The Empire Report - Monday, August 23, 2021 - Race Analysis
It's possible the track will have been drenched with rain since Saturday night from
Hurricane Henri, and it's hard to know how it'll be playing on Monday - keep an eye
for any trends in the first few races!
RACE 1 - (2) EFFRONTE A plummets from 50s to 25s but I guess he has the luxury to do that after
earning over $51K in his first 6 starts AFTER his world class trainer/owner handed over the training duties
to this very sharp young conditioner - have a feeling he'll rebound quickly from last week's dull try, but not
one to bet the rent money on at a very short price. (5) MY MIND IS MADEUP raced very well for 4th in
his first start away from the "Super Siblings" - logical player in here, but insist on a decent price if using on
top (as he's always been camera shy here at Yonkers). (3) BLUEBIRD RECON is another that doesn't visit
the Yonkers photographer all that often but he's been a very steady player at this level, and does figure to be
a very live contender again tonight. (1) UNICO LEGEND N reversed form completely in that 41-1 victory
2 back, but was unable to replicate that performance bumping up to 25s last week - remains at that higher
level tonight, and we'll see if he can up his game a bit more. (4) IN SPADES debuts for a high % barn here
but he's missed 3 weeks since the claim, and his only win this year was by a nose, at the bottom level - we'll
see if he can elevate his game enough to be a player. (6) COOL BLUES MAN goes for new connections
off the claim but he's been just an "ok" $20K claimer, and moves up in class, while drawing outside - prefer
others. (8) MARTY MONKHOUSER A goes for a new barn while landing all the way outside- willing to
consider when he draws (much) better. (7) TALK SHOW draws outside while exiting a high % barn
RACE 2 - Wide open race: (4) HUNDIE N wasn't bad vs. the 50s 2 back, and did the best he could from an
impossible spot against the 40s last week - drops down to 30s tonight, and has a decent chance IF the trip
goes his way. (5) CHRISTEN ME N goes for a new barn tonight, marking the first start back for his trainer
(after serving a 30 day suspension) - the 13YO double-millionaire has been sharp lately, and looms a very
live threat tonight. (2) EGOMANIA hasn't won in some time but has finished up well in a bunch of recent
starts - moves to a high % barn off the claim (7 for 19 at Yonkers), and may be able to show up late with the
right pace scenario. (1) DREAMFAIR CHARRO easily handled a NW5000 field 2 back, then raced well in
last from a difficult spot - logical threat from the pole. (7) LATE MAIL N moves to his 4th barn in 4 weeks
after having success for the other three - may have some trouble tonight with possible leavers to his inside,
but his chances go way up if able to blast right out to the front. (6) KEPT UNDER WRAPS A wasn't bad at
all last week with Cory on board, and now gets brother Jordan at the lines - definitely worth at least a look
at that 20-1 ML price. (3) PROVEN DESIRE beat cheaper at Chester 2 back but he's just 1 for 24 here at
YR over the past 2 years - too many other sharp rivals in here. (8) TIGERS WAY is 1 for 36 over the last 2
years and draws Post 8 - wait for a (much) better spot.
RACE 3 - (5) FLYING FINN N rallied stoutly after swinging 4 wide last week upon dropping down to this
level - he's held his own with much better, and will be a big threat tonight with any decent trip. (2) GHOST
DANCE was scratched sick last start for the 2nd time in 6 weeks - on the flip side, he raced super off the
last scratch, just missing in a fast mile - mixed feelings, but he's definitely sharp enough for a chance to
beat these IF 100% tonight. (1) QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP can be a little unreliable but on his best, he's very
capable against this type - moves from 8 hole to rail, and that should make him a very live threat. (4)
EHRMANTROUT is sure to take a lot $$ of tonight's class drop, but he's clearly well off his game, and
there's no guarantee the drop will automatically bring him back to life - may be vulnerable (3) FULLBACK
usually has one good move in him, but it always seems to peter out before they hit the wire (just 2 for 36
here last 3 years) - good one to use underneath. (7) LOUS SWEETREVENGE returns off a couple of
strong Chester efforts, but the outside draw may limit his opportunities tonight. (6) DARLINGS DRAGON
did a nice job hanging in there last week until the leader tired, and then rallying by late - moves up and
draws poorly now, and his modest 2 race win streak would seem to be in jeopardy. (8) STICK WITH
CRAMER draws Post 8 off a bad date for his new barn - prefer to just watch, for now
RACE 4 - (2) DESIRES CAPTAIN shipped in from Ohio as a bottom class afterthought - this one did take
the Dynamic Duo a couple of starts to figure out, but then went on to beat the 12.5s, 20s, 30s, and then 40s,
earning $47K in those 4 wins ($15K MORE than he earned in all of 2020/21 combined, prior to joining his
new barn) - goes for 5 in a row tonight, and he'll be favored to do so. (7) SNOWBALLS ROMEO is listed
at 20-1 ML but his out of town lines suggest he'll race better than that, especially joining a new barn - not a
lot of wins the last 2 years, however. (8) CHANGE STRIDE N will be hampered by Post 8 but he's been
very sharp for months, and definitely can be used underneath at what figures to be a pretty nice price. (5)
IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N crossed the wire first in 4 of 5 starts before having no chance from Post 8 last
week - gets a better draw tonight for a new barn, and should be able to have a say in the outcome. (3) PICA
RD A doesn't look bad "on paper", but he's definitely been off his best game for a while - not sure if he'll
improve for his new barn, or start to fall apart more rapidly...tough call. (4) REVELRY has been just "ok",
and exits a pretty sharp barn - we'll see how he does for his new connections tonight. (1) GIVENUPDREA
MING is just 1 for 21 this year with many of the starts being vs. lesser - draws best, but still seems likely to
contend for a smaller piece, than a bigger one. (6) RECORD YEAR has 7 wins and 4 seconds from just 23
starts this year, but remains a bit iffy at this level...especially from Post 6.
RACE 5 - (8) TONY TOO TALL is so good right now he was even able to give his previously winless
barn (0 for 36) their first victory of the meet last week - the "Super Siblings" take over off the successful
claim, and we'll stick with him, even from Post 8. (3) PACING MAJOR N was 61-1 off the long layoff,
made a break that night, but still impressed enough the public enough to be sent off at even money last
week - went a strong mile, but was nipped late by a determined rival...very legit chance to make amends
tonight. (5) GINGER TREE PETE suddenly got sharp on 6/30 and ran up the ladder from 12.5s to 40s in
impressive fashion - held very well for 4th last week after giving way on the lead (to #3), and may do better
here from off the pace - include in exotics. (2) YANKEE OSBORNE moved to a much liver barn last week
and quickly improved, cutting the mile and holding well for 3rd - another with a fighting chance tonight.
(4) REAL LUCKY N had been sharp for weeks before last week's "meh" performance - hard to know if
he'll bounce right back with a big one, or if it was a sign that he's about to tail off...we'll find out tonight. (1)
HIGHLAND TARTAN takes an important drop and also draws the rail - those are two positive factors, but
his trainer is currently 0 for 22 here on the year - maybe a small piece? (6) GRIFFON HANOVER got
sharp and moved nicely from NW5000 to NW15000 while hitting board every week - found the NW30000
class too tough, but tonight's drop into a claimer should help - unfortunately, Post 6 will not. (7) AMERIC
AN BOY N improved off the barn change last week and delivered the front end score - this is a MUCH
tougher spot, however.
RACE 6 - (3) BEACH BOOGIE was an excellent 2nd here on 7/27 upon arrival from Ohio - got roughed
up trying to cut the mile in his next and weakened, but rebounded very quickly last week, charging home
from off the pace to win going away - 7YO has always liked racing here at Yonkers, and may be able to
extend his streak to 2 in a row tonight. (1) UPTOWN FUNK gave way badly 2 back after being used too
hard early for the lead but last week was just what he needed after that, sitting back and finishing with crisp
pace 9but from an impossible spot) - very dangerous player from this spot if the trip goes his way. (4)
ROBBIE BURNS N won his first two starts (in 40s) arriving from Pocono - his new barn bumped him up
to 50s off the claim and he was a solid 3rd - legit player once again tonight. (6) FOREVER FAV endured a
tough trip last week and had to settle for 4th - just one of MANY from this high powered barn that has been
sharp for ages, and has to be respected any time he's in the box. (2) KEYSTONE PHOENIX landed on a
dream trip last week and was able to score the victory - may happen again tonight, but he figures to be
overbet, and there are just too many other sharp horses in here. (5) GLENGARRY KNIGHT raced "ok" in a
couple of recent starts but has generally been below several of the main players in here. (7) BETTOR
NOTBITTER A shipped in sharp and was able to beat the 40s last week with a very determined stretch kick
- he's climbed from 12.5s to 50s on his latest form spree, but may be in too tough a spot to threaten tonight.
(8) BETTOR AT HIGHTIDE probably fits with these (moving from age-restricted NW8 PM) but landing
Post 8 will likely have him having to wait for a better scenario
RACE 7 - (8) NONE BETTOR A has been razor sharp, but last week he actually beat the sensational
DRAGON SAID fair and square when the two of them hooked up from before 3/4s - willing to stick with
him from Post 8, hoping his new pilot will find him a trip he can work with. (6) SHOOBEE DOO A landed
on a terrible trip from Post 8 vs. the top one last week, but had been razor sharp prior to that - gets a bit of a
post edge tonight, and may be able to parlay that into a winning trip. (3) PYRO worked hard to stay close
last week and finished gamely for 3rd, a length behind the top choice - has a big post edge tonight, and it
would be no surprise to see him right there on the wire. (5) LYONS KING was an ok 4th in his first venture
into the Open 2 back, and gets a pass for his last (just a brutal trip) - if he blasts out of there and works out a
live trip, maybe he'd have a chance at the upset? (7) ROCKAPELO really shouldn't have been made to
draw for 6-8 off his recent form but that being said, the inconsistent 6YO is eligible to come alive at any
time - maybe the tote board can offer some clues? (2) TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER steps up off a sharp
"pocket rocket" victory - hasn't been up at this level in some time, and we'll see if he can still step with
these. (1) BUDDY HILL failed badly trying it first over in his first foray into the Open but he bounced
back with a nice 3rd off the easy trip in last - continues to overachieve, and maybe can grab another small
piece tonight. (4) ESCAPETOTHEBEACH got really good for a while, but seems to have leveled off now
RACE 8 - (7) RAUKAPUKA RULER N can bang heads with the Open pacers whenever he can get
on/near the lead and he can probably do so tonight (with the class drop), even from Post 7 - always a
chance a couple might leave inside of him, so make sure to get a fair price. (1) CAVIART LUCA looked
like he might be losing a few steps last year but the 10YO has come back strong in 2021, already winning
7X, for over $100K - he's more dangerous vs. a little easier, but still has to get plenty of respect from this
spot - may end up significantly overbet, though. (3) SHNEONUCRZYDIAMND A can be inconsistent, but
he's a threat at this level when in the right mood - worth considering if the price is juicy enough. (6) KEEP
IN ROCKING A has been sharp for weeks, and would probably have been picked even higher had he
draws a bit better - still a chance, but will need some trip luck from this spot. (5) ITALIAN DELIGHT N is
another that has been rock solid for weeks (months?) - best work has come vs. cheaper, but a smaller piece
is still within reach. (4) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP is yet another that has been thriving with cheaper, but
he'll need to prove that he can get the same results against these much tougher foes. (2) GUMPTION has a
few good rallies vs. claimers when things go his way, but doesn't seem likely to land on that kind of trip
tonight. (8) SUGARTOWN is razor sharp but exits a high % barn, draws Post 8, and may need to wait for a
better spot before he can really strut his stuff.
RACE 9 - Competitive affair: (1) THE WALL was briefly three wide to the half last week, then caught in a
horrible flow on the back side - just give him a pass for that mile, and look for a strong, aggressive effort
from the pole tonight. (3) GLOBALDOMINATION N has been finishing well every week, moves back
inside while dropping a notch and can be a big threat here with the right trip. (5) OUR MAX PHACTOR N
was scratched for "conflict of interest" with just a couple of minutes to post last week (his trainer was part
owner of another horse in the race!), but that issue was pointed out in the Empire Report the night before! --
certainly fits well with these, and belongs on your tickets. (2) SKIP TO MY LOU was horrible for his new
barn last week but likely bled, as he returns on Lasix tonight - make sure to include him if he goes off at a
decent price. (8) OSTRO HANOVER hasn't been "bad", but he also hasn't been close to his "top form" in
some time - not sure the drop will help him enough to overcome Post 8. (7) GENIUS MAN woke up with a
big effort last week, but gets stuck way outside tonight - may need to wait for a better spot before we see
his best again. (4) SO MANY ROADS loves to sit back and rally late - if things get testy up front, look for
him to be flying at the end...possibly for a good piece. (6) SILAS SEELSTER is just 1 for 20 this year, and
has lost in much easier spots than this - prefer others.
RACE 10 - (2) WEONA SIZZLER A has really hit stride since the 7/19 claim, delivering a trio of sharp
efforts culminating in last week's very impressive victory - faces a few solid rivals tonight, but we'll give
him the edge of last week's effort. (4) FUNATTHEBEACH N is from the same connections as DESIRES
CAPTAIN (Race 4), and they've reaped the rewards of sending horses to the "Dynamic Duo" with this guy
as well (picked up $38,500 over a 4 start period) - wasn't at his absolute best in last, but he certainly wasn't
"bad" - remains a very dangerous player! (5) SOHO LEVIATHAN A has been sharp for seemingly forever,
and hard to leave out of the exotics - just 2 WINS on the year, though, so probably better used underneath.
(1) IM SOME GRADUATE will likely be handled aggressively from this spot but he just hasn't been on his
best game for most of 2021 - likely looking at only a smaller piece, even from the pole. (3) BARBADOS
wasn't as sharp last week for his new connections - not writing him off by any means, but using him only
underneath, for now. (7) JUST PLAIN LOCO has been scary sharp despite rising up the class ladder, with
some terrible spots along the way - may find himself too far back to grab his usual good piece tonight,
though. (6) SUNTHINBOUTIM is sharp right now but gets no luck with the draw as he drops in a claimer
this week - seems damned if he leaves, and damned if he doesn't
RACE 11 - (2) DECISION DAY has held his (very) sharp form while climbing the class ladder - he'll be a
pretty good price in this field and as long as he gets along well with his new pilot, he'll have a chance to
spring an upset. (7) STARS ALIGN A got class relief upon arrival from NJ last week and was able to
prevail as the 1/5 choice - this spot is definitely tougher, but he's still a serious threat to handle these as well
(6) LUCIANO N was on a long form spree before getting slowed by bad posts in his last two - no reason
Holland can't take a shot at sending him out of there tonight, and he becomes a player if able to establish
good early position without being used too hard - at 20-1 ML, he's worth a look (3) BETTOR MEMORIES
is as in-and-out as the come, but his "A Game" would make him a player here - use him if you think we'll
see his "good" version tonight. (1) AINTNOBETTOR A may prefer to be in a little softer but he draws best
for a very live barn, and should probably be included in your exotics. (8) KERFORD ROAD A is a solid
player in this class but is stuck behind the 8 ball tonight - not a bad bomb to throw in underneath, hoping
for a nice payoff if he finds some trip luck. (4) ANTHEM N moves up in class and usually struggles
against this type. (5) TOM ME GUN N is in good form, but definitely pushing it at this higher level
RACE 12 - Strong NW20000 group in the finale! (2) TWIN B TUFFENUFF is a legit Open player when
on his game - returned from a 2 month freshening with a pair of sharp Chester tries, draws inside for his YR
return and seems like a good play as he reunites with his favorite pilot. (3) SHADOW CAT was a sharp
winner 2 back, then 2nd best to dropdown shipper STARS ALIGN A in last - draws inside, and should be
right there from start to finish. (7) ROLLWITHPAPAJOE was pretty big in his last, ending up parked the
mile but still lasting for a check, and only losing by a handful of lengths - draws outside, but he's absolutely
worth using if the price is decent. (6) GRAY DRAGON is a talented 4YO but lands in a particularly tough
field, from a tough post - has a chance, but offers no value as the 9/5 ML choice! (1) ROCK THE DEVIL
goes for a new barn tonight, and does look a bit cheaper than some of these - chance for a minor share. (5)
KEY ADVISOR has done some good work lately but this field seems a bit out of his comfort zone. (4)
MISTER DONALD A has leveled off a bit after 3 straight wins over lesser - tough spot to get going again.
(8) PERFECTLY CLOSE will be hard pressed to ever get close from out here.