Monday, November 24, 2025, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Monday, November 24, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (1) IMTHEBLACKFLASH N makes his U.S. debut for an owner/trainer team that has enjoyed almost unfathomable success with their imports the past 2 years, most ending up at/near our top levels – hard to go past this guy in this very modest spot. (3) HUNGRY ANGEL BOY was an easy front end winner here (vs. cheaper) 2 back, then trailed all the way from the 8 hole last week – moves back inside, and can have a much bigger say tonight. (4) TEN TOTHE DOZEN A recently sharpened vs. cheaper out of town, and was able to deliver the front end score here last week – faces a bit tougher now, but still should be able to take home a big chunk. (7) THE IDEAL DANCE R A has been plagued by an overage of bad posts lately, and tonight is no exception – he may still be good enough to rally late for a small share, though. (2) QUALITY BUD won a “fall apart” race 2 back (at the bottom level) but has otherwise been struggling most weeks – maybe he can just tow along for some minor spoils? (6) TWIN B DELUXE was super for the first 8 months of the year but has tailed off considerably since then – tonight’s tough draw won’t help his cause. (8) PRINTVILLE has 2 wins from his last 8 starts but they came from inside draws, v. cheaper – he’s struggled whenever he’s been stuck outside. (5) COLLECTIVE WORKS A has missed 3 weeks after a sick scratch, and is still looking for his first win since arriving stateside.

RACE 2 – (3) ITALIAN LAD N lost his first 28 starts this year but quickly turned things around soon after joining his current barn, beating the 30s twice in a row – he had no chance in his first try vs. 40s (8 hole) but MAY have won last week if not hopelessly blocked in the lane – good value play in a very competitive race. (1) SPEAKER OF PEACE has been the definition of “model of consistency”, hitting board in 12 of his last 13 starts (parked the mile from Post 8 in the other!) – clearly a threat every time he’s in the box! (4) BET ON BIG JOE was clearly well classified for his Yonkers debut as he wired this class as the favorite last week – legitimate chance to make it 2 in a row (2) SOUTHWIND PETYR was the beneficiary of a hotly contested pace last week but he was also VERY good, sweeping the field from last to first for the 2nd time in 4 starts – have to respect his chances here, but his price will come way down and his efforts BESIDES those 2 wins are mostly just “ok”. (5) CUT N RUN N has been rock solid in this class and raced well for 2nd off the claim last week– on the flip side, he has just one WIN since returning from a layoff. (6) PYRO has been hurt by bad posts/trips in his last few starts and may suffer the same fate tonight. (7) SH AKESPEARE was unable to overcome outside draws in his last pair and starts from Post 7 tonight. (8) OUTLAW MAN N raced much better last week but is unlikely to benefit from as good a trip tonight

RACE 3 – MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series, Leg 1: (4) CAPTAIN ALBANO was beastly at 2 and 3, capturing Dan Patch awards both seasons – he’s back racing at 4 and while somewhat less dominant, he’s still one of the top Free For Allers in the country – his last win came right here at Yonkers in the Aria Pace, and that last effort in NJ should have him ready to do some major damage tonight. (3) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR was in a no-chance spot in the Fan Duel last week, but finished full of pace – he LOVES racing at Yonkers (12 for 18 lifetime), and looms a real danger tonight. (2) JAMAICANROCK A started his U.S. career with 6 straight wins, including 3 for 3 in Yonkers Invitationals – he raced well when 3rd in the Aria, but did hit a bump after that – he just re-qualified, and definitely looks ready for action for this series. (1) TIP TOP CAT should sit a good trip with the rail draw but he’s 0 for 14 locally, and looking at only minor spoils tonight. (6) WHATS STANLEY GOT A may not have the resume of the top ones in here but he’s been sharp for a long stretch, and may be able to rally for a small piece. (8) SOHO DOW JON ES A prefers to be in a bit easier, and the draw obviously won’t help his chances. (7) FUNTIME BAYAMA is having a tough 4YO campaign (just 2 for 17), and draws Post 7 after missing 3 weeks. (5) NANDOLO N is still a good earner at age 11, but these types just seem out of his range these days

RACE 4 – (4) CARABAO A has been solid in general lately, but particularly sharp in his last pair (close up 4ths from Post 7) – he gets a much better draw, Bartlett sticks with him, and he feels like the one to beat. (3) LEVINE raced super 3 back when a late charging 2nd (despite having just 1 start in almost 7 weeks) – he followed that up with another sharp 2nd (to HIMSELF N), and then a crisp pocket victory last week – sharp enough to do damage here too. (2) ESCAPE TO AMERICA was an even 5th racing off a bad date last week – he drops right back in the box, and may be able to rally for a better share. (1) SIX DEGREES lone recent win came with a pocket trip vs. much easier but the rail draw at least gives him a chance to contend for a minor piece here. (5) SANTANA HANOVER wired lesser 4 back then was hurt by a couple of bad posts, and a first over trip – wouldn’t be shocked to see him race well tonight, but still leaning more towards others. Both (6) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N and (7) CHURCHVIEWFRA NKL IR fit nicely at this level, but will be hard pressed to get in play with the bad posts

RACE 5 - MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series, Leg 1: (8) REDWOOD HANOVER has won 3 of 4 local starts and probably would be 4 for 4 if not for landing in an impossible spot on 10/20 (but still only losing by a neck) – he gets the dreaded 8 hole, but still may be sharp enough to come out on top. (2) SOHO FIRESTONE A has 17 local starts since arriving from Down Under and he’s been 1st or 2nd in 13 of them – he was as sharp as ever before being scr. sick on 10/28, but last week’s qualifier suggests that he’ll be 100% for tonight – should be right in the hunt. (3) CAT ALPA RESCUE A (one of THREE contenders his connections have in this series) is 5 for 6 at Yonkers, finishing 3rd in the lone loss – he also just qualified sharply after a sick scratch, and could make a lot of noise tonight. (1) CALIC OJACK HANOVER certainly hasn’t been hit by the “Four Year Old Blues”, and has been a legitimate Open pacer up in Canada – his last effort should have him tight for tonight, and we’ll see if he can be a legitimate threat tonight, and through the series. (4) ALWAYS A THRILL hasn’t been bad by any means, but he also hasn’t won in some time – always a chance for a smaller piece. (5) RACING REBEL was no threat in his only local try (the Aria), and his last couple out of town suggest he may not be at his best right now– prefer to just watch, for now. (7) MOSSDALE BEN N started off his U.S. career at 10-8-2-0, including a win in the Borgata Final – things haven’t gone as well since then, however, and we’ll watch for some better signs before hopping back on board. (6) RACING RAMPAGE just looks overmatched against these

RACE 6 – (1) ALWAYS B ELITE N looked very good beating a NW2-4PM field in his U.S. debut then followed that up with an easy front end score in NW10000 – he couldn’t sustain his first over bid well enough the next week but bounced back with another good one in his last, just missing to the classy HEMSWORTH N – the one to catch, and beat tonight. (2) MYSWEETBOYMAX just kept coming last week and finally got by the favorite late to win it – he steps up a notch but is still at a comfortable level, and could be a big threat with a good trip. (8) MULLINAX was on a scary roll earlier this year but hasn’t been able to race quite as well for his current barn– he’s still very solid at this level, and a quick start from Post 8 could make him a player tonight. (3) SPECULATING N is just 1 for 13 at YR this year but he’s capable of solid efforts at this level – ok bomb to include underneath. (4) THONG CONTROL found his best late and was able to pick up a win 2 back – was no threat last week, but did dig in late to win the battle for 3rd…chance for a minor share here too. (5) JABBAR easily wired lesser 3 back, was an even 4th in his next then lost all chance last week when he got run into at the start and broke equipment – he seems better suited with a little cheaper, but may still be able to grab a small slice. (7) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A is sharp right now and may have won last week had he elected to pull…not sure he can get close to the action tonight, though. (6) INTIMI DATION debuts for a new barn and has just one start in his last 44 days – sticking with others tonight

RACE 7 - MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series, Leg 1: (2) COACHES CORNER earned $645K in an outstanding 2024 season and certainly hasn’t let up in ’25, already putting $510K on his card – he almost never goes a bad mile, and here at Yonkers he’s an incredible 33-17-13-0…definitely deserves top billing tonight. (5) DESPERATE MAN is similar to the top choice, banking $820K over the last 2 years (in just 32 starts), while owning a 29-19-3-5 slate here at Yonkers – he’s missed a month, however (after a sick scratch) and MAY not be fully cranked for this first leg. (3) VERDUN will be waiting in the wings should the top pair falter – he has no shortage of huge local tries, and can handle any trip that comes his way. (6) AMERICAN DEALER N has struggled to win races vs. cheaper all year but he's good at grabbing small pieces – ok bomb for 3rd/4th. (8) ENDOFSTORY can throw some big miles when in the right mood but it would be asking a lot for him to find one from out here. (4) BLAZING HOME N is a nice horse but he’s 0 for 11 at Yonkers and likely overmatched vs. the top ones in here. (1) TENZING BROMAC N was 3rd vs. easier in his only local try and has missed 3 weeks. (7) SHERLOCK N returns from a layoff and seems buried here

RACE 8 – (3) SAMHARA N may be worth a stab tonight – he was no threat in either start since returning from the layoff but he drops a bit more, gets a good draw, and may be able to find a good trip in what shapes up as a wide open affair. (2) ROYAL DESIRE hasn’t won in a while but he continues to put in mostly solid efforts, and the move inside could help him find a live trip – he’s held his own with better pretty recently. (1) BLANK STARE was WAY overbet at 1/10 last week and all out to finally get by a rival that had a much tougher trip – that being said, he draws the pole for an always dangerous trainer/driver team, and has to be respected (though he’ll likely be overbet again). (5) GDS THUNDER GB was roughed up pretty hard last week and can be forgiven for getting a little tired late– he’s been pretty good in 30s lately, and definitely worth a look at that 15-1 ML price. (6) THIS IS THE PLAN weakened off a pocket trip last year, is 0 for 7 at Yonkers this year and seems too short at 5/2 ML. (8) FORTIFY gets the worst of the draw for his first local start of the year and may be content to race conservatively tonight – on the flip side, he has a good Yonkers history and worth a look if you think Dube may take a shot at leaving with him (4) YOROKOBI N qualified back nicely, but figures to need a start and is just 1 for 25 this year. (7) LENNON HANOVER was a nice front end winner last week, but starting from the pole vs. much easier

RACE 9 - MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series, Leg 1: (1) MIKI SHAN N hinted at serious ability last winter but hit a rough patch at the worst time (before the Borgata Series) – he enjoyed a terrific time in the Maritimes this summer, capped off with a win in the Cup and Saucer Final and paced the fastest mile in Maritimes history on 10/12, blowing out the (overmatched) field in 1:49.4 – his YR return was delayed by a sick scratch but he finished full of pace in last week’s tightener, and may be ready for a big mile tonight. (4) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N delivered a vicious :26.2 back side brush last week and can be forgiven for tiring in the lane after working so hard to reach the lead – chance tonight if the top choice doesn’t bring his best. (5) SPRING INHIS STEP A raced well in both local tries and has shown that he can race on or off the pace – worth a look at the right price. (7) CAPTAIN MOORE A (the 3rd horse these connections send out in series action tonight) rallied nicely in all 3 Open tries, but faces an uphill battle trying to get close to the action tonight. (2) EL REY has serious ability but has only made 5 starts this year and doesn’t seem ready, at least at this point, to beat these types. (8) HEMSWORTH N was a winner in his last 2 starts but from inside posts, vs. much easier – hard to like his chances from out here, vs. these. (3) THE GREEK FREAK won 5 straight upon arrival from Canada but struggled up at the top level last week – will need to be a lot better. (6) COUR TS ON FIRE is a talented 3YO that figures to get even better after just joining the nation’s leading barn – brutal spot here, however.

RACE 10 – Sharp horses from top to bottom! (4) CHRISTOPHER DANCE N was Bartlett’s choice last week, despite never having driven him in the past – he rewarded that confidence with a visually impressive victory, and he may be headed for the top level very soon. (3) LOU HILL won 10 of 15 starts as a 3YO, for $119K – he’s just 1 for 21 at 4 but he hit board in 14 of those losses, and has $192K on his card – debuts for our leading trainer tonight, and the guess is that he’ll bring a big effort. (1) VICIOUS was forced to back off at the start last week but was still full of pace late from an impossible spot – he’s been sharp for ages, with a chance for a good chunk tonight. (2) MACS MARVEL has been super since returning from “The Aces”, and held form for his new connections after being claimed for $60K two back – may be able to rally for a piece if his trip is decent. (6) NONE BETTOR A started to see his game pick up a few starts back, around the same time that many of his barnmates also came to life – he’s sharp enough to battle with these right now, but the draw may be tough to overcome. (7) JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE shipped in sharp from PA in early Oct. and has been racing well ever since – he’s another that may struggle to get into play, though. (5) HIMSELF N is sharp, but tonight’s class hike could slow him down a bit

RACE 11 – (3) JUST ENUFF STUFF ended up with an impossible trip last week but was quickly reclaimed by the barn for whom he jogged in his prior 2 starts, and could return to his winning ways with a less taxing trip. (1) HAM MERING HANK has been on the upswing since the recent barn change, and came up 2nd best in his YR return last week – be careful about taking too short a price, though, as he’s 0 for 16 locally this year. (2) MOOD CONTROL is a “quirky” sort capable of big efforts, but also capable of mega-clunkers (like last week) – a good price does give him some appeal. (4) THEMASKEDCRUSADR N got really roughed up last week (when forced to park #3) but only gave way late – the right trip puts him right into the mix. (5) WHY TOMORROW RAY was super in that win 3 back but not as sharp in his last pair – goes for a new barn tonight, and drawing outside 4 live players may hurt his chances. (6) BB LUCKY BOY can throw some big efforts at times, but usually when things go his way – that’s not likely to be the case from Post 6. (7) THE WICKED ONE hit board in all 3 local tries but from good posts – drops in for a tag, and may be hurt by tonight’s draw. (8) PERFECT PROMISES arrives off the PcD claim and while his lines look good on paper, he’s been camera shy for the past 2 years and draws worst for his Hilltop debut

RACE 12 – (3) ROCKIN N TALKIN recently rattled off 3 in a row – he found the 40s a little too tough in his last pair (after a claim), but drops back down to 30s, and could perk up in a hurry. (4) WALKINSHAW N also drops, moves inside and gets a switch to Bartlett – that gives him a good chance, but also means he’ll likely be way overbet (1) SADDLE UP seems off his game right now but he’s won 20 of 47 local starts and would have to be worth a look if he creeps up to a decent price. (8) ALTA CLASSIC A found his form with a pair of sharp tries in 25s, but now moves up to 30s and lands all the way outside – a lot to overcome, but a big price makes him at least a consideration (2) CASINO ACTION N never wins, but the good draw at least puts him into hunt for a small share (7) JETT STAR N has 4 wins here this year but just doesn’t seem sharp enough at the moment to overcome the terrible draw. (6) KI MBLE A feels like he’s been heading in the wrong direction – Post 6 isn’t going to help. (5) BETTORBUCKLE UP seems hard to consider in his current form but he’s been known to just perk up in the past – the tote board usually provides the clues