Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (5) DISARONNO HILL got lost in the back in her first start off the claim but her last was more like it, cutting the mile and finishing 2nd – she lands in a winnable spot, and we’ll give her the nod in tonight’s opener. (1) STONECOLD GIRL really disappointed as the favorite last week but she was also racing off a bad date – definitely a chance she can come up better tonight, and that would make her a threat from this spot. (3) PRINCESS ARONA raced much better than expected from Post 8 last week, despite moving up in class (from her PA starts) – she moves inside, and seems a good one to include in exotics at that 15-1 ML price). (2) BOUT DAMN TIME A has just one win all year but usually has at least one decent move in here – ok for a piece, but hard to consider on top at that low 5/2 ML price. (6) ROYALTYS DREAMER shows lines out of town that suggest she’d be a decent fit with the locals – not as concerned about the class jump as much as the bad draw, however. (4) THATS A HUGE BEACH has been off her game and would need a quick wake up call to be a serious player here. (8) EBONY LADY has 3 wins from her last 6 starts but they were either on the lead or from the pocket – she’s looking at a MUCH tougher trip tonight! (7) PINE BUSH MAGA benefited from the rail draw when 2nd last week but lands a terrible draw for tonight

RACE 2 – (3) ATREACHEROUS A has taken 4 of her last 5 starts and was just too far back in the lone loss – she just gets stronger as the race gets longer, and we’ll stick with the hot hand. (2) MALUKA MISS N has been more than holding her own against some nice mares for the last few months, and anything close to her best effort would make her very dangerous in here – the drop in for a $30K tag DOES hint at some possible red flags, though, so be careful about taking too short a price! (5) YS SENSATIONALCITY came back to life in her last pair, coming up 2nd best both times after cutting the mile – remains a solid threat in her current form. (4) KISSIN JOE was too far back to have any chance last week but moves back inside and MAY be able to rally for a nice piece…especially if she follows #3 on the rim. (6) KATIES UP seemed overbet when she turned in that game first over win 2 back but she reverted to her lesser form last week – tonight’s draw isn’t going to help her cause. (1) TOBAGO TIME is having a terrific year but hasn’t looked sharp at all in her last pair (after the recent claim). (7) VIBRANCE raced ok in both starts at this level but may have trouble finding a decent trip from out here

RACE 3 – (2) LAFITTE had virtually nothing go right in his first local try (from Post 7) but somehow was still just a length back in 3rd at the wire – moves inside, still figures to be a decent price, and is worth using in his 2nd start for his new trainer. (5) ONEFORTHEROAD GB was sent off at 4/5 for his stateside debut, had things all his own way but was still no match for #4 in the lane – guessing that he’s capable of better, and maybe we’ll see it the 2nd time around. (4) QUOTE ME NOT N has 2 wins, a 2nd and a 3rd from his last 5 starts with an 8 hole in the other– remains a major threat, but also figures to be overbet (7/5 ML). (6) ALABAMA LUCKY worked out a pocket trip last week but broke on the final bend – guessing he’ll be handled conservatively from this spot, but may still be able to rally late for a piece. (1) GLOWING LOU was handled aggressively last week but still unable to finish well – waiting for better signs before hopping back on his team. (3) STAY AWAY returns from a 7 month layoff after making just a pair of starts as a 3YO – good week to just observe!

RACE 4 – (2) ACCESS GRANTED was right there 3rd in this class two back despite a troubled start, then just missed after cutting the mile last week – not sure she should have been listed as the ML favorite tonight, but we’ll still give her the slight edge over a few other sharp foes. (3) AMBUSHED grabbed a pocket trip from Post 6 last week and converted it into her 11th win of the year – she’s dangerous any time she’s in to go, but may end up with a tougher trip tonight. (1) CHIAPANECAS may not be quite as sharp as she was earlier in the year but she’s still racing very well considering how hard she’s been used throughout her 30 start campaign – the right trip gives her a chance to get her picture taken. (6) MISS PERIGNON N was unable to pull off the “threepeat” of first over wins last week when stuck uncovered into a quicker final half – she’ll need some trip luck to win from out here, but a good price makes her worth considering. (7) WAITFOREVER N made a few starts here at this level this winter and wasn’t bad at all– would have liked her chances a lot more had she not drawn so poorly, however. (5) IDEALINFUN N just hasn’t been sharp and lands in a field with several who have been. (4) BE MY ROSE N remains at the $50K level despite being no factor in all 3 local tries in this class

RACE 5 – (1) DISTANT LOVER was cruising along on the lead last week when she had an equipment issue and had to be pulled up on the 3rd turn – she’d been on a beastly form spree just prior to that, and looms a very short priced winner in this overall very modest $25K claiming field. (2) UNCONTROLLED has gone plenty of big miles this year, gets massive post relief and may complete a very short exacta (and probably the best one for a chance to upset #1). (7) CRÈME DELIGHT is having a tough year overall but she’s used to facing better fields than this one, and is listed at 20-1 ML…maybe she can add some value to the exotics with some racing luck? (6) BEANTOWN BABE is much better suited to the $20K level but this is a field where she has at least a chance to rally for a minor share. (4) OAKWOOD DYNASTY IR was dull in her YR return last week but may be able to grab a small slice here with an easy enough trip. (5) CHARMING VIXEN was a no threat 4th from the pole last week but really does seem to need to be in a bit easier to be a player. (8) ILLUSION SEELSTER has been the “black sheep” in a barn where her other barnmates have all been thriving – waiting for better signs. (3) LADYCORONA has fallen on hard times, beating a total of ZERO rivals from her last 5 starts combined – needs a major form reversal

RACE 6 – (5) CAMARA MOMENT tried to make something happen from Post 8 last week and did well just to get a check after an impossible trip – should definitely get a smoother journey from this spot, with a chance to pull off a mild upset. (6) MAJORCROWDCONTRL A paced a strong final 3/8ths in his U.S. qualifier and the import very likely fits well with these – would absolutely consider using him on your tickets, but don’t expect his price to be anything close to that 20-1 ML listing. (4) ROCKIN JUKEBOX is a much better horse when on/near the lead and he'll surely be handled aggressively tonight – solid chance with the class drop (and post relief), but also figures to be way overbet! (1) HUNGRY ANGEL BOY probably needs to be in easier for a chance to win, but the good draw at least gives him a chance to tow along for a piece. (3) BITCOIN HANOVER is a 3YO facing older but he’s been holding his own the last few weeks, and has a chance for some more minor spoils tonight. (2) ROYAL DESIRE was the beneficiary of a dream trip in a “fall apart” race last week and cashed in with a victory – not likely to be quite as fortunate tonight, though. Both (7) POP IT and (8) PRINTVILLE will be hard pressed to get anywhere near the action after drawing so poorly tonight.

RACE 7 – (2) VEGAS STRIP N got a little hot in his U.S. qualifier and just ran off under a hold the whole way – his owner/trainer have enjoyed almost unfathomable success with their imports over the last couple of years, and we’ll hop on board this one tonight, but won’t be expecting him to go off close to that 10-1 ML price (3) WESTERN ERA was “sneaky ok” in both starts since returning to Yonkers, and gets post AND class relief for tonight – worth a look, for sure. (1) PLEASELETMEKNOW is 6-0-0-0 at YR this year but he returns from PA off a pair of wins vs. cheaper, and that MAY have given the confidence boost he needs to be a player here as well – would consider only if the price is decent. (5) MANFERNO steps up a notch off a front end win over cheaper, but he can hang with these types as well – a good trip makes him a contender. (4) THE IDEAL DANCER A was an excellent 2nd from way back last week, and did crush cheaper 3 back – seems more likely to grab a smaller piece here (rather than a bigger one), but may still be worth a look at a juicy price. (6) LUCAPELO A was a winner here on 10/20 (vs. softer) then scratched lame from his next start – he just qualified back, but this is a tough draw with solid ones to his inside. (8) SOHO SANTORINI A could use some class relief and he’ll likely be getting some starting next week, after drawing Post 8 for tonight. (7) FUNATTHEBEACH N needs much easier spots at this point in his career

RACE 8 – (6) PINNY TIGER A seemed a bit vulnerable starting from the 8 hole last week but those concerns were quickly eliminated when he was somehow the ONLY leaver, resulting in an easy lead and a slow :58 half – he looks to make it 4 in a row tonight and while his trip MAY be tougher, he’s still the one to beat. (1) FIFTH AND FIVE held well for 3rd after being stuck first over in his local debut – he steps up a bit (and is a 3YO taking on good older foes), but he seems more than talented enough to still have a big say from this spot. (2) TYPHOON BANNER N found a seat in 3rd last week then kicked home for the show spot into a hot :27.2 final quarter – he hasn’t been able to get back to last year’s peak form, but he’s still a very legitimate player against these types. (5) TENZING BROM AC N was used hard early on vs. better last week, while racing off a sick scratch – he drops tonight, should be tighter, and is very playable in exotics. (7) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR finished crisply in each of his last 2 starts but moves up another notch and will be coming from well out of it – still a chance for a small piece, though. (4) SW EETHOMEALABAMA N looked extremely vulnerable once into the stretch last week but kept his nose in front of a very tight pack of 5 at the wire to hang on – likely looking at a smaller award vs. these, however. (3) SAVE ME A DANCE is racing well now, but does seem a bit overmatched at this NW20000 level. (8) WHICHWAYTOTHEBEA CH trailed all the way from a very similar spot last week

RACE 9 – (3) STERLING CHOICE is now 3 for 3 at Yonkers, delivering powerful final quarters each time– Bartlett recently acquired a piece of him and while he’s not a “cinch” in here, he’s certainly (still) the one to beat. (2) WAVE MAKER makes his Hilltop debut for a new barn, and his work out of town suggests he should fit very nicely here – solid chance to be part of the equation, and maybe even the main danger to the top choice. (1) ALRITEALRI TEALRITE chased the top choice from the pocket last week and was able to stick around to be a no-threat 2nd best – legitimate possibility it could happen again. (8) CHIEF BOGO raced ok in 3 starts here earlier this year, and has obviously been hitting on all cylinders at Pocono, recently – IF Kelly can blast hard enough to find him a good early spot, he may be able to have a say in this. (4) DREAM BIRD was too far back to be a serious player last week but hung in ok for 3rd – chance for another piece tonight, especially with an easier trip. (5) MATAI PHIL N failed to get close last week but was on a very nice roll just prior to that – eligible for a piece if he can bounce right back to one of those sharper efforts. (6) JABBAR would probably be a player with these with an inside draw, but may have a hard time getting involved from this spot. (7) COLLECTIVE WORKS A got a terrible drive last (racing off a sick scratch) and can be forgiven for tiring – hard to see him finding a decent trip from out here, though!

RACE 10 – (3) VENTURESOME ARDEN N won 10 races and over $250K in 2024 but this year has been a struggle, with just 2 wins and $61K on his card – he just returned from a 3 month break and that qualifier (with Peter Mele on board) really wasn’t bad – would be willing to give him a try at this lower level IF the price is fair. (8) MO VIN ON UP was MUCH better in his last pair, and gets a big barn change for tonight after the claim – he’s blasted from spots like this in the past, and couldn’t blame anybody looking to give him a try at a nice price. (2) TROOPER L hasn’t done much in his handful of local starts over the past couple of years but he seems like a very good fit in this field, and his listed trainer did well when he raced here for a couple of weeks last year – not a fan of the 8/5 ML price, though. (5) TWIN B POWERBALL was hammered down to 1/2 off the class drop last week and responded with the front end score – he fits fine here too, and should be able to have a say tonight as well. (1) RAYRAY was no factor last week but had several decent tries prior to that – ok for the bottom of exotics. (7) VICI raced well last start, finishing just behind #5 – brutal draw for tonight, though, and he did get weakly parked when he tried to leave from a similar spot 2 starts back. (4) CHANTEE was remarkably claimed in 4 straight starts recently despite being winless on the year – he’s now 0 for 34, and counting. (6) EUPHORIA hasn’t been sharp, and now draws Post 6 off a sick scratch.

RACE 11 – (7) FEDERER was sent off at 3/5 last week and held off his only real rival with a sizzling :27 final quarter – if he shows up as sharp tonight, he’s going to be tough to deny. (5) PIRATES CODE made his local debut a winning one, lowering his lifetime mark by 2 seconds for his new trainer – could be the main danger, especially if he can leave the gate. (2) CAPTAIN FEAR had a couple of ok starts here earlier this year – draws well for his Hilltop return, and seems capable of grabbing a decent piece. (8) CRUISING ZONE was handled carefully last week (after a couple of miscues and qualifier) but did finish with pace – Post 8 is an obvious concern, but he’s still a good bomb for exotics. (4) SET SHOT added Lasix last week but still wasn’t able to kick home well enough – too soon to write him off, but would like to see more from him before considering for a bigger piece. (1) THIS JK ROCKS showed little in either local try but the move inside could at least put him in play for a small share. (6) CURRYS FLURRY usually finishes well, but just may have too far to come tonight. (3) CAMO LUCAS had some decent tries in the Maritimes – makes his first local try here, and we should get a clearer picture after tonight.

RACE 12 – Tough finale! (2) TWIG was good for several months this year but has hit some hard times lately – he was handled conservatively last week (after having to re-qualify) but did finish ok…maybe he can get a winning wake up call? (4) SAMHARA N just quit after giving way on the lead last week but he’s rebounded from some clunkers in the past – as long as he’s a “fair” price, he’d be worth a look against these. (7) ORLANDO BLUE A returns from NJ off a couple of duds, but his last local try would make him a player here – not a bad stab for those in need of a late night longshot. (6) CURBSIDE PICKUP has been well backed in a few recent starts but he really hasn’t been “sharp” in a long time – he has a chance against these, but not worth a short price. (3) FAMILY RECIPE figures to attract some attention here but he hasn’t been sharp at all since returning from a recent layoff – not a huge fan right now. (5) MARLBANK ROAD has always been camera shy, and he loses both the rail and Gingras tonight. (1) FIZZING N has just one win and one second from his 33 starts this year (and is 0 for 31 at Yonkers) – hard to endorse, even from the rail. (8) ALADDIN gets another in a long string of terrible draws!