The Empire Report - Friday, June 25, 2021 - Race Analysis
RACE 1 - (1) PEMBROKE JOEY raced big in defeat last week, making two moves before coming up 2nd
best to the very sharp frontrunner - he owns 2 recent wins at this level, and the rail draw stamps him as the
one to beat in tonight's opener. (4) BRACKLEY BEACH was in no-chance spots for his last 2 local efforts,
but he does own 3 recent wins (out of town) vs. somewhat similar competition - moves from one high % to
another tonight, and an aggressive try is expected....especially with his new part owner at the controls. (6)
MAJOR BUCKS has only managed one win since moving to this high powered barn (off a perfect trip) but
he's picked up good pieces on many occasions - chance for similar tonight, especially getting Dunn in the
bike. (5) SOLID ASA ROCK A dropped down to the bottom class, caught a very weak field, and was able
to pick up an easy win last week - moves to a new barn tonight, faces a tougher field, and we'll see if he can
have the same kind of success. (2) CHACHING HANOVER figures to sit a fairly decent trip here, and may
be able to squeeze out a piece if the trip is easy enough. (3) WAVES OF FIRE A drops back in for the price
he was claimed for 3 back, but his 1 for 32 record (past 2 years) still makes him hard to endorse. (7) ELEC
TRIC WESTERN is just 1 for 24 here (last 3 years), lands outside, and figures to have a hard time getting
himself into the hunt. (8) WINNING LINC used to like it at YR but he's 0 for 9 in '20-'21, prone to
clunkers, and stuck all the way outside - much trip luck will be needed for even a piece.
RACE 2 - (4) SPOILED PRINCESS was stuck pulling first over into sizzling :27.1 third quarter in her
only local try but still held well for 4th, despite the very tough trip - catches a pretty soft NW15000 field for
her return, and should be able to handle these. (3) SECRET BRO was stuck with 8 holes in good fields 2
and 3 starts back so it was no surprise to see him turn in a solid effort for 2nd with last week's post relief -
draws decently again, and can grab another good piece here. (2) CHIEF JUSTICE raced well here in a few
starts back in April/May, even if vs. a bit cheaper - picked up a win at Chester 2 back and he can land
somewhere in the exotics tonight if an easy trip comes his way. (5) BARRY BLACK really hasn't been
close to top form recently, but last week's speed try was a step in the right direction - we'll see if he can
build off that effort. (1) KING CAST was forced to move up in class after a couple of smaller checks vs.
lesser - the draw was kind to him, so he does have a shot to just tow along close enough to the pace to pick
up a small share. (6) SUMATRA had been having a pretty tough 2021 season until delivering a game first
over win vs. lesser last week (barnmate Casino Cutie It perked up to win on Wed. night too) - may be ready
to start improving, but the outside draw won't help his cause. (7) KANDY SWEET has been stuck up at
these higher levels thanks to a couple of recent wins - she does her damage on the lead, but that doesn't
seem possible from out here. (8) WINDSONG PIONEER lands yet another bad post - we'll wait for next
week's drop to NW10000
RACE 3 - NY NY Mile Elimination: (1) CONTESTED HANOVER seems to have really improved over
the winter, and has done nothing but good work since returning at 3 (won both qualifiers, then a strong 3rd
in a NYSS event, followed by 2nd to the talented Iteration in an EBC leg at VD) - draws inside, and gets
top billing here, Entrymate (1A) LINDYS DOLLYWOOD hasn't faced stakes fillies yet this year, but her
work in overnights is promising - useful "extra" to have as part of your wager. (4) MAZZARATI ended her
2YO season in fine form winning a BC elimination (before finishing 2nd in the Final), then rallying for 3rd
in the Kindergarten Final - she banked over $250K last year, and has been sharp vs. tough PaSS rivals so
far at 3 - hasn't won yet, however, and may be a little vulnerable here at a short price. (6) MAY KARP held
her own with top fillies at 2, banking $110K - has come back as good (or better at 3), but the terrible draw
may leave her looking at a conservative try tonight, just hoping to make the Final (and hopefully drawing
better). (2) REBEL GIRL does seem to be sharpening, draws the pole, but she has made some breaks
(including over the Fhd. half miler) - can contend for a piece here...as long as she minds her manners. (3)
IMHATRAAM hails from top connections, but has just been "ok" so far out of town - prefer to just watch
her, for now. (7) ILLUMINATA clearly has the ability, as she was the winner of last year's Matron - not
sure if she's fully clicking just yet at 3, and she also gets stuck with Post 8 - passing for now, but watching
closely, in case she qualifies for the Final. (5) PRESTO did some good work at 2, but doesn't seem to be
hitting on all cylinders yet at 3 - may wake up here, but sticking with others for now
RACE 4 - Park MGM Pace Elimination 3YO Fillies: (4) DARBY HANOVER was a model of consistency
at 2, compiling a 10-5-2-2 record while earning $110K - has looked good at 3 since returning, picking up a
2nd and 3rd vs. solid PA breds - maybe she can use her gate speed to set up a good trip...and pull off a
minor upset. (1) HEART OF MINE comes into this as the one beat, having won all 5 of her starts this year
(and that includes 3 wins here at Yonkers) - gets to call the shots again tonight, but she's going to be a pretty
short price! (2) SHANIA BLUE CHIP picked up a 2nd to #1 in her first start back at 3 (here at YR, in the
Reynolds), then was a solid rallying 3rd behind her last week at Buffalo - she'll be a decent price if you
think she can turn the tables this time. (5) LINDY AT THE BEACH is as good as any of these, but draws
outside 3 main foes - it SEEMS likely that she'll be handled somewhat conservatively, looking to qualify
for next week's Final, while hoping to draw better in there (the top 4 make it back for next week). (6)
PODIUM GIRL hasn't quite been able to find her top form yet this there...at least not on a consistent basis -
the outside draw will make it challenging for her to crack the top 4, though hardly impossible. (3) LYONS
SOFTASSILK hails from dangerous connections, but just doesn't seem sharp enough right now.
RACE 5 - Park MGM Pace Elimination 3YO Fillies: (7) TEST OF FAITH comes into this 10 for 11 in her
career...and was interfered with in her only loss (but still 2nd) - she's 2 for 2 over the track, can race from
off the pace if she has to, and just may be the best 3YO filly in the country - that being said, the poor draw,
coupled with the fact that this is only an elimination, makes it hard to consider betting the mortgage money
on her at a very short price! (3) FIRE START HANOVER was last year's Breeder's Crown champ, and a
few other big wins propelled her to nearly $600K in earnings - she took an unconventional approach to
prepping for her 3YO campaign by starting right off against good, OLDER mares...but raced super both
times, including a win last start - the main danger. (6) MARSALA HANOVER banged out $275K in her
freshman campaign, and has been solid so far at 3 - the outside draw will make it hard for her to really
threaten the top two, though. (4) SO IRRESISTIBLE won a couple of Weiss legs before taking the Final,
and has remained sharp against the good PaSS fillies since then - could be next in line. (1) SUMMER RAE
has done excellent work so far at 3, albeit against somewhat softer competition - she gets around Yonkers
nicely, draws best, and can sneak onto the ticket if one of the top ones falters. (2) LET ER BUCK has been
ok in her last few, but just seems somewhat overmatched against some of these - minor share only. (5)
CLASSICIST got too hot on the lead in her only local start, though she did battle hard to hang on - not sure
she can race as well from behind, and that's where she'll be tonight - tough spot.
RACE 6 - Yonkers Trot Elimination: (4) AHUNDREDDOLLARBILL flashed plenty of potential at 2 but
had trouble staying flat- races for a new barn this year and hasn't made any mistakes yet, looking very sharp
compiling a 3 for 3 record - we'll stick with him. (3) MON AMOUR was Gingras' choice (over #5), likely
thanks to a couple of those big miles in NJ - not sure if he's as solid over the half, but we'll find out tonight.
(5) INCOMMUNICADO got sharper throughout his 2YO season and has come back sharp at 3, winning
the Dexter (at Fhd.) then finishing just behind the top pick in both VD races - would really be no surprise at
all. (1) ETHAN T HANOVER beat up a cheap NW2 field here last week but that trip over the track should
give him some confidence - seems a notch below the top ones, but could definitely find his way into the
Final (top 4 finishers). (6) ON A STREAK earned nearly 3/4s of a million at 2, winning the Breeder's
Crown Final, and finishing right there is a few other major stakes - can't fault what he's done at 3 so far, but
he just hasn't been nearly as impressive to this point, and his last win here was over a pretty soft bunch -
outside draw definitely hurts, but we'll see if he's sharper tonight...and acts like he could be a player in next
week's Final (if he makes it). (2) CALLE PALEMA isn't a bad horse, but may be a notch below these
RACE 7 - Yonkers Trot Elimination: The Svanstedt entry form a formidable duo here -- (1A) JOHAN
PALEMA was a solid PaSS colt last year, finishing 3rd in the Final - he's come back strong at 3, winning
his PaSS return in sharp fashion, then just missing to talented barnmate Delayed Hanover in his next -
Gingras elects to go with this guy, and we'll trust his judgment. (1) AMBASSADOR HANOVER came into
last years NYSS Final at 4 for 4 but was a disappointing 4th that night - has sharpened quickly since his
3YO return, winning a NYSS event 2 back, then finishing 2nd to AHUNDREDDOLLARBILL in his last -
legitimate player. (3) ARNOLD N DICKY has been a little in and out but when he brings his best effort,
he's a talented colt - should be feeling pretty good after crushing overnight horses in his last, and could be a
major threat here. (5) IN RANGE had an outstanding 2YO campaign (10-5-4-0, $411K) but after winning
his 3YO return (PaSS), he made a break in his next, then lacked the stretch pop he needed the next week - if
he shows up at 100%, he can be a serious threat...but at a shortish price from Post 6, there just seems to be
better value elsewhere (for the top slot). (2) THE IRISHMAN has won 4 of his 11 starts but just seems a
notch below the main players - maybe can finish in the top 4 to make the final? (6) JULA MUSCLE PACK
behaved himself and easily disposed of a soft local NW2 field - moves all the way outside, and will need to
hope for lots of trip luck. (4) STEEL was the opportunistic upset winner of last year's NYSS Final but other
than that mile, he does seem a bit below the main players in here.
RACE 8 - MGM Grand Messenger Elimination: Awfully good race for an elimination...a few very nice
horses will be failing to qualify for the Final: (2) AMERICAN COURAGE is 9 for 10 in his career, and he
just wasn't right at all at the time of that lone loss (in the NYSS Final) - has looked beastly since returning
for his 3YO campaign, and we'll give him the edge based on his strong record here at Yonkers...but this is
too good a field to take a very short price on him. (3) SIMON SAYS HANOVER charged home from way
back in his first 2021 start at PcD, crushed a field at Chester, then was a powerful first over winner here at
Yonkers over some tough, OLDER NW8 rivals - if he's a good price, use him on your tickets. (7)
CHARLIE MAY is a great story - he's an Ohio homebred by a 21 year old stallion out of a 14YO mare (that
has only produced one other "good" horse in her life) - nevertheless, his improbable success saw him go
9-7-2-0 as a 3YO, taking the OhSS Final as part of a $328K season - ships in off a very sharp ScD win last
week, and we'll see if he can overcome the horrible draw. (5) WHICHWAYTOTHEBEACH was an
excellent 8-4-2-2 as a 2YO, and has started off his 3YO season with 4 straight wins, including a jogburger
here at YR in a Reynolds division - the fact that he's picked this far down is another reminder of how strong
this field is! (1) ALWAYS A MIKI won 5 starts and $331K at 2, and ships in tonight off a pair of wins in
PA....and draws best for one of the top barns in the game - clearly would be no surprise at all. (6) HEART
OF CHEWBACCA was 2nd to CHARLIE MAY in that OhSS Final, and sports a career slate of 13-9-4-0
for the leading barn in the business - only knock is the post. (4) CHASE H HANOVER is listed here on the
bototm, but that's hardly a reflection of his ability - his career record is 14-5-6-0 and when on his game, can
hang with any of these -- what a race this should be
RACE 9 - MGM Grand Messenger Elimination: (5) ILL DRINK TO THAT only made 5 starts at 2 but
hinted at a ton of potential...which he's been showing since returning for his 3YO season - followed up 2
sharp tries in NJ with a 2nd to AMERICAN COURAGE here in a (fast) Reynolds division, set a new 1:51
mark in his next at Chester, then absolutely crushed a NYSS field at Buffalo - we'll hop on board here. (1)
ABUCKABETT HANOVER made a couple of breaks at 2 but still showed plenty of ability throughout the
campaign - has come back super at 3, winning all 3 of his starts (at 3 different tracks) - draws inside the top
choice, and is a very real threat to take this. Entrymate (1A) EXPLOIT is a nice "bonus" to have on the
ticket - he earned nearly $400K at 2, and prepped for tonight with a 7 hole win here at Yonkers - Post 6
could hurt a bit, though. (3) CAPTAIN FANCY broke in his 3YO return but rebounded quickly with a very
sharp Chester score - he was 10-4-4-1 at 2, and eligible to have another big year at 3. (6) BROOKVIEW
BULLET ships in sharp from Indiana, and his sharp connections wouldn't have him in here if he wasn't a
good fit - not sure he can overcome Post 7, though. (2) HIGHLANDBEACHSBEST doesn't look "great" on
paper, but he's been in some tough spots - inside draw with Zeron may help him land a share here. (4)
MYSWEETBOYMAX has been doing good work with a bit lesser, and gets his chance to show if he can
hold his own with these too.
RACE 10 - The original thought was that (2) HERRICKROOSEVELT N would be way overbet here and
there would be good value playing against him....but after looking at this overall mediocre NW10000 field,
it looks more and more like this is a spot for the import to work his way to the lead early on, and control the
action all the way - he may not be in "peak form" right now, but hitting the top against these should get him
feeling better in a hurry. (3) MACINTOSH N doesn't win very often but he does collect his fair share of
pieces - at 20-1 ML, he's a good value horse for exotics. (5) KEY ADVISOR was heavily backed for his
last and delivered a sharp front end score - steps up here, but can still be a factor with these if the trip goes
his way. (6) FLAMING FLUTTER N went a bunch of big miles when he first arrived in the U.S. but he
hasn't shown that kind of form in some time - maybe just sitting back and rallying late will suit him better?
(1) UNICO LEGEND N is the "x factor" here - looked very promising in his U.S. debut back in Jan. 2020,
but fell apart immediately after that and was soon on the shelf for 16 months - nice looking qualifier last
week behind the talented Nandolo N, but if he was truly ready to go, you would think Stratton would have
stayed with him...mixed feelings. (7) VIRGIN STORM seems off form and draws poorly - on the flip side,
his barn is heating up, and he'll be a big price - ok for longshot fans. (4) CENTURY FURY disappointed in
his last couple and now moves up in class - will need to be sharper to be a player. (8) MACH IT SO was a
nice 2nd to #5 last week but that was an easy pocket trip - classy 11YO doesn't thrive in spots like this
RACE 11 - Very tough race with several newcomers and a couple of recent arrivals: (6) WHAT CHAPTER
may have a chance at the upset here - he struggled vs. cheaper for much of the last 2 years but he's really
been clicking of late, his last start was sharp, and he definitely gets along nicely with Dave Miller - maybe
he'll land on a winning trip in this very hard to gauge race. (1) EVA DAIRPET FR was bred in France, was
racing in Ireland, but has certainly been thriving since arriving in the U.S this spring - his Chester lines
suggest he could have a big say here. (3) BOURBON EXPRESS has experience over the track (NYSS at 2
and 3), has the speed to work out a nice trip, and is just one of many with a legit chance in here. (8) A FAN
CY FACE was unraced at 2, but had a terrific year at 3, winning the OhSS Final - she's continued to thrive
at 4 since changing hands, but this is obviously going to be a tough assignment for her local debut. (2) EYE
OFA TIGER AS is always a little risky, but the inside draw could result in a nice cover trip for him - he's no
stranger to the Yonkers winner's circle. (7) KASHA V is back in better form, but will need a lot of luck
from Post 7 - if they battle up front, his chances for a piece go up. (4) NEW HEAVEN has gone several
good miles recently, but faces an unpredictable trip from this spot - leaning to others, but it would be no
surprise to see him race well here. (5) FOMOR was nowhere in last, and hard to endorse tonight.
RACE 12 - (1) MYKINDACHIP is just 1 for 13 at Yonkers but has raced well, vs. better, on many
occasions - returns from PcD off a close 2nd, and will get to control the action tonight for a barn that's been
heating up - they'll have him to catch and beat. (3) MOHAWK WARRIOR was a winner the last 2X he
dropped down to this level - maybe he can get the "hat trick" tonight if the trip goes his way. (4) WARDAN
EXPRESS A isn't a frequent winner, but he does accumulate smaller pieces - good one to use underneath.
(2) EPIC ACE raced super 2 back...making his last dud all the more disappointing - license to rebound with
a better effort, presumably just sitting the cones close to the pace to pick up a piece. (5) BETTER UP has
been ok since the recent barn change once they got him to relax a little more - may find these a little too
tough, though. (7) KNOCKING AROUND can pick up pieces at this level, but maybe not from all the way
out here - just a tough spot. (8) CROCKETTS CULLEN N has a few wins here the last 2 years but vs.
softer - seems to go BIG miles out of town, but is never quite able to replicate them here at YR - 8 hole
won't make things any easier. (6) MISTER SPOT A folded badly last week and now moves outside - wait
for a better spot for him.