Monday Empire Report

RACE 1 – Tough opener! (5) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK blasted to the top last week, had to let SCRIBBLERS go

to turn two then chased that razor sharp foe all the way to be an excellent 2nd best (after a solid 3rd behind a very

sharp DEETZY the week before) – he’s definitely sharp enough to have a chance to upset these, if the trip goes his

way. (2) MULLINAX finished alertly from an impossible spot last week and has been enjoying a long form spree –

he moves inside, gets a class drop, and has appeal with that 10-1 ML price. (3) TWO FACED avoided finishing 2nd

last week...unfortunately, it’s because he just threw a rare lesser effort – he’s raced well enough to win in a bunch of

his starts this year, and could be a threat here if he bounces back quickly off that disappointing try. (4) JUSTASEC N

seems back on the upswing (after a recent rough patch) but does face an uncertain trip tonight – he’s playable for

sure, but only if the price is fair. (1) SADDLE UP is razor sharp and has speed from the pole with a pilot that won’t

be shy about using it – he’s also bumping up in class, and may find this crew a little hard to just outrun. (6) KOPI

LUWAK landed on a terrible trip last week and may just deserve a pass – his overall form has been outstanding, and

he’ll be debuting tonight for our leading barn...he may also end up with another tough trip, and would need to be a

pretty fair price to be worth a play from this spot. (7) MOVIN ON UP raced much better than expected last week for

a barn that’s sneakily coming to life – brutal spot tonight, though.

RACE 2 – MGM BORGATA PACE, Leg 4: (2) AARDIES FLASH N threw a dud heading into this series but was

able to bounce right back in time to pick up a win in the first leg – he’s been solid since then (a 4th and last week’s

2nd), and currently sits 5th in the points standings...he should be able to work out a nice trip with a quick start, and

looms a very live player. (3) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR has been sharp for several weeks and almost was able to

pick up his first series win last start (he got rolling just a little too late after having to wait a bit to shake free) – he’s

sharp enough for a chance to be a late threat if things go his way. (4) HELLABALOU is the 2X defending champ

but right now is on the outside looking in just to make it to this year’s Consolation – he really hasn’t been bad in his

last couple, and this may be a spot where Gingras looks to race a bit more aggressively...possible wake up spot? (6)

CHASE H HANOVER has hit board in all 9 starts for his current barn, and just missed in both of his Borgata starts

– missing last week has left him well down on the points leader board, however, and tonight’s draw obviously won’t

help his cause – that 9/5 ML price feels a little short from this spot. (5) BINGE ON YANKEE is likely a notch

below the top players in this series so a difficult trip (like last week) isn’t likely going to work out – could be looking

at a tough trip here too. (1) CAMARA MOMENT hasn’t been bad, but probably needs to be in a bit easier.

RACE 3 - MGM BORGATA PACE, Leg 4: (5) MOSSDALE BEN N paced his final half in :53.4 first over last

week so he can surely be forgiven for NOT being able to get by COACHES CORNER to the wire (and suffering his

first U.S. defeat) – look for him to get a new streak started tonight. (2) WHY NOT NOW struggled through a brutal

1 for 15 campaign as a 4YO but has his act together at 5, picking up a trio of close 3rds in his 3 Borgata miles – no

reason he can’t grab a nice chunk here too. (3) CHARLIE MAY has been right in the hunt all 3 legs but has yet to

find the winner’s circle – the mega-classy gelding is probably looking at another smaller slice tonight. (4) HIMSELF

N picked a good time to turn his best effort of the year last week, using a good trip to win his division – can take

home a piece of this if another decent trip comes his way. (6) ADMIRAL HILL took off Leg 3 after a weak showing

the week before – waiting for better signs before hopping back on his team. (1) ACT FAST has been struggling to

get anything going...Yannick hopping off tonight (to drive #6) speaks loudly.

RACE 4 – (7) MIND HUNTER came into his last start razor sharp and probably made a big mistake not leaving the

gate (he finished with plenty of pace, from an impossible spot) – he was re-claimed by the barn for whom he really

turned things around last year and we’ll give him a try here, despite another horrible draw. (4) MACH N CHEESE

finally landed on a very easy trip last week and knew just what to do with it – he’s been sharp for some time, and

remains very dangerous if another good journey comes his way. (5) LYRICAL GENIUS A carved it out on the front

end last week but gave way grudgingly in the lane after being pressed – he’s another that’s more than capable in here

with the right trip. (6) CENTURY ENDEAVOR moves to another new barn but he’s shown that he can thrive pretty

anywhere – he has 2 wins and 2 seconds from his last 5 starts (no prayer in the other), and can be added to the list of

possible contenders. (2) ILIKEMEBETTOR A was no threat in his last pair but did beat this class in the 2 starts

prior to that – a good price makes him worth at least a look. (3) AROUND MIDNIGHT has found some better form

in some softer spots – not ready to try him in the 40s, though. (1) DELESTON picked up a Pocono win vs. easier 2

back but may need easier on the local scene to be a serious threat.

RACE 5 – (4) RICARDOSHILYSHALLY had been racing for a while but has really looked super since the recent

claim, going 2 for 2 and knocking off a couple of the toughest horses to beat in this class (SOUTH POINT and FLIP

MY CHIP) – remains the one to knock off, though this is hardly an “easy” spot. (1) LYONS BENJAMIN has only

attracted tote action twice since moving to this barn on 1/25...and was a WINNER both times (2/1, and 3/27) – he

moves all the way inside and if the $$ shows up again, you may want to pay attention. (7) FINAL CHEESERECIPE

just wasn’t at his best looking to cut the mile last week and weakened in the lane – he was reclaimed by a barn for

whom he’s thrived in the past, but will need some things to go his way to win from out here. (6) CAPTAIN T

HANO VER improved off the claim last week, a close 2nd after a tough first over trip – would have liked his chances

a bit more tonight had he not drawn poorly. (8) THAT DOG WILL HUNT has held his own since finally making the

jump from 20s to 30s two back but he could be looking at a pretty tough trip tonight. (5) IDEAL PAR wasn’t bad in

his first try in this class last week, overtaken in the lane after a first over try – he’s eligible to grab a piece here with

an easier trip. (3) BUGABOO LOU has struggled in the majority of his efforts since moving to this barn last year

(with a few exceptions) – he’ll be a big price if you think tonight’s class drop could help him find a form reversal.

(2) HIGH ON ROCKNROLL is off a bad date off a pair of weak efforts.

RACE 6 – (6) ENDOFSTORY had a strong 3YO campaign and certainly thrived here at Yonkers (11-5-2-2) – he

returned last week after being idle for 5+ months and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat, pacing his final half in

about :54 seconds to be right there 3rd at the wire (after being way back in 7th at the half) – Bartlett opts off to stay

loyal to #4, but we’re willing to try this one on top (with Gingras), even from the tough post. (4) NANDOLO N was

pretty much invisible the last 2 starts but the fact that Bartlett is taking him tonight (over #6 and #7) suggests that he

could be expecting a more “Nandolo-like” effort tonight...and that would make him very dangerous. (3) HEZ ALLT

HERAGE N wasn’t quite as sharp in his last couple after an extended form spree – suppose we’ll find out tonight if

he was just in a little tough, or if he’s actually starting to go the wrong way. (5) ROCK THE BELLES started to

quickly up his game after a new trainer was listed to start the new year and he’s continued to thrive (and even get

better!) even since – has to be considered for exotics in his current form. (2) SCRIBBLERS brought his best in last

week’s very sharp win vs. the 40s but he’ll be facing tougher tonight off the claim, and may struggle a bit. (7) THE

IDEAL DANCER A jogged in NW20000 last week but now steps up, moves outside, and may have some trouble

getting into the mix. (8) SOUTHWIND CELSIUS is riding a 3 race winning streak but is another that may struggle

to get into play with the class jump and terrible draw. (1) CADILLAC BAYAMA moves all the way inside but may

need to be in a bit easier these days to have a real say.

RACE 7 - MGM BORGATA PACE, Leg 4: (2) VERDUN left himself with no chance of another tough trip with a

fast start last week, and looked like his best self with the “pocket rocket” jogburger victory – hopefully he’ll be

driven the same way tonight, as that would stamp him as the one to knock off once again. (5) DESPERATE MAN

finds himself in the unfamiliar position of NOT currently being in the Top 8 in the point standings, as he just hasn’t

been able to get back to “beast mode” (so far) this year– he’s hardly been “bad” (he has a 2nd and two 3rds), but he’ll

need to up his game a bit if he hopes to get his picture taken for the first time in 2025. (4) MIKI SHAN N was flying

late for 2nd on 4/7 but unable to replicate that effort in last week’s faster mile, failing to rally after following MOSSD

ALE BEN N’s cover – we’ll see if he comes up with a sharper mile tonight. (6) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR just

missed to VERDUN in the first leg, then reported a home a winner the last 2 weeks – he’s currently in a 3-way tie at

the top of the leaderboard (with 200 points), and it’ll be interesting to see how Bartlett drives him tonight (with the

bad draw). (1) HEMSWORTH N had been racing very well, but was a bit disappointing when he could only manage

to be 3rd last week (with an easy trip, in a softer division) – always a threat to grab a small piece. (3) BLAZING HO

ME N is a nice horse, but will appreciate when he can face easier after this series.

RACE 8 - MGM BORGATA PACE, Leg 4: (6) COACHES CORNER came up a close 2nd best to FOR ONCE INM

Y LIFE in the first leg then knocked off DESPERATE MAN in Leg 2, followed by ending MOSSDALE BEN N’s

winning streak last week – he’s hitting on all cylinders and he’ll get a chance to avenge that Week 1 loss tonight. (3)

FOR ONCE INMY LIFE is 8-5-3-0 this year and that includes that victory over #6 in Leg #1 – he’s currently sitting

6th in the point standings (after taking last week off), and will surely be primed for a big effort as he gets back to

action tonight...clearly the main danger! (2) SHERLOCK N would look better vs. a bit easier but he’s hung in well

through the first 3 legs of this series, and even managed to rally for a 2nd last week – chance for another small piece

tonight. (1) ROCKNROLL RUNA A just hasn’t been able to get back to his top form in some time – maybe an easy

trip from the pole can help him take home a small share tonight. (4) HUMBLE A has a couple of ok starts since the

recent barn change but will need to find more to be a serious threat here. (5) TYPHOON BANNER N used a good

trip to be a close 2nd in the (sloppy) first leg but took off Leg 3 after a tiring effort in Week #2 – just hasn’t been able

to find his best form yet. (7) FINVARRA A picked up an easy win dropping out of the series last start but now

moves back up AND gets stuck outside.

RACE 9 – (5) SOHO FIRESTONE A qualified sharply for his U.S. debut, was very well backed for his first start

and did race super... though forced to settle for 2nd best to currently razor sharp COPPERFIELD (despite pacing his

final quarter in :27) – willing to take a shot that he gets over the hump tonight. (4) VIRGO registered a pair of back

to back jogburger wins at Pocono at the end of March, and shows a good maintenance qualifier last week for his new

trainer – he has 23 career victories and over $500K on the card so clearly the class is there...could have a big say in

his YR debut. (8) ROCK DIAMONDS N hasn’t been the winning machine this year that he’s been in the past but he

remains a dangerous weekly player, hitting board in his last 6 starts – if he can leave well enough to create a

manageable trip for himself, he can still be part of the equation. (2) COVERED BRIDGE had post 7 off a bad date

to his last start so he can be given a pass for that mile – he’s clearly been way off his best game for some time, but

he’s just way too classy to ever just ignore completely. (1) HAZEVILLE was definitely disappointing when he could

only manage a 3rd (at 3/5) last week and steps up another class tonight – small piece? (3) SHAZAM BLUE CHIP

hasn’t been able to get back to the top form he exhibited last year but he still picks up plenty of smaller pieces –

chance for minor spoils. (6) GENTLE GIANT has been racing very well but could be looking at a tough time from

this spot. (7) QUALITY BUD lacked his usual late pop last week and now has to contend with Post 7.

RACE 10 – (4) VENTURESOME ARDEN N was outstanding here in 2024 (10 wins, over $250K) but hasn’t been

able to replicate that top form (so far) in ’25 – his last 2 starts have been MUCH more encouraging, however, and he

gets both a big class drop and a switch to Bartlett for tonight – feels like a spot where he can do major damage. (2)

LUCAPELO A was a solid first over 3rd last week (to the odds-on front end winner) and his overall form, vs. better,

has been decent – definitely a spot where he can contend for another big chunk. (3) JANELLE GRANNY’s efforts

this year have been all over the place – the drop out of the Borgata series can only help, and he’ll be a legitimate

threat to the top choice IF he can bring his best effort...but that’s a BIG “if”. (7) CAVIART SARGENT can be tough

to predict from start to start and he’s moving up in class off a dull start – that being said, he’s been known to grab

some decent pieces (at big prices) from tough spots in the past – maybe 3rd/4th? (5) SPIRIT OF STLOUIS N seemed

to be on the upswing but last week’s “meh” 4th one level down was a bit discouraging. (6) SINBAD N makes his

first start since 10/29 and figures to need a race or two. (1) TWIN B POWERBALL draws the pole but that didn’t

help him vs. softer last week. (8) GAMBLINGTERROR is ok these days, but faces an uphill battle from out here.

RACE 11 – (1) ULTIMAROCA had been holding his own for several starts not long ago behind the likes of

MOSSDALE BEN N, NANDOLO N, HEZA CHARRTOPPER A, etc. before a couple of no chance draws at the

end of March – his last pair have been more like it, however, with a front end score 2 back followed by a close 3rd

last week (behind a couple of very impressive rivals) – may have found another winning spot. (5) SWEET BEACH

LIFE had a strong 3YO season that included a win in the Messenger Final (here at Yonkers), a win in the PaSS Final

as well as qualifying for the Finals of the Little Bown Jug, and the Breeders Crown – he had good pace finishing in

his first start of the year (in the Pocono slop) and just may be ready to strut his best stuff tonight. (7) DIEGO N was

a BIG earner Down Under ($637K) and will now begin his U.S. campaign for a barn that is no stranger to successful

imports – he may be handled pretty conservatively tonight, however, after drawing so poorly (and off an equally

conservative qualifier). (4) BONDI LOCKDOWN A may have been in a little tight in the lane last week though it’s

hard to say – chance for a minor share. (3) SURFSIDE BEACH has held form for a long time but was scratched sick

from his last and does catch some good ones tonight. (2) MOMENT IS HERE was used a bit from Post 8 last time

and folded after a two hole trip – if he bounces right back, he can pick up a piece here, with an easy trip. (8) LEONI

DAS A got hit with the deck (tripwise) last week and was able to pick up an opportunistic victory – may not be as

fortunate from out here, though. (6) CARABAO A is one of several in the barn trying to find their better form.

RACE 12 – (1) TICKERTAPE HANOVER rebounded from a tiring try on 3/11 with an excellent 2nd on 4/7, despite

the bad date – just give him a pass for his last (was way back early from Post 8) and look for a big effort from the

pole tonight. (5) SANTANA HANOVER had some better life finishing from way back last week and gets a class

drop (and better draw) tonight– could have a big say, but the 9/5 ML price is a turnoff. (2) SLING SHOCK had been

very sharp but comes into tonight after a month away – his barnmates that also missed time have had mixed results.

(4) SAMHARA N has been very good lately, but could be looking at a smaller piece with tonight’s class jump. (6)

MARLBANK ROAD has been hanging in there with better but tonight’s class drop may be offset by the bad draw –

maybe 3rd/4th? (3) ORLANDO BLUE A has been all out of sorts since the recent claim – waiting for better signs.

Both (7) MANSOME and (8) KIMBLE A figure to be hard pressed to make it into contention from out here.