The Empire Report - Thursday, June 17, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (2) FEAR MY SHADOW kept on digging last week to pick up a game 2nd (behind the sharp
front end winner), and all of her recent tries at this level have been solid - barn going well now, and may be
able to pick up a win in tonight's opener. (3) VH PRINCESS BREA ships in from Chester off a pair of solid
efforts - in her last local try, she was parked the whole way from Post 8 and still there until the final turn - at
20-1 ML, she's definitely one to consider for your tickets. (1) MORE THAN MANY has settled in a
"steady" performer at this level for her current connections - only 3 wins in her last 69 starts here, so don't
be too quick to take a short price with her on top. (4) FULL DECK has only picked up smaller pieces since
moving to a new barn 5 starts back - maybe a new pilot will have better luck with her? (6) ZOE ELLASEN
drops after tiring from the pocket last week - she's lost plenty of times at this level too, however, and
probably looking at only a smaller piece tonight. (5) CHECKERED PAST had a nice little run in April but
has failed to earn a single check in her last 6 starts - drop to the basement could definitely help, but she's
hard to consider for a wager as the 5/2 ML choice! (8) THREEDEE DELIGHT A can be forgiven for last
week's miscue, but she'll be coming from last this week and that's going to be tough to overcome. (7)
TYRONBETTORSELLA N moves from the pole to Post 7, and that's going to hurt tremendously
RACE 2 - (1) PIVOTAL has been sidetracked a bit by bleeding, sickness, etc, lately but he showed legit
ability at Chester back in April, and anything close to that form would probably allow him to handle these
easily - a little too risky to accept a very short price right now, though. (4) INFINITE ZETTE has hit board
in 4 of 7 career starts, stays trotting every week, and hails from a strong barn - next in line should the top
one falter. (3) CHARMING BANK grabbed a win at Hoosier this spring, moves to a very solid trainer for
his local debut, but has also missed nearly 4 weeks - willing to use underneath. (6) YUCATAN PARTY
MAN is 0 for 15 but has hit board in 5 of 7 starts this year, and stays trotting every week for his young pilot
- outside draw hurts, but he still has a chance to land somewhere in the exotics. (5) CANE GANG has
struggled with breaking issues so far in his young career but he stayed flat in that Chester qualifier on 6/1,
and behaved in his race on 6/11 - we'll see if he continues to improve from here. (7) EYES OF JUSTICE
shows some good Stga. form since returning as a 3YO but it's hard to say if he has enough speed to hang
with these...especially from Post 7. (2) SQUABLE has been non-competitive virtually every time he's gone
behind the gate - remains a pass, pending at least some sign of better form
RACE 3 - (4) TITANS HOPE had a few decent starts at 2, including a 3rd here at YR in a NYSS event -
made a break in her first start back at 3 but has behaved since then, and showed some good speed out of
town - chance for an upset here, with a bit of luck. (8) I LOVE MY COUNTRY had some good Excelsior
A tries at 2, and has looked so far since returning at 3 - actually lures Bartlett off the top choice, and is
absolutely worth using at that 15-1 ML price. (1) JULA MUSCLE PACK flashed some good ability at 2,
then qualified back nicely (twice) for his 3YO campaign - made breaks in his first 2 (NJ) starts, however,
then weakened in his next (though he did behave) - likely has the most ABILITY of any of these, but he
sure seems a bit risky and what figures to be a very short price. (5) SHARE THE WEALTH picked up a
2nd and a pair of 3rds in his last 3 starts and could easily grab another small piece here - would probably
need things to really fall apart for a chance at the top prize, though. (2) CHROME PACKAGE picked up
small pieces in 2 PcD starts for his new barn, and shouldn't have any trouble getting around Yonkers -
throw in for 3rd. (3) DESTINY BLUE CHIP made breaks in 3 straight starts - re-qualified ok, but was
empty here last week - needs to find that better form she showed during the spring. (7) BROAD STROKES
just hasn't clicked since returning in a new barn for her 3YO campaign - Post 7 isn't going to help. (6)
SEEKING MATTHEW is another trying to find his form in 2021
RACE 4 - (2) CASIES BELIEVER weakened a bit upon arrival from Florida 2 back but that was vs.
MUCH better - had "sneaky good" pace from an impossible spot in last, and now gets the benefit of both
post AND class relief...major threat tonight. (3) HIGH ROLLING A just missed to a currently sharp ANNE
BONNEY N 3 back, held 3rd behind a pair of razor sharp rivals in her next, then scored the sharp front end
victory in her last - bumps up a notch, but more than sharp enough to handle it - solid threat! (8) PAMMY
JO would normally be able to beat this class even from Post 8 but the classy mare just hasn't been herself
since joining her current barn 4 starts back - have to believe she'll come around eventually, but remains
"iffy" at the moment. (1) PAPPY ROCKS just hasn't clicked since the claim on 4/29 but it's hard to just
write her off just yet - maybe can improve enough to at least grab a piece here? (5) SHELLIE DE VIE is
forced to move up after being unable to win one level down in her last 7 starts - that being said, an easy trip
would at least give her a chance at a minor share. (7) ISLAY N suddenly found some life vs. cheaper in PA
but the class hike and poor draw may slow her down quickly - ok bomb for 3rd/4th, if spreading a bit. (6)
CHASE YOU took all the $$ two back, hit the top and jogged...but was showing nothing before that, and
failed to beat a horse in her last - maybe check the tote board? (4) EYE POPPING won her 2021 return then
missed a month and completely fell apart - waiting for better signs before considering again
RACE 5 - (7) ANGELS PRIDE raced MUCH better than expected on 5/27, and that was vs. much better
than these - followed that up with a strong mile at Stga., and it just seems like she's in "good mode" right
now - worth a play even from Post 7 in this fairly soft NW1000 field. (1) ROCKIN THE BOYS A moves
up again off two straight 2nds but catches a field with many shaky participants, and should be able to be a
player despite the class hike. (5) BALFAST N might have just been disinterested in her last at Monti but
her 3 prior starts here were solid - yet another that's moving up tonight, but still fits well. (3) SANDYS
BEACH gets a pass for her last (bothered) and was 2nd at this level the week before - eligible to deliver her
one big brush any week that she's in the mood. (2) MILLWOOD BONNIE N would prefer to be in cheaper,
but many of these could say the same - inside draw could put her in play for a decent slice of this. (4) TALL
POPPY N was no factor at all in her YR debut and will need to bring a much better effort to be a threat
tonight. (8) ROCKNROLL ANNIE hadn't been on her game for some time but did find a basement field
she could outrun last week - don't think she'll have the same luck from Post 8, two levels up. (6) AMA
NDEROSA does her best with cheaper, and has missed a month - will just watch this week
RACE 6 - Very tough race! (3) SJS LADY LOU lost all chance with an early miscue last week but after
spending a lot of energy just catching the pack, she actually continued to make up ground, losing by only 7
lengths in the end - one of many possibilities in a race that's difficult to decipher! (4) SWISS HOUSE ONFI
RE raced conservatively adding Lasix 2 back but really wasn't bad - was a close up 3rd in last (behind
highly regarded On A Streak), and definitely can be a threat tonight with the right trip. (7) ETRA DE VIE
went a nice effort for 2nd in PA 2 back, then was a winner up at VD in an Excelsior A race in last after a
barn change - would definitely consider if the price is right. (1) MUSCLE DYNASTY certainly has ability
(qualified for last year's Breeders Crown Final) but he also makes his share of breaks, and has missed
nearly 4 weeks after a sick scratch - not a bad week to take a shot against him at a pretty short price. (5)
CREDITRINA has come out swinging as a 3YO, already compiling a 6-3-2-0 record with a win in last
week's Excelsior A race upstate - would be no surprise at all for the "American Viking"! (6) HOOLIE N
HECTOR has a win, 2nd, and 3rd from his 4 YR starts this year and is a proven player at this level - post
may hurt a bit, though. (2) TURBOCHARGEDPETE qualified in Ohio after missing 5 weeks and has been
away for 17 days since then - prefer to just watch in his local debut. (8) I HAVE A DREAM almost pulled
off an 88-1 upset from the same Post 8 three starts back, but then seemed to go the other way in his last
couple - Siegelman opted for #3, and we'll pass as well
RACE 7 - VERY tough race! (8) SIESTA BEACH may just sit last and pace at the end but IF Siegelman
puts her in play and has her "reasonably" close at the top of the lane, she's more than capable of powering
by these to the wire - her return try off the freshening made it clear that she's ready for action...as soon as
the opportunity arises. (4) BRONSKIMACKENZIE A will likely be ignored off the sick scratch and that
may be the right call...but IF she's 100% tonight, she's gone some miles that could definitely beat these. (6)
FEELIN RED HOT seems iffy as to whether she can hit the lead in here...but she's definitely sharp enough
to be a serious threat should that happen. (3) LOVELY DONNA has been hitting on all cylinders ever since
arriving from Canada to her new barn back in May - she does show a break (in Canada) the last time she
raced over the half, so that makes her a bit risky. (1) JIVE DANCING A is definitely better with a bit
cheaper, but the rail draw may set her up with a trip that could land her a piece of this. (5) SPORTS FLIX
has been undeniably sharp at Nfd. but she goes for new connections now, and we'll see if that form holds up
against the locals. (2) YS TALLIA is in career form right now but is also taking another step up - we'll see
if she can continue to thrive against this type. (7) GIAS SURREAL has 2 wins and a close 2nd since
arriving from NJ but the outside draw may really hurt her tonight.
RACE 8 - (2) MACZAFFAIR N was absolutely ready for a big effort off the freshening but had to settle
for 2nd, thanks to both a very tough trip, and an extremely sharp (front end) winner - a similar effort will
make her a handful from this spot. (6) JOSSIE JAMES A was her usual sharp self last week but came up
2nd best to the razor sharp YS TALLIA - may be able to blast right to the top again and create another good
trip for herself...and that would give her a good chance for a major slice. (1) WALTZWITHSIERRAA
never got involved from Post 7 last time but her previous 4 starts produced two 2nds and two 3rds - the
move inside puts her back in play for a big chunk. (5) TELLITSASSYMAE was very sharp in registering 3
straight dominant wins - threw a dud the next week, but looked MUCH better in her last, even though a
"non factor" from the back of the pack - definitely a chance to be part of the equation with a similar effort
tonight. (4) CLASSY CHAPEL N moves from one high % to another while currently in very sharp form -
not sure how well she fits with the main players in here, but we'll find out soon enough. (7) DRAGON
ROLL finally won her way out of the "NW PM" classes after taking 4 of her last 5 starts - really deserved
an inside draw with the big move up in class, and Post 7 may leave her unable to really get involved this
week. (3) LADY ROCKNROLLAA was a sharp front end winner shipping in last week but that was vs.
considerably softer - she'll have to prove she can hang with these ladies. (8) NORMANS MADELINE
lands Post 8 after missing 3 weeks and will probably have to wait for a better scenario
RACE 9 - (2) TELL ME A JOKE had really gone sour for an extended period before picking up an "ok"
win at the bottom level 2 back -- moved up a notch and was actually VERY sharp in winning that race too,
loaded on the cones to 3/4s and exploding once free into the stretch - goes for 3 straight tonight and has a
shot to do it, despite moving up again. (8) SHEIKH YABOOTY N shipped in sharp from PA last week and
was sharp here too, rallying crisply for 2nd to the razor sharp Rockn Philly - always a tough assignment
from Post 8, but she's worth a look if the price is right. (1) LADYBELUCKYTONITE has been very good
for some time but just had no chance from Post 8 last week - moves inside to the rail, and she can be
expected to make plenty of noise here. (4) THE CHARGING MOA N gets some significant class relief
here but it's hard to get a good gauge on what kind of form she's currently in - if things get testy up front,
she'll have a chance to make use of her one big rush. (6) BETCHA BABY is still winless on the year, but
she's climbed the classes a bit on the strength of a couple of 2nds and a 3rd - the move out to Post 6 may
slow her down a bit tonight, though. (7) SCANDALICIOUS has actually managed to rally for pieces from
way back in several of her most recent starts - she does tend to get overbet, though. (3) SEZANA N was
used too hard in each of her last 2 starts and paid for it - needs a much more conservative steer tonight for a
chance at a piece. (5) ACEFOURTYFOUR ALEX is actually pretty good right now, but may need a drop
before she can be a contender again.
RACE 10 - (3) NORTH STAR IDEAL was certainly well meant last week but was in for a rude surprise
when she THOUGHT was she was quarter moving to the lead...only to get left out by the fire-breathing
winner - she raced super herself, right there 2nd to the top of the lane before weakening just a little to 4th -
license to make amends tonight. (5) ALII NUI shipped in sharp from Pocono but took a very conservative
approach after drawing Post 7 and never got into the hunt - expecting a much more serious try tonight. (4)
BRONZE OVER N really wasn't bad last week, having missed 3 weeks (after a sick scratch) - her overall
form has been solid lately, and she's a legit threat to grab a good piece of this. (1) IM VERY SPECIAL was
unable to build off that 5/30 Pocono win and was just a so-so 3rd in her Hilltop return - threat for a piece
from this spot, but she'll need to be sharper to contend for the top prize. (6) MALNIFICENT hasn't done
much since the recent claim but does get some class relief here, and that may lead to a better effort - use for
3rd/4th? (2) IRON MISTRESS raced well for a few starts after the April purchase but struggled in her last
couple in NJ - maybe a close up, easy trip can help get her back on track? (7) CABOWABOCUTTIE has
put together a pretty incredible streak of good pieces at BIG prices...but the class jump and outside draw
will probably leave her as an outsider this week. (8) GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW lands Post 8 after a poor
try across the river and we'll wait for a better spot before considering
RACE 11 - Another tough trot race: (5) CAVALIER GEORGE has been decent in 3 starts since arriving
from Chester - was too far back to seriously threaten in his last couple, but did show speed the start before
that...not a bad spot to at least look for a quick getaway, because a good trip would put him right there
tonight. (6) DUKE OF LINDY was "sneaky ok" in a couple of starts here so it was no real surprise to see
him ship over to Pocono and win - was equally sharp after returning here last week, kicking home full of
trot to grab 2nd to the standout winner....assuming he's a good price tonight, he's definitely worth using on
your tickets. (2) ROYSONS PUNCH definitely has some ability and hails from top connections - he also
made a break at Fhd. 3 starts back, so just don't fall in love with this one if the price is too low. (1)
CHERRY RED is a better horse than when he was here in the past, and you know he'll be showing big
speed from the pole tonight - eligible to stick around a long way, and last for a decent piece. (3) BABY
MAKER HANOVER was right there 3rd at a big price at Tioga last week, and did pick up a 3rd here last
year (in 2 starts) - maybe a minor award? (8) MASSTRO failed to threaten at all last week moving up to
NW4 so it's hard to endorse him from Post 8 at that 3-1 ML price - will need some trip luck just for a small
share. (7) MOMMS MY DAD failed to get involved at all from Post 8 last week, and may be in the same
boat from Post 7 tonight - will be more interested in him when he draws back inside. (4) REEL EM IN was
0 for 15 at Monti this year before winning last week - he'll need to prove he can hang with this bunch
RACE 12 - (8) DEMETER N will need a lot to go her way to get it done from out here, but she's certainly
talented enough to beat these IF that happens - her local slate is outstanding (10-6-1-1) and it's hard to pass
up the opportunity to get a decent price on her down at this level. (2) ROCKN PHILLY started to get lazy
on the lead again last time (we've seen that before from her) but she responded to Brennan's encouragement
and was able to win for the 3rd straight start - will face much better now, but she's sharp enough to prevail -
just may be overbet. (6) GOLDEN QUEST N isn't on her best overall form right now but she did just miss
in this class 2 starts back, and she's listed at 20-1 on the ML - can't blame anybody looking to use her. (3)
BYE BYE MICHELLE tends to go in and out of form but at the end of the year, she always gets her share
of wins - wouldn't be a shock at this level. (4) IMPRINCESSGEMMA A moved to a new barn after the
"Super Siblings" sold their share in her ownership and she promptly made a break for her new trainer -
truly just a guessing game as to what we'll get from her tonight. (1) ANNE BONNEY N has 2 wins in her
last 3 and was parked the mile in the other - will face much tougher now, and the rail might not be enough
to make her a serious player (against a few of these tougher mares). (5) ANN HILL was sharp wiring
cheaper in her last, but is unlikely to be a serious player against these. (7) ANNABETH seems buried from
this spot, in this field