Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (3) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR just toured the oval from Post 8 last week, probably knowing that tonight’s class drop was coming – he’s a hard horse to ever “love” at a short price, but he does seem poised for a big effort against these. (2) LOTTO MAX added Lasix last week but raced pretty much the same – he has a couple of recent efforts that would make him a real threat in here…worth a look if you think he might bring one of those here. (5) TEXAS HOLDEM’s equally camera shy (former) barnmate POP IT changed hands before his last, was sent off at 2/5 and was a sharp winner – this guy also moves to top-shelf connections this week, and we’ll see if HE can find his way to the winner’s circle quickly. (1) LYONS BENJAMIN is a tough call – was struggling after the $30K claim, took 5 weeks off and just qualified back decently – on his best effort, he’d be a real threat here. (6) INTIMID ATION was 2nd to a stickout 2 back, and really not bad last week – his barn has sent out some live longshots lately, so maybe consider this guy underneath? (4) DEALERS CHOICE is camera shy here at YR, and everyplace else too – minor spoils only. (7) CAN AM likely fits ok with the locals, but lands a terrible spot upon arrival from Stga. (8) COVERED BRIDGE hasn’t resembled the horse that earned nearly $1.5M in a very long time

RACE 2 – Well matched field: (6) ROCKNACIOUS disappointed here at 1/5 on 8/11 but he’s capable of much better (see the blowout win in PA, 2 back) – he should offer a decent price, and is one of several with a chance in here. (2) LYONS GUSTAVOFRING blew by the whole field in his local debut (adding Lasix, for a hot barn), was a little disappointing in his next (in a fast mile) then was a solid 3rd last week, pacing a strong final half – another that could capitalize on a trip tonight. (1) LYONS PAPI ROCK was a game winner in his local debut, but vs. an easier field – can never count these connections, but he could be vulnerable at a short price tonight. (3) SWEET JOEL doesn’t always finish well enough but he hit the top in an easier spot last week and never looked back – leaning bit more to others for the top slot, however. (4) HE IS STINGIN always seems to be right in the mix but his lone local win came from the pocket, vs. a softer group. (7) HES A FEIN FELLOW raced well in 3 straight, finishing 2nd each time – would have liked his chances a lot more with a better draw, however. (8) GEORGES WISH is very good right now, but the draw may be tough to overcome. (5) LOUMELO BALL just seems a notch below the others right now

RACE 3 – (6) ARISTA N looked awfully good in his 2nd U.S. qualifier, finishing right behind an Invitational pacer – he had won 5 of 6 in Australia before being purchased this summer, and we’ll guess that he’ll be ready to start his local career on a winning note. (2) GANDHI makes his local debut for connections that have enjoyed incredible success with imports the past couple of years – while he’s only being “imported” from out of town, he still could be the right one should the top choice fail to deliver. (3) WINNINGMACHINE is winless in 6 local tries but he’s also never been worse than 5th, and always in the mix – use underneath. (1) ROUGH DEAL failed here twice in early Sept. at miniscule prices, was no good at all in Tioga and came up dull last week – small piece only. (5) CAPTAIN AMORE N was starting to finally show some life in the U.S. before being scratched sick from his last – iffy right now. (4) OZZIES CRAZY TRAIN has 11 local tries and still hasn’t been able to hit the board

RACE 4 – (3) CURLY JAMES A recently won 6 of 7 starts but has come up just a little short in his last 3 efforts – he should have a positional edge over his main foes in here, and that may help him get back to the winner’s circle. (5) KEAYANG KAMIKAZE A has been good lately, whenever he doesn’t get stuck with a horrible post – not sure what trip he’ll get tonight, but he could add some value to the exotics if it’s a good one. (6) CAPT KARMA tasted defeat last week for the first time since joining his white hot barn 5 starts back – he still raced super in defeat, but his continued “rough-gaitedness” at times is at least a bit concerning, especially from a tough post tonight, and with a new pilot. (4) FINVARRA A has a couple of recent wins but he just didn’t fire enough off a very nice trip last week – he can be a part of the equation if he shows up on his best game. (7) BOSTON BOUND has been incredibly consistent but it may be tough for Buter to find him a manageable trip from out here. (1) KEAYANG TACO A does his best work with a bit easier – we’ll see if the rail can help him at least land a share. (2) REGAL IDEA was super after arriving from Ohio but he broke leaving 2 back, and was dull last week…leaning elsewhere, for now

RACE 5 – (1) GINGER TREE LIZ had a couple of disappointing starts but she bounced back nicely last week, charging home in the lane to just miss – if she goes that same kind of effort tonight (from this spot), she’ll be very tough. (2) DASH N CAHCE raced well in all 3 starts since returning to Yonkers and she’s won her share here in the past – very logical for exotics…and maybe even worth a try on top? (3) TALENT TO SPARE A is 0 for 25 this year but she’s raced well in a bunch of starts (and was deceptively good last week) – moves inside, and a good trip could put her close at the end. (8) IDEAL SKIES has been ultra-consistent but also hasn’t WON in a while, and starts from Post 8 tonight – still a chance to grab a share, with some trip luck. (5) YOUNONOTHINJON just never found a gear when a dull 4th last week – she’s capable of better, and playable underneath here. (6) STAYCATION had some stretch traffic last week and it MAY have kept her from finishing closer – decent bomb for the bottom of exotics. (7) DISARONNO HILL gets Bartlett but draws poorly and just hasn’t been sharp. (4) QUICK MENU is struggling

RACE 6 – (4) DISCOVERINGTHEHUNT finished with good pace the last 2 weeks – if she lands on the right trip tonight, she may be sharp enough to pull off the upset over this well matched bunch. (1) FEAR DANIE has been smoother and sharper in her last couple – gets the rail tonight, and is another with a chance to come out on top here. (3) SPIRIT OF PEARL A is on her game right now, just missing 2 back and delivering the sharp front end score last week – would be no surprise to see her take another. (2) AVF CLAIRE has taken 3 of her last 4 starts, with a close 2nd in the other – obviously a major threat get her picture taken once again, but she also figures to end up at least somewhat overbet. (7) OVER ICE gets a pass for 2 back (8 hole), then just got used too hard last week and tired – she MAY opt for a more conservative approach this week after drawing so poorly. (5) IDEALINFUN is a winning machine in 20s, but the competition at THIS level is a lot different – she’ll need to prove she can hold her own with these types. (8) GOING AWAY was a no threat 4th trying this class last week and moves from the rail to Post 8 here. (6) PETROL QUEEN found better form in PA vs. lesser but feels ambitiously placed for her return.

RACE 7 – (4) TWIN B FRESH BET was well backed making the jump from “NWPM” races to facing some tough overnight veterans, and was able to deliver the sharp front end score – steps up a bit more, but may be able to extend his winning streak to 3 anyway. (2) HARDT OF A KING was a winner in his local debut but definitely didn’t appreciate pulling first over into a sizzling :27 third panel last week – could be better here with an easier trip. (8) MATAI PHIL N is the “x factor” tonight – he was well backed from the 8 hole vs. better last week, went right to the top but gave way badly after getting outbrushed at 3/4s – very hard to say if he’ll be willing to blast one more time (with another class drop), or if a more conservative approach will be taken after getting his feelings hurt last week. (3) THE IDEAL DANCER A would probably appreciate being in a bit easier but a live trip from this spot could help him grab a piece. (1) ULTIMAROCA is forced to step up another level after a no threat 5th last week but he’s a lot of back class, and may be able to use the good draw to take home a slice of this. (7) RIO didn’t like coming off the gate last week so perhaps Kelly might leave this time – not sure that’ll work for him either, however. (6) SUITE UP BRO was no factor 3 back off the barn change, a nice 2nd in his next then never close in his last – hard to know what to expect from him tonight. (5) GANNONS VELOUCITY seems to need to be in easier to be a serious player

RACE 8 – (4) HP MOMENTUM is sharper than he looks on paper, his form somewhat muddled by several bad spots – he might be ready for a big effort if the right trip comes his way tonight. (6) TH COLBY has been on a long form spree, handling a variety of trips along the way – hard to leave him off your tickets, even with the bad draw. (2) PRAIRIE ROCKNROLL was used very hard in an impressive local debut, and the rail draw should help offset tonight’s bump in class – no reason he can’t be a big part of the equation once more. (2) LEVINE has held form surprisingly well during his current ascent up the class ladder – definitely leaning more towards others, but he could be sharp enough to at least grab a piece. (5) WHATS STANLEY GOT A appreciated the easy trips the last 2 weeks and took home a 2nd and 3rd – may not be as fortunate tonight, but still a good chance for at least some minor spoils. (3) ROYAL DESIRE threw his first “lesser” effort in a while on 9/29 then was scratched last week – sticking with others tonight. (7) LOUS ALBANO has missed 25 days and gets the worst of the draw for his new crew – he’s also moving up in class for his local debut, and it seems like a good week to just observe.

RACE 9 – (1) ALWAYS B LAYLA IR has been very solid in this class for a long time, and was especially sharp last week, picking up her first win in a while – gets the best of the draw tonight, and we’ll give her the slight edge. (5) GA BBYS WISH has been very sharp for weeks, and can be forgiven for just missing to a winner last week that is on her best game right now – remains a serious threat! (2) YUENGLING wins a lot of races but can also struggle when things don’t go her way (see last week) – new barn tonight, and definitely the possibility of another tougher trip. (7) FIGHT NOT FLIGHT is generally outstanding in this class but she struggled from Post 8 off the claim last week and lands Post 7 tonight for another new barn – would never tell anybody NOT to give her a try, at a big price. (6) GOT SEXY SCARS took advantage of last week’s class drop and good draw to grab a well beaten 2nd to a standout – may have trouble replicating that tonight, though, in this much more challenging spot. (3) WHOS PERFECT is listed at 2-1 ML but it’s impossible to say why – generally not a big threat, and long odds. (8) FOX VALLEY JASMINE broke here on 9/29 making her first start of 2026 (new barn) – 8 hole after re-qualifying, and we’ll just watch, for now. (4) CANNERY ROW is 0 for ever here at Yonkers…and not all that many small pieces lately.