Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (4) FIGHT NOT FLIGHT weakened a bit in her last pair but she was stuck chasing quick miles behind a razor sharp DISTANT LOVER in both of those starts – this spot should be more to her liking, and she knows how to win races (8 already this year). (1) DWS DARLENE is one of many from the barn that will have Cory S. driving tonight (instead of Jordan) but that shouldn’t keep her from getting a very good trip from this spot – logical contender. (2) EMDOUBLBEAKAY should be congratulated for her incredible consistency…but that may not be any consolation for those that have needed her to WIN in any of her Yonkers starts (she’s 0 for 14, but second 7X) – always a good one for exotics! (5) HUNTS FLOWER would be hard to consider off her Plainridge lines but she exits a 5% barn and moves to a trainer that has been clicking here at 30% this year – could improve dramatically, especially with Bartlett at the lines. (3) PINK LUMIERE was no factor in her local debut – we’ll watch for any improvement tonight. (8) JIVE DANCING A looked like she was finally coming around and then just failed to function on 11/4 – draws Post 8 after re-qualifying, and would need to be a pretty big price to consider. (6) SWEET BRIAR gets a new trainer listed after a pair of no-factor tries in NJ – she fits NW2, and seems a much better fit in that easier class. (7) GOT BEACH BODY has really tailed off and gets another horrible draw

RACE 2 – (1) MANFERNO drew Post 7 and wasn’t able to benefit from last week’s class drop but drops a bit more tonight, and now can be handled aggressively…definitely a winning spot if he brings his best effort. (5) KINGSVIL LE was handled conservatively last week after tiring on the lead the week before – he drops a peg and figures to be handled much more aggressively tonight – could be a major player. (8) CAMARA MOMENT is more than sharp enough to win right now, but will have to contend with Post 8 – if you think Dube can get him in the hunt without being used too hard early on, he’s absolutely worth considering. (3) BITCOIN HANOVER is forced to move up a notch without the benefit of a recent win but still may be sharp enough to grab a share, if he lands on an easy trip. (7) POP IT has been a steady player most weeks but he moves up in class AND gets stuck outside – maybe minor spoils? (4) LYRICAL GENIUS A was greatly aided by an inside trip in last week’s 2nd place effort and now faces much tougher – may not be able to replicate that performance from this spot. (2) MYULTIMATEBAXTER N has missed 3 weeks (sick scratch) and may struggle here, even with the good draw. (6) GAMBLINGTERROR does his best work vs. easier – the draw certainly won’t help his cause, either

RACE 3 – (1) BOXER SEELSTER drew a bad post (off a bad date) for his local debut then finished up decently for his new barn – he drops right back in the box, draws the pole, and his Canadian lines suggest he has more to offer – worth a stab tonight? (3) STERLING CHOICE (whom Bartlett recently bought a piece of) is now 2 for 2 at Yonkers, looking to be vulnerable both times but finding more at the end each week– won’t offer any value here, but certainly a legitimate chance for a “threepeat” (5) MATAI PHIL N suddenly elevated his game 4 starts back and has remained very sharp since then – he faces a bit tougher here, but would be no surprise in his current form. (6) DREAM BIRD was a decent 4th in NW15000 last week arriving from PA – he would seem to be a good fit in this field, but the draw may hurt his chances a bit. (4) INFLATION PROOF’s wins came vs. somewhat easier fields, and he was just “ok” when 3rd last week – wouldn’t be a shock, but leaning more towards others. (2) ALRITEALRITEALRITE still fits the NW2-4PM class, and will look more appealing when back in with a bit easier

RACE 4 – (2) MISS PERIGNON N was a nice overlay when she won at 7-1 two back then paid an equally generous 5-1 when she won again last week – she’s obviously very sharp right now and while she finally may take the tote action she deserves, she does look a possible “threepeater”. (3) IDEALINFUN didn’t have enough pop in her last couple but she’s capable of better – a live trip could give her a chance to land somewhere on the ticket tonight. (4) ACCESS GRANTED was erratic at the start last week but recovered quickly to get away 4th, then finished 3rd after following #2 – she goes back on Lasix tonight, and we’ll see if that helps her find an even sharper effort. (6) AMBU SHED has been rock solid all year long, and currently has been 1st or 2nd in 17 of her local starts – she’s come up 2nd best in each of her last 3 starts and while she gets a poor draw for tonight, she still deserves plenty of respect. (7) CHIAPANECAS weakened in the pocket last start and gets a horrible draw for tonight – she’s had a terrific year, but may struggle a bit tonight. (5) SPIRIT OF PEARL A was much better last week than in the start before, but we’d like to see another good effort before jumping on her team. (1) BE MY ROSE N gets major post relief but was empty in both local tries – we’ll see if it helps her step up to be a bigger contender

RACE 5 – (3) BETTING ON CAESAR was very good not too long ago then appeared to tail off for a couple of starts – his last was better than it looks, though (trapped with pace), and he could offer some decent value if he brings his best effort. (1) QUOTE ME NOT N won back to back starts (off pocket trips) before trailing all the way from Post 8 in his last – obvious spot for a quick turnaround, but he also figures to be very heavily backed. (8) LAFI TTE won 2 of 5 as a 2YO but has only found the winner’s circle once from 13 tries at 3 – he draws worst for his YR debut but on the flip side, he’s likely dropping in class and also moves to a barn that can pick up fresh stock in a hurry – ok bomb for longshot fans. (2) CRUISING ZONE had a good stretch in Ohio from mid July through mid Sept. but then broke on 10/4 and again in an ¼ qualifier – he did behave (and race very well) in his LAST qualifier, but is definitely a risky proposition (at a short price) for tonight. (5) HE IS STINGIN has been racing well out of town but he’s a (maiden) 2YO taking on older rivals, and we’d prefer to just watch, for now. (4) GLOWING LOU just hasn’t been sharp lately – waiting for better signs. (6) ALABAMA LUCKY’s best efforts have come from inside draws – leaning elsewhere. (7) CARRONSIDELEGCY GB hit board in his first 3 U.S. starts but broke in his next, and was no factor last week – tough draw as he looks to turn things back around.

RACE 6 – (5) LOCHLAN HANOVER returned very sharp off the brief layoff, an excellent 2nd to the currently razor sharp MATAI PHIL N followed by last week’s tough-beat loss to the talented STERLING CHOICE, despite pacing his final quarter in :27.3 – time for him to get over the hump. (1) SET SHOT looked very good last week until tiring unexpectedly once into the stretch – the addition of Lasix tonight might explain that, and he may be able to bring a much better effort…at a decent price. (3) FEDERER has been a solid player in this class and will be handled very aggressively tonight – legitimate chance to win this, but he’ll be overbet for sure. (6) KWICK SAND A gave STERLING CHOICE a scare on 10/21 then was a winner the next week – he followed up a sick scratch on 11/11 with a steady finish from Post 8 last week, and he definitely fits with these – he does lose Jordan, and the draw is less than stellar as well. (2) CURRYS FLURRY is usually good for a late rally and never a bad one for the bottom of exotics. (8) NO TRESSPASSING has been just “ok” lately, and figures to struggle a bit starting from out here. (4) JONES BEACH DE VIE drops from claimers and fits well enough for a shot at some minor spoils with a good trip. (7) THIS JK ROCKS never got close in his local debut – too soon to give up on him, but also tough to use out here

RACE 7 – (3) ATREACHEROUS A saw her 3-race winning streak snapped last week but still finished with plenty of pace after sitting last all the way – she moves inside, and will get her chance to get back to the winner’s circle. (1) YS SENSATIONALCITY has been struggling for a while but was handled aggressively last week and raced big before coming up 2nd best – most of her barn has come to life recently as well, and another big effort is expected. (2) STORMY SERENA has clearly been in fine form lately but will have to deal with a class jump to 30s tonight – the inside draw should help her chances, and seems sharp enough to still contend for a big piece. (6) KATIES UP took a drop to 30as last weeks and was a sharp first over winner, wearing down #1 in the stretch – have to respect her chances off that big mile, but the poor draw could leave her vulnerable to a tougher trip tonight. (8) KISSIN JOE finished full of pace the last 2 weeks, and might have been closer if fed racetrack a little sooner – she loses Jordan and gets the worst of the draw tonight, but still a good bomb for 3rd/4th (4) VIBRANCE is usually an “all or nothing” type but last week was a run-of-the-mill “ok” effort – she remains a tough one to predict from week to week, and would need to be a good price to be worth considering tonight. (5) STAY HAPPY was able to make the lead in a soft field last week and got brave enough to deliver the mild upset – we’ll see if she built enough confidence with that mile to contend with these better mares. (7) TOBAGO TIME wasn’t on her game last week, and now draws poorly

RACE 8 – (1) BLUE LOU won 5 of 8 starts here in 2024 and had some success in 2025 as well, beating a NW20000 field in one of his last local starts this summer – he lands in a red hot barn as he returns from Stga., and should be looking at a good trip from this spot – chance for a mild upset. (2) FIFTH AND FIVE is a 3YO taking on older but his Canadian form suggests that he’s a pretty talented horse – he moves from one top barn to another, and could make some noise in his local debut. (8) PINNY TIGER A was a strong 2nd when handled conservatively in his U.S. debut, then won back to back starts (at miniscule prices) right after that – maybe he’s good enough to step up and win again (despite the terrible draw), but he may also be at least a bit vulnerable this week. (3) VANDIEMEN BLUE CHIP defeated #8 two back returning from Canada then missed by a head last week – deserves plenty of respect, though we are leaning a bit more to a couple of others. (7) HAZEVILLE was well backed last week and can be forgiven for coming up 2nd best to a razor sharp tripsitter – may not end up with the best of trips tonight, though. (5) CAVIART SARGENT was an ok 4th last week and has a chance for some minor spoils tonight. (4) FUNATTHEBEA CH weakened off an easy trip last week and may need easier at this point in his career. (6) PINE BUSH ITALIANO struggled from Post 8 with the class jump last week…tonight’s draw isn’t much better

RACE 9 – (1) JUMPINGJACKMAC N is winless in 12 local starts but he races well most weeks, and hit board 9X – he was a fast closing 3rd last week (despite racing off a sick scratch) and this really feels like a spot where he can get into the win column. (4) CURLY JAMES A was all out to hang on at 2/5 in his stateside debut then raced well from the pocket in his next pair, though coming up 2nd best both times – major threat once more, but figures to be heavily backed again. (6) TYPHOON BANNER N won last year’s MGM Grand Prix Pacing Final but he just hasn’t been as sharp in 2025, and is more comfortable in this easier spot – it’s not like he’s been “bad” lately, and he does have some appeal at that 8-1 ML price. (5) HP MOMENTUM can throw some big miles at times, though not in his last few – he’ll be a big price if you think he could be ready for a wake up call. (2) HANDLELIKEAPORSCHE is a talented horse but for whatever reason, he’s 5-0-0-0 here at Yonkers – waiting to see him deliver a good one locally before hopping on his band wagon. (8) WHICHWAYTOTHEBEACH was handled more aggressively than expected last start and was able to prevail on the lead over #4 – it’ll be tough to match that effort from Post 8, though! (3) SA VE ME A DANCE has been overachieving lately but 2 wins and a recent 2nd have landed him up at a level that may be a bit above his pay grade. (7) WESTERN ERA wasn’t bad in his YR return, but lands in an awful spot tonight.

RACE 10 – (2) IDEAL SKIES was a game winner 2 back and a solid 3rd last week, in NW10000…she drops in for a tag, and the $25K level seems appropriate for her – good value play with that 8-1 ML price. (5) KAT moved up to 25s last week and battled her way to a sharp pocket victory – she’s been very good for weeks, and looms a threat to repeat. (7) DISTANT LOVER is obviously razor sharp but note that her only loss in her last 5 starts came when she tried to move up to this $25K level (also from Post 7) – she may be at least a bit vulnerable off the claim tonight. (4) COALFORDSNSHINE GB was a steady for 3rd for her new connections last week and remains a logical horse to include in your exotics. (3) BEANTOWN BABE had been “sneaky ok” recently so it was no surprise to see her charge home for an overdue victory last week – not sure that the move up to 25s is necessarily warranted, however. (1) CHARMING VIXEN has been no factor in her last few at PcD, and is another that would probably look better at the $20K level. (8) GINGER TREE LIZ did race well off the re-claim last week but tonight’s draw figures to leave her with a pretty tough trip – leaning elsewhere. (6) FORTUNADA hasn’t been sharp, and draws poorly again

RACE 11 – (8) NIGHT HAWK has struggled a bit this year and gets the worst of the draw tonight…he’s also in a field that’s easier than he’s been facing, and Gingras may be able to navigate a manageable trip even from out here – we’ll give him the narrow vote. (1) HUNGER STRIKE figured to be a handful last week but he disappointed on the front end – he’s capable of winning here if he can bring his best effort, and he’s worth using if the price is decent (4) ROLLING WITH SAM is notoriously camera shy, but usually good for a solid finish – playable in exotics. (3) SURFSIDE BEACH has basically been “ok” lately, neither at peak form nor at his worst – he’s been taking home smaller pieces, and may be looking at a similar result tonight. (5) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A is hard to endorse off his current lines but he IS capable with these types when on his game, and his barn will send out a form-reversing winner at times…ok for longshot fans. (2) SPORTY M THREE is having a tough year, and seems unlikely even with the class drop and good draw. (6) ON ACCIDENT is one of several class droppers in here but the bad draw does figure to limit his involvement. (7) OZONE BLUE CHIP’s last couple look better on paper, but were really helped by easy trips – looking at a much tougher journey tonight

RACE 12 – Very tough race to decipher! (4) BONDI SHAKE N is just 1 for 24 this year but he’s actually hung in decently with better stock for much of the year – maybe he can use one well timed move if things get a little heated up front (which MAY happen). (8) CENTURY HEINEKEN has been a little in and out lately but his best effort would make him tough in here – Bartlett will surely try to improve at the start, and he can be dangerous in here if he can find a decent trip. (1) DEREKS ROCKET was handled aggressively from the outside last week and just not up for what became a pretty tough trip – may be able to be a bigger threat with an easier trip from the pole. (5) JIMMY CONNOR B is unpredictable from start to start, but he’s another that could have a say here if he shows up in one of his better moods. (2) HES SPECIAL ended up with good trips in his last pair and failed to capitalize either time – needs to be better for a chance at a bigger prize. (3) GALANTE A hasn’t been “good” by any means, but he’s at least been somewhat more competitive in his last couple (after finishing last in several straight starts) – good draw and Gingras. (7) ALADDIN may perk up now back at the bottom level, but he’ll probably need a better post before that happens. (6) JACKS LEGEND N didn’t function at all last week but wasn’t placed on the judges list, and the public is left guessing as to his general fitness for tonight – we’ll guess that he won’t be a threat tonight.