The Empire Report - Friday, April 28, 2023 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (3) JK LUCKY CHARMS seems like a good value play in tonight's opener - he went a BIG
effort 2 back to just miss to the streaking MINGO JOEL (at 35-1!) then just had no chance when stuck too
far back last week - hew moves inside, can race on or off the pace, and should be in a nice price in this well
matched field. (1) MARTY MONKHOUSER A also came up 2nd best to MINGO JOEL last week, and the
14YO already has 5 wins this season - gets to pick his trip from the pole tonight, and looms a very serious
threat. (5) DIVISION BELL had an excuse 2 back when handled conservatively (after a miscue the start
before) but he really should have been able to finish a bit better in his last - hard to ignore ANYTHING this
barn sends out, but you'd still want a fair price to stay on this guy's team tonight. (4) SHOREVIEW rarely
wins but he did pick up another 3rd last week (for the 5th time in 10 starts this year, at an absurd 80-1
price) - always a good one for the bottom of exotics. (2) DENMARK SEELSTER reversed form in a BIG
way after joining this barn on 3/3, but he does feel like he's drifting back in the wrong direction lately -
we'll see if the drop to 20s helps perk him back up a bit. (6) STATEMENT MADE A hails from a top barn
but he's disappointed more than he's delivered lately - leaning towards others here. (7) BRUSHING UP
thrived immediately upon joining this barn in mid-March but he's a question mark at this level as he ships
in from NJ - Post 7 only makes his task that much tougher
RACE 2 - A field of incredibly sharp mares that put on a great race every week! (4) MAN DONTFORGET
ME was holding her own in her Matchmaker tries, finishing 3rd all 3 starts - got a bit unlucky dropping last
week when caught behind the tired frontrunner, and we'll give her a pass for that....she's the one mare in
here with an "angle", as she's making her first start tonight for a barn known to really improve fresh stock
right off the bat - we'll try her on top. (3) MILIEU HANOVER is just a neck shy of 3 straight wins, and her
last victory was very impressive - more importantly, she's traveling smoothly around the track every week,
and that hasn't always been the case - looking for a big mile, even moving up in class. (2) JIVE DANCING
A was handled very aggressively last week and only gave way grudgingly late - she may end up with a
much easier trip tonight, and that's something she always responds to. (1) MILLWOOD BONNIE N comes
into this with 7 wins (and a 2nd) from her last 9 starts...and still isn't a "stickout" by any means - and that
tells you just how incredibly solid this field really is. (5) PURE SILKY hasn't missed the board in 2023,
sporting a 13-7-3-3 record into tonight - obviously she would be no surprise at all, especially off last week's
big effort. (6) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY is listed on the bottom only because one of these mares had to
be - she's been strong all year, and drops out of the Open - as good as any of these with the right trip!
RACE 3 - (2) LONG WEEKEND A certainly benefited by moving against a tiring leader last week but that
doesn't really diminish the sharp effort he put in for the victory - he shouldn't be too bothered by tonight's
class jump, and may have built up enough confidence last week to help him take another one tonight. (1)
PRO BEACH is a little tough to gauge right now as he's been caught in the back of the pack (vs. better) for
several starts - drops, draws the pole, and Bartlett will surely give him every chance to be a big player here.
(6) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK debuted for a new barn last week and had good pace at both ends of the
mile, coming up 2nd best to the scary winner - hard to not include him on your tickets at that 12-1 ML price
(3) ROCKIN JUKEBOX was well meant last week but left with no real chance after getting caught behind
the tired leader (in the race won by #2) - a better trip could put him right in the hunt tonight vs. these. (7)
ENVIRONS HANOVER had to work hard to make the top last week, battled with the razor sharp winner,
and can be forgiven for tiring a bit in the lane - he fits well here for sure, but the draw did go against him.
(8) B LIKE CRUISER used a live trip to pick up 3rd last week, but he's unlikely to be as fortunate from
Post 8 - minor share only. (5) SILAS SEELSTER was a dullish 5th last week but does get some class relief
- still leaning towards others, though. (4) DARLINGS DRAGON shows that mice win 2 back in PA but it's
sandwiched between a pair of less than stellar local tries - sticking with others.
RACE 4 - (5) CHERLYS SHADOW lands in a field of "more accomplished" mares but while none of them
are in peak form right now, SHE has been hitting on all cylinders since returning from the layoff in March -
willing to give her a shot in here, hoping that none of the "classier" mares decide to suddenly bring their
best tonight. (1) MCMARKLE SPARKLE hasn't come close to finding her "Open Mare" form this year, but
she has picked up a couple of wins at lower levels (including the one last week) - draws best, and that
should put her in play for a good piece of this. (4) EASY TO PLEASE is another that hasn't found her "A
Game" in 2023 - she was heavily backed off the class drop last week, but was worn down by the winner
and a tired 2nd at the end - another still trying to turn her season around. (2) ANNABELLE HANOVER
has been a little in and out so far in '23, but mostly racing pretty well - she was able to deliver vs. cheaper at
PcD last week, and could easily land in the exotics tonight. (3) TECHYS ANGEL A added Lasix two back
and used an improved effort to handle cheaper - wasn't nearly as sharp up one level last week, and will now
be asked to step up one more notch - smaller piece only. (6) SPORTS FLIX was a little better last start, but
still seems unlikely against this crew
RACE 5 - (1) MISSILE SEELSTER went to a new barn last week and that mile he went to win an amateur
race at Freehold was impressive, to say the least - he has a mixed local history, but has won some races at
YR - willing to give him a shot, especially with the horse to beat coming off a sick scratch. (3) LETTUCER
IPRITA A usually dominates in spots like this and may do so again tonight...he's also going to be a short
price racing off a sick scratch, and there's always a chance that he could be a bit vulnerable this week. (2)
HEART ON MY SLEEVE gets a good draw and was a winner in his last local start (off a two hole trip) -
another one to consider if looking to take a shot against #3. (5) GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE has looked better
since the recent barn change, especially in his last (where he picked up a 2nd dropping to this level) - one to
include in exotics. (4) CASHNCAM hasn't done much of anything lately but he usually does come around
eventually - maybe throw in for 4th on the bottom of supers? (7) FOLLOW YOUR HEART showed some
life 2 back despite a terrible trip...but he was unable to build off that mile, going a dull trip in his last - hard
to get excited about his chances from Post 7. (8) ROCK N TONY came up short off the pocket trip last
week racing off the layoff - goes for a new barn tonight and while he might be tighter now, he'll have a hard
time overcoming the worst possible draw. (6) HEARTLANDBANYSBRO has been struggling for a while -
will continue to pass until either seeing some better signs OR some $$ at the windows
RACE 6 - Both (4) SHAKESPEARE and (1) POINTOMYGRANSON sat in the back last week as the
leader got over the half in :58.2 - neither had a prayer but BOTH kicked home full of pace from their no
chance spots - look for both of them to be aggressive tonight...possibly even pairing up to complete the
exacta. (6) BLUEBIRD RECON left the gate at 51-1 last week, ended up with a beautiful trip and was right
there 3rd at the wire - that mile comes on the heels of a 2nd place finish behind repeater ROCK DIAMON
DS N, and there's no reason this guy can't pick up another good share tonight...if Holland can get another
good start. (7) ROCK LIGHTS woke up in a big way last week, giving the winner all he could handle as
the pair beat the others by many lengths - seems ready to start doing some damage now, but the terrible
draw may leave him having to wait for a better spot. (5) STRETCH THE LINE tries Yonkers once again
after struggling to stay pacing here most of the year - will this be the week he behaves and has a big say...
make sure to get a nice price if hopping on his team. (3) BETTER B SWIFT was no factor off the claim last
week but also had a no chance trip - prefer others right now, but wouldn't be surprised if he came up with a
better effort tonight. (2) YER SO BAD used a live trip to pick up a 2nd vs. cheaper last week - may have a
tougher time faring as well against these, though. (8) ALTA BLUES A seems unlikely to have much say
from all the way out here.
RACE 7 - (6) UPTOWN HANOVER was handled conservatively last week but still roared home up the
cones to grab 2nd into a hot final quarter - she was finishing right behind much better for weeks earlier in
the year, and this feels like a spot where she can pick up her first win of the year. (5) DARBY HANOVER
was in hopeless spots in her last couple but drops down tonight to the level where she picked up a win and a
2nd not too long ago - look for a much better try here. (1) ROCKNROLL ANNIE is always a player when
she can get away near the lead and that seems pretty likely from this spot - use in exotics. (3) COMM
ANDER CATHY N landed in a soft spot last week and had no trouble dominating the competition - this
bunch is much tougher, but she can still grab a good piece with the right trip. (2) WESTBEACH has been
limited to smaller pieces lately but does get some class relief here - still prefer a few others, but she does
have a shot to land somewhere on the ticket. (4) GINGER TREE LIZ picked up that nice win over cheaper
3 back but that's been her only bright spot this year - needs to be better. (7) TUGGINGONCREDIT rallied
nicely for 2nd last start but moves up in class here and draws all the way outside - tough spot
RACE 8 - Tough race: (7) MINGO JOEL goes for a new barn, moves up in class, draws poorly and loses
Bartlett (to #3) - definitely some negatives here but he LOVES to win, seems to thrive for any barn lately,
and races just fine from behind - could be a good value play. (3) SOUTHPORT BEACH was Bartlett's
choice and he looks like the one that'll get to control the action - very logical threat but he'll likely be way
overbet, and he did falter at the end last week after having things his own way. (1) GOTHIC ROCK is an
in-and-out type - you can never be sure what you'll get with him but IF he's in a good mood, he'll have a
chance to do some damage from this spot - consider if the price is right. (6) MACINTOSH N has 2 wins 2
seconds and a 3rd in the five starts since joining this ultra high % barn - the 14YO definitely wasn't at his
best last week, however, and he's another that figures to take plenty of action here - don't fall in love at a
short price this week. (8) MAJESTIC KIWI N keeps getting sharper every week but he moves up in class
after being claimed last week, and will likely be trying to rally from well back - that 20-1 ML price does
make him at least a bit tempting, though. (5) DESIRES CAPTAIN was quickly reclaimed by his previous
barn and does have a few ok efforts lately - minor share? (2) SULLIVAN just hasn't clicked for a barn that
has otherwise been doing good work - waiting for some better signs from him. (4) DARK ENERGY N just
hasn't looked that sharp since the victory 4 starts back.
RACE 9 - In a race where none of the favorites look all that appealing, perhaps (7) HES ELECTRIC is
worth a stab - he's still winless on the year but he does have one nice move in him, and maybe he can find a
way to get it done (at a big price) in the finale. (3) IMSTAYNALIVE finished crisply for 3rd two back and
looked like he MAY be ready to win one - his last 3rd was really just "meh", however, and this guy tends to
be pretty camera shy in general - definitely a chance against these, but hard to take too short a price. (5)
GARDYS LEGACY A will surely have a big say in here but he's lost a few times at this bottom level
already, and that last 3rd really was disappointing - another that DOES have a chance in here, but that 3/2
ML price makes him hard to back on top. (4) LATE MAIL N has just one 2nd from 12 starts this year, and
he's just 2 for 48 at Yonkers over the past 3 seasons - on the positive side, he makes his 3rd start for a barn
having a good meet, and MAY be in a spot to try to use his speed - ok for a piece. (1) RHODENA ROAD
has struggled all year and has been away for 3 weeks - feels like the rail may be his only asset here. (6)
MAJOR SHOW raced better than expected last week but was still only 5th - he's also 0 for 15 at YR, and
draws poorly. (8) SWAGASAURUSREX wasn't bad in his last couple but he's a stone closer coming from
last - maybe he can pass a few for a minor share? (2) SPORTS ADVISOR hasn't hit board here in 8 tries
this year, usually at long odds - hard to make a case for him tonight
RACE 1 - (3) JK LUCKY CHARMS seems like a good value play in tonight's opener - he went a BIG
effort 2 back to just miss to the streaking MINGO JOEL (at 35-1!) then just had no chance when stuck too
far back last week - hew moves inside, can race on or off the pace, and should be in a nice price in this well
matched field. (1) MARTY MONKHOUSER A also came up 2nd best to MINGO JOEL last week, and the
14YO already has 5 wins this season - gets to pick his trip from the pole tonight, and looms a very serious
threat. (5) DIVISION BELL had an excuse 2 back when handled conservatively (after a miscue the start
before) but he really should have been able to finish a bit better in his last - hard to ignore ANYTHING this
barn sends out, but you'd still want a fair price to stay on this guy's team tonight. (4) SHOREVIEW rarely
wins but he did pick up another 3rd last week (for the 5th time in 10 starts this year, at an absurd 80-1
price) - always a good one for the bottom of exotics. (2) DENMARK SEELSTER reversed form in a BIG
way after joining this barn on 3/3, but he does feel like he's drifting back in the wrong direction lately -
we'll see if the drop to 20s helps perk him back up a bit. (6) STATEMENT MADE A hails from a top barn
but he's disappointed more than he's delivered lately - leaning towards others here. (7) BRUSHING UP
thrived immediately upon joining this barn in mid-March but he's a question mark at this level as he ships
in from NJ - Post 7 only makes his task that much tougher
RACE 2 - A field of incredibly sharp mares that put on a great race every week! (4) MAN DONTFORGET
ME was holding her own in her Matchmaker tries, finishing 3rd all 3 starts - got a bit unlucky dropping last
week when caught behind the tired frontrunner, and we'll give her a pass for that....she's the one mare in
here with an "angle", as she's making her first start tonight for a barn known to really improve fresh stock
right off the bat - we'll try her on top. (3) MILIEU HANOVER is just a neck shy of 3 straight wins, and her
last victory was very impressive - more importantly, she's traveling smoothly around the track every week,
and that hasn't always been the case - looking for a big mile, even moving up in class. (2) JIVE DANCING
A was handled very aggressively last week and only gave way grudgingly late - she may end up with a
much easier trip tonight, and that's something she always responds to. (1) MILLWOOD BONNIE N comes
into this with 7 wins (and a 2nd) from her last 9 starts...and still isn't a "stickout" by any means - and that
tells you just how incredibly solid this field really is. (5) PURE SILKY hasn't missed the board in 2023,
sporting a 13-7-3-3 record into tonight - obviously she would be no surprise at all, especially off last week's
big effort. (6) DRAGONS LUCKY LADY is listed on the bottom only because one of these mares had to
be - she's been strong all year, and drops out of the Open - as good as any of these with the right trip!
RACE 3 - (2) LONG WEEKEND A certainly benefited by moving against a tiring leader last week but that
doesn't really diminish the sharp effort he put in for the victory - he shouldn't be too bothered by tonight's
class jump, and may have built up enough confidence last week to help him take another one tonight. (1)
PRO BEACH is a little tough to gauge right now as he's been caught in the back of the pack (vs. better) for
several starts - drops, draws the pole, and Bartlett will surely give him every chance to be a big player here.
(6) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK debuted for a new barn last week and had good pace at both ends of the
mile, coming up 2nd best to the scary winner - hard to not include him on your tickets at that 12-1 ML price
(3) ROCKIN JUKEBOX was well meant last week but left with no real chance after getting caught behind
the tired leader (in the race won by #2) - a better trip could put him right in the hunt tonight vs. these. (7)
ENVIRONS HANOVER had to work hard to make the top last week, battled with the razor sharp winner,
and can be forgiven for tiring a bit in the lane - he fits well here for sure, but the draw did go against him.
(8) B LIKE CRUISER used a live trip to pick up 3rd last week, but he's unlikely to be as fortunate from
Post 8 - minor share only. (5) SILAS SEELSTER was a dullish 5th last week but does get some class relief
- still leaning towards others, though. (4) DARLINGS DRAGON shows that mice win 2 back in PA but it's
sandwiched between a pair of less than stellar local tries - sticking with others.
RACE 4 - (5) CHERLYS SHADOW lands in a field of "more accomplished" mares but while none of them
are in peak form right now, SHE has been hitting on all cylinders since returning from the layoff in March -
willing to give her a shot in here, hoping that none of the "classier" mares decide to suddenly bring their
best tonight. (1) MCMARKLE SPARKLE hasn't come close to finding her "Open Mare" form this year, but
she has picked up a couple of wins at lower levels (including the one last week) - draws best, and that
should put her in play for a good piece of this. (4) EASY TO PLEASE is another that hasn't found her "A
Game" in 2023 - she was heavily backed off the class drop last week, but was worn down by the winner
and a tired 2nd at the end - another still trying to turn her season around. (2) ANNABELLE HANOVER
has been a little in and out so far in '23, but mostly racing pretty well - she was able to deliver vs. cheaper at
PcD last week, and could easily land in the exotics tonight. (3) TECHYS ANGEL A added Lasix two back
and used an improved effort to handle cheaper - wasn't nearly as sharp up one level last week, and will now
be asked to step up one more notch - smaller piece only. (6) SPORTS FLIX was a little better last start, but
still seems unlikely against this crew
RACE 5 - (1) MISSILE SEELSTER went to a new barn last week and that mile he went to win an amateur
race at Freehold was impressive, to say the least - he has a mixed local history, but has won some races at
YR - willing to give him a shot, especially with the horse to beat coming off a sick scratch. (3) LETTUCER
IPRITA A usually dominates in spots like this and may do so again tonight...he's also going to be a short
price racing off a sick scratch, and there's always a chance that he could be a bit vulnerable this week. (2)
HEART ON MY SLEEVE gets a good draw and was a winner in his last local start (off a two hole trip) -
another one to consider if looking to take a shot against #3. (5) GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE has looked better
since the recent barn change, especially in his last (where he picked up a 2nd dropping to this level) - one to
include in exotics. (4) CASHNCAM hasn't done much of anything lately but he usually does come around
eventually - maybe throw in for 4th on the bottom of supers? (7) FOLLOW YOUR HEART showed some
life 2 back despite a terrible trip...but he was unable to build off that mile, going a dull trip in his last - hard
to get excited about his chances from Post 7. (8) ROCK N TONY came up short off the pocket trip last
week racing off the layoff - goes for a new barn tonight and while he might be tighter now, he'll have a hard
time overcoming the worst possible draw. (6) HEARTLANDBANYSBRO has been struggling for a while -
will continue to pass until either seeing some better signs OR some $$ at the windows
RACE 6 - Both (4) SHAKESPEARE and (1) POINTOMYGRANSON sat in the back last week as the
leader got over the half in :58.2 - neither had a prayer but BOTH kicked home full of pace from their no
chance spots - look for both of them to be aggressive tonight...possibly even pairing up to complete the
exacta. (6) BLUEBIRD RECON left the gate at 51-1 last week, ended up with a beautiful trip and was right
there 3rd at the wire - that mile comes on the heels of a 2nd place finish behind repeater ROCK DIAMON
DS N, and there's no reason this guy can't pick up another good share tonight...if Holland can get another
good start. (7) ROCK LIGHTS woke up in a big way last week, giving the winner all he could handle as
the pair beat the others by many lengths - seems ready to start doing some damage now, but the terrible
draw may leave him having to wait for a better spot. (5) STRETCH THE LINE tries Yonkers once again
after struggling to stay pacing here most of the year - will this be the week he behaves and has a big say...
make sure to get a nice price if hopping on his team. (3) BETTER B SWIFT was no factor off the claim last
week but also had a no chance trip - prefer others right now, but wouldn't be surprised if he came up with a
better effort tonight. (2) YER SO BAD used a live trip to pick up a 2nd vs. cheaper last week - may have a
tougher time faring as well against these, though. (8) ALTA BLUES A seems unlikely to have much say
from all the way out here.
RACE 7 - (6) UPTOWN HANOVER was handled conservatively last week but still roared home up the
cones to grab 2nd into a hot final quarter - she was finishing right behind much better for weeks earlier in
the year, and this feels like a spot where she can pick up her first win of the year. (5) DARBY HANOVER
was in hopeless spots in her last couple but drops down tonight to the level where she picked up a win and a
2nd not too long ago - look for a much better try here. (1) ROCKNROLL ANNIE is always a player when
she can get away near the lead and that seems pretty likely from this spot - use in exotics. (3) COMM
ANDER CATHY N landed in a soft spot last week and had no trouble dominating the competition - this
bunch is much tougher, but she can still grab a good piece with the right trip. (2) WESTBEACH has been
limited to smaller pieces lately but does get some class relief here - still prefer a few others, but she does
have a shot to land somewhere on the ticket. (4) GINGER TREE LIZ picked up that nice win over cheaper
3 back but that's been her only bright spot this year - needs to be better. (7) TUGGINGONCREDIT rallied
nicely for 2nd last start but moves up in class here and draws all the way outside - tough spot
RACE 8 - Tough race: (7) MINGO JOEL goes for a new barn, moves up in class, draws poorly and loses
Bartlett (to #3) - definitely some negatives here but he LOVES to win, seems to thrive for any barn lately,
and races just fine from behind - could be a good value play. (3) SOUTHPORT BEACH was Bartlett's
choice and he looks like the one that'll get to control the action - very logical threat but he'll likely be way
overbet, and he did falter at the end last week after having things his own way. (1) GOTHIC ROCK is an
in-and-out type - you can never be sure what you'll get with him but IF he's in a good mood, he'll have a
chance to do some damage from this spot - consider if the price is right. (6) MACINTOSH N has 2 wins 2
seconds and a 3rd in the five starts since joining this ultra high % barn - the 14YO definitely wasn't at his
best last week, however, and he's another that figures to take plenty of action here - don't fall in love at a
short price this week. (8) MAJESTIC KIWI N keeps getting sharper every week but he moves up in class
after being claimed last week, and will likely be trying to rally from well back - that 20-1 ML price does
make him at least a bit tempting, though. (5) DESIRES CAPTAIN was quickly reclaimed by his previous
barn and does have a few ok efforts lately - minor share? (2) SULLIVAN just hasn't clicked for a barn that
has otherwise been doing good work - waiting for some better signs from him. (4) DARK ENERGY N just
hasn't looked that sharp since the victory 4 starts back.
RACE 9 - In a race where none of the favorites look all that appealing, perhaps (7) HES ELECTRIC is
worth a stab - he's still winless on the year but he does have one nice move in him, and maybe he can find a
way to get it done (at a big price) in the finale. (3) IMSTAYNALIVE finished crisply for 3rd two back and
looked like he MAY be ready to win one - his last 3rd was really just "meh", however, and this guy tends to
be pretty camera shy in general - definitely a chance against these, but hard to take too short a price. (5)
GARDYS LEGACY A will surely have a big say in here but he's lost a few times at this bottom level
already, and that last 3rd really was disappointing - another that DOES have a chance in here, but that 3/2
ML price makes him hard to back on top. (4) LATE MAIL N has just one 2nd from 12 starts this year, and
he's just 2 for 48 at Yonkers over the past 3 seasons - on the positive side, he makes his 3rd start for a barn
having a good meet, and MAY be in a spot to try to use his speed - ok for a piece. (1) RHODENA ROAD
has struggled all year and has been away for 3 weeks - feels like the rail may be his only asset here. (6)
MAJOR SHOW raced better than expected last week but was still only 5th - he's also 0 for 15 at YR, and
draws poorly. (8) SWAGASAURUSREX wasn't bad in his last couple but he's a stone closer coming from
last - maybe he can pass a few for a minor share? (2) SPORTS ADVISOR hasn't hit board here in 8 tries
this year, usually at long odds - hard to make a case for him tonight