Thursday Empire Report
The Empire Report – Thursday, September 25, 2025 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – NAADA Fall Series: (3) STAR HAIRDRESSER started to do good work again after adding hopples this summer and he has legitimate excuses for his last pair (bothered badly 2 back, in a terrible spot last week) – he’s a very good fit here, and a good value play in tonight’s opener. (2) LOS BALLYKEELAMIGO figures to get away to a quick start and be a prominent player throughout – we’ll see how well he can keep it together in the latter stages tonight. (1) MAGIC MELVIN is just 1 for 16 this year but that win did come 2 starts back (in NJ) – his local history isn’t great, but he may be good enough right now to have a real say here. (5) ROGER RABBIT has been off his best game fort a while but the current version is probably still good enough to at least contend for a piece of this. (4) MU SKINGUM has proven capable of grabbing pieces when he lands an easy trip – ok for the bottom of exotics (6) IM OUT has more than enough ability to be a big player with these but he gets a poor draw, and won’t offer any value as the ML favorite. (7) PSALMSFORTYSIXFIVE gets a terrible draw after having to re-qualify, and may need to wait for a better spot before he shows his best. (8) FEERIEDESBROUETSFR would be a surprise, to say the least
RACE 2 – (4) HEAVE AWAY rebounded quickly from a tough outing on 9/4 to score in dead game fashion off the claim last week – he’s now won 5 of his last 8 starts, and could add to that total tonight. (8) EVER M steps up and lands all the way outside – that’s usually NOT a recipe for success but he was VERY sharp last week, and could be worth a look tonight if the price creeps up a bit. (3) RILKOFF was sent off favored in his only local try, was hurt by poor cover then broke on the final turn trying to rally around it – he’s probably better on a bigger track, but still can be a big player here with a smooth journey. (6) CONTROL GROUP has some Stga. lines that could make him a player here and moves to a crew that is no stranger to first-start success – he’s also missed 24 days, so perhaps the tote board will offer some clues. (2) MINOTAUR drew Post 8 for his new barn so it’s hard to get a good sense about him – suppose we’ll get a clearer picture after tonight. (1) VANDALISM turned in a much better effort in NJ last week – he can grab a piece here if he can build off that improved effort. (5) PINEBUSHDRAGONLIFE is 12-0-0-0 here at Yonkers. (7) BUDDY KNOCKS draws poorly after tiring badly in both local tries
RACE 3 – (4) QUEEN OF ALL was in a no-chance spot in the Miecuna Invitational Trot last start but still finished alertly – she’s been on a long form spree, handles any trip, and we’ll give her the edge for tonight. (6) TIPSY MONI has a couple of narrow victories over the top choice recently, and lost to her in another start – she’s still dangerous any time she drops in the box, but no longer an “automatic” in this class – tonight’s draw can hurt as well. (3) ETER IA IT made a big recovery after an early miscue last week and the guess is that she probably fits well here – would consider if the price was good enough. (5) HOT FLASH KIMMY has been right there in most of her recent starts, and a live trip could land her on the ticket once more. (1) DIAMANTE TRIO IT can use her speed to grab a good trip from this spot, but really has been a notch below these lately. (2) SISTER MARY MAUDE is still looking for her first victory of the season – it would be a surprise if it came against these.
RACE 4 – (4) SIR PINOCCHIO just wasn’t at his best in the Miecuna Invitational last start (1 ¼ miles) and tired from the pocket, ending his 6 for 6 Yonkers streak – he deserves a chance to make amends, but wouldn’t bet the rent money at a short price tonight. (1) CECIL HANOVER showed plenty of ability as a youngster but only made 8 starts as a 4YO (8-3-2-2) – he was off to a slow start at 5, started to come around, and just won 2 straight in very easy fashion after changing hands – he may be sharp enough right now to be a real player here, even with the class jump. (6) FERRETTI has been very good lately and can be forgiven for being unable to collar KHAOSAN ROAD last week into the :27.2 final quarter – he can still have a say here, even with the unfortunate draw. (3) KHAOSAN ROAD literally stole the win last week, cutting uncontested yesteryear fractions (despite the $39K purse!) then holding off #6 in the very fast final quarter – he’ll have to actually RACE tonight if he hopes to take another. (5) DR IBBLING BI has been hitting on all cylinders for weeks, but tonight’s draw may leave him battling for a smaller slice. (2) DWS POINT MAN steps up to the top level off a pair of very sharp upsets – still sticking with others
RACE 5 – (5) YOU BEDA ROCK saw her 3 race winning streak snapped last week, but still finished with good pace after shaking free late – she moves to a barn that HAD been ice cold but may be starting to come back around, and should offer a fair price despite her excellent form. (4) WOODMERE HARRIET was bet 2 back like a big wake up call was coming and that’s exactly what happened– she crushed another field last week (including a few of these) but she does go for a new barn tonight, and may be at least a bit vulnerable at a pretty short price. (2) ON THE MO NEY GB rallied for 2nd behind #4 last week in her first start for a red hot barn – certainly worth considering if the price is fair. (3) HARPER SEELSTER is s streaky mare that’s racing well again – include her in exotics. (1) IRIS SE ELSTER was an afterthought for months but pulled off a form-reversing stunner 2 back, then really wasn’t bad last week – ok for a minor share. (7) GOT BEACH BODY has been a favorite of ours, outracing her odds week after week – she’ll be hard pressed to do any real damage from out here, though. (6) CHILLIN BYTHE POOL likely needs a much better draw to be a threat with these. (8) NORTHERN HALO failed to replicate that 9/2 blowout win in either of her last 2 starts, and draws poorly once more
RACE 6 – (7) CANTSTOP YANKEE went a big mile last week (off 3 weeks) but the winner (#3) was just sharper – his price will move up tonight (4/5 last time), and he may be worth sticking with, even from out here. (3) PEMBRO KE REGAL was sharp when 2nd at 16-1 two back (even if disqualified) and even sharper when he beat #7 at 18-1 last week – his price will obviously come down considerably, but he remains a big threat for his white-hot trainer. (5) BLUEBIRD BISHOP broke in 2 of his last 3 starts but has a sharp win sandwiched in between – he’s won 6 of 11 starts this year, and never a bad one to include if the price is good. (6) WILLY WALTON landed on a perfect trip last start and picked up his first win since 7/11 – not sure he’ll get as fortunate a journey tonight, however. (2) AIRM ANS JACKPOT has been unreliable at best lately– her top effort would make her a threat here, but it’s hard to count on that from her right now. (1) C KAN TROT has won plenty of races in NJ but vs. much easier – has to prove he can hold his own with these much tougher rivals. (8) WARRIOR ONE has Bartlett and a ton of back class…he also has Post 8, and isn’t sharp right now. (4) INTL BLOCKADE is ambitiously placed at this $40K level
RACE 7 – (2) NYMERIA had a nice tightener on 9/11 then finished with good trot last week – she may be ready to deliver her best effort tonight, and definitely has appeal at that 10-1 ML price. (5) GOLDEN RAIN S is 9-5-1-2 here at Yonkers, and fits nicely here– she’s missed 3 weeks, but can be a big threat if even close to 100% (8) ORDAINED has shown speed in all of his local tries and been no worse than 4th in his 4 starts – he’ll likely be a big price from out here, but has a chance to land somewhere on the ticket with a fast getaway. (3) BLACKHAWK ZETTE just hasn’t been on his best game lately, but could be part of the equation tonight if he can find one of his better efforts. (4) SAINT K may prefer to be in a little easier, but is usable underneath at what figures to be a pretty big price. (6) CHIPPER DALE hasn’t always been the most reliable Yonkers player but he was certainly sharp in his last 2 very easy victories vs. the 40s – he exits our leading barn, and gets a tough draw against a tougher field - leaning more to others. (1) YANNICK G KEMP navigated the half just fine and easily handled softer in his local debut – hard to say how well he’ll fare against these tougher ones, though. (7) TACHYON absolutely fits with this bunch but he starts from Post 7 and could be looking at a pretty tough trip tonight.
RACE 8 – (8) JAS BLUESTONE was a little disappointing last week but he did get used a bit harder for the lead than he would have preferred – tonight’s spot is no easier but he’ll be a better price, and he’s been very consistent – may be able to get it done, even from out here. (3) CRAZYLAND was on a very good roll, struggled (vs. better) for a few starts but rebounded to just miss in his last – the 3 weeks off are at least a bit of a concern, though. (1) P C FR EE WHEELING rallied nicely for 2nd in a “fall apart” race last week, but note that the winner rallied to beat her from behind (after an early miscue) – logical threat from this spot, but also figures to be overbet. (2) PAPA DOC is ok at this level with a trip, but is another that has been idle for 3 weeks. (7) DRYDEN HANOVER finished well in all 3 local tries (pair of 2nds), but may just have too far to come tonight. (4) WANIA would probably like to be in a bit easier, but may be able to rally late for some minor spoils. (6) FOR A DREAMER is just “ok” at this level, and would be a much bigger threat (for a piece) with an inside draw. (5) KILAUEA looked good in his last 2 amateur races, gets Brennan for tonight, but will have to prove that he can hold his own with these much tougher foes
RACE 9 – (4) DIRE STRAITS broke on the first turn (after leaving) 2 back then had no prayer last week after the winner put up 1980s-like fractions on the lead – feels like a good spot for an aggressive try against this overall softer bunch. (3) BULLY BOY HILL has been super in his recent local starts, holding form beautifully as he’s climbed the class ladder– held well for 3rd after a tough first over trip last week, and may be able to add some value to the exotics (1) UNEVERGONNAGETHIS didn’t seem all that “loaded” last week but he was definitely dealing with traffic issues in the stretch – he does his best work vs. a bit easier, but he can still land on the ticket vs. these with the good starting spot. (5) THE HAZLETON was headed on the final turn last week and looked beat, but showed unexpected gameness to battle back for the win – his chances tonight will probably hinge on how many leave inside of him. (6) OLIVER THE GREAT is another that was caught in stretch traffic last week and hard to gauge – he’s been on a very good roll, and a good one to consider for exotics (20-1 ML). (7) KEG STAND is having a good year overall, but surprisingly 0 for 8 here at Yonkers – tough draw, and that has us leaning elsewhere. (2) VINNY DE VIE perked up 3 back and comes into this off a pair of wins and a 2nd – not sure he’s up for the class hike, though. (8) CHULO lands Post 8 off a miscue and the guess is that he’ll be handled pretty conservatively.
RACE 10 – Good race: (5) WARRIOR FOR TRUTH has been very sharp and very popular lately at the claim box – he raced ok vs. tougher 30s last week, and should appreciate tonight’s move to 25s – one of a few in here with a chance, depending on how the race plays out. (3) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N lost his first 21 starts this year, came to life and suddenly won 4 straight then almost made it 5 in a row last week – new barn tonight, but figures to remain a major threat. (2) DONTTELLMENOW dropped to 2os last week, gave it all he had but came up a nose shy to a very determined winner – he can handle the move back up (for a new barn), and should have another big say. (1) BETTO RBUCKLEUP owns 2 wins at this level, draws the pole, and definitely has appeal with that 10-1 ML price. (4) DEL IGHTFUL TERROR steps up off the claim but he’s a hard hitter and should be able to hold his own with these too – possibility. (7) KARLOO BRADLEY N has done his share of damage at this level but may have trouble overcoming Post 7. (8) SPINDOCTOR HANOVER has been “ok” , but faces a tough task trying to reach from out here. (6) ALE X TYE drops below the level of the claim after a did last week– sticking with others.
RACE 11 – (6) SOUTH POINT drops back down to 15s and that move produced a victory 2 starts back – gets top billing, even with the bad draw. (1) REAL PEACE clearly does his best these days when on top or in the pocket, and he should find himself there tonight – no value, but still a logical player. (3) GINGER TREE PETE would be hard to like off his recent efforts but he always comes around eventually, and sometimes at nice prices – would give him a look if the price is big enough. (4) ARMED BANDIT did just miss 4 back and some of his other efforts are a bit better than they look on paper – ok for exotics. (5) DIAMONDBEACH did function last week and does get Bartlett tonight – would still have a hard time taking a short price tonight, considering he’s 17-0-1-2 here this year. (2) ROC KET FREIGHT was a bit better 2 back then turned in a “weird” effort last week – maybe 3rd/4th? (7) THIRD EDITI ON has several really good starts here this year but his last couple have been “meh” – tonight’s draw isn’t going to help his cause. (8) HOPNROLL HEAVEN has regressed badly, and now draws Post 8.