Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (5) BLUE LOU landed in a new barn upon returning from Stga. and turned in a sharp performance, a strong 2nd best behind the streaking PINNY TIGER A – he draws outside a few live players (in a good field for this class), but we’ll still give him the narrow vote. (4) COMBUSTION beat a NW30000 field less than 2 months ago so it’s hard NOT to give him tremendous respect at this much lower level – on the flip side, his current form does seem a bit off, so perhaps he’ll be at least a bit vulnerable. (3) SHAKESPEARE has been stuck in a few impossible spots vs. the 40s lately so tonight’s post relief should help him become a bigger player – chance for a decent piece, with a good trip. (2) KINGSVILLE has raced well in many of his starts this year but remains just 3 for 31 in 2025 (with 10 seconds) – prefer to use him underneath. (6) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A drops a notch but lands in a tough field and will likely be coming from too far back to have a serious impact. (7) GDS THUNDER GB has been ok overall lately, but will look much better with a class drop (and better post?) next week. (1) PINE BUSH ITALIANO has been better here in 2025 than in 23-24, but still seems a reach against these…even from the pole

RACE 2 – (5) DIPLOMACY moved to our leading trainer, put hopples back on for his qualifier and stayed pretty close to a PACER, in a fast 1:54.3 mile – he did run in a bit on turns but if that isn’t an issue tonight, he could be very tough for his new connections. (1) BIZZY BRENDA was a little disappointing 2 back but the talented filly was back on her better game when 2nd last week – could have a big say here. (2) WALKWHILEYOURTALKIN has been a steady performer in this class for months, but wins have been hard to come by – the good draw puts him in a good spot to grab a nice share. (7) SEVEN LAYER looked like a winner on the final bend last week when he made an unexpected miscue – gets the worst of the draw tonight, but still could offer some value to the exotics. (6) BEERNS UNSHINE DEO has ability, but can often be her own worst enemy – would need a pretty big price to consider her from this tough spot. (4) BO SILAS has been solid in many of his recent starts, but remains winless at Yonkers – one of many with a chance at a piece, with the right trip. (3) THEOBALD is still a work in progress for his current barn, making breaks in 2 of his last 3 starts – leaning towards others, but wouldn’t be shocked to see him race okay here.

RACE 3 – (5) THE TIME MACHINE was well backed in his last NJ start, adding Lasix for a new barn and racing off a bad date – he rallied nicely for 3rd, and now gets a big driver change to Brennan for his Yonkers debut – more than willing to give him a shot, with that 8-1 ML price. (4) SET THE BAR has done good work at Stga. since the recent barn change, can leave the gate and stays trotting – lots to like for his local debut. (1) MANFORCE really hasn’t picked up his game since adding Lasix 2 back but he’s capable of better than he’s shown – gets an overdue good draw, and maybe we’ll see a better effort from him. (3) TOP GUN HANOVER is listed at 6/5 ML but was dull here 2 back off the barn change, and was beaten by 20 lengths in NJ last week – won’t say he CAN’T win here, but there just seems to be some decent value taking a shot against him. (6) MARIN COUNTY has been pretty good lately but gets a bad draw off a bad date – willing to include on the bottom of exotics. (7) SIX QUESTIONS failed to improve after landing in a barn having an incredible year – tonight’s draw makes it tough to stay on his team. (2) SUMMER YOUNG’s last few suggest that she’s fallen way off her game

RACE 4 – (1) FOXHUNT has either raced “well” or “very well” in all 5 starts since arriving at Yonkers but has been plagued by some bad luck (trips, posts, etc.) – he lands the pole off the claim, and perhaps his new connections will be the beneficiaries of some good fortune. (5) IM THE PRINCE is prone to clunkers and he certainly threw one 2 back off the claim – he did rebound with a very solid try last week, though, and his best effort could make him a threat here…at a price. (6) LOUS BEACH has thrived in this class since returning to YR, with 3 wins and 3 seconds from his last 6 starts (including a win last week, despite never seeing the pylons!) – he moves to another sharp barn for tonight, and looms a legitimate threat, even with the bad draw. (2) ON DAYBOO has been stuck on smaller pieces lately and he can take home another tonight, assuming he lands on a nice trip from this spot. (7) KOURAGE OUS KEY was a better-than-expected 3rd upon arrival from Monti 2 back and gets his first good draw this week – another that can land on the ticket somewhere if the trip goes his way. (4) HES SPECIAL has been “ok” lately, but does figure to get overbet in a field with a bunch of pretty solid performers. (8) SURFSIDE BEACH gets a pass for his last (horrible trip) and should benefit from the class drop – he also draws Post 8, and that has us sticking with others. (7) HURRIKANE MIKI hasn’t been bad lately, but the rare bad draw does figure to limit him tonight

RACE 5 – (4) EUGENIO RL IT has been behaving every week and racing super right now, seemingly never getting tired no matter what trip he lands on – they keep raising the money cap to allow him to stay eligible to this class, and we’ll look for him to turn the tables on (5) YOU GUESSED IT tonight. The latter (who held off #4 last time) has now won 5 of his last 6 starts and would have been 6 for 6 had he not blown up on the final turn when home free (on 10/15)– he’s paid a fair price in ALL of his wins, and still belongs on your tickets. (6) BLESS ME FATHER actually went off favored vs. the top pair last week but seemed to “trot in spurts”, only able to take home a 4th place check – his price will go up considerably tonight if you want to give him another chance. (3) WISH LIST has picked up a lot of pieces lately, usually outracing his odds – remains a good value horse for the bottom of exotics. (2) SEISMIC ST EP banked nearly $200K this year and has the ABILITY to beat these…he’s also been plagued by inconsistency over the last few months, and that has us leaning elsewhere. (1) FLIGHT OF FRITZ was doing good work in PA but was scratched sick (after a win on 11/13) and makes his local return after missing 3 weeks – could be a little iffy. (7) TEQUILA TALKING AS was also a PA winner in her last start but figures to be coming from too far back tonight to be a major late threat. (8) BIG SHOT has disappointed a few times from much easier spots than this one!

RACE 6 – (1) TIME TO STRIKE disappointed a bit when 2nd three back but she came back to be a pretty good 3rd in her next (facing some good OLDER mares), then came up a solid 2nd best last week to a heavily favored, big drop down winner…we’ll give her the slight edge over her main rival tonight. (4) BEACH BABE was sent off at 1/5 for her local debut last start but was no match at all for the sharp front end winner (while making her first start for a new barn) – she’ll get her chance to make amends tonight, and is clearly the main danger. (2) PAPIS OPINION raced better than expected 2 back but then hung in the lane last week – she figures to be able to just sit a pretty easy trip tonight, and that could help her grab a small piece. (6) TH RIZZO was well meant debuting for our leading trainer last week but just caved badly after securing a pocket trip – assuming it wasn’t a major issue (since she’s right back in the box), she deserves a chance to race better this week – ok for underneath. (5) PROMISING MOMENT really outraced her odds when 2nd at 111-1 three back, and wasn’t bad last week either – maybe 3rd/4th? (3) CRYSTAL COAST often isn’t the greatest finisher but still may be able to just tow along for a piece of this. Both (7) TH SAN DRA DEE and (8) BETTORS TICKET have decent moves in them, but the horrible draws may leave them too far back to make a real dent.

RACE 7 – (3) SHAKE IT was scary-sharp for several months as he climbed his way from the bottom level to the 40s – he made a break on 8/13, however, and went on the shelf until re-qualifying on 11/14 – he finished up full of pace in the prep, and we’ll roll the dice that he’s ready to do some damage at tonight’s reduced ($20K) level. (5) RO CKET FREIGHT does his best racing when he can “relax and rally”, and he’s likely to get that trip tonight – could make some late noise at a good price. (2) I B LOVIN was the surprise leader last week but still tired in the stretch despite grabbing some pretty soft fractions – he may be better with something to aim at, and he'll get that chance tonight – possibility for a piece. (1) CELLMATE exited a high % trainer and landed in a much lower % barn last week but somehow was able to cling to a nose victory, when looking very vulnerable in the lane -maybe he can make it 3 in a row tonight, but he’d be hard to endorse on top at the “even money” ML price! (7) TWIN B RISENS HINE has been camera shy here over the past 2 seasons but he was heavily backed on 11/6 and delivered a blowout win – if the tote board suggests that he’s live tonight, he may be worth a longer look (even from out here). (4) AUSS IE HANOVER is winless in 24 local starts this year but he gets some post relief and that gives him at least a chance for some minor spoils. (6) CONTACT ZONE remains extremely camera shy, but he grabs plenty of smaller pieces – never a bad bomb for 3rd/4th. (8) MINOTAUR likely needs a much better post to have a say against these

RACE 8 – (6) SENSEI AMERICA is one of several from the barn to have done good work since arriving here from MN this Fall – she has the speed to overcome the draw, and should offer a fair price against a vulnerable field. (4) KEWPIE DOLL broke as the odds on choice 2 back – added hopples for her last and was able to behave, delivering the victory off a pretty easy trip – possible repeater for sure, but also likely to be overbet. (2) SUNDAYS BRUNCH hasn’t really thrived since moving to this barn in late Sept. but she seem capable of better, and perhaps the addition of Lasix tonight will help her find a better effort. (3) MYRSTERY DEAL has been racing ok in PA, Kelly has driven him before and does have some appeal at that 12-1 ML price. (5) WHEN IM GONE AS has several miles out of town that would make him a big threat here but his last 3 efforts also suggest that he may be off his game at the moment– would want a decent price to try him on top in his YR debut. (1) COUSIN HALIFAX would be a real threat against these if on his best game but his recent efforts have all been lacking – give him a look if you think he could be ready for a major reversal. (8) MEETMEATTHEBAR draws Post 8 after missing a month due to a sick scratch – pass for now. (7) ALL TOO WELL would certainly be a surprise from this spot

RACE 9 – (5) LYONS BENJAMIN clearly had some issue when forced to pull up as the favorite (vs. 25s) on 11/12 but that last qualifier suggests it was nothing too major – drops to 20s, and we’ll give him top billing. (4) BLACK HAWK JOE A was hurt by a bad post last start but his other recent efforts have been very solid – legitimate threat. (7) NEYREIT has been able to just bottom out 15s on several occasions but he’ll take on some tougher foes tonight (off the claim) and we’ll see if that strategy can be as successful vs. these. (1) DONTTELLMENOW wasn’t up for last week’s first over try but maybe he can take home a piece of this with more conservative handling. (6) ALEX TYE was a surprising re-claim on 11/5 and he was able to hang on for a nose victory the next week – tough draw (off 3 weeks) tonight, and could end up overbet. (3) DELIGHTFUL TERROR looked like an easy winner when he popped out of the two hole last week but was still a nose shy when he hit the wire – will need to find more if he hopes to have a chance at one of the top prizes tonight. (2) THE BIZNESS N’s best work out of town has come vs. cheaper, and he’s 4-0-0-0 at Yonkers this year – leaning elsewhere. (8) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH draws Post 8 off a ”distanced” line and sick scratch

RACE 10 – (5) AIR FORCE HANOVER is just 2 for 28 at Yonkers over the last 2 years but he’s been holding his own vs. better out of town lately, and catches a very beatable field tonight – we’ll give him top billing, but wouldn’t bet the rent money at what figures to be a pretty short price! (4) VULCAN STAR N is another that hasn’t done a lot of winning on the local scene, but who has been facing better out of town recently – should be a good fit in his first local try in a while. (7) SPORTY M THREE usually isn’t on our radar but he lands in a pretty soft spot, gets Kakaley in the bike and his trainer finally won his first race of the meet last week – maybe he can make some noise at a big price? (1) BONDI SHAKE A was a dullish 4th last week but he does figure to get a good trip here, and may be able to land somewhere in the exotics. (8) MISSED THE TRUTH A will have a hard time getting in play from out here but he still may good enough to squeeze out some minor spoils. (6) MR PROFETA changed barns recently but had no luck after the switch – moves to another new trainer tonight, and perhaps the tote board will offer some clues? (2) LINDY THE BRAVE had some success upstate vs, cheaper for a low profile trainer/driver – lands in a new barn tonight, but we’d prefer to just observe for now. (3) LADY JERICHO adds Lasix as she joins a new barn for her local debut – she’s a mare taking on boys, however, and does seem on the cheaper side

RACE 11 – Interesting race! (2) MISSPANZEE was very patient in her local debut (for a new barn) but responded in the stretch when called upon and charged on by for the victory – she draws inside her main foes, and may be able to pounce on another live trip tonight. (6) DURANTE HANOVER can be forgiven for that well-beaten 5th place finish in The Matron (in a 1:51.3 mile, vs. some very classy foes) – just prior to that he was a nose shy of winning 4 straight here at Yonkers, and looms a serious threat tonight. (5) BANK ON ME added Lasix (and got some class relief) at Pocono last week and delivered a sharp victory – he’s probably a good fit here, and can have a say in his Hilltop debut. (7) INCANTATION has raced well in all her local starts and even upset #6 4 starts down – she’ll need plenty of luck from out here, but will be a big enough price to at least merit a look. (4) GREEN MEL has been solid in 6 local tries but may be a tad below a few of the main players in here. (8) BAY BREEZE HANOVER has taken 3 of her last 4 starts, the loss being a 2nd in a Simpson division – the talent is there, but she lands in a brutal spot for her local debut and may need to wait for a better scenario before strutting her best stuff. (3) THE THING IS isn’t a bad horse, but he just may need to land in an easier spot in order to be a more serious threat. (1) ALIMONY MIKE threw a dud in his first try at this level but his last was much better – he’s listed here on the bottom, but could easily race much better than that

RACE 12 – (1) HEAVE AWAY had a brief rough patch recently but his last 2 efforts were more encouraging – he’s won 6 races here this year, and could offer some value in tonight’s finale. (4) KARLOO BRADLEY N picked up a pair of front end wins from his last 3 starts and paid a fair price each time – assuming he’s a decent price once more, he’s worth using on your tickets. (6) C BET HANOVER was ignored at the windows when he scored at 47-1 four starts back then way overbet in his last outings (where he raced well, but couldn’t get his picture taken) – his price figures to creep up a bit tonight, and that makes him worth a look again. (3) ULYSSES beat the 40s three back so he’d hardly be a shock vs. the 25s tonight – that being said, his last 2 starts were disappointing, and he may be vulnerable at a short price here. (7) MAXIMUS RED A was a dead game first over winner dropping down to 25s last week and would have been listed higher if not for the terrible draw – may have to settle for a more modest share this week. (8) SCRIBBLERS has been holding his own since the recent claim but figures to be coming from too far back tonight for a chance at a bigger piece. (2) MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING is 0 for 19 at Yonkers over the last 3 years, has missed 3 weeks and wasn’t sharp before that. (5) MY ULTIMATE STAR A is 19-0-0-0 locally in 2025