The Empire Report - Thursday, September 2, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (6) TEMPUS SEELSTER has been facing what we have to assume are better mares out in the
midwest - she's won 17 races over the past 2 years, debuts locally for a top barn and has to be accorded the
edge in tonight's opener. (1) SEZANA N came oh so close to finally getting her first win of the season last
week but was nipped right on the wire one class up - major threat from this spot, and likely the main danger
(4) ALL ABOUT AMY gets a total pass for last week (went from all out leave, to total retreat) and her
overall recent form really isn't bad - could add some value to the exotics. (2) VELOCITY MCSWEETS
was dull last start but solid in her prior two - if she bounces back to those better efforts, she'll have a solid
chance to pick up a good piece tonight. (5) ACEFOURTYFOUR ALEX will be finishing well late, but it's
hard to say whether or not it'll be in time to grab a piece - all depends on how the race plays out. (3) FRAN
SCHOEK disappointed last week - drops a level, and we'll see if that perks her up a bit. (7) ASHTINI didn't
finish well at all last week and just doesn't seem sharp enough right now to do much damage from out here.
(8) FOX VALLEY CHARLIZ adds Lasix, but seems too far out to have any real say this week
RACE 2 - (1) GREG did everything right except WIN in his local debut, nipped by the tripsitter in the final
step - gets it done at a pretty short price tonight. (5) BIG CHARLIE MORAN stayed flat last week (after
having to re-qualify) and he did win a race here back in June - maybe can add a little value to the exacta?
(2) SV ROYAL FLUSH will likely be sitting the pocket to the top choice and may very well stay there
throughout to complete a very short exacta - he's not the best finisher, though, so he's no cinch to hang on
for 2nd. (3) KEYSTONE VIENNA seems to have improved (for a new barn) after being turned out over
the winter - was scratched from her last, though, so it's hard to say how tight she'll be for tonight. (7) CANE
GANG was on the dull side in his first try for a new barn but he did stay trotting, so that's a plus - he does
have some ability so maybe not a bad one to include on the bottom of tris and Supers. (6) ENDYMION
broke as the favorite in his last two local tries and has to be considered somewhat risky at this point. (8)
CHERRY MASON was able to follow along for a no-threat 3rd last time but that was from the pole -
moves all the way outside, and that's going to hurt. (4) THE PAPA BEAR broke in his last and is just
14-0-0-2 for his career - prefer others
RACE 3 - Wide open! (7) DONGAL RUNDLSCRK N has been racing herself back into shape (as she
drops through the classes) and really wasn't bad last time - she'll be a big price here, and just may be ready
to show up with a serious effort. (3) HIGH ROLLING A has been delivering a mixed bag of effort as she
drops down the class ladder - she's at a level right now where she CAN be a big threat...if she brings one of
her better efforts tonight. (8) PRAY THE ROSARY was certainly helped by the pocket trip in last week's
win but she just LOOKED much better returning from the 6 weeks off - another one with a chance at a nice
price (major trip luck will be needed). (5) LUCKY ARTIST A was sent off as the prohibitive 1/10 favorite
last week (barn change & class drop) - she got the job done, but had to work for it and MAY be vulnerable
tonight if she doesn't up her game a bit. (4) COWGIRL LILLY was nowhere to be found at Chester in her
first try off the barn change but she's obviously much better than that - may rebound with a contending
effort in her YR debut. (6) CORAL BELLA had been going pretty well so last week's tiring 3rd was a bit
disappointing - goes for a new barn off the claim, but also moves up and draws outside - tough spot. (2)
DIAMONDOOTHGERTIE hasn't been sharp at all but she's been known to reverse form on a dime - make
sure to get a big price if considering her on top tonight. (1) MORE THAN MANY went an improved mile
for 2nd last week for a barn that's been "sneaky hot" lately - draws best again, but this is definitely a much
tougher spot, and she'll probably be a bit overbet off her last
RACE 4 - (4) FIRST GUNNER shipped in from the Iowa Fairs with a 24-16-6-0 record...and certainly
didn't disappoint in his local debut, trouncing the competition in a career best 1:56.2 mile - would be pretty
hard to make a case against him tonight, racing in the same NW2 class. (1) LADY RESORT AS was dull in
her local debut but was also racing off a bad date - hails from a top barn, and is eligible to come up with a
much better effort this time. (2) CREATIVE VENTURE added hopples last week and rallied nicely to be
2nd, behind the top choice (though way behind that one) - chance to complete the exacta once again. (3)
CHROME PACKAGE gets a pass for last week, seriously bothered by an incident coming to the half - he's
been reliably picking up pieces since arriving at Yonkers, and may grab another one tonight. (7) SAN CRIS
TOBAL re-qualified after a couple of breaks then behaved in last, rallying nicely for 2nd in his best local
mile to date - should be a big price from out here, and not a bad one to thrown on the bottom of tris and
Supers. (5) INFINITE ZETTE broke after the start last time but was doing good things prior to that - one of
many in here with a chance at a piece, with the right trip. (8) BACARDI gets a pass for last week as trainer
Ivan Llopez (who elected to drive his horse that night) ended up running in past the stands (while parked)
and hooked this guy's wheel - definitely fits with these, but will need plenty of racing luck to overcome the
outside draw. (6) CANTABSLEADINGLADY has speed, but lacks in the stamina department.
RACE 5 - (6) NEVERFORGETWHOUR returned sharp off a long layoff with an excellent 2nd place
finish, followed up with last week's easy front end score - bumps back up a notch but these are still well
within her comfort zone...solid chance to make it 2 in a row. (1) A CRAFTY LADY doesn't seem to be on
her best game right now but she draws best for Hilltop return, and is likely looking at a pretty nice trip here
- good spot for a wake up call. (5) WATCH MY LUCK figures to appreciate tonight's class relief - not sure
what kind of trip she's looking at, but she can be part of the equation if it's a good one. (7) PAIGES GIRL is
sharp for a hot barn, but draws another poor post - hard to say if she'll be able to find a way into the hunt.
(2) KAITLYN N remains winless in 2021 but her overall form hasn't been bad lately - eligible for a small
piece if things go her way. (4) GREENHILL HANOVER picked up a win and a 2nd in her first 2 local tries
but was no factor at all last week (moving up to this level) - leaning towards others, but wouldn't be
surprised to see her bounce back with a better effort. (8) CASH ROLL was a winner in her only local try
this year but that was with an easy trip, in the bottom class - this is a much tougher assignment. (3) BULLV
ILLEKARLA finds herself a couple of classes above her usual level after a few good recent efforts - will
have to prove that she's good enough now to hang with these better ones.
RACE 6 - (1) FAWN DE TOUCH broke adding hopples 3 back but behaved nicely in her last pair, and
took home a couple of wins - should be looking at another good trip from this spot, and will have every
chance to make it 3 in a row....IF she can continue to behave herself! (2) DA BOOGIE MAN was ok from a
no-chance 8 hole 2 back then was a solid 2nd best to the standout winner in his last - seems to be on the
upswing right now, and looms a serious contender from this spot. (4) CHAPOLIER has been a solid
performer every recent week, but did get beat here 3 starts (in a similar spot) as the 1/2 favorite - dangerous
for sure, but may also be a bit vulnerable at a short price once again. (3) INSURED AM S is yet another in
here that's been sharp every start, but MAY be just a notch below the top ones....certainly wouldn't be a
shock with Zeron on board. (8) GRAFENBERG had been rapidly improving in each start before hitting a
snag with last week's early miscue - definitely fits talent-wise, but will have his work cut out for him from
Post 8. (6) CHERRY RED has picked up several pieces in this class but catches a tough field tonight and
may need to wait for an easier spot. (7) DESTINY BLUE CHIP reversed form in a big way to win 2 starts
back, but made a break the next week - even with a clean mile here, this seems like a very tough spot. (5)
DUKE OF LINDY seems to have gone the wrong way after racing well for several starts
RACE 7 - Good race! (6) SIESTA BEACH was left with no chance when she got away 8th in last week's
blistering mile and that's what'll happen again tonight if Siegelman leaves the gate - have to believe he
knows this, and will be more aggressive at the start....decent value play in what should be a well contested
affair. (8) RACINE BELL is just an absolute beast and has proven to be the "best" mare in here - she's
overcome brutal trips to win in the past and may do so again tonight...but definitely could be vulnerable the
way the race might play out tonight. (7) IMPRINCESSGEMMA A beat #8 fair and square back on 7/1 and
comes into this off a powerful 8 hole win last week (at an absurd 58-1 price) - as noted before, her trainer
has suddenly become a force to reckon with this year, and this mare shouldn't be taken lightly tonight. (3)
BETTERB CHEVRON N is one of several mares from this barn that suddenly got sharp recently and she's
held her form right up to the Open level - may be able to rally late for a small piece, if things go her way.
(4) JIVE DANCING A has also been overachieving lately, and is another bomb with a chance to rally for a
small share. (1) SEASWIFT JOY N has taken 2 of her last 3....but vs. cheaper - on her best, she can go with
these too, but it's hard to say if she's there right now. (5) DBLDELITEBRIGADE N has been a solid roll
lately, and has two 2nds and a 3rd from her last 3 Open starts - may be in for a tougher trip tonight, though.
(2) DRAGON ROLL won her way back to the Open with a pair of sharp front end wins over lesser - she's
picked for "last" here, but could easily do much better that that with the right trip.
RACE 8 - (4) NATASHA missed her entire 4YO season but is making up for lost time at 5, winning 3 of
her first 7 starts and banking over $47K already - bumps up a notch off last week's powerful victory, and
seems capable of beating these too, especially if Marohn handles her aggressively at the start. (6) LOVELY
DONNA returns to Yonkers where she was last seen battling Open mares - she's a strong player at this
level, and probably the main danger. (5) SHOULDABEENATD was a sharp first over winner in her YR
debut (one level down) but wasn't nearly as good when 4th, moving up to this level - she seems a bit below
the top pair, but probably next in line should they both falter. (3) MILLWOOD BONNIE N is yet another
mare from this barn hitting on all cylinders right now - she upset this class last week, and gets to stay in it
by dropping in for the claiming tag - belongs in exotics. (1) SHECANDANCE N had been on a nice roll
before coming up a little weak off last week's two hole trip - draws best, and can do some damage if she
brings one of her sharper efforts. (2) MALNIFICENT definitely needs some class relief....and she should be
getting some starting next week. (7) WALTZWITHSIERRA A qualified nicely against her barnmate after
taking a couple of months off - draws poorly, and is one to WATCH for future consideration. (8)
LADYBELUCKYTONITE is the outsider...both literally and figuratively
RACE 9 - (5) MAN DONTFORGET ME was stuck chasing 1:21.3 in her first foray into the FM Open and
can be forgiven for coming up a little light at the end - drops back down into a MUCH easier spot, and is
definitely the one to beat tonight. (1) WOODMERE HARRIET jus transformed into a different horse
recently, wiring two (much) cheaper fields but then rallying stoutly (off bad cover!) last week to be a solid
4th at this level - have to use her in exotics in her current form! (2) MACZAFFAIR N has been no factor in
any of her recent starts but moves inside, and this would be a logical spot to see some improvement from
her. (6) BRONZE OVER N is having a solid year after a sluggish 2020 season - can grab a piece of this
with an easy enough trip.(4) ANGELS PRIDE usually falters once she gets back up to these higher levels
but her form has been holding much better this time - willing to include underneath. (8) HEAVENS
SHOWGIRL A was well backed in her U.S. debut last week (vs. a better field) but landed on a brutal trip
and tired late - she'll probably race conservatively tonight, but still not a bad bomb for 3rd/4th. (3)
NORMANS MADELINE seems to need to be in much easier these days to come up with her better efforts
- prefer others. (7) ROLL WITH ANGEL (along with a couple of barnmates) has been very good lately -
class hike and Post 7 figure to slow her down tonight, though.
RACE 10 - (6) WARRAWEE UBEAUT's tough year continued last week when she got WAY too hot on
the lead (in the Open), and was understandably out of gas in the lane - her price will be much better tonight,
she's facing much easier, and it MAY not be a bad week to give her a shot. (4) SHEIKH YABOOTY N has
really improved since moving to the "Super Siblings" and Bartlett hops off a couple of main clients' horses
for the rare opportunity to drive one for this incredible barn - definitely a chance to come out on top here.
(2) NORTH STAR IDEAL had no prayer from Post 8 last week but she had been razor sharp prior to that -
another legitimate threat in her current form. (5) SPORTS FLIX raced well on the front end in her last pair,
picking up a win and a 3rd - faces a more uncertain trip tonight, and we'll see how that plays out. (3)
MONICA GALLAGHER was able to (just) hold 2nd last week after a pocket trip - always deserves
respect, but a few of these may be sharper at the moment. (1) POPPY DRAYTON N seems to have leveled
off after a win and a 2nd 3 and 4 starts back - draws best again, but will need to be sharper to take
advantage. (8) BETTORS HEART N was an even 4th from the rail last week and the move out to Post 8
figures to hamper her chances significantly. (7) GOLDEN QUEST N is just 1 for 19 this year, draws
poorly, and seems unlikely to contend from this spot
RACE 11 - (1) COCKTAILS N DREAMS was 2nd best to standout Hillexotic in her YR debut then shook
free too late last week and had to settle for a close up 3rd - we'll give her the narrow nod to find her way to
the winner's circle tonight. (2) NEW LEGACY is thriving since a recent barn change, and ships down to
Yonkers off a pair of blowout wins at "The Ridge" - looks like a dangerous player here. (3) BABY
MAKER HANOVER is another from this (small) barn that is racing very well right now - charged home to
win 2 back (NW4) then rallied stoutly for 3rd moving up to NW6 in his last - legitimate threat. (6) YOU
MAKE IT EASY was a good 2nd 3 back, broke challenging for the lead on the final turn in her next, then
just missed in her last, finishing right ahead of the top choice - draws outside her main rivals tonight, and
that MAY limit her to a smaller piece. (7) MOON BRIDGE has been burning money lately, and now draws
Post 7 - looking at a minor share only. (8) CAVALIER GEORGE was bet down to 7/2 out of the blue last
week and sure enough, was an easy first over winner - the class was opened up for HIM tonight ("NW
$76K lifetime"), but he still figures to have a hard time from out here. (4) I HAVE A DREAM hasn't fared
as well since moving up to NW6 - prefer others. (5) BLUE DEVIL has been unable to replicate that NW2
win (3 back) since moving up to face tougher.
RACE 12 - (4) IM VERY SPECIAL hasn't had the best season so far at Yonkers (just 1 for 16) but she has
a positional edge on her main foes here, is pretty good right now, and may be able to double her local win
output from this spot. (7) DANCE CLUB has been solid all year, both at Yonkers and out of town as well -
lands a tough spot, but she CAN beat these if Dube can find her a manageable trip - worth considering. (8)
MAJOR BATTLE was unable to work out any kind of trip Post 7 last week and now lands Post 8...she does
have the ability to go with these, however, and would definitely be worth a look if the price gets juicy
enough. (2) FREE FLYIN TICKET made her Yonkers debut a winning one, but vs. much easier - hard to
say if she'll be able to do as well moving up two classes, but we'll find out tonight. (5) AMERICAN
DELIGHT N easily handled softer in her last for a barn that's having it's typical success with a handful of
shippers - might be able to beat these too, but seems more likely to pick up a smaller piece, than a bigger
one. (3) LAALWAYS AMARTINI found her form at Plainridge and has been doing ok here too - may find
these a little too tough, though. (6) PETTYCOAT BUSINESS has been racing well, but vs. much softer -
loses Brennan, moves outside, and may struggle a bit this week. (1) TELL ME A JOKE draws best but is in
desperate need of a major wake up call.