The Empire Report - Friday, September 3, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - AMRCANBOOTSCOOTAA raced very well off the barn change last week, holding well for
3rd after a tough first over trip - has a good history here, and is eligible to be that much sharper for his new
connections the 2nd time around. (3) BEGINNERS LUCK dropped to the basement last week looking for a
win but could only manage an "ok" pocket 2nd - capable of taking this for sure, but not worth a short price
on top. (5) WINNING LINC is a MAJOR "all or nothing" type (with may more "nothing" at Yonkers over
the past 2 years) - he does move to a new barn so perhaps the change of scenery will perk him up. (8)
ARCANE SEELSTER was apparently sold after a couple of "ok" starts after the recent claim - he moves to
a barn that's been on fire lately, and he's not the worst bomb you could ever bet on (1) WE THINK ALIKE
is 0 for 25 here over the past 2 years but he'll surely be an up close player tonight, and is definitely ok for
exotics. (2) TEXAS TERROR N has been away since February and it's hard to say how many comebacks
the 13YO has left in him - doesn't help that his barn has been struggling here all year. (7) VILLAGE
CHAMP is usually a major player in this class but he moves to a low profile barn, draws outside, and may
not come up with his usual sharp effort. (6) WAVES OF FIRE A is just 2 for 39 over the past 2 years so he
was a somewhat surprising claim last week - will just watch, for now.
RACE 2 - (2) NO DRAMA PLEASE won two in a row at Chester (vs. cheaper) before shipping in to YR,
then came up 2nd best to a the currently raging Madhatter Blue Chip - has more than enough back class to
handle the move up, and the only real knock is that 8/5 ML price (which will make it hard to get any kind
of value tonight). (1) KANDY SWEET likes it best on the lead but she may have to be used pretty hard to
secure that spot tonight (although she can race from off the pace, if necessary) - wasn't at her best last time
but drops right back in the box for a sharp outfit and the guess is that she'll be ok. (5) MUFASAS AS does
his best work with a bit easier but that probably holds true for just about all of this field - can show up late
for a piece here, at a pretty good price. (3) ON HIGHER GROUND really disappointed vs. cheaper last
week but he's a better horse than that - can grab a piece tonight with an easy enough trip. (4) MYSTICAL
SOMOLLI is hard to gauge off his out of town lines but he 3-0-0-0 here last year, and may have some some
trouble with other leavers - prefer others, but wouldn't be shocked to see him race well tonight. (7) KASHA
V was able to beat cheaper last week off a pretty good trip - steps up, and will likely be coming from
last...probably looking at only a minor share tonight. (6) WINDSONG PIONEER does his best work on the
lead, vs. easier - has some speed inside of him tonight, and that figures to hinder his chances.
RACE 3 - (7) ER VEGAS got very sharp at the Maine fairs and was able to bring that form down to Fhd.
for his new owners, running off by 7+ lengths last week - catches a blank field for his Yonkers debut, and
we'll give him the nod, even from Post 7. (1) MACHING TIME had 2 bad posts after the claim but now
moves all the way inside - expect a much better effort tonight...maybe even a winning one? (6) TASTE OF
HISTORY was an ok 3rd last week in a start he figured to need (off the layoff) - the outside draw should
make him a decent price tonight, and he's certainly worth considering. (3) ROLL WITH FRED has done
nothing in some time but he does get post relief in here and that may be enough to help him pick up a small
piece. (5) OFFICIAL DELIGHT drops below the claim price in his first start for the new barn, and that's
after just dropping from 25s to 15s - too many red flags to consider as the 5/2 ML choice. (4) DEERFIELD
BEACH shows some ugly recent lines but he does reverse form a few times every year - decent one for big
longshot fans. (2) ROCKIN RAMBARAN just hasn't been a contender in a long time - pass, even from the
inside. (8) MOXLEY probably fits with these, but probably needs a much better spot to show it.
RACE 4 - (2) VENIER HANOVER was an ok 3rd in his only start here this year - he goes from his long
time octogenarian trainer to a pretty sharp barn tonight, and we'll hop on board, looking for improvement.
(1) ROCKABILLY CHARM was used hard last week and still able to hold 3rd after getting outblitzed to
3/4s - draws best (again), and looms a very legit threat. (3) MILITARY MASTER A disappointed last week
but that was vs. the 20s - drops down to a more comfortable level, and may bounce right back with a sharp
mile. (4) GYPSY LEATHER can be forgiven for getting blown away in the stretch last week by a currently
razor sharp recent "Super Sibling" pickup - overall recent form is rock solid, and he belongs in exotics, for
sure. (6) NIHILATED TRUTH benefited from a perfect trip last week to score for his new connections -
wisely stays in the same class, but the outside draw may leave him with a smaller paycheck this time. (7)
MISTER HAT was an opportunistic winner last week thanks to a drive that worked out perfectly - moves
up in class while landing Post 7, and that will make it hard for him to repeat that effort tonight. (8)
ELECTRIC WESTERN drops back down to a more appropriate level, but will likely be coming from too
far back to do any serious damage. (5) THISISHOWWEDOIT moves to a barn that hasn't been clicking
here this year while also jumping up in class - sticking with others
RACE 5 - (3) HIGH GEAR NO FEAR clicked right away upon arrival from Canada and has continued to
thrive even as he's climbed the class ladder (and been forced to take on older foes) - one of a few live
players in here, but the price should be right and he should end up with a nice trip. (4) BARRY BLACK
holds his own with better but usually grabs his wins when he drops into fields much like this one - very
logical threat. (2) TAD KRAZY HANOVER was off 3 weeks to her last but did well to hold 2nd after
being turned back by the standout winner - doesn't always bring her best but when she does, she has a
chance to beat these. (6) THE LAST CHAPTER showed some better life 2 back so it was no real surprise
when he stepped up to take his last - faces a bit tougher here, and may have to settle for a smaller piece this
time. (8) MISS MCKEE is a good fit here but at a major post disadvantage - will look a lot better with a
class drop next week. (1) TRUMP THIS moves to a new barn while also moving up in class - prefer others,
even though he lands the pole. (7) HALO ITS ME hit board in her last 5 starts but that streak will be in
serious jeopardy tonight with the outside draw.
RACE 6 - (4) ROCK N BLUE steps up to 20s but that won't matter if he brings his best game - absolutely
deserves top billing BUT not one to bet the ranch on at a short price because he CAN get too hot on the
lead at times, and end up folding badly...even for the Dynamic Duo! (2) DISMISSAL SLIP is going strong
right now and should continue to do so for his new barn - looking at a good trip tonight, and could be the
one should the top choice falter. (5) PLAY THE FIELD only has one win this year but has hit board in 9
other starts - solid weekly player goes for a new barn tonight, but the guess is that he'll continue to race
well. (6) FOLLOW YOUR HEART hasn't really clicked since arriving from PA but should be a decent fit
with these, and has a chance to rally for a small piece, at a big price. (3) ITSGOODTOBEDAKING has
shown little in 4 local starts but finally gets a decent post and may be able to at least be in play for a piece.
(7) TODDLER TANTRUM landed in a good flow last week and took advantage with a 3rd place finish -
not sure the trip will be as kind tonight, though. (8) NORTHERN SPORTSMAN moves to a hot barn but
draws Post 8 while moving up in class and that's a tough combination to overcome. (1) MAGRITTE has
been struggling for ages - still waiting for any signs of life.
RACE 7 - (4) ITS ACADEMIC was somehow allowed to draw for Posts 4-8 and of course, he ends up
with the best spot - would seem to have a major class edge here, and the inside draw is going to make him
awfully tough to knock off...assuming he gets around the Hilltop Oval without any issues. (5) MISSISSIPPI
STORM also seems to have deserved an outside post assignment but like the top choice, gets a big break -
he's won 8X here the past 2 years, and looms the main danger tonight. (3) GUARDIAN ANGEL AS raced
well with a limited schedule in 2020 (just 8 starts) and is racing well again this year, having added Lasix for
his last 3 starts - he has a ton of class, and may even be able to give the top pair a bit of a tussle with the
inside post assignment. (6) NEW HEAVEN has been sharp for a while, and that form is holding even at
these highest levels - gets no luck with the draw, but is still a decent bomb for 3rd. (1) MOSTINTERESTIN
GMAN would surely like to be in a bit easier but may be good enough to tow along for a small check. (8)
CHAMPAGNE ON ICE is one of a zillion horses from this barn to have elevated their games to incredible
levels over the last couple of months - she's in the best form of her career right now, but may struggle to get
herself in play from this unfortunate spot. (2) NEXTROUNDSONME is 2 for 2 here this year, paying a
nice price each time...he's also moving up in class now, and seems a bit overmatched. (7) MAGICAL
JOURNEY was forced to draw for the outside despite being well short off the qualifier last week and
doesn't figure to be part of the action here
RACE 8 - (1) KEYSTONE DASH put in a menacing bid last week but gave way quickly after being
unable to rush past the favorite - it seems like the front end is where he really likes it...and he'll have his
first chance to be there tonight since arriving at Yonkers...hard to get too excited about a play with that 7/5
ML price, however. (8) SAILBOAT HANOVER not only behaved last week he actually raced his eyeballs
out, coming up just a slight nose shy of a 33-1 upset - he has a chance to win (even from Post 8) if he can
out in a similar effort tonight (while also avoiding any costly miscues). (2) FURIOUS BEACH
disappointed last week, and was already done BEFORE getting interfered with - can grab a piece of this if
he rebounds to one of his better efforts. (4) BOLT OF LUCK improved significantly off the claim last week
and moves to another new barn tonight - chance for a piece, even though it seems like he's moving way up
in class. (6) BOURBONS COURAGE would look much better from an inside post but the right trip could
land him a piece here...at a good price. (3) AQUAMAN HANOVER was able to pick up a 2nd at this level
3 back but was no factor in his last pair - not quite sure what we'll get from him tonight. (5) MR DS ROCK
is listed at 3-1 ML but we'd be hard pressed to explain why - prefer others. (7) REPEAL OR REPLACE
raced well in this class on 7/30 but was no factor at all in his last pair, and is stuck outside once again
RACE 9 - (2) EYE OF A TIGER AS went through a stretch where he was breaking here every start but
he's long over that, and has actually been putting together an excellent 2021 season (currently 5 for 18, with
$81K in the bank) - last week's sick scratch a concern but he's right back in the box, and we'll give him the
nod. (1) IT AINT THE WHISKY is the latest addition for the talented training tandem which means instant
improvement can be expected - hard to leave ANY fresh horse in that barn off the ticket. (3) AFTER ALL
PAUL gets post relief, is solid right now, and should have a good chance to land somewhere in the exotics.
(6) BULLY BOY has really blossomed this year, avoiding too many mistakes and climbing the class ladder
(while winning 5 of 12 local starts) - post hurts, but still a chance for a good piece. (7) TOP FLIGHT
ANGEL has been sharp week after week, and would have been selected higher with a better draw - will
need lots of trip luck to reach from out here, however. (5) WHAT CHAPTER has become a pretty reliable
commodity this summer but still seems a notch below a few of the main players. (4) MAGIC VACATION
is in good form, but vs. cheaper - may not fare as well against these tougher foes. (8) KINDA LUCKY
LINDY draws Post 8 after not looking good at all last week.
RACE 10 - (8) MOHAWK WARRIOR was a very sharp dropdown winner last week but this field really
isn't any tougher - obviously Post 8 will be tough to overcome but he'll also be a decent price - worth a
shot? (3) ZINNY MACH N really upped his game at Chester after a barn change 3 back, even if facing
lesser - deserves respect in his first local try of the year...especially at 15-1 ML. (1) ALEPPO HANOVER
held a long way against the rejuvenated Springsteen last week and his overall recent form isn't bad - he's
also just 1 for 47 over the past 2 years, so he's definitely one to use underneath only. (4) BELTANE A
flashed some better speed last week when 2nd best to the top choice - eligible to land somewhere on the
ticket again tonight. (6) PATRIOT NATION has been a little better lately - chances for a piece go up if
Merton can hustle him away to a better spot. (7) KERRIN JOSEPH A was a solid first over winner over
lesser last week, but faces an uphill battle from all the way out here tonight. (5) ATTA BOY DAN just isn't
on his best game right now - waiting for better signs before giving him a vote of confidence. (2) SPORTS
BETTOR tripped out to beat cheaper 2 back, but will need to be better to be a threat with these.
RACE 11 - (1) PAPPY GO GO landed on a horrible trip arriving from Chester but was still full of trot at
the end of the mile - looking at a much better trip tonight, and he may be the best price of the 3 main
players. (5) MADHATTER BLUECHIP may have missed all of 2020 but he's hitting on all cylinders right
now for a barn that suddenly looks like it did a few years back (before hitting a long dry spell) - threat to
take his 3rd in a row, despite the class hike. (2) ROCK OF CASHEL is still banging heads at age 11, and
remains a solid threat at this level every week - could easily be the one to come out on top here. (4)
ZAGSTER is still racing well, but really needs a class drop to be a serious threat - may be able to beat the
others. (3) MY BOY CHRISTIAN came up empty after pulling last week - guessing he'll remain glued to
the cones tonight, hoping to squeeze out a small check. (6) BIZET is in desperate need of a class drop (or
two). (7) FOMOR found a field he could beat 3 back but quickly reverted to his lesser form.
RACE 12 - (1) TOWNLINE ALL GOOD may or may not have had pace when he broke in traffic in the
stretch last week but he drops to the bottom class, draws the pole again, and he was banging heads with
$50K claimers just a few starts back - pretty much a now or never spot for him. (7) CLIFFHANGER was
pretty good from a very tough spot last week (2nd start for a new barn) - would love to see Stratton leave a
bit because that would give this guy at least a chance at the upset. (3) CINNABAR DRAGON is another
one looking a bit better for a new barn, and this guy actually draws well - definitely could add some spice
to the exotics. (6) ARCHANGEL THREE seems to have benefited from a brief vacation, scoring easily last
week at Fhd. off the qualifier - ok for a piece here too. (4) TULLOW N is 0 for 19 here over the past 3
years but does drop, and may be able to grab a small piece. (8) ELRAMA N will be coming from far back
but did race well for 2nd from off the pace last week, and would have at least a chance for a piece IF the
outer flow is a live one. (2) FULL VIEW and (5) IWONTODOTHATAGAIN are the outsiders, and need to
improve considerably for even a minor share.