Monday Empire Report

soaofny • November 8, 2021

The Empire Report - Monday, November 8, 2021 - Race Analysis

RACE 1 - (3) MARTY MONKHOUSER A got really roughed up last week and gets a pass for tiring -

drops down to an easier level, and he's been a very reliable local performer for a long time (been 1st/2nd

11X this year, and 30X over the past 3 years) - gets the narrow edge in a race that MAY become pretty

hotly contested. (6) LIFEWITHJOHN was an ok 3rd off the claim 2 back, then rallied very nicely for 2nd

from well back in last - could benefit tonight if the action gets hot and heavy up front. (2) ALLGONOWH

OA started out here as a $12.5 claimer not long ago, but has climbed his way up the ladder - don't like that

he's moving up off losses, but his barn is really clicking right now, and he may land on a nice trip here -

worth including. (1) SOUTHWIND ONYX drops back into a claimer and probably fits nicely in his current

form - prefer others for the top spot, but a good piece is well within reach. (5) CLASSIC PRO has weeks

where he can be very tough but he's also pretty inconsistent - his best work comes on the lead, and a couple

of others may have a say in that matter tonight - possible, but no value as the 5/2 ML choice. (7) DAAMER

ICANSKY has won here in the past and obviously pretty sharp right now out of town - bumps in class for

his new barn and may have a very tough time getting the lead in any reasonable manner tonight - prefer

others. (4) QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP drops in for a tag after missing a month and that could be a red flag -

will pass, and watch. (8) HASH TAG SWAG failed to get close from an identical spot last week.


RACE 2 - Tough race: (2) ARTISTS RUFFLES had a horrendous 2020 season (1 for 23, $5k) but has been

a beast lately, shipping in from Pocono with some outstanding form - gets a major upgrade to Kakaley for

his YR debut, and may be able to handle the locals in his first attempt...even moving up in class. (3) FOX

VALLEY INFERNO found his top form a few starts back, and now moves up in class once more (for a new

barn) after a pair of wins - too sharp to leave off your tickets (5) REGAL SON is another that has been

excelling at Pocono, but he ships in off a sick scratch, while racing for (another) new barn - not quite sure

what to expect for tonight. (7) BAMSKI was outstanding in his last 2, picking up a win vs. 25s then a tough

nose loss vs. 30s - tries the 40s here for another new barn, lands outside, and we'll see if he's sharp enough

to overcome all that. (1) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD really didn't fire off the claim last week - still trying to

get a read on his new barn...who showed up on the scene a couple of weeks ago and have claimed a few. (8)

BRACKLEY BEACH was 0 for 16 here this year but got into the win column in his first try for the Super

Siblings - not sure he can replicate that success from Post 8, however. (6) ELWELL was scr. sick from the

50s last week, and now drops in $40K - could be a red flag, but we'll find out tonight. (4) DINA BOLT N

has some good current form, but may find things a lot tougher in this class.


RACE 3 - (2) ALLUNEEDISFAITH N had a useful start off the qualifier on 10/25 - he's beaten better in

the past, and also adds Lasix for tonight - expect a big effort from him. (4) SOMEBADDUDE joined the

Dynamic Duo for the first time last week and like so many before him, was a winner at first asking - that a

was a pretty sharp mile (raced in some horrific weather conditions), and he does have the back class to

handle tonight's class jump - belongs on your tickets. (1) BUDDY HILL got parked from the 8 hole 2 back,

then was stuck way too far back from Post 7 in his last - moves all the way inside now, and a big effort may

be coming. (3) PYRO has 9 wins on the year but still has to be considered "highly inconsistent" right now -

on the upside, he'll be a much better price this week (after a break in last) for those that are looking to stick

with him. (6) IDEAL JIMMY was a useful 3rd off the layoff 2 back, and came up 2nd best to a very sharp

rival in his last - would have been picked even higher if not for the outside draw. (5) ESCAPETOTHEBEA

CH appreciated the class drop and was able to get his picture taken last week - steps back up, and just hasn't

been able to win at this level for a while - piece only. (7) J B MAUNEY N has a few very good efforts since

arriving at YR but was no factor from a similar spot last week, and may be an outsider again tonight. (8)

OSTRO HANOVER is having a tough (overall) year - cant really see him contending from out here.


RACE 4 - (3) JESSE DUKE N has a pretty mixed bag of recent lines at Chester but he gets a major driver

switch for tonight and that makes him hard to resist in his Hilltop return - just don't fall too much in love if

he ends up wildly overbet. (5) AMERICAN BOY N absolutely benefited from a contested pace last week

but it's only because he's sharp that he was able to cash in from Post 8 - deserves respect, even moving up

in class. (2) GIVENUPDREAMING is notoriously camera shy and hard to ever pick on top - he's also

pretty good right now, draws inside, and definitely one to use in exotics. (1) OUR CORELLI N had no

chance in any of the 3 starts since the claim (terrible posts) - moves all the way inside, and a much better

effort is expected - ok for a piece. (6) SOHO LEVIATHAN A hails for a top barn and has seemingly been

in the hunt almost every week for a year - not a lot of WINS, though, so he's another better used underneath

from this tough spot. (4) AIR FORCE HANOVER has been sharp but he was scratched sick from a $75K

claimer last week, and now drops in for $50K - hard to know if his connections are looking to "steal" one,

or if this is an actual red flag! (7) HEISMAN PLAYER was given over to the sharpest barn in the land last

week and promptly reported home a winner (bet down to 3/5, after going off 17-1 (from the rail) the week

before) - faces a MUCH tougher task from Post 7 tonight, and may not have the same good fortune this

time around. (8) WALTER MITTY was claimed by a hot barn. but double jumps in class while landing Post

8 - will probably just watch this week.


RACE 5 - Very tough race! (2) BELTANE A came into his last race at 1 for 25 on the year, with the lone

win coming against a horse that wins even less than HE does....he's normally a closer, but in his first start

for his new conditioner, he was able to make the lead...and wire the field EASILY in a lifetime best 1:51.2 -

after witnessing that effort, it's not too hard to imagine him stepping up and taking another. (4) STELLAR

BB has been having an outstanding year (29-10-5-6) and raced ok at PcD in his first start for his current

connections - steps up a bit for his YR debut but Kakaley knows him well, and he may be able to contend

with these too. (1) ROBBIE BURNS N faltered on the lead 2 back, then failed to fire from off the pace in

his last - he was 8-4-1-2 locally before those miles, and his barn shows confidence leaving him in 75s for

tonight - maybe he can bounce back with one of his better efforts? (3) ALWAYS AND AGAIN won here 3

back, but faltered in his next pair at the $100K level (here, and in NJ) - maybe can trip out from this spot

and be a player? (7) IM SOME GRADUATE has struggled for much of this year, but his connections like

him enough to keep protecting him for the $75K tag - seems like an impossible spot, but may be worth

throwing in on a couple of tickets if the price is huge. (6) SNOWBALLS ROMEO seems to be in a bit too

tough but he does go for a new barn tonight, so he's another that can at least get a look at a big enough price

(5) IM BENICIO A saw his fortunes turn around when his owner handed over the lines to catch drivers,

and an extremely talented young conditioner took over - been away 2+ months, though, and may need a

start before we see his best. (8) LORD WILLOUGHBY A seems unlikely to get into play from out here.


RACE 6 - (7) SPEED MAN N looked "ok" beating a NW7500 field (at 3/5) off the layoff, but looked

sharper winning again the following week...this time as the 2-1 favorite in a NW10000 field - he steps up

tonight and draws poorly, but that also means the price should be better - willing to give him a shot as he

looks for the "hat trick". (6) BALLERAT BOOMERANG seemed like a pretty risky claim for $50,000 as

he's 0 for 21 on the year, and has only earned about $50K over the past 2 years combined - that being said,

he'll be debuting tonight for the Dynamic Duo...and that powerful angle trumps any other negatives - use

him on your tickets. (4) SANTA FES COACH can be in and out and he really likes a trip - he'll be getting a

switch to Stratton tonight, so perhaps he'll be responsive to a fresh set of hands. (5) ONE OFF DELIGHT A

had a useful tightener last week after missing 2 months - he fits well enough to merit a look if he's sent off

at a juicy price. (1) FLAMING FLUTTER N was super when he first arrived in the U.S. but the classy

12YO has been showing his age for a while now - can never rule him out from a spot like this, but still have

to be leaning to others. (3) FINE DIAMOND picked up a win off the class drop 3 back but just hasn't been

as good up at this level lately - small piece only. (8) KINNDER JACKSON is pretty good right now but

steps up and draws Post 8 - tough combination. (2) CAMPORA N threw a big clunker last time, and prefers

to be in easier anyway.


RACE 7 - (2) CHANGE STRIDE N got caught trying to gain ground from the back into a wicked 1:22

pace last week and can be excused for being unable to reach - he'd won 3 in a row prior to that (also 4 of his

last 5, with one 8 hole), and has to be seen as the one to beat dropping back down to 40s. (3) GHOST

DANCE gambled on taking an inside route last week and ended up hopelessly trapped as a result - he fits

well with these, and should be a decent price tonight - worth a look? (4) OZONE BLUE CHIP was also

hurt when trapped inside last week, but at least he was able to eventually get out, swing very wide from the

back and rally late for 2nd (behind the runaway winner) - was just reclaimed for $30K by the barn that lost

him for $40K just a few starts earlier, and the right trip could put him in the hunt. (5) ALOTBETTOR N

moves to one of the rising young stars in the business, and this is another that she's purchased with her own

$$ - he's very good right now, and could easily land somewhere on this ticket. (6) AMERICAN WIGGLE

found himself in a good spot last week and was able to pick up 2nd at a big price - still not sure just how

well he fits here, and how much damage he can do with just an ordinary trip. (1) HEREITITZ was no factor

in his first 2 local tries but found himself in a picture perfect spot last week and rushed by the spent leaders,

opening daylight and winning easily - steps up, and we'll see if he can repeat that last effort...or if it was

more of a fluke. (7) TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN exits a hot barn, draws another bad post for his new team and

may need to wait for a better spot. (8) ROCK N TONY was reclaimed last week, and really figures to be

hampered tonight by both the class hike, and 8 hole.


RACE 8 - (1) ALEX TYE had been razor sharp at Pocono and brought that fine form here to Yonkers,

confidently wiring the 50s last week - steps to face the 75s, but the rail draw should help offset the class

jump - we'll stick with the sharp horse...and hot barn! (4) TELLITSABB seemed a bit overbet last week but

was able to deliver a sharp front end score at this level - won't have any problem leaving from this spot, and

should be looking at another good trip - very live player, once again. (2) AINTNOBETTOR A was pacing

well late from an impossible spot last week - always seems to be a player when he lands inside, and tonight

should be no exception. (5) BARBADOS has been sharp for ages, and he'll be making his presence felt at

the end - he still hasn't been able to grab a win for young Tyler Miller, and may have to settle for a smaller

piece again tonight. (6) PRO BEACH has legitimate excuses in his last pair and does fit with these - draws

outside all his main rivals, however, and he'll need a lot of trip luck to be able to reach from this spot. (3)

THE DOWNTOWN BUS has lost too many times vs. easier this year to like from this spot - will look to

save ground, and hope for a minor share. (8) MARK WITHA K was unable to get involved last week and

seems destined to be in the same boat from Post 8 tonight. (7) TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY just isn't on his

game right now, and would need a major form reversal to be a serious threat.


RACE 9 - (3) TATTOO ARTIST was outstanding in wiring the field from Post 7 in his Hilltop debut

(equaling the track record) - was used harder for the lead from Post 8 last week and came up 2nd best to an

equally sharp rival (#7) - tonight's (basically) open draw sees him land in Post 3...and that should give him

the tactical edge to get back to the winner's circle. (5) LEONIDAS A was just hitting top form again when

he was scratched from back to back starts and had to re-qualify - obviously a bit risky here under the

circumstances, but he should be a great price if you have a feeling that he'll be at his best tonight. (2) NAN

DOLO N continues to do excellent work almost every start, and was a sharp winner of last week's class

drop - he'll handle the move back up just fine, and the inside draw puts him in a play for a good chunk of

this. (7) FUNATTHEBEACH N actually went off favored against the top choice the last two starts, and the

pair have exchanged victories - he's clearly in the form of his life, but will need some things to go his way

for a serious shot from all the way out here. (6) BELMONT MAJOR N continues to race in excellent form,

and has been a very nice surprise since arriving from PA in Sept. - very tough spot, but still a good bomb

for 3rd/4th. (1) FUNKNWAFFLES has been sharp virtually every start for a while, but vs. lesser - we'll see

if he can tow along for a piece with the rail assignment, (4) BETTOR MEMORIES has been hitting on all

cylinders in his last 5 starts, but is another that will have to face some seriously tougher competition this

week - we'll see if he can handle it. (8) SPLASH BROTHER was off a bad date last week and faltered

badly after cutting the mile - gets a brutal post for tonight, and we'll just watch him this week.


RACE 10 - (3) JOESSTAR OF MIAA has 2 wins and narrow loss 2nd since getting claimed and moving

up to this level - he's won 5 of his last 7 and if he shows up as sharp as he has been lately, it's going to be

pretty tough to knock him off tonight. (6) WESTERN FAME went a bit of an odd mile in his first try for a

new barn, seemingly disinterested and off the bit for much of the way, only to find his best stride late and

be right there on the wire - he certainly has more than enough back class to beat these IF he can be a bit

more focused tonight. (1) LYONS KING hasn't been "bad" by any means, but he also hasn't been on his

best game - he's looking at another good trip from this spot, and he can be dangerous if he can get back to

his "A Game" tonight. (4) SILAS SEELSTER had been losing to lesser for so many weeks it really was a

surprise to see him beat this class 2 back - raced ok from a tough spot in last, and may be able to pick up a

piece of the pie tonight. (5) TIGER BARON doesn't figure to be in a spot where he can contend for a top

prize but he always finishes with pace, and isn't a terrible bomb to throw in for 3rd/4th, if spreading in tris

and supers. (8) SOHO LENNON A's only real chance for a piece here is if he leaves the gate...and that

seems unlikely - wait for a better spot. (2) AMERICAN ZEST tends to struggle at Yonkers, 11-0-0-4 over

the past 2 years - sticking with others. (7) OAKWOODINITOWNIT IR finally grabbed his first local win

last week aided by a two hole trip vs. softer - much tougher spot tonight.


RACE 11 - (1) ALL HANDS ON DECK was a little risky heading into his last start (after having an issue

on 10/5) but he was right back on his game, and wired this class from Post 6 - he doesn't even the resemble

the horse that he was before joining the Dynamic Duo on 8/6, and he'll be heavily favored here to pick up

his 6th win in 8 starts since then. (6) DIAMONDBEACH came up 2nd best to a "first time Super Siblings"

last week (SOMEBADDUDE, Race 3), as the pair beat the field by 10 lengths - he's sharp enough to give

the top one a tussle....IF Brennan can find him a manageable trip. (2) ENVIRONS HANOVER was a very

easy winner off the claim last week, but that was probably somewhat softer competition - should be looking

at a nice trip here, and that could lead to a decent chunk of this. (3) DECISION DAY seemed to struggle

with the poor conditions last week and could only manage a distant 3rd (behind #6) - should be a lot closer

tonight, under better conditions. (5) PERFECTLY CLOSE is a good fit here but the race may not set up in

his favor - should be rallying late...but it's hard to say for how big a piece. (8) LEVINE has been "ok" lately

- terrible draw, and will need some major trip luck to have any say here. (4) ON THE VIRG just hasn't been

on his best game in some time - probably needs to be in easier to be a serious player right now. (7) ZACH

MAGUIRE N is pretty good right now, but needs an easier spot to strut his best stuff.


RACE 12 - (5) FULLBACK is rarely selected on top here, because he's usually too camera shy - he's

actually very good right now, and this MAY be a spot where he can pick up a win (at a decent price) -

worth a shot in a wide open race. (4) CLOSING STATEMENT appears to have benefited from some time

off, and has been racing well in PA - (new) barn has been going fairly well lately, and this guy can make an

impact upon arrival from Pocono. (3) SHINY BLACK BEAMER has been struggling but was able to take

advantage of an easier spot last week, scoring in a career best 1:52.4 - we'll see if he can build some

confidence off that mile. (2) LIKE CLOCKWORK looked hopeless to the top of the lane last week but

found his best stride in the latter stages and was able to squeeze out the win - faces a bit better now, and

he'll need to be sharper to have a chance at a top prize. (7) FLYINGEVENBETTOR N lands another tough

spot and will likely be looking at only a smaller piece tonight - waiting for him to drop, and get a better

post! (6) DON DOMINGO N has been a little in and out lately - stuck outside here, and will need some trip

luck for even a piece of this. (1) YAYAS HOT SPOT B was empty last week off an easy trip, but was racing

off a bad date - draws the rail again, and we'll see if he's sharper this time. (8) SOUTHWIND

MOROCCAN isn't bad right now - would have been picked higher had he not drawn so far outside.

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