Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (1) DREAM SHOT was off a month to her debut here on 10/15 and was a steady 3rd for her new connections – she’s eligible to be tighter this week, and may be ready to pick up a victory for a barn that usually gets quick results, with fresh stock. (3) GABBYS WISH shipped in sharp from Stga. and was handled very aggressively in her Yonkers debut, weakening at the end – could be a stronger player tonight with an easier trip. (8) WIN WITH LYNNLY arrived sharp from Delaware for her new barn, got to call the shots, carved out a fast clip but got a bit hard to drive into the stretch and broke coming to the wire – she re-qualified nicely at PcD (now on Lasix), and deserves a good look here, even from Post 8. (2) TINAS WISH had success at the PA fairs at 2 and 3, but was no threat in her last 2 PcD starts – could get a decent trip tonight, with a chance at a small slice. (7) CRYSTAL COAST struggled at 2 but us 12-2-4-4 as a 3YO – she does tend to come up short at the end, though, and may have to be used hard to grab a trip from out here. (6) LUCEAN was no factor in her YR debut and draws poorly again tonight. (4) PRINCES S AMERICA goes for a new barn and has missed 3 weeks after a sick scratch – prefer to just observe, for now. (5) AMERICANBEACHDREAM is now 7-0-0-0 after finishing 8th in her first back off the layoff

RACE 2 – Good race: (1) DEFININGTHE MOMENT feels like she may not be on her “best” game right now, but it’s also possible that she’s been in a couple of impossible spots recently – she has a big post edge over all her main foes tonight, and we’ll give her the narrow nod on that factor. (7) AT THE HOP drops back in for a tag after being used hard vs. tougher in her last couple – brutal spot, but she’ll definitely be a big price. (8) I LOVED HER FIRST was able to leave for a spot in 3rd last week and that helped her race well for the show spot – if Bartlett can improve again at the start, she’d at least have a chance at an upset. (6) RACIN FOR ROYALTY used a well timed brush to score nicely last week, but faces a more uncertain journey tonight – a fair price makes her worth considering. (4) EB ONY LADY has picked up her game since rejoining an old barn recently – another that could become a real threat if things go her way. (5) QUICK MENU has been picking up good pieces every week but hasn’t been able to get her picture taken in a while – that streak may continue here. (2) ROCKIN RAE L was handled aggressively last week and not up for the challenge – guessing a more conservative try awaits for tonight. (3) SUNBURNT probably needs things to just fall apart for a chance at one of the bigger prizes.

RACE 3 – (7) MY SWEET LILY showed ability as a 2YO (2 wins, $93K) and was off to a good start at 3 before being scratched injured on 6/7 from her Fan Hanover elim. – she arrives off a pair of qualifiers, the last one being a 3rd behind the sensational MIKI AND MINNIE (and the talented GIGGLINGONTHEBEACH) – guessing she’ll be ready for a winning effort, even with the tough draw. (5) BETTORS TICKET rebounded from a major clunker on 9/27 with a solid rallying 2nd last week – her overall Yonkers form is excellent, and she should be a big part of this tonight. (1) AU JUS HANOVER is prone to major clunkers herself, and just took 3 weeks off after a dismal try on 10/1 – her “typical” effort makes her a player here…but will she bring it? (3) TH SANDRA DEE delivered a big upset 2 back in her local debut (die a new barn), but got erratic in the back on the final turn last week and lost all chance – if she can bounce right back, she can outperform that 15-1 ML price. (2) GINGERTREE CARILIN seems to do fine in her qualifiers, but hasn’t been able to put it together under the lights since returning from a layoff – maybe tonight? (6) SHANGRI LA HANOVER was dull off an easy trip last week, and now draws outside. (4) SAN TAFES GINA is 9-0-0-0 here at Yonkers

RACE 4 – (4) EVER M has been away for 3 weeks after getting parked the mile as the favorite in his last – most of his prior efforts would make him tough tonight…if not affected by the bad date. (5) IM THE PRINCE went a big effort for 2nd to a very sharp, well-meant winner last week and a similar mile would make him very dangerous here – he’s not known for his consistency, however, so be careful about falling in love at too short a price! (1) CONTACT ZONE seemed to bottom out chasing the hot pace last week but his prior few were solid – he’s been camera shy here at Yonkers, but could still be a big part of this from the pole. (7) CAVIART ACT TWO was doing good things before a couple of bad trips/spots sullied his form a bit – it won’t be easy to find a manageable trip from out here, but a big price makes him worth at least a look. (8) I B LOVIN draws Post 8 after getting parked the mile in his last but he’ll be a big price, and does have 3 wins from 10 local starts this year – ok for longshot fans. (2) ADMIRAL DEO gets a good draw with Bartlett for his local debut but his recent upstate efforts suggest he may need to be in a bit easier (3) HURRIKANE MIKI is 1 for 41 lifetime and 0 for 25 at YR…sticking with others. (6) BLUE COLLAR MAN is 2 for 59 over the last 2 years and 10-0-1-0 here at The Hilltop

RACE 5 – (1) BIG SHOT lacked stretch pop in his last pair but was facing tougher fields – he was a winner 3 back, and lands in a similar spot tonight – deserves top billing, but that 7/5 ML price makes him hard to “love”. (3) SUM MER YOUNG was well meant last week but used very hard in the opening quarter and had license to tire – an easier trip could make her a much bigger threat tonight. (7) FLIGHT OF FRITZ was very good when he upset the heavy favorite 3 back, broke in his next then was in a no-chance spot last week – if Brennan can improve at the start (without using him too hard), he may have a chance to have a big say tonight…at a nice price. (2) MAGIC MELVIN made an early miscue last week but has otherwise been racing ok – he gets along well with Yogi Sheridan, and has a chance for a piece in here. (4) ALL TOO WELL has just one local win and that was in an amateur race – his last couple of efforts were “ok”, and he’s playable on the bottom of exotics. (8) ROANDOVER has been a steady performer lately but he’s just 7-0-1-1 at Yonkers, and figures to be overbet (considering the poor draw) – still, a chance for a small slice. (6) MARIN COUNTY is just 1 for 14 locally but did hit board in 7 of those losses – another possible bomb for a small share. (5) MICHELONS TITAN behaved in back to back starts…but was no factor either time – still not ready to hop on her team

RACE 6 – (5) JOHNNY CHIP was racing pretty well prior to the recent claim – he was used a bit before getting the lead here on 10/1, and can be forgiven for tiring a bit in the lane – his last start at Monti was terrific, however, and Bartlett takes the call on him tonight (over #1) – we’ll give him the slight edge. (1) CHECKONWILLIAM GB was a winner off the claim last week, getting up on time off the two hole trip – Bartlett opts for #5 tonight, but he should still be a big threat starting from the pole. (8) MUSCLE BART A has really thrived since the barn change 3 back, and was able to overcome Post 8 to win last week…he has a legitimate chance to repeat from this same awful post! (3) CENTURY IGLESIAS is winless in 12 local starts this year but races well enough for pieces at times – ok for 3rd/4th. (6) DANCE ON THE BEACH continues to come up short at the end of his miles and tonight’s draw won’t help – minor spoils only. (7) LYONS LIBERTY shows some lines out of town that suggest he could fit okay here, but the draw may limit him in his first local try of 2025. (2) LOCKDOWN LOUIE N has just one 3rd from 9 local starts this year and needs to be better. (4) HOOSIER CELEBRITY has just 2 starts over the last 2 months ad the most recent one (3 weeks ago) was terrible – sticking with others, for now

RACE 7 – (2) DURANTE HANOVER just missed at PcD on 9/29 (for a new barn, off 24 days) then won both local starts since then, fairly easily each time – he faces a few legitimate rivals in here, but remains the one to knock off. (4) COUSIN HALIFAX was an excellent 8 hole 2nd to BIZZY BRENDA 4 starts back (adding Lasix), broke in his next but rebounded with a 2nd to an odds-on favorite the next week, then delivered a sharp 1:56.1 front end score in his last – could give the top one a real tussle. (3) GREEN MEL was a sharp 7 hole winner over easier 2 back then raced well from a tough spot (8 hole) in his last – moves inside, and seems to have enough ability to be right there. (1) SUNDAYS BRUNCH was conservative in her first 2 starts off the barn change – she was very well meant last week, but was briefly offstride on the first turn (after leaving the gate) then trotted evenly after recovering – more than enough ability to be right there all the way with a clean effort. (7) YOU DONT OWN ME raced well in all 3 local starts but tonight’s draw does figure to leave him a little too far back to be a major threat. (5) ENERGY KING pulled first over last week and would probably like a “do over” on that drive – chance for minor spoils with an easier trip. (8) MEETMEATTHEBAR is a solid performer when in the right spot, but will likely have to wait for a better scenario before showing her best stuff again. (6) ICANTATION debuts for a very hot barn (an on Lasix) but has missed time and seems likely to be handled conservatively tonight

RACE 8 – Tough race: (2) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES has seen his form tick up over the last few starts, gets a good draw, and is one of several with a chance to take this, depending on trip. (2) ALEX TYE looked ready to tire from the pocket last week but battled back and was a decent 2nd at the end – he’s hit board in 3 straight, and would be no surprise at all (6) LYONS BENJAMIN will attract plenty of attention with the class drop and switch to Bartlett but he’s been off his best game lately, draws poorly, and may prove a bit vulnerable. (1) SCRIBBLERS saw his form bounce back after reuniting with an old barn recently, but his best work came vs. the 20s, and he steps up tonight for a new trainer that’s just 1 for 62 here in 2025 – prefer others for the top slot. (7) C BET HANOVER doesn’t visit the winner’s circle very often but he does often outrace his odds – he gets a new pilot for tonight, will be a big price, and he’s not the worst bomb you could consider. (8) HEAVE AWAY had trouble with last week’s tougher trip and things don’t figure to get any easier from Post 8 – he does like to win races, though, and does have some appeal at what figures to be a pretty juicy price (5) ON DAYBOO has been stuck on smaller pieces lately and may be looking at more minor spoils for tonight. (4) DELIGHTFUL TERROR has missed 3 weeks after failing to click in his first 2 starts after the recent claim

RACE 9 – (2) WONT LETEM arrives for his new connections from the Midwest where he won 16 races over the past 2 years – this crew has had some success with these types in the past and he may be able to handle the locals right off the bat…if ready off 3 weeks. (3) EUGENIO RL IT is one of several Italian trotters these connections imported last year that has struggled to behave here in the U.S. – he does have ability, and did behave in his last couple – willing to consider, but only if the price is fair. (8) MANFORCE drops out of OnSS competition and is likely to be a good fit with these, even from Post 8 – the big question is just how serious his connections will be in his first local try…perhaps the tote board will offer clues? (1) WISH LIST is winless in 21 starts this year but showing some better efforts lately – one to consider underneath. (7) EVANS PER FECT MAN has been fairly consistent and reunites tonight with Bartlett, for whom she won 2 back – still, would need a pretty decent price to use on top, starting from out here. (4) SENSI AMNESIA weakened late after cutting the mile in her local debut, finishing 2nd to #7 – she broke in her last, and others just feel more appealing right now. (6) BO SILAS was a nice 2nd off an easy trip last week but could be looking at a tougher journey tonight. (5) HIPPIE SHAKE is off his game right now

RACE 10 – (5) ON THE VIRG was hammered down to 3/5 for his new connections last week, but made an unexpected miscue on the back side (while on the lead) – Bartlett opts to stay with him tonight, so perhaps he just needs a minor correction…worth a look since the price figures to move up a bit. (2) NEYREIT got too hot in his local debut, ended up with a brutal trip as a result and gets a pass for tiring in the stretch – he was a 7-1 overlay winner in his next, the just missed to a perfect trip winner last week…remains a big threat. (3) ROCKINBILLYSDR EAM didn’t bring his best last week but won 3 of 4 just prior to that, and is certainly worth considering at that 6-1 ML price. (1) GOTHIC ROCK tired chasing a hot clip last week but still lasted for 3rd – he has just one win this year, but is still a viable candidate for exotics. (4) COLD CREEK FELIPE won upon return from MN 2 back helped by a beautiful trip – he couldn’t overcome a tougher journey in his last, however, and could be vulnerable again tonight. (6) DEEDENUTO A was an “autotoss” for a long time but his recent efforts have been much better – tough spot tonight, but still a chance for minor spoils. (7) CAUGHTINALANDSLIDE tends to lag badly for most of the mile and tonight’s draw figures to have him sitting way out of it. (8) METAMAN draws Post 8 after making just 2 starts in 2 months