The Empire Report - Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (6) FAST ON THE DRAW has delivered back to back jogburger wins since dropping to the
bottom level - faces a couple of legitimate foes tonight, but we'll still give him the edge. (8) TEXAS TERR
OR N was razor sharp prior to the 10/15 claim, and has continued to thrive since then (though settling for
3rd and 2nd in his last pair) - has enough speed to work out a manageable trip even from Post 8, and it
would be no surprise at all to see him come out on top. (2) RECORD MACHINE hadn't done a thing since
the claim on 8/31 but the drop to the basement last week helped him come up with the wake up call win -
chance to take another for a very hot barn, but he'll need to be pretty good to beat the top two. (1) GYPSY
LEATHER has a lot of back class in his 12YO legs but the wins (and even big miles) are getting harder to
come by - maybe he can find an easy enough trip to take home a piece here. (4) NIHILATED TRUTH has
been good enough to pick up decent pieces the last few starts and an easy trip would give him a chance to
do that again tonight. (7) OPUS BLUE CHIP wasn't bad at all debuting here for a new barn last week but
he's stuck with another bad post, and that may limit his output once more. (3) MACH TIME N finally falls
down to the bottom level after struggling most weeks in 20s, and then in 15s....not sure the drop is going to
help right now. (5) WE THINK ALIKE has mostly struggled since the surprise claim (and REclaim) a few
starts back - needs to be much better than he has been
RACE 2 - Good race: (2) NORTHERN NETWORK shipped in sharp from Indiana and was a solid 2nd in
his local debut - very sharp winning his next from Post 7, then kicked home with good pace in his last after
trailing all the way from Post 8 - should be a good price in a field with several live players, and definitely
worth using. (3) RHODENA ROAD is 2 for 2 since arriving from Canada, pacing away easily when asked
in both starts - could easily be 3 for 3 after tonight. (8) SAUVIGNON BLUECHIP showed a ton of promise
at 2 but just wasn't right for his 3YO NYSS season - finally started to come around a few weeks ago, and
looms a legitimate threat, even from Post 8. (4) COLONEL BAYAMA really started to click up north after
a recent barn change and was then purchased for $50K - should be a perfect fit here, but he's off a bad date
and it's hard to know just how tight he'll be - maybe check the tote board? (6) ILLBEWATCHINGU just
missed 2 back, and hit the wire with good pace from a no chance spot in last - may have to settle for a
smaller piece tonight from this tough spot. (1) HEARTLANDBANYSBRO ships in from The Meadows
sporting some fine form, but probably against a bit easier - willing to consider for 3rd/4th. (5) DANCING
JOE probably needs to be in a much easier field to be a threat. (7) BARRYWHITE HANOVER has had
some success here, but struggled much of the way last week (off a bad date) and had trouble pacing
smoothly - prefer to just watch, for now.
RACE 3 - (1) FREDDIE FAVES toured the oval from Post 8 after arriving from Iowa but was 2nd the next
week to a horse that would be 1/5 in here, then picked up a pair of 2nds at Chester - meets a pretty modest
crew in his Hilltop return, and looms the one to beat from this spot. (5) BALI BEACH had a couple of good
starts in early Sept. then tailed off - moves to a new barn for tonight, and may be able to bounce back to
one of his better efforts. (2) ZOES LUCKY GUY hasn't really been a threat in any of his 4 local starts but
he draws a good post, and may be able to improve a bit. (6) HUMBOLDT HANOVER hit board in 3 of his
4 starts (in PA) this year - was freshened up after a tiring 3rd on 9/1, and it's hard to say how tight he'll be
for tonight - maybe the tote board will offer clues? (8) EXOTIC SAND really wasn't bad in either of his last
2 starts and would have been listed higher if not for Post 8 - would still include him underneath in exotics,
even from out here. (4) ROSE RUN WOODROW sports from good Monti form, but it's hard to say how
he'll stack up against these - would be more interested if not for that 2-1 ML price. (3) MONEYO RROSES
didn't do all that much up in The Maritimes, so we'll just watch a start or two to get a better feel for his
abilities. (7) WHAT ABOUT BOB was wildly overbet last week, needlessly overdriven, and backed
through the field - look for a (much) more conservative try from Post 7!
RACE 4 - (7) VEL MR NICE GUY was sent off at even money from Post 8 for his local debut but was
handled conservatively and could only manage a 3rd place finish - made amends the next week with a very
easy victory and can take another tonight....assuming he's able to get involved a little earlier. (4) SAULSBR
OOK HERO has raced well in all 4 local starts, and seems to be getting better every week - Zeron fills in
for Stratton here, but that shouldn't make any difference...the main danger? (1) PERFECTBOY HANOVER
took no $$ and never got involved last week in his first local try - moves all the way inside, and a much
better effort should be forthcoming - use in exotics. (3) VELOCITY GATOR steps up after just beating
cheaper in his local debut - may be able to go with this crew too, but he'll have to prove it. (5) UNCONTR
OLLABLE was handled aggressively here for the first time last week and had the lead until the final strides
- this seems like a tougher spot, but we'll see if he can build off last week's improved effort. (8) BRAZEN
BRAZILIAN has a few good recent starts, but will probably have to wait for a better post before he can be
a serious player again. (6) SARANAC BLUE CHIP held on for 2nd against the top choice last time but he
started from the pole that night - may not be as fortunate from Post 6. (2) FESTIVE JOE seems quite a bit
below the top ones in here.
RACE 5 - (4) MILITARY MASTER A was doing some good things this year for a barn that generally wins
at a fairly modest clip, and now goes to a trainer that appeared on the scene this year and has been
improving horses exponentially ever since - pretty automatic selection. (6) BLUEBERRY HEAVEN is the
2nd horse in a week that was claimed by this owner/trainer....from the SAME owner/trainer that she was
just down as trainer for up at Monticello -- not really sure what to make of all that but this horse is now
riding a two race win streak (after losing his first 32 starts in 2021), and definitely belongs in your exotics.
(2) RAPTORS FLIGHT N qualified back well enough after taking a couple of months off, and should be
able to contend for a piece with the good inside draw. (1) GOTHIC ROCK responded to the class drop last
week, finishing 3rd after cutting the mile - chance to land somewhere on the ticket again tonight. (3) OFFI
CIAL DELIGHT isn't "sharp", but also wasn't terrible in his last couple - not a bad bomb to throw in for
3rd. (5) VILLAGE CHAMP was no factor in either start since the recent claim - needs to improve for a
chance at even a smaller piece here. (7) UNION STATION moved out from the rail to Post 8 last week and
trailed all the way - tonight's post really isn't any better. (8) GRAND PRIORITY has only managed one 3rd
in 4 starts since the recent claim - hard to make a case for him from Post 8
RACE 6 - (3) DON DOMINGO N beat this class back on 8/10, and raced ok for pieces at this level the last
2 starts - this is a pretty suspect group, and he might be able to handle these with old buddy Stratton back
on board. (1) ONE OFF DELIGHT A was no threat in his last pair but he should be looking at a much
better trip here...and that could result in a much better effort. (6) YABKEE OSBORNE won off the claim
one level down on 10/8 but was scratched sick from his next, then re-qualified ok - barn sending out a lot of
winners these days, so this guy probably should be on at least some of your tickets. (4) IAMMRBRIGHTSI
DE N beat cheaper 3 back, was stuck too far back from post 7 in his next, then ran into a pretty tough trip in
last - his barn has turned around their season recently, so give extra consideration to anything they send out.
(2) ZIGGY SKY does his best work with easier - likely looking at only a minor piece. (5) YAYAS HOT
SPOT N is just 1 for 29 on the year, and likely needs to be in easier to be any kind of serious player. (7)
ZACH MAGUIRE N failed to menace from a similar spot last week - wait for a better draw.
RACE 7 - (3) BRAEVIEW BONDI A wasn't bad in either start since returning from the midwest, but
simply had no chance - this is a much more realistic spot, and the right trip may help him pull off an upset
in this pretty solid NW15000 field. (2) CODY HANOVER had been racing well every week since arriving
here but finally was able to get his picture taken last start - legitimate chance to make it two straight with
another inside draw. (1) LEVINE was surprisingly aggressive from Post 8 last week but that left him tired
in the lane - looking at a much easier trip tonight, and that should make him a contender from start to finish.
(4) PAT STANLEY N had been racing well for weeks, right up to the top levels - threw a bit of a dud last
start, so we'll see if it was a one time blip, or if he's in the process of heading in the wrong direction. (7)
MICKY GEE N wasn't "bad" in either of his last 2 starts, but he did disappoint as the odds on choice in
both - faces an uncertain trip from out here and remains vulnerable despite the class drop. (5) PERFECTLY
CLOSE was 2nd two back but his overall recent form has been just "ok" - needs to be better if he hopes to
be a player. (8) CONBOYVILLE has raced well in all 3 starts since arriving from Canada - double class
jump and 8 hole will be tough to overcome, though. (6) CLOSING STATEMENT just never kicked in
enough as the favorite last week - moves up in class and draws outside, and we'll stick with others here
RACE 8 - Solid field! (5) SKYWAY VICTOR drew outside in both local tries and finished decently from
no-chance spots - gets some post relief tonight, and may at least be able to get himself into the hunt - worth
a look (at a nice price) in a wide open affair. (4) IMAGINARY LINE rattled off 4 in a row for the Dynamic
Duo before landing in an impossible spot 2 back (but still finished well) - game effort for 2nd last week,
though unable to handle the winner's powerful last rush - very logical player here, but he figures to be
overbet (and the barn had an uncharacteristically rough night on Monday). (7) DEAN B HANOVER
shipped down from Canada showing some solid form - was only beaten by 4 lengths in his Breeders Crown
elim. then went a big effort in his YR debut, battling first over and holding dead game for 3rd to the end -
only knock is the outside draw. (1) ENVIRONS HANOVER was doing good things before the recent
claim, and has been terrific in the two starts since then - draws best, and will surely have a say in the
outcome. (2) GAMBLINGTERROR is often overlooked, but finds a way to grab himself a piece most
weeks...and is always a good one to include underneath. (6) PATRIOT NATION has been good for some
time, but gets no help with the draw tonight (3rd straight 6 hole) - a live flow could help his chances. (3)
CAPTAIN FANCY has ability, but has never really seemed to like racing here at Yonkers - he adds Lasix
tonight, so we'll see if that helps. (8) CAPTIVATE HANOVER used his one good rush to perfection last
week, scoring the mild 6-1 upset - moves up in class and faces MUCH tougher now, and he'll be coming
from last - just a brutal spot.
RACE 9 - (4) PATRIKTHEPIRANHAA was a big earner Down Under so it was no big surprise when he
scored in 1:48.4 in his first U.S. start (in NJ) - was scratched sick from his next, re-qualified, and was a
very sharp 2nd from Post 8 here last week - good chance he can come out on top tonight. (2) TIN ROOF
RAIDER A is a solid player at this level, especially with the good draw - may complete the exacta tonight.
(1) MACINTOSH N doesn't usually thrive at levels this high but the 12YO is feeling pretty good right now,
and may be able to grab a small piece from this spot. (5) DIAMONDBEACH has been good lately, and
may be a decent price tonight after making that early miscue in his last - willing to include him underneath.
(7) TIGER BARON was pretty good for a while, but has been in very tough spots lately - he's probably
facing an overall easier bunch tonight, and isn't a bad bomb to use for 3rd/4th. (3) BALLERAT
BOOMERANG has been on the upswing since Sept., and looked good winning one level down last week
(off the claim) - we'll see if he can be as effective moving up in class tonight. (6) FINE DIAMOND raced
well last week, finishing 2nd right behind #3 - he's definitely still well off his best game though, and the
outside draw isn't going to help. (8) HEAVENS GAIT draws his 4th straight 8 hole - the good news is that
he's looking at a class drop next week
RACE 10 - (2) ROCK N PHILLY was doing good things here this summer before going on the shelf for a
bit after a miscue on 7/29 - has really found her form at Chester, and brings a 3 race win streak back to
Yonkers - decent chance she can stretch that streak to 4. (3) FEELIN RED HOT went her best effort in a
while last week, but now moves to a new barn for the first time in a LONG time - it's anybody's guess as to
how she'll respond to the change of scenery. (1) SHECANDANCE N was a close 3rd from a similar spot
last week, and can be part of action again tonight - use in exotics. (5) MILLWOOD BONNIE N landed in a
no prayer spot last week and gets a pass - could rebound tonight with a good mile, and a live trip could help
her land somewhere on the ticket. (4) ISLAY N was moved up ambitiously to 50s after being claimed for
$15K two back - wasn't terrible, and a small piece may be in reach tonight. (7) CLASSY CHAPEL N
benefited from an aggressive steer last week as she worked out a pocket trip then got her picture taken -
will be harder to pull that off from this spot, though. (6) CHUPPAH ON has yet to hit board in 5 local
starts, and is in a tough spot tonight - prefer others. (8) WATCH MY LUCK doesn't figure to be able to
have any real impact from all the way out here.
RACE 11 - Very tough NW6 field: (5) MYSWEETBOYMAX has just one win this year but he's been
taking on tough foes all year and has banked just under $200K - he's gone some big miles at times, and may
be worth a look tonight if the price is right. (4) BAYFIELD BEACH was used very hard from Post 8 last
week in his YR debut and can be excused for weakening a bit at the end - eligible to be a big player here
with an easier journey. (3) CAPTAIN ROMANCE was a winner in one of his 2 starts here earlier this year,
and shows several recent wins in PA - could definitely have a big say tonight. (6) STELLAR YANKEE has
been getting better every week, but never had a chance to pace last time - he'll be a big price tonight, and
may be able to sneak somewhere onto the ticket with some trip luck. (1) CANTSTOPLYING shipped in
from Canada and promptly charged home to take his first start - this is a tougher bunch, so we'll see how he
does. (8) SOUTHWIND PETYR's last start here resulted in a track record, although the track was certainly
lightning fast that night - returns to YR after making it to the Breeders Crown Final, and he may not be
entirely motivated from Post 8 in this overnight event - maybe the tote board can offer some clues? (2)
CAPTAIN SLEAZE is a solid 11-3-3-2 locally, and was right there 3rd last week - have a feeling he might
be below a few of these, however. (7) L DEES JACK LOPEZ has gone some solid efforts here, but this
really feels like too tough a spot for him.
RACE 12 - (6) DELITFULCATHERIN N has raced very well any week where she hasn't run into a
disastrous trip (which HAS happened several times recently) - she adds Lasix tonight, will be a decent
price, and is worth a play in the finale. (2) COWGIRL LILLY is on a good roll right now, racing super no
matter what trip comes her way - very logical threat in her first try in this class. (4) TALL POPPY N has a
win and two 2nds in her last 3 starts and is a major player every week - belongs on your tickets. (3) POPPY
DRAYTON N moves back inside and that should benefit her greatly - prefer others for the top slot, but she
could easily find her way into the exotics. (5) LYNBAR ROSE N was good for a while but hasn't been a
factor in her last 3 at this level - she's almost running out of excuses. (7) BALFAST N has been a pretty
steady player lately, but the move outside figures to hurt her chance significantly. (1) KAITLYN N fits
NW5000 so it's sort of weird to see her entered in this MUCH tougher class. (8) SANDYS BEACH
continues to draw horribly - we'll keep waiting for her to land in a better spot