Thursday, October 16, 2025, Empire Report

soaofny • October 16, 2025

The Empire Report – Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (1) AMERITRIC got used harder than he probably liked last week and just came to a crawl in the lane after cutting the mile (at 3/5) – seems like a good sign that he drops right back into the box for his new connections, and Brennan takes him over one of his regular drives…we’ll give him a chance to bounce right back with a big effort. (2) MAXIMUS RED A steps up a notch and he definitely earned it off a pair of wins over the 25s – gets another good draw, and we’ll look for him to be a big player once more. (5) HEAVEN ON HIGH N picked up 2nds behind razor sharp runaway CAMOUFLAGE MONEY in his last pair after a recent barn change – he’ll go for another new barn tonight, and we’ll see if he can continue to thrive. (3) JIMMY CONNOR B got stuck chasing an insane 1:51 mile last week and only lost 2nd and 3rd near the end – may be able to tow along for a small share tonight with the good draw. (4) REIGNING DEO is just 1 for 23 this year at YR, and has been camera shy (in general) the last couple of years too – we’ll stick with the more reliable ones for the top spots. (6) AMERICAGREATAGAIN drops down from 40s but still needs to show more before getting an endorsement. (7) ALTA CLASSIC A also drops, but may still struggle after landing so far outside. (8) BETTORBUCKLEUP looked like a 20-1 shot heading into his last, opened up at 1/10 on the board, gave it a BIG try on the front end (as the favorite!) but came up 2nd best to the tripsitter – moves up a class, draws Post 8, and we’ll wait for a better spot to try him again


RACE 2 – (2) WELL THATS MARKY got lost at the back last week (in 30s) but we’ve seen that from him before – he was very sharp just prior to that (2 wins 2 seconds) at this $20K level, and it’s worth a shot that he can bounce right back tonight. (1) PINK FLOYD HANOVER shipped in sharp from PA and gave it a good try here last week, a game 2nd best after the first over trip – logical threat once more. (4) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH had some recent excuses but he knew just what to do on the front end last week, a dead game winner despite heavy pressure – would be no real surprise to see him right there again, if the trip works out. (5) MINOTAUR used easy trips to pick up a pair of 3rds in his last 2 starts, and could grab another share if things go as smoothly tonight. (6) TWIN B RISENSH INE doesn’t win very often but he does grab his fair share of pieces – decent one to consider underneath at that 20-1 ML price. (7) THAT DOG WILL HUNT was a steady 3rd last week, though no threat to the top pair – tonight’s draw may limit his options. (7) FOXHUNT has certainly been racing well in Canada but he draws all the way outside off a bad date, and may take a conservative approach tonight for his new barn – check the tote board. (3) AUSSIE HAN OVER is 0 for 20 here this year (1 for 29 overall) and that has us looking elsewhere


RACE 3 – (3) IM A POWERPLAY A went from a full 8 hole leave to a full retreat last week so he actually raced pretty well to only get beat by about 3 lengths – he’s a very solid performer at this $15K level, and may be able to deliver right off the bat for his new connections. (4) RECORD YEAR drops back down to his preferred $15K level after a 3rd vs. the 20s last week – he never wins “pretty”, but he certainly wins more than his share in this class – the one to knock off. (7) MAJOR POCKET A is listed at 15-1 ML but he was right there in 3 straight starts, two of them at 50-1...seems like a good bomb to keep including in your exotics. (1) CAVIART SKIPPER is 0 for 29 this year but he’s shown that he can at least grab small pieces, with the right trip– ok for the bottom of exotics (2) SULLIVAN has been coming up short vs. easier at Monti but does have a good local history– minor share? (5) THIRD EDITION is solid at this level when on his game, but he’s definitely been struggling lately – watching for better signs. (6) HA NK THE HUNK has some decent tries in this class, but generally when drawn inside – may struggle from Post 6. (8) SHUFFLE UP HANOVER should appreciate the drop to 15s…but NOT the terrible draw!


RACE 4 – (1) CANTSTOP YANKEE has been ultra consistent, but he’s been coming up just a little short lately behind a couple of razor sharp rivals (WILLY WALTON and PEMBROKE REGAL) – he avoids both tonight, and we’ll look for him to take advantage and get over the hump. (2) CRAZYLAND was overbet two back but able to beat a much softer bunch of 40s – he figures to be a player from this spot, but shouldn’t be listed as the 8/5 ML choice. (3) P C FREE WHEELING isn’t as sharp as she was this summer off the claim, but also isn’t struggling the way she was after heading in the wrong direction for a while – the “current version” seems more than capable of grabbing a nice piece here, with any decent trip. (4) CHIPPER DALE can be forgiven for a dull try vs. the 60s off the claim, but really wasn’t sharp dropping back to 40s last week – he’s been unreliable at times, and would need to be a good price to consider on top here. (5) ICE BREAKERS K was off a bad date last week, returning from MN – he should benefit from that mile, and could have a bigger say tonight...at a nice price. (6) HUNTING AS is a bit of a question mark, showing some sharp recent PA tries vs. easier – he’s definitely struggled to win at Yonkers the past few years, and also has just 1 start in the last 5 weeks. (7) PREMIER VICTOR made a break 3 back but is otherwise a strong 6-2-2-2 here at Yonkers – very tough draw as he takes a shot against the 40s tonight


RACE 5 – (4) OKINAWA BEACH A raced “ok” in her last pair off a freshening (3rd and 4th), gets Bartlett tonight and could be worth a look IF her price is decent. (1) FIGHT NOT FLIGHT was a sharp pocket winner last week, but that was racing for our leading trainer (who has been sending out razor sharp winners in bunches lately) – she was reclaimed that night and looms a very possible repeater from this spot…but also figures to be very heavily backed! (6) DISARONNO HILL just missed to #1 last week (after cutting the mile) and is in peak form right now – she may have been the top choice with a better draw, but may still be able to come out on top if things break her way. (2) OD DS ON SARA SARA wasn’t up for it when handled very aggressively vs. 30s two back, but rebounded with a steady 4th dropping back down last week – very playable in exotics with the inside draw. (3) ANNELIESE HANOV ER failed to get involved last week but hit the board in 4 straight (at some nice prices) just prior to that – could bring some value to the ticket if she can bounce right back. (5) NUTTINBUTHEBEST has become very camera shy again this year but does race well enough for some good pieces in a bunch of her starts – it’ll all come down to trip. (7) NI GHT TIME DEAL wasn’t up for the aggressive try 2 back but was an “ok” 4th last week – not sure she can reach from out here, though. (8) YUENGLING figures to be coming from last…usually not a recipe for success


RACE 6 – (4) GO HAVE FUN took a little while to start clicking after moving to this barn in July but once he got good he STAYED good, and is definitely a good fit at this $40K level – he had a little too far to come last week, but can have a bigger say tonight with the move inside. (2) WARRIOR ONE had been well off form for a while but the classy 9YO always seems to turn things around eventually, and last week’s effort was much more like it (gave the streaking WILLY WALTON all he could handle) – very playable off that mile, but the 9/5 ML price will likely hurt his odds significantly. (3) HAT TRICK MARLEAU is a little light in the win column this year but still a pretty solid player in this class – he was claimed last week by a barn that’s been clicking at nearly 30% since the beginning of August, and for a new owner that must be enjoying his foray into the world of harness racing…possibility. (1) BAR RY BLACK is one of the group of 24 French trotters that arrived here in 2018 and the 14YO is STILL showing up every week for battle, at this pretty high level – usually gives a good account of himself when he draws inside. (6) PEDAL ON METAL usually finishes well every week, and may be able to rally for a small share tonight. (5) BARN HALL is struggling to get back to his stellar form from earlier this year – leaning elsewhere. (7) FOR A DREAMER could really use a much better post…in a much easier field


RACE 7 – (1) ROCKIN N TALKIN came into his last off a few “excuses” lines, sat the pocket to the surprisingly well meant BETTORBUCKLEUP and was able to collar that one in what turned into a 2 horse stretch affair – draws the pole once more, and that should give him a solid chance to repeat. (4) BURNHAM BOY N came into his last on quite a roll but was forced to take back at the start, and just never found his mojo after that – gets reunited with Brennan tonight, and the pair recently hooked up for back to back wins…could be a big threat if he can just shrug off that last outing. (2) KARLOO BRADLEY N sat 3rd in the same race as the top choice last week and was no threat at all to the top pair – he’s looking at another good trip tonight, and that could help him take home another good slice. (7) LOUS BEACH dropped in for a $20K tag last week and was able to pick up his first victory of 2025 – he faces tougher now (and from a terrible post), so we’ll see if Bartlett can somehow find him a manageable trip. (6) CHANTEE was a surprising claim 2 back (as he was 0 for 29 coming into that race!) but the fact that he was RE claimed right back is even more surprising – he’s not terrible right now, but lands in a tough spot (8) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N was 6-4-2-0 coming into his last start but was unable to get involved – faces the same dilemma tonight. (3) MOVIN ON UP gets his first good draw in SIX weeks but it’s pretty hard to say if he’s good enough right now to take advantage. (5) HIGH ON ROCKNROLL is never a threat to win…but does save ground for some minor pieces


RACE 8 – (3) FERRETTI looks “okay” on paper but the truth is that he’s been extremely sharp for some time, but just running into bad luck/bad spots almost every start – he faces a couple of tough ones in here, but does have a post advantage…maybe it can help him score the upset? (8) SIR PINOCCHIO saw his perfect 6 for 6 Yonkers slate come to an end when 5th in the Miecuna Trot but he’s 2 for 2 since then, and now 8 for 9 at The Hilltop – gets the worst of the draw, but Bartlett should still be able to find him a manageable trip. (7) ANTOGNONI S was 7 for 7 at Yonkers coming into the Miecuna, but tired badly that day to 7th – he rebounded with a nice win in Canada, but faltered in his last start, weakening to 3rd (behind #8 and #3) – it would be no surprise at all to see him bounce back and take this, and his price may even drift up a bit. (2) MISSISSIPPI STORM certainly prefers to be in a little easier but he gets a good draw, and may still be able to rally late for a small share. (5) DRIBBLING BI got really sharp this summer and has done a beautiful job holding that career form, even hitting board a few times in the Invitational – a good trip puts him in play for a good piece. (1) AQUARIUS FACE S may be pushing his limits at this top level, but the rail draw could at least help him pick up some minor spoils. (6) DWS POINT MAN has been overachieving for weeks, but tonight’s draw may be tough to overcome. (4) GHOSTLY CASPER was empty last week racing off a bad date – leaning elsewhere, but could see him bringing a better effort this week as he drops right back in the box


RACE 9 – (7) DIRE STRAITS won 2 of his last 3 starts at this level, with a miscue in the other – if Bartlett can find him a manageable trip, this is a field he should be able to handle. (1) THE HAZELTON never got involved last week but usually puts up a good battle when on/near the lead – look for him to be a big part of the action tonight. (4) SAI NT K was a nice pocket winner 2 back vs. a bit easier, then trotted evenly when moved up to this level last week – may be sharp enough right now for a chance at a piece of this. (6) ESCAPER may have needed that start on 10/2 (after arriving from MN) but he was much sharper in his last, almost getting to #8 at the wire – if he can grab another quick start, he may be able to contend for a decent slice. (8) OLIVER THE GREAT almost pulled off the 35-1 shocker 2 back, then dug in bravely to fend off #6 last week – he’s clearly very good right now, but faces a highly uncertain trip from out here. (5) VINNY DE VIE picked up his first 2 wins of the year 4 and 5 starts back, but hasn’t been quite as effective in his last pair at this higher level– leaning more towards others. (2) RITSON just re-qualified after missing time after a sick scratch – he may need some class relief before we see his best. (3) MAZE PPA N made breaks in 2 of his last 3 starts and ALMOST broke in the other – pretty shaky right now, especially up in class!


RACE 10 – Good race: (1) CHEF ROCCO arrives in fine form from Pocono and he did have some decent efforts here last Spring in the Brennan Trotting Series – maybe he can find a winning trip from the pole in a race with a few sharp contenders. (3) WILLY WALTON finally got taken for $40K last week after winning his 4th in a row – he’s done well for multiple barns in the past, so the guess is that he’ll continue to thrive…legitimate chance to extend his streak to 5. (6) PEMBROKE REGAL is just one of many sharp performers in the barn, winning 2 of his last 3 starts (with a nose loss to #3 in the other) – the post is a concern, but a good price makes him worth considering. (4) BLU EBIRD BISHOP loves to win races but he’s in a bit of a rut right now, making breaks in 3 of his last 4 starts (he won the other) – could see taking a chance with him if the price drifts high enough. (7) JAS BLUESTONE has done excellent work since arriving on the local scene this year (9-2-3-2) but he figures to have a few leaving inside of him, and his trip is uncertain, at best. (5) AIRMANS JACKPOT hasn’t been on her best game in some time, and could really use a wake up call. (2) LOS BALLYKEELAMIGO seems buried in here at the moment


RACE 11 – (5) FULL SUPPORT blasted from the pole at 50-1 two back and forced the odds on favorite to go behind him, fought that one off again after a long battle and also held off all the others to deliver the shocking upset – but he proved that it wasn’t just a fluke when he went another big mile last week, this time 2nd at 34-1 (2nd despite a less than perfect trip) – we’ll give him a shot in here. (6) DIAMONDBEACH is functioning every week now, and finally picked up his first local win of the year last start – much tougher spot tonight, but can still be part of the action. (2) IM SOME GRADUATE is winless in 10 starts at Yonkers this year, but he does have 5 seconds – remains a good one to include underneath. (1) THRASHER has been struggling for some time, but maybe he can at least content for a small piece from this spot. (3) SKYWAY HOUDINI throws a good brush here and there, but usually weakens late even when he does – minor share only. (7) PINEBUSHDRAGONLIFE raced a little better last week, but he moves from the rail to Post 7 and has yet to hit board in 14 local tries – maybe a good bomb for 3rd/4th, if spreading in exotics? (4) HOPNROLL HEAVEN has been the black sheep of a barn that is doing great work with almost of all his stablemates – waiting for any signs of life. (8) HEART ON MY SLEEVE is winless in 41 starts over the last 2 years (30 here at Yonkers) and draws Post 8.

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