The Empire Report - Thursday, August 12, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (3) PETTYCOAT BUSINESS raced well last week, caught wide a long way and still coming
gamely to the end for 3rd - drops into a softer spot, and should be able to take over early and handle this
assignment. (1) VELOCITY MCSWEETS was able to dig in late and move up into 2nd behind the sharp
winner last week - was off a bad date that night but gets right back in, draws the pole, and figures to be able
to grab another big piece. (2) QUITE A DELIGHT N finished well once free in the stretch last week - an up
close easy trip puts her in the hunt for a board spot tonight. (4) ALL ABOUT AMY finished 5th last week
but wasn't far off 3rd and 4th despite a tough first over trip - might be one who can add some value to the
exotics. (7) ACEFOURTYFOUR ALEX is feeling good these days but may find herself rallying from too
far back from this spot - not sure she'll get the cover flow she'll need to be a late threat. (6) FEAR MY
SHADOW had pace last week but no room to roam - gets no luck with the draw tonight, however, and that
may limit her to a minor share. (5) SWEET TALKER picked up a 2nd and 3rd at Chester recently - hard to
say how she'll fit here, but would at least throw her in for 3rd at 20-1 ML. (8) LIME TWIST draws Post 8
after being no factor from the pole last week.
RACE 2 - (1) CANE GANG might have been content just to get in a "safe" mile from a bad post last week
after making a break the start before - three down he put in his best effort to date, making a strong first over
bid against KING JIMMY (winner of 3 in a row) and still holding 2nd - if he can race anywhere close to
that, he can win from this spot. (6) ENDYMION was 3rd in the race where the top choice was 2nd, then
made a nice recovery last week after an early miscue - if he behaves tonight, he can be a player...even from
Post 6. (4) CHERRY MASON was over the half in 1:04 two back and still got beat...which may explain
why he's now 1 for 20, with 9 seconds and thirds - logical contender, but no value on top at 3/2 ML! (7) SV
ROYAL FLUSH can use his speed to improve significantly at the start here...it's the poor finishes that are
his issue - ok for underneath. (3) SQUABLE was non-competitve for a whole bunch of starts but at least
can find himself in the hunt now - not ready to use him on top, but willing to throw in for 3rd/4th. (2) THE
PAPA BEAR has shown little since a July barn change - waiting for better signs before considering. (5) TB
TWELVE hasn't shown anything so far in his 4 starts back at 3.
RACE 3 - Good race! (4) CREATIVE VENTURE was sent off favored here in his local debut but made a
break at the start - raced very well in his next at Chester, rallying nicely for 3rd with a crisp final half -
should be a better price than in his last try here, and could be tough...if he stays trotting this time. (1)
BACCARDI raced conservatively in his first start back at 3 and trotted well late for 3rd - should be tighter
now, and looms a dangerous threat from the pole.(7) KING JIMMY has now taken 3 in a row, and got it
done from Post 7 two back - will definitely have his work cut out for him as he looks to make it 4 straight,
but he's too sharp to not consider. (8) PREACHER MAN should definitely fit nicely off his NJ and PA
lines, but it's hard to know if he'll be able to get a manageable trip from out here - would consider if the
price is juicy enough. (3) CHROME PACKAGE is still looking for his first Yonkers win but he's hit board
in 4 of 6 - ok to include underneath. (6) IDENTITY POLICE ships in off a pair of Pocono wins, and is
7-2-2-3 for his career - wouldn't be any surprise to see him be a real threat tonight. (5) DESTINY BLUE
CHIP has been disappointing week after week - would need a major wake up to beat these. (2) CHURCH
STOUT is 1 for 18 and has to be seen as the outsider tonight.
RACE 4 - (1) SANDYS BEACH is a new addition to a barn that grabbed NINE wins and a 2nd from just
12 starts since Friday night (and at the rate they're adding horses lately, they may be training half the horses
in the box soon!) - she can be a tricky horse to drive, but it works out perfectly because usual pilot Stratton
is filling in for Joey B. tonight - hard to not give her top billing. (3) CARDIFF was a strong selection on
7/29 but scratched when late for Lasix - would have been the strong selection again tonight if not for the
barn change on the top choice. (4) LADYBELUCKYTONITE has picked up a pair of 3rds since the recent
claim and is a proven player at this level - definitely a chance for a good piece. (6) GOTTALOV
EMYSHADOW gets a full pass for her last start here (young Tyler Miller inexplicably refused to drop in
behind the standout favorite and got parked the mile from the 2 hole, landing on the qualifying) - showed
no ill effects at Chester, and does fit well with these - maybe can rally for a piece at a big price. (7) SCAND
ALICIOUS draws horribly but she's been known to sit back and charge home for pieces from spots like this
- throw her in for 3rd/4th at a big price. (2) GREENHILL HANOVER was an easy winner one level down
in her Yonkers debut, despite being pretty lazy on the lead - we'll see if she's sharp enough to handle the
class hike (5) DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE gets a little post relief and does seem sharp enough for a chance
at a small piece if things go her way. (8) ZOE ELLASEN lands in a new barn, draws the worst post, and
will need to wait for a better spot to have a chance at even a small piece
RACE 5 - Tough race: (3) GRAFENBERG picked up a 2nd and 3rd in his last pair with an amateur pilot
on board and now gets Brennan at the lines - he had a solid 2YO slate in Ohio (13-3-3-4 $47K) so there
does appear to be some ability here...worth a look at 12-1 ML. (5) VICTORIANA was a dominant winner
in her only other Yonkers start and is a logical threat to beat these....barn has sent out several short priced
losers, however, and maybe this filly will be a bit vulnerable too. (7) MAGICAL MUSCLE MAN seems to
be improving every start in PA recently - looks as good as any of these, but also figures to be a short price,
from a bad post, with his trainer at the controls. (4) CHERRY RED has been a consistent player here for a
while, although he's still winless in 12 local starts this year - hard to recommend using him on top at that
2-1 ML price, but definitely once to include underneath. (6) SJS LADY LOU has been behaving lately but
ironically, she was sharper when she was making breaks - doesn't seem sharp enough to win right now, but
her trainer has really started to do some outstanding things this year....maybe should get a look at 20-1 ML?
(2) BABY MAKER HANOVER has been somewhat in and out - if she brings one of her better efforts
tonight, a small piece is within reach. (1) BREEZING PRAYER just doesn't seem on his game right now -
sticking with others tonight. (8) DA BOOGIE MAN seems unlikely to ever get close from out here
RACE 6 - (6) ANNE BONNEY N hasn't been the top choice here in some time but she may be worth a
play tonight - her last line may not look like much, but she paced a BIG (hidden) 3rd quarter from way back
and was still pacing well through the wire - Bartlett has won with her in the past, and perhaps can get it
done again tonight. (4) BEST HONEY HANOVER can be on the inconsistent side but she's gone some big
miles here in the past, and would have a chance tonight if brings that "A Game". (2) NEVERFORGET
WHOUR has a lot of class to her, and she won 10 races here in 2019-20 -- she's been away since January,
however, and despite a nice looking qualifier, it's hard to get excited about using her on top as the 9/5 ML
favorite! (5) PAIGES GIRL hasn't been bad since adding Lasix, but she hasn't been all that great either -
barn has sent out some big priced winners recently, so she's worth at least some consideration. (7) LA
ALWAYS AMARTINI improved dramatically when out of town and she brought that fine form back to
Yonkers last week - was claimed from that race, and now goes for a new barn, from a bad posts, while
losing Bartlett - not really sure what to expect, (8) ANNABETH was hammered down to 3/5 last week and
able to make her way to the top and wire a much lesser field - will be coming from last tonight, however,
and she's likely looking at a much smaller piece. (1) WESTERN SHOWGIRL was all out to beat cheaper 3
back, was a weak first over in NW7500 in her next and now is stuck in NW10000 - prefer others, even with
the rail. (3) KAITLYN N seems to need cheaper to be a serious factor
RACE 7 - (8) RACINE BELL returns to Yonkers after smashing the track record at Batavia last week (to
go along with tying a WORLD record at the Meadowlands earlier this summer) - she's 7-5-1-1 locally this
year, and has overcome similar spots in the past - wouldn't bet the ranch on her from this spot, but she IS
the one to beat. (5) SHES PUKKA N is in a good way right now, and should be able to work out a good trip
from this spot - figures to be in the hunt once again. (2) DBLDELITEBRIGADE N went sour right after the
Matchmaker Series started but is back on track again, and earned her way back up to the Open - a quick
start may land her a good enough trip to be a legit player here. (6) SIESTA BEACH has been sharp for
what seems like an eternity - what she lacks in "handiness" she makes up for with determination - hard to
ever leave her out of the exotics. (7) IMPRINCESSGEMMA A has actually IMPROVED since leaving the
"Super Siblings", joining a barn that after many quiet years, is suddenly doing some incredible work - she's
been off 3 weeks and draw Post 7, however, so we'll stick with others for tonight. (3) DEMETER N has
started to sharpen recently - not sure she's ready to do damage with these yet, but she's worth keeping an
eye on. (4) JIVE DANCING A steps up to the Open off a pair of upset victories - will find things a lot
harder with these. (1) POPPY DRAYTON N really upped her game the last 2 starts but that success lands
her in the Open...and she has a lot to prove against these ladies!
RACE 8 - (1) SEASWIFT JOY has been a little slow to find her form since the layoff but did show a little
more interest last week - drops, draws the pole, and Marohn gives her a vote of confidence by sticking with
her (over #4) - will probably be cranked up for a big mile tonight. (2) BOLT OF BEAUTY is blossoming
into a very nice mare, and the 4YO has shown the ability to handle whatever trips come her way - would be
no surprise to see her beat her elders tonight. (3) MONICA GALLAGHER won her first start for a new
barn three back, was a tight 3rd in her next, and finished well from an impossible spot in her last - moves
inside, and figures to have a say tonight...maybe even a big one. (4) ROBYN CAMDEN had some traffic
issues in her last but still finished well late when clear - she's a solid performer at this level, and a good trip
will put her right there at the wire. (5) SHECANDANCE N sharpened recently at Pocono, was a crisp
finishing 3rd in her return to Yonkers, then was actually VERY good from Post 8 last week despite missing
time (scr. sick) - could easily outperform that 20-1 ML price. (8) BETTERB CHEVRON N was a big
overlay when she won at 17-1 last week - she's very sharp, but may be hard pressed to rally from last
against this much tougher crew. (7) ROCKNROLL ANNIE could really use some class relief
RACE 9 - (4) TURNTHEFROWNAROUND was sitting in a perfect spot on the final turn last week and
looked like an easy winner....before making a very costly miscue - deserves a chance to make amends. (7)
NATASHA exits the "NW6PM" ranks and will have to take on older foes tonight...her form has been
outstanding, and it would be no surprise to see her have the same success against these. (1) MAJOR BATT
LE has similar NJ form to the top choice, won here earlier this year, and should be a very solid contender
from the pole tonight. (2) SHELLIE DE VIE was losing regularly at the bottom level not long ago but her
form has really improved significantly - last was better than it looks (she was trapped at the back with no
escape), and that 20-1 ML price makes her worth using in exotics. (8) MY RUEBE STAR N can be
forgiven for getting outbrushed in an eye popping :26.2 quarter last week but the classy mare still held 2nd
- she's definitely coming back to life, but hard to say how aggressive she'll be from Post 8 tonight. (5)
MILLWOOD BONNIE N may have been the overlay winner of the meet when she paid 64-1 last week, as
she might have been our TOP choice had she drawn a bit better - moves up in class now, but may still be
able to rally for a piece. (3) ANN HILL can be unpredictable from start to start - on her best, she'd have a
chance at a piece here, with the right trip. (6) WATCH MY LUCK got stuck racing against RACINE BELL
in the Open at Btva. last week and actually held on for 3rd - overall recent form is good, and she's only
being picked on the bottom because of the raw.
RACE 10 - Tough race: (3) SPORTS FLIX was 2nd in the Open upon arrival from Ohio - not quite as
sharp in her next, then a couple of excuses - drops to an easier spot, and this might be a good time to hop on
board. (4) FEELIN RED HOT has been disappointing lately but the classy 8YO always seems to turn
things around before too long - definitely a spot where she could take these a long way. (2) DANCE CLUB
moves up in class but the inside draw could help her out - she's been first or 2nd in 7 of 11 local starts this
year, and seems like a good one for exotics. (8) IM VERY SPECIAL may be a decent bomb - solid 2nd
from Post 7 here 2 back, then a game first over try across the river in her last - the price will certainly be
long enough if you want to include her on some tickets. (1) ANGELS PRIDE usually does her best just
hitting the top and outrunning cheaper but she wasn't bad from off the pace in last, and maybe can pick up a
share of this if not overdriven, (5) THATS INCREDIBLE was a nice price last week (7-1 from the pole) but
couldn't convert off the pocket trip, finishing a close 2nd - maybe an easy trip can land her a minor share?
(6) CASIES BELIEVER does her best work with a bit easier - probably needs an inside post to contend at
this level. (7) ITS MESMERISE is another that will look better when she gets some class relief.
RACE 11 - (4) HILLEXOTIC earned nearly $200K as a 3YO, including a close 4th in the Breeders Crown
- has come back solid at 4, holding his own through the Graduate series (in NJ) -- when he dropped down to
face a NW5 field at Chester last week, he won by 6 lengths...and that's the type he'll be facing tonight. (2)
COCKTAILS N DREAMS has been doing good work in PA for a solid barn - probably can't beat the top
choice, but there's a good chance he can handle the others. (7) BIG BAD SWAN made a break in his first
start off the big barn/driver change, but behaved in his last and was an impressive first over winner - should
be able to grab a big piece tonight, assuming he continues to behave. (6) YANKEE GIRLFRIEND rallied
nicely for 2nd last week and picked up the place spot 3 starts back as well - another one to include
underneath. (1) MY BOY CHRISTIAN has been unable to replicate his good Chester form here at Yonkers
but his last was a bit better - we'll see if he can keep improving. (8) CAVALIER GEORGE was blocked late
in last or would have been closer - not sure how he can get involved from Post 8, though. (3) DIFFIDENT
steps up sharp but may be a bit below some of these - she's also a 3YO filly facing older (including males).
(5) I HAVE A DREAM wasn't nearly as good last week, moving up in class while racing for a new barn -
sticking with others
RACE 12 - Some sharp mares in here: (2) NORTH STAR IDEAL finally gets some post relief after being
hampered by outside draws in her last 3 - she seems to still be sharp, and will finally get a chance to be in
play tonight...could be the best price of the main players. (4) JOSSIE JAMES A has been enjoying a terrific
season, and has even held her own in the Open at times - drops off a 3rd vs. better, and has a solid chance
to take this with the right trip. (1) MAN DONTFORGET ME is just a neck shy of a 5 race winning streak
and her win last week was simply bruising - another with a very solid chance tonight (hard to separate these
contenders)! (6) SHOULDABEENATD was an impressive winner as the odds on choice in her local debut -
spots a post edge to several rivals, but it would hardly be a shock if she found a way to beat these. (3)
GOLDEN QUEST N finally picked up her first win of the year 2 back but was unable to build on it with
her last - seems a bit below several of these. (5) ACEFORTYFOUR DOME has been razor sharp, but now
she'll have to step up for her new barn - may be in a little steep here, even as sharp as she is. (7)
MALNIFICENT has been good for a while, but may need a much better draw to bang heads with these. (8)
BETALADY made a break in her last and now starts from Post 8 - waiting for a better scenario