Friday Empire Report

July 9, 2021

The Empire Report - Friday, July 9, 2021 - Race Analysis

RACE 1 - (3) ELECTRIC WESTERN appeared like a pretty solid play last week but he landed on one of

the only possible trips that could possibly get him beat (and STILL was a close 3rd, despite somehow being

out the whole mile) - switches to a red-hot Bartlett for tonight, and he'll have his chance to make amends

for last week's loss. (6) AMERICAN NITRO blasted right to the top last week, parked the top choice, and

was able to hang on for the win (despite being used very hard) - moves from one sharp barn to another

(after being claimed), and has to be respected off last week's victory. (1) THEREISAPACEFORUS was

reserved well off the battling leaders last week and charged home at the end to just miss - may be sitting

much closer tonight....but may not be the beneficiary of a hot battle - still one that needs to be included

underneath. (2) COACH CAL scored a huge upset 2 back in a "fall apart race", but did come back to race

decently at Chester the next week - draws inside, and certainly eligible to grab a decent piece. (5) MILITA

RY MASTER A was claimed on 4/2, scratched injured the next week, and just now making it back to the

races - qualifier looks ok, but prefer to just watch, for now. (7) IDEAL SON was claimed from a high %

barn in NJ 3 back and hasn't been as sharp for his new connections - draws outside upon arrival at YR, and

may struggle to get into contention from out here. (4) BIG SWEEP OSBORNE enjoyed a nice trip off the

hot pace last week but was quickly empty when called upon - overall recent form just not sharp enough, (8)

MATT MAJOR doesn't figure to be able to find his way into the hunt from Post 8.


RACE 2 - (4) A FANCY FACE left from Post 8 in her only Yonkers start, made it into the pocket after

being caught wide, then was solid to the end, finishing 3rd behind a pair of solid rivals - held her own in an

outstanding field in NJ last week, and looms a major threat to take this (easier) field wire to wire. (1) NEW

HEAVEN has been holding his own vs. better in several recent starts, and would normally have been the

standout from a spot like this....may still be able to come out on top, but he'll need to be at his absolute best

to knock off the top choice. (5) EURO GAP ships in showing some very good lines at Chester, even vs. a

bit lesser - assuming he gets over the half ok, he has a shot to pick up a small piece, at a decent price. (3)

LIMERENCE has been on a nice roll, winning 3 straight in wire to wire fashion - those were much easier

fields, however, and he won't be seeing the front end tonight - maybe can save ground and pick up 3rd/4th?

(7) TAD KRAZY HANOVER perked up out of the blue 2 back (after struggling for some time), and built

off that mile with a smashing first over victory last week - moves up in class while also drawing poorly

tonight, so we'll see if she can still find enough of a rally to land a small share. (6) LUCKY WEEKEND

always had ability, but he's never been great at getting around the Hilltop oval - we'll see if he has an easier

time with the newly redone racetrack....chance for a small piece if that's the case. (2) EVS GIRL draws well

but just seems a bit overmatched against several of these. (8) BLUFFINER has taken his last 4 local starts,

but facing softer "NW PM" types - and besides the big class jump, he's also stuck all the way outside -

pretty tough assignment!


RACE 3 - (5) PLAY THE FIELD has been very consistent lately, can use his speed to work out a good trip,

and faces some main contenders that are somewhat questionable here - worth a look in a tough race to get a

good handle on. (8) BRACKLEY BEACH raced super in his last pair (after a claim) only to take tough

losses at the wire each time - goes for a new barn tonight, lands all the way outside, but he's sharp enough

to still have a decent chance...and the price should be attractive too (because of the draw). (1) MACHING

TIME is a very tough call - was claimed by a barn that usually improves them, but instead disappointed in

his last pair, and is now entered below the claim price - it's hard to know if this is a true "red flag", or if his

connections are just looking to capitalize on the lucrative purses, and take a shot at a win. (4) MAJOR BUC

KS has been a solid contender for weeks (months?) at this level, but only has one recent WIN to show for it

- exits one of the leading barns in the game and moves to a lesser known stable...we'll see how that affects

his form. (2) JESSICAS BEACH BOY dropped in for a tag last week and gave his backers a good root (at

16-1), cutting the mile and only giving way into the stretch - ok for a smaller piece here. (3) RANSOM DE

MAND moves up off the claim but he's a pretty well established bottom claimer - will wait until he's back

at that level before endorsing. (7) PEMBROKE JOEY has been enjoying an excellent 2021 campaign but

he was unable to get involved from Post 8 last week (off the barn change) and gets stuck outside once

again. (6) ASTAIRE just seems too far off form to be considered here.


RACE 4 - (3) MARINER SEELSTER delivered 2 wins and a 2nd in his last 3 tries for this barn before

getting claimed on 6/11 - was re-claimed from last week's excellent 3rd place effort, and will have a solid

chance to deliver immediate dividends. (6) ROCKABILLY CHARM has been much improved since

changing barns mid-May - gave it a shot leaving from Post 8 here last start and stuck around a long way

after being parked - not sure if Holland will risk leaving again but IF he does, this guy would have a chance

to be a player...at a big price. (4) ELRAMA N has shown that he can contend at this level when the trip

goes his way - he was just reclaimed by his previous connections, and can be a legitimate threat here under

the right circumstances. (2) TODDLER TANTRUM was double jumped off the big win 2 back...making it

hard to understand why he was driven so conservatively last week - definitely can be in the hunt with the

good draw, and may offer some value to the ticket. (5) RAPTORS FLIGHT N has been the "black sheep"

of the barn recently, only picking up checks while his barnmates have been winning week after week -

prefer others, but it would never be a surprise to see ANYTHING this barn sends out in the winner's circle

these days. (1) BLACKTREE has been popular at the claim box, though his only recent wins have been for

the $12,500 tag - didn't really like the way he raced last week, so we'll see how he does for a new barn. (8)

COOL BLUES MAN remains sharp but he draws Post 8, and goes from Jordan to Cory. (7) SCRAPPIN

GOLD lands outside after missing 3 weeks - prefer to just observe, for now.


RACE 5 - (7) ZOEEZ BOY HENRY is an interesting value play in here - went a HUGE mile off the claim

last week, but ran into a very stubborn winner who just would never give up on the lead - streaky barn is

sending 'em out live these days, and this a field with no standouts....hopefully Siegelman will give him a

chance. (4) TULLOW N had been facing better at PcD, was a decent 3rd here vs. better last week, and is

the logical favorite from this spot....he also hasn't WON here since 2018, so don't fall in love at a short

price! (6) ARTMAGIC is just 1 for 18 this year but he was claimed by a barn having a resurgence this year,

and is listed at 20-1 ML - definitely worth considering. (5) OUR MAJORDAN A lost as the favorite 2 and

3 back, then just had no chance from Post 8 in last - he does have a chance in this field, but certainly doesn't

deserve being the 8/5 ML choice! (8) THE DOWNTOWN BUS was last seen here as a Levy player in 2019

- 2020 wasn't too kind to him, though (0 for 16, $11K), and his 1 win this year (from only 3 starts) was in a

low level condition race at Flamboro - all that being said, IF he's taking lots of tote action tonight, you may

want to consider including him on your tickets. (2) IWONTDOTHATAGAIN hasn't been sharp lately but

he draws inside and may be able to sit close enough to last for a small piece. (1) MAURICE has raced well

here a few times in the past but just doesn't seem to be on his game now. (3) PANTHEON HANOVER

went a nice effort shipping in last week but vs. much easier - not sure he can hang as well with these.


RACE 6 - Springfield Elimination: (1) AMERICAN ARTIST K showed good speed at Chester (even

though he backed off to the first turn) then finished up strong for 2nd - in a race full of horses that are hard

to really gauge, at least we know a little about him....and the draw may give him an important edge here. (7)

PLEASETELLMEKNOW is a stablemate to last week's Messenger winner American Courage...who just so

happened to win his elimination (and Final) of this race last year - very promising career debut at Buffalo,

but the knock here is Post 7 - with only the top 2 guaranteed a spot in the Final, the guess is that Kakaley

will at least take a shot off the gate. (2) XMARKSTHESPOT looked sharp in that 2nd qualifier when

Tetrick hopped on board, just missing to his barnmate (who is entered in Race 8) - would be no surprise to

see him come up big here. (4) SILVERSTONE won his prep at Gaitway but must have been a bit

overmatched when debuting in a Tompkins - Geers division - connections are way too strong to ever

overlook him here. (5) KINGSVILLE won his last prep for a young trainer that just started her stable last

year, but after success with overnight horses, has already been entrusted with several 2YOs (including

$200,000 yearling Im Happy Hanover, who was 3rd in NJ last week) - we'll see if her talents extend to the

babies, as well! (6) KJ HUNTER has looked good so far for a lower profile, but talented trainer - outside

draw may hurt his chances tonight, though. (3) CRACK A SMILE appears to be a bit behind the others, at

this point.


RACE 7 - Springfield Elimination: (3) GONE BEFORE DAWN looked good in that last qualifier when

Bartlett hopped on board (and the winner came back to just miss last week in a 1:51.4 mile) - guessing he'll

be headed right to the top, and the one to catch and beat. (4) TE AMO BLUE CHIP has three "ok" preps at

PcD before qualifying here last week...where he chased the classy Monica Gallagher around the track and

registered a 1:55.4 mile - that was a BIG improvement, and a similar effort would make him a legit threat

tonight. (2) STRETCH THE LINE appears to have some legitimate ability....but since he's made breaks in 2


of 4 starts, it's hard to back him right now with any confidence...but especially as the 5/2 ML choice. (5)

THEBIZNES BLUECHIP qualified solidly across the river and may very well be ready at first asking -

check the tote board for some clues. (7) LAST WITCH HUNT was one of many from this barn to qualify

impressively at Gaitway...but his career debut certainly didn't match the qualifier - definitely deserves a

chance to rebound from that mile, but Post 7 won't make his task any easier. (1) STAGE WEST gets the

best post, but just seems a bit below most of the others right now. (6) ACES OR BETTOR broke at Buffalo

in his career debut and draws outside tonight - prefer others.


RACE 8 - Springfield Elimination: Totally wide open division (at least on paper)! (8) RIVER NESS

finished strong in his qualifier then was a winner in his first career start in a Tompkins-Geers division - gets

a little help with the scratch of #7, but still won't be easy reaching from all the way out here -- we know he

has the ability, though, and will likely be a pretty good price - one of several possibilities in here! (1)

WOLFTRAX prepped nicely at Magical Acres then was a winner in that Chester race where the top 3

finishers are all racing here tonight - hard to fault anything he's done so far. (3) LETMECALLYOUBACK

was 2nd in that Chester race, and put in a very impressive move before weakening into the stretch - looks

like a very legitimate contender for an ownership group with a long Yonkers history! (4) HURRIKANE

CHUCK was sharp winning his first PcD qualifier - was a solid 4th (behind #8) in that Tompkins-Geers

race, then won a NYSS at Buffalo - have to respect his chances, but wouldn't take a short price in this very

competitive field. (6) TWIN B DELUXE won his last prep with Bartlett on board, beating stablemate

XMARKSTHESPOT - if that one impresses in Race 6, give this guy extra points! (2) GREG THE LEG

was right there 3rd in last week's Buffalo NYSS race after being driven aggressively - you know his barn

will have him ready, and another aggressive try is expected. (5) JOVIAN has done good work so far, but

does look a little below the others right now.


RACE 9 - (6) MELADYS MONET may be a touch of his best game right now, but he's still pretty hard to

go against with tonight's (significant) class relief - he's feasted on these drops the last couple of years...and

will probably do so again tonight. (1) AFTER ALL PAUL started to tail badly here around April but he

found his form quickly after moving over to Pocono, and has been racing well ever since - should be a

player from start to finish in his Hilltop return. (4) THE LAST CHAPTER was bothered by a breaker off

turn three last week and never really got into it after that - his overall recent form has been solid, and he's in

line to take home a nice chunk tonight. (2) BARRY BLACK grabbed a half in :58.1 last week (vs. a pretty

soft field) and that got him back to the winner's circle - probably looking at a bit smaller piece with these,

though. (3) SECRET BRO consistently picks up pieces but he's still winless on the year - suspect both

trends will continue tonight. (8) MADHATTER BLUE CHIP was re-claimed last week by his long time

owner and he's in excellent form right now...does seem buried from THIS spot, however. (5) SUMATRA

earned a nice win v. NW10000 3 back but has struggled since moving up - will probably have a hard time

vs. these too. (7) COOL CLIFFORD draws Post 7 off a sick scratch and poor effort - pass for now.


RACE 10 - Wide open! (6) GHOST DANCE was put on the move way too early last week, wound up in a

LONG battle with the favorite and was still right there on the wire - he'll be a nice price tonight and IF he

can land on the right trip, he'll have a chance to upset these...if he shows up as sharp as last week. (8) JOES

STAR OF MIAA is more than sharp enough to beat these, even from Post 8...but since a lot of racing luck

will be needed for that to happen, make sure to get a good price if he's your top choice. (2) FULLBACK

rarely wins but he does have that one good move in him, and perhaps if they mix things up a bit he'll get a

chance to use it at the right time - certainly playable in exotics. (1) CAVIART STETSON tired from the

pocket 2 back, and that made last week's dead game front end score all the more surprising - hard to know

which version we'll see tonight, though. (4) WEONA SIZZLER A caught a weak field in his YR return and

simply outran 'em on the front end - eligible to repeat, but he figures to be overbet and there are other more

attractive wagering propositions in here. (3) PATRIOT NATION was right there in his last 2...but he also

had no excuse in both miles - hasn't won here in a long time, and is definitely one that's better used

underneath, than on top. (5) KNOCKING AROUND rallied nicely for 2nd last week, but may not get as

favorable a trip this time - never a bad bomb for a piece. though. (7) BILBO HANOVER drops, but doesn't

seem nearly sharp enough to capitalize - especially from Post 7.


RACE 11 - (3) HILL OF A HORSE was bothered at the start 2 back then caught too far back in the slop in

last (but still rallied for 4th) - drops into a much easier spot here, and he looms the one to beat if he shows

up anything close to his best. (5) EYE OFA TIGER AS has been pretty reliable lately, with only that one

miscue 3 back - was a very game winner in his last, and should be able to grab another good piece tonight,

even moving up in class. (1) BLUE AND BOLD has managed to hold his fine form even as he's climbed

back up the class ladder, and landing the rail tonight can only help his cause even more - loses Holland to

the top choice, but Stratton should have no trouble getting along with him right now. (4) NO MAS

DRAMA was a sharp winner here (Post 7) over a bit easier 2 starts back - this bunch is a bit tougher, and

she may have to settle for a little smaller share this time. (2) P L KETCHUP took off the gate in his last pair

and was too far back to have any real impact - he'll be much closer to the action tonight, and he's a decent

value horse to include underneath. (7) HOMER HALL did a nice job climbing back up the class ladder

before a miscue in last - inclined to pass from Post 7 tonight. (8) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN draws

Post 8 off 4 weeks and we'll just observe, for now (note - barn is 3 for 3 since it's primary trainer started to

serve a short suspension recently). (6) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN drops, but doesn't seem to be in any

spot to capitalize right now.



RACE 12 - (3) AMERICAN BOY N started to come back to life at Chester recently, and returns to YR off

a total blowout over cheaper - these are considerably tougher but if the 10YO is feeling this good right now,

he may be able to handle these as well. (1) TREASURE MACH disappointed as the favorite last week

dropping from $40K claimers, but he didn't race badly - definitely a major threat from the pole. (4) MY

DELIGHT paced home in :27.1 from the pocket last week and actually LOST ground (as the winner kicked

home in a sizzling :27) - fits well with these, and can definitely land somewhere on the ticket. (2) LETS

ROLL disappointed last week, but perhaps he just didn't care for the off going - willing to include him

underneath, hoping to see a better mile tonight. (5) BETTING EXCHANGE rarely wins, but can pick up

pieces vs. this type if the trip is easy enough. (8) IM BENICIO A had been struggling for weeks (for an

otherwise hot trainer), but instantly reversed form and delivered the win last start, after spending just a

week with a young trainer who has built up quite a barn in just her first year in the business - not sure he

can replicate that feat from Post 8...but wouldn't be shocked if he did! (7) WESTERN HILL really needs a

better draw to contend for a piece with these (and he's 1 for 45 over the past 2 years). (6) CENTURY

FURY just isn't sharp now - prefer others.

By soaofny February 21, 2025
The Empire Report – Friday, February 21, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 20, 2025
The Empire Report – Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 19, 2025
The Empire Report – Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 18, 2025
The Empire Report – Tuesday, February 18, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 14, 2025
The Empire Report – Friday, February 14, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 13, 2025
The Empire Report – Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 12, 2025
The Empire Report – Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 11, 2025
The Empire Report – Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 10, 2025
The Empire Report – Monday, February 10, 2025 – Race Analysis
By soaofny February 7, 2025
The Empire Report – Friday, February 7, 2025 – Race Analysis
Show More
Share by: