last week, pushing NANDOLO N to his limits
before coming up 2nd best – he visited the winner’s circle 13X last year, and may be ready to make his first visit of
2024 off that last mile. (3) DEETZY had an outstanding 2023 and was a winner in his 3rd start back in ’24 – he just
got too hot on the lead last week and probably deserves a pass for tiring...could easily bounce back with a bigger
effort tonight. (1) FAMILY RECIPE grabbed an easy lead from Post 7, stole a very slow half and proved the easiest
of winners over softer last week – this level is well within his wheelhouse too, and he figures to be a close up player
from start to finish once more. (4) ALWAYS ROCKIN is forced to double jump off a narrow loss but he’s very good
right now, and in position to pick up a decent piece tonight. (6) PURPLE POET has been solid week after week but
lands a tough draw with several main players to his inside – still worth considering underneath at that 20-1 ML price
(7) ROCK THE BELLES has really thrived at Yonkers for the Super Siblings, compiling an 8-4-2-1 slate – he
makes his first start in 4 months tonight, and may be looking at a somewhat conservative steer starting from Post 7.
(8) ORLANDO BLUE A will look a lot more appealing with a class drop (and hopefully better post) next week. (5)
CENTURY INSPECTOR feels a little cheap for these as he returns from NJ
RACE 12 – Tough finale: (1) JUST ENUFF STUFF came into his last razor sharp, was sent off favored but didn’t
leave the gate, then didn’t fire when sent wide around weak cover – he drops right back in for $40K off the mile, and
we’ll see if whatever wasn’t right for his last start has been corrected – one of several possibilities in a difficult race.
(6) SAILBOAT HANOVER came back to life immediately after the re-claim, and the only real knock here is the
draw – definitely worth including in your plays as the value will be there. (5) OAKWOODNITOWNIT IR raced
well off the long layoff so it was surprising to see him with a big “FOR SALE” sign tonight – could be a major red
flag, or perhaps his connections are trying to slip him through at a winning level – we shall see! (2) MY ULTIMATE
STAR A was a very game first over winner one level down 2 back, then raced well for $40K for new connections
last week – has to be respected in his current form. (3) POUND FOR POUND may prefer to be in a little cheaper
but he’s raced well enough in some of his recent starts to at least merit a look at that 20-1 ML price. (7) SAN
DOMINO A was actually very good last week after a series of “ok” efforts – hard to say if he can find a reasonable
enough trip starting from Post 7. (4) ADAM CROCKER A went on a nice tear after the January barn change but he
struggled 2 back then broke in his last – feels like he may have peaked out. (8) WAR DAN DELIGHT N is being
listed on the bottom because of the draw, but he’s actually been solid in all of his recent starts - could grab a minor
share, with some luck.