Monday Empire Report

soaofny • May 9, 2022

The Empire Report - Monday, May 9, 2022 - Race Analysis

RACE 1 - Tough opener! (5) FINE DIAMOND was particularly impressive in his wake up call win 2 back,

so it was no surprise to see him come back and score again the very next week - he may be somewhat

ignored tonight as he steps up to face even better, but he may be sharp enough to be a big threat here too.

(4) VELOCITY KOMODO was collared by the tripsitter last week but gets a pass for that (since the winner

has sprouted winds since a recent barn change) - lands in a decent spot off last week's claim, and looms a

serious threat for his new connections. (8) ST LADS BEAT IT has been overachieving since arriving from

Canada this year, and Bartlett is never shy about taking a shot (even from Post 8) with a live horse - good

bomb for longshot fans. (6) WALKINSHAW pounced on the class drop last week with the sharp front end

score - this is a tougher spot, but a live trip puts him right in the hunt for a good piece. (1) GLACIS has lost

a zillion times to cheaper but the camera-shy gelding is very sharp right now, and CAN grab a small piece

here if the trip goes his way. (3) VIRGIN STORM had fallen apart for a lengthy period but has found his

better form in recent weeks - prefer others, but he'd hardly be a surprise. (2) ROCK CANDY might have

been the top choice had a new trainer (his owner) not been listed this week - may win anyway, but he does

seem a bit more risky right now. (7) SOMEBADDUDE fits well enough, but lands a terrible post.


RACE 2 - (6) KEYSTONE NOLAN has been terrific for this barn, and much sharper than he may look on

paper right now - continues to have no luck with the draw, but he's definitely worth using tonight...at what

figures to be a decent price. (4) PAT MCGARRY A was no factor (at big prices) in 2 NJ starts so it was a

surprise to see him sent off at 1/5 for his YR debut - he did jog that night, then was a solid first over 3rd last

week (against a sharp winner) - major player again tonight. (2) BELTANE A hasn't clicked in his last 3

since the re-claim but this is a softer spot - he's won a bunch of races here over the last couple of years, and

may be ready for a big mile tonight...not a fan of that 9/5 ML price, though. (1) DANCIN DRAGON keeps

taking $, keeps getting good trips, but also keeps coming up short at the end - small piece only. (5) KILOW

ATT KID N sharpened for a few starts but then didn't fire last week - needs a quick rebound to be a player

tonight. (3) MY CARBON COPY N has done some good work since arriving in March from Australia, but

we'd like his chances a bit more tonight if Lachance was listed to drive.


RACE 3 - (2) TONY TOO TALL was claimed form his last SIX starts - has no wins during that period, but

he does have a lot of legitimate excuses....maybe he'll finally get over the hump for his latest connections?

(4) REVELRY seems to land on a tough trip almost every week, although he was admittedly not as sharp in

his last - takes an important drop to 50s for tonight, and that may very well be what it takes to get back to

the winner's circle - belongs on your tickets. (3) CAVIART SARGENT moved to the sharpest barn on the

planet and not surprisingly, delivered his career best mile in a blowout victory - moves to a another (very

sharp) outfit for tonight, but also jumps up considerably in class - we'll see if he's up for it. (5) KINNDER

JACKSON beat this class 3 straight times recently but that was for 2 very high % barns, and he does

seemed to have leveled off just a bit since then - not impossible, but definitely leaning to the top trio. (1)

CINNABAR DRAGON is normally a 20-25 here so it was definitely a surprise to see him knock off the

40s last week - tonight's assignment will be even tougher, and a smaller share seems likely. (6) JESSE

DUKE N beat this class last week but it was all out, on the lead vs. a softer bunch - new barn, tough post,

and figures to have a tougher time here. (8) IM BENICIO A was hammered at the windows off the claim

last week but was well short from Post 7 - even tougher slot tonight. (7) BARON MICHAEL needs a much

better post...in a much easier field.


RACE 4 - (5) SOHO LENNON A was sent off as the odds on choice off the class drop last week but just

never looked sharp from the start - gets another drop for tonight and the classy 12YO has rebounded from

disappointing efforts way too many times to NOT deserve another chance....should be a better price, too.

(3) GLENGARRY KNIGHT N has been facing better (with decent success) for a long time, and was a

winner the last time he dropped to this level (1/31) - major threat. (2) CAN B PERFECT was an excellent

first over 2nd on 4/25 but was scratched sick from his last - hard to know if he'll be 100% for tonight, but

he can be a legitimate player if he's on his best game. (7) RAUKAPUKA RULER N finally found some life

3 back then wired cheaper in his next - hard to gauge his last (caught behind a tiring leader) but he can

definitely have a sat tonight IF Stratton can find him a trip from out here. (1) SANTAFES COACH missed

a month to his last (a dull 5th at Fhd.) and seems to need easier, regardless. (6) MARTY MONKHOUSER

A definitely does his best work vs. softer - would look better with a class drop next week.


RACE 5 - (3) ROLLING WITH SAM was basically an afterthought for weeks....until moving to a barn (on

4/8) that seems to turn around horses like this routinely -- he's won 3 of 4 since then (2nd from Post 7 in the

lone loss), and looms the one to beat yet again. (4) ALEX TYE was outstanding in these top claiming

classes to start of 2022 - he tailed for a while, but feels like he's on a major upswing right now - might be

ready to seriously contend with these again. (8) ELWELL is the only horse to beat the top choice recently,

but may be hard pressed to repeat that feat from post 8 tonight - still one to include in exotics, though. (1)

PRINCE MCARDLE N really perked up with that victory 3 back - too far to come the next start, then out

the mile in his last - looking at an easier trip from this spot, with a chance to land somewhere on the ticket.

(5) REAL PEACE was an "ok" 3rd in his YR debut - it was his first start for a new barn (after shipping up

from Florida), and he has license to be a bit sharper this time around. (7) CHANGE STRIDE N has been a

rock solid performer for almost 2 years now, but he MAY be pushing his limits up at this $75K level -

landing Post 7 certainly won't help his chances for tonight. (6) ITSMYCHECK GB is prone to clunkers at

times, but he's shown that he does like to win races when in the right spots - not sure he'll be able to find the

right trip bumping up to 75s, though. (2) ROCKIN JUKEBOX has been "sneaky ok" in his last few starts,

but moving him up to 75s seems a bit ambitious.


RACE 6 - (5) B LIKE CRUISER won his first 2 starts at PcD (vs. cheaper) after changing barns, then

ALMOST was able to pull off a "last to first" rally here at Yonkers in this class, last week - was claimed

that night by a barn that improves virtually every horse it picks up, and we'll guess that this guy will be no

exception. (3) JIMS PERFECT TEN is winless in 14 starts this year, but has raced well in most of then -

we'll see if he can do a bit better after being claimed last week by the Dynamic Duo. (1) REGAL SON can

be a little in & out but on his best, he can be a threat with these - certainly belongs in exotics from this spot.

(7) MOONLIGHT SHADOW was a 27-1 upset winner 3 back, then was 2nd at 43-1 last week - tough spot,

but still seems like a good bomb to use for 3rd/4th. (6) BALLERAT BOOMERANG was a nose shy of the

21-1 upset 2 back, then was a solid 3rd last week - he's more than holding his own at this level and is

another that may be able to add some value to the exotics. (2) WESTERN HILL does his best work on the

lead, vs. easier - the good draw does give him a shot at a minor piece, though. (8) OZONE BLUE CHIP

may be showing some signs of wear and tear after racing at higher levels than he's used to for the past

several starts - draws Post 8 for his new barn, and that may be a little tough for him to overcome right now.

(4) BOLT OF LUCK gave it a big go vs. the 40s last week but got parked the mile - was hoping to see him

drop a peg, but he's in a notch higher instead.


RACE 7 - (3) PYRO gets an important class drop to a level where he becomes very dangerous - the inside

draw gives Dube a variety of options, and that 6-1 ML price definitely makes him an attractive play. (6) NO

LOU ZING was an excellent youngster but is still trying to add some consistency to his game as an older

horse - was recently purchased and added to the Super Sibling roster, and he gets a class drop tonight from

his last couple across the river - major threat. (1) SAVE ME A DANCE has been off his best form lately,

but it's not like he's been bad - has to be included in exotics from this spot, and he becomes a threat to win

if he can suddenly find his "A Game". (5) BIG SIR came to life in early April with a pair of blowout wins

over lesser - tired 2 back, but rebounded with a good off the pace try last week, missing by a nose - a

similar effort could land him a good chunk here too. (4) LYONS KING was handled conservatively last

week but it turned into a "miracle trip", leading to his first win in a while - will need to be even better to

contend with these, however. (7) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N is taking a major class jump from his recent NJ

efforts...but that isn't as big a concern as the sick scratch, and terrible draw - wouldn't be a shock, but still

leaning towards others. (8) MIKES Z TAM is razor sharp right now and suffered from a terrible trip last

week - he also gets stuck with Post 8, and that may leave him waiting for a better spot before he's a serious

threat again. (2) CAPTAIN FANCY struggled in his last pair since bumping up to this level - will need to

elevate his game if he hopes to be a player tonight.


RACE 8 - Excellent race: (5) PAT STANLEY N had been razor sharp for weeks before catching a couple

of horrible posts in the final Borgata leg, and then in the Final as well - should end up with a decent trip

from his mad-pack post, and he'll have a chance to mow 'em down late IF the pace is contested a bit up

front. (1) SPEED MAN N has held top form for a VERY long time, and should be looking at a very good

trip from the pole tonight - dangerous player if in position entering the stretch. (4) DIAMONDBEACH also

raced well in several Borgata starts, winning one of the consolations - hot barn, and a legitimate threat if

things go his way. (2) RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N is in the form of his career right now, coinciding with his

joining this incredible barn on 4/4 - he's already beaten this top level once...and remains a threat to do so

once more. (6) PRICELESS BEACH looked super winning 3 straight after arriving here from Canada,

swiftly climbing the class ladder - no prayer in his first Open try (4th from Post 7), but can't be discounted

tonight...and could even be a pretty good price. (3) NONE BETTOR A is as good as any of these "on his

best", but his form has been a little unpredictable lately - be sure to get a good price if considering him for

the top slot. Both (7) MR DS ROCK and (8) IM SIR BLAKE A have been sharp for a while and are both

coming off victories - the fact that they are being listed at the bottom tonight (because of their outside

posts) speaks to the overall quality of this week's Open field!


RACE 9 - (1) HATIKVAH is really hitting on all cylinders right now for his current connections, and will

likely either cut this mile, or sit the two hole...either way he's a big threat to pick up his 4th win in the last 6

starts. (3) KANDY SWEET has a pair of 2nds and a 3rd in her last 3 tries at this level - can use her speed to

grab a two hole trip here (or possibly even cut the mile?), and that puts her in play for another big chunk

tonight. (5) STONEBRIDGE GAMBLE drops down to 50s after a pair of poor posts against the 75s - he

picked up a win and a 2nd in his last 2 starts at this price, and will be a very dangerous player with any half

decent trip. (2) FASHION FOREVER is a proven player in this class and suffered from some traffic issues

in his last - might be a notch below the top ones, but still a big threat to take home a nice piece here. (4)

MUSCLE STAR is generally a bit below these, but did rally for 2nd last week (at 65-1!) in a race that fell

apart - maybe can pick up a minor share? (6) TORKIL has been solid all year, but is generally looking at

primarily minor pieces only up at this level. (7) IN MY DREAMS was pretty good for a while but seems to

have leveled off lately - Post 7 a big knock as well. (8) MIGHT SURF was 1 for 19 here in 2020-21 and

draws all the way outside upon arrival from PPk.


RACE 10 - (1) HERRICKROOSEVELT N went his best effort in some time in that powerful win 4 starts

back - was a solid 3rd in his next, then in no chance spots in his last pair - looking at a much better trip

tonight, with a chance to pull off a mild upset. (3) MYSWEETBOYMAX has won 3 of his last 5, with a

solid 2nd in another - he remains the one to beat but he tends to be heavily backed...so don't fall in love at

too short a price! (2) OURRHYTHMNBLUES N had some issue here on 4/19 but then rebounded with a

3rd at PcD last week - hard to say if he's as good as the top pair, but we'll learn a bit more tonight. (5) DON

DOMINGO N offered strong late rallies in his last pair, and is holding form beautifully even as he climbs

the classes - definitely can rally for another good piece tonight, and it wouldn't be a shock if he actually

took down the top prize. (4) MOHAWK WARRIOR really needs a bit easier to do his best work, but he

may be sharp enough right now for a small piece, with an easy enough trip. (6) IMSTAYNALIVE is one of

several sharp horses from this barn right now, but he moves outside (after 3 straight rails) and that may

slow him down a bit tonight.



RACE 11 - (4) BEE TWO BEE held his own throughout the Borgata Series, finishing right behind some

tough foes, and from a couple of tough spots - was left with no chance in the consolation but lands in a

much more realistic spot tonight - will be a major threat here. (3) SPLASH BROTHER appreciated HIS

drop out of the series last week, delivering a powerful "brush and crush" victory - remains a serious danger,

despite bumping up one notch. (6) MUSCLE FACTORY A was a high end pacer Down Under, winning 18

races and $268K - qualified here in 1:53.2 (by himself!) with Lauren Tritton in the bike, then came up 2nd

best in his last prep across the river, finishing right behind the talented Rockyroad Hanover - barn sent out a

"first time U.S" winner on Sat. night, so look for this guy to be a legitimate player as well. (1) ALWAYS

AND AGAIN does his best vs. a bit easier, but the inside draw gives him a license to tow along closely

enough for a small piece. (2) SARANAC BLUE CHIP was caught behind traffic in his first try against

older foes but rebounded with a nice 3rd last week - willing to consider for 3rd. (7) PEACE OUT POSSE

brought his best game last week and was very game winner - we'll see if Bongiorno can get him into the

hunt from Post 7, against tougher. (5) LOUS SWEETREVENGE got the wake up call to take his last, but

was helped in a big way by a stopping leader - may not be quite as fortunate tonight. (8) PRETTY

HANDSOME faces a tall task trying to get in play from all the way out here.


RACE 12 - (6) FEELIN WESTERN was good 3 back off the claim, but REALLY elevated his game after

adding Lasix for his next start - comes into tonight riding a 3 race win streak, and we'll give him the narrow

nod to make it a "hat trick". (5) DINA BOLT N hasn't won yet in 4 starts at this level but he's been a weekly

player - the right trip would give him a chance to get over the hump...at a decent price. (4) HEISMAN

PLAYER came up with a big try on the front end last week and looked home free...until the winner shook

free just in time to be able to run him down - solid threat once again. (2) WATERWAY is unproven at this

$75K level but he's been in excellent form for weeks, and packs a potent late kick - decent value horse to

consider. (1) MIGHTY SANTANA N seems to do his best vs. easier these days - the rail helps, but he still

seems more likely to grab a smaller piece, than a bigger one. (7) IM SOME GRADUATE came up with a

big effort to win 2 back but he's still been coming up flat too often - even one of his better miles would

likely leave him short from all the way out here. (3) EPIC ACE hadn't been sharp, making last week's close

2nd a major surprise - moves way up in class tonight, and it'll be hard for him to replicate that last

performance. (8) DELIGHTFUL TERROR is good right now, but isn't all that handy and is stuck all the

way outside - wait for a better spot.

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