Monday Empire Report

RACE 1 – Tough race on a card that is full of them! (1) WALKINSHAW N was “ok” when 2nd three back but a

sharp winner in that 18-1 upset the following week – he was very good again in his last (at 23-1), and probably

could have reeled in LYONS STEEL had he not been backed up by SPLASH BROTHER on the final turn – could

be dangerous here for a barn that came to life in May (26%)! (6) CENTURY ENDEAVOR has 5 wins this year and

that includes last week’s sharp 8 hole score – he goes for 3 in a row tonight, and has a solid chance to get it done...if

he can avoid getting used too hard early on. (3) LYRICAL GENIUS A is a little light in the win column but he’s

raced well week after week for a long time, and is dangerous from OFF the pace as well – belongs in your exotics.

(8) SHADOW CAT is actually razor sharp right now and would have been listed even higher if not for the terrible

draw – still a good bomb to use underneath, hoping for some trip luck. (4) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK is a solid 40

but he has live ones both inside and outside of him and may be looking at a tough trip – minor share? (2) SADDLE

UP is a strong 15-6-4-0 this year but most of that work was done vs. easier – he’s also exiting some high % barns, so

we’ll see how he fares tonight. (5) ITALIAN LAD N has been grabbing nice pieces much of the year but he threw a

rare dud last week and feels iffy off that mile. (7) MACH N CHEESE was off a month to his last – could be tighter

now, but the draw is a killer.

RACE 2 – (2) TOBINS CHESTER raced well from the back to be a close 2nd in his local debut then flashed his

speed last week before coming up 2nd best to an easier-trip KINGSVILLE – he’s ready to win one, and that may

happen tonight if he lands on a decent trip. (7) CADILLAC BAYAMA charged home in the lane to put a late scare

into favored frontrunner VICI last week, and his start 3 back was excellent as well – he’s more than sharp enough to

threaten here, but Lachance may need to leave hard to try to improve his chances...good value at 15-1 ML. (3) TWO

FACED is now 0 for 18 on the year and that’s hard to believe (considering how many big miles he’s gone along the

way) – he drops, moves inside, and is an obvious threat...but he also figures to be overbet. (4) KINGSVILLE got

rough on multiple occasions 3 back or he would have crushed that field by open lengths – he hung a bit when 2nd in

his next, but put it all together with last week’s perfect trip victory (over #2) – remains a very logical player, even

moving up a bit in class. (1) WELL THATS MARKY picked up a couple of minor checks in his 2 local tries and

will need to find a bit more if hoping for a bigger slice tonight. (5) ROLLING WITH SAM hasn’t done much

winning here the past couple of years but he’s taken home a bunch of smaller pieces – looking at more of the same

tonight. (6) WINDSUN RICKY drops to a level where he becomes dangerous but the bad draw may see him having

to wait for a better spot – check the tote board? (8) BENHOPE RULZ N was sharp finishing last week but he moves

up and draws Post 8...tough to overcome.

RACE 3 – (1) ORLANDO BLUE A was sharp early in the year, winning 4 races – he hit a rough patch after that,

but has recently come back around and continues to climb back up the ladder – he hasn’t WON in a while, but is one

of several in here with a chance to come out on top...with the right journey. (2) SCRIBBLERS continues to turn in

strong efforts but has been coming up a little light vs. some pretty sharp foes...another capable of getting his picture

taken if things go his way. (5) OURMATEMENKO N took a couple of starts in the U.S. to work out the bugs but his

last 2 were more like it – he’s moving up a notch, but seems capable of beating these under the right scenario. (4) SL

ING SHOCK is winless in 11 local starts this year but hit board in 7 of them – remains a solid candidate for exotics.

(6) VICI appreciated the class drop and the lead and was able to deliver the victory last week – much tougher spot

here, but still can have a say if the race goes his way. (3) POP IT has done solid work since returning at 4, but seems

more comfortable with a bit cheaper – maybe a small piece? (8) SANTANA HANOVER drops to a level where he

can do some damage...but may take a conservative approach tonight after landing out here. (7) OUTLAW MAN N’s

lone victory this year came with a perfect trip, vs. much easier – leaning elsewhere.

RACE 4 – (3) CARABAO A did well chasing a pair of hot miles behind DUNKIN (3rds), was a dead game first

over (DH) winner in his next, and ended up with an impossible trip in a very “weird” race last week (where CHURC

HVIEWFRANKL IR was somehow on the lead, and jamming up the field to the quarter) – as noted, his barn clicked

at 26% in May...worth a look here at that 10-1 ML price. (8) STREET HAWK N was conservative in his U.S. debut

but simply outstanding in his last two blowout victories – he’s stepping way up and lands all the way outside...but

may have still been the top choice had Bartlett not opted for #5 (not sure why). (4) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL N

insisted on the lead last week then acted like he didn’t know what to do there, jamming up the field badly to the

quarter and ruining the race for many of them – assuming he goes back to his usual off the pace style tonight, he

could be a real late threat. (6) SMIFFYS TERROR N goes solid miles week after week but could be looking at a

tough trip from this spot – still a threat to rally for a share, though. (7) TWIN B DELUXE came into his last seeking

his 5th straight win and ALMOST pulled off the last-to-first rally in the lane to get there – he’s ridiculously sharp

right now, but may have trouble getting into the hunt from out here, up in class. (1) SURFSIDE BEACH just looked

sharp right from the start last week, and blew right by the 1/10 favorite in the lane to score the 9-1 upset – he’s in

tougher now, but maybe the rail draw can help him grab a piece. (5) THE IDEAL DANCER A had things all his

own way last week and still couldn’t finish the job – he’s Bartlett’s choice (over #8), but others do look more

appealing. (2) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK upset #5 at 22-1 last week and was a 20-1 winner 3 back – in tough here,

though.

RACE 5 – (2) CAMOUFLAGE MONEY is just beyond sharp right now and anything even close to his last couple

of efforts would make him almost impossible to knock off....but note that he’s also exiting several very high %

barns before betting the farm tonight, at what figures to be a very short price. (1) ALWAYSCUTTINSCHOOL was

used very hard last week and still managed to last for 3rd...one of several horses in the barn that shrugged off a

recent 3 week vacation to return very sharp – should be a close up player from start to finish tonight. (3) HELLO

GORGEOUS beat the 20s twice in PA then stepped up to 30s in his YR return and extended that streak to 3 – no

reason he can’t be right in the hunt once more. (4) IM THE PRINCE went some huge miles here in March/April

before hitting a recent rough patch – gets a much better draw tonight, and a wake up call is not impossible. (7) BUL

LVILLE FRANK has 4 seconds from his last 5 starts (broke in the other) but tonight’s draw may have him looking

at a smaller piece than he’s used to. (8) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH took on a tough bunch of “older’ 30s last week

(off the claim) and had no impact – he’s back in the class where he really thrives, but is another that figures to be

negatively impacted by the bad draw. (6) HARD TO CATCH tried to be more aggressive last week but that didn’t

work out – tonight’s draw will make it hard for him to rebound. (5) BUGABOO LOU has struggled in most of his

starts for a long time.

RACE 6 – (2) BLUE LOU is just 1 for 13 this year but has been chasing better ones most of the season (after

winning 5 of 8 local starts in 2024) – Bartlett drives him for the first time in a while, and this feels like a spot where

he can control the action...but that 8/5 ML price is admittedly a turn off! (3) HEZ ALLTHE RAGE N was blown

away to 3/4s two back by the promising STREET HAWK N then just went way too fast on the lead (at Tioga) last

week – he’s actually pretty good OFF the pace as well...and a patient trip tonight could produce some better results.

(4) KOPI LUWAK deserves a complete pass for his last (had to back off hard after being outleft by ENDOFSTORY

then was forced to pull very early after CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR caused the field to “accordion” at the quarter)

– could easily rebound tonight and be a legitimate threat. (1) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A may be in a little tougher

than he’d like but he could be looking at an easy trip from this spot and that could help him grab a small share. (8)

SOHO DOW JONES A drops to a level he can manage but he also draws all the way outside – perhaps the tote

board will offer some clues to how aggressive he might be tonight? (6) WHAT STANLEY GOT A finished well last

week but that was the race that just fell apart – feels like a tough spot. (7) OPTICAL ILLUSION N is good right

now, but gets a brutal draw with plenty of live ones to his inside – leaning towards others. (5) THUNDER HUNTER

JOE hails from a hot barn, but hasn’t threatened THESE types in some time.

RACE 7 – (5) HUMBLE A may be worth a try this week – he hit a snag during the Borgata Series (after being

purchased) but rebounded in the “Borgata Eligibles” race on 5/5, delivering a vicious brush to score the victory – he

got a little too hot on the lead when 3rd in his next, then simply had no prayer at Chester last week, racing from well

back in DESPERATE MAN’s 1:49.3 win...maybe he can trip out and score at a decent price tonight. (8) ALWAYS

A THRILL drew the outside in last week’s six horse field and despite the 3 week vacation, was sent off at 1/2 and

wired the field easily – he’s in the midst of an amazing form spree and remains the one to beat...but maybe tonight

he runs into a tougher trip? (3) HEZA CHARTTOPPER A is the last horse to actually beat ALWAYS A THRILL,

and he also knocked off VERDUN in another start – he comes into this off a pair of 3rds, and maybe the right trip

puts him in play again. (4) WHY NOT NOW had several nice tries in the Borgata, but failed to fire at all last week –

could rebound, but would need a decent price to consider tonight. (6) ENDOFSTORY was forced to drop into the

pocket by CHURCHVIEWFRANKL IR last week but avoided shutting his air off (when the pace really jammed up)

and was able to prevail after shaking free in the lane – he acts like he’s going to be an “Open” pacer...but tonight’s

draw could cause some problems. (7) VERDUN will almost certainly be handled very conservatively after a

nightmarish trip in his last...may still rally for a piece, though. (2) AARDIES FLASH N just hasn’t been at his best

lately and that has us leaning elsewhere. (1) VENTURESOME ARDEN N could use some class relief.

RACE 8 – (2) SOHO FIRESTONE A acted like he could be an Invitational-type horse from the time he arrived

stateside and he crushed the 3-6YO Open in just his 4th U.S. start – Brennan fills in for Gingras tonight, but that

shouldn’t stop this guy from having a big chance to take another. (4) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR always liked

Yonkers so it was no surprise to see him thrive throughout the Borgata Series, going 5-2-1-2 before grabbing 4th in

the Final – give him a pass for that tough trip at Chester last week, and look for him to be a serious threat tonight. (1)

HIMSELF N can be counted on for a solid finish most weeks and shouldn’t find himself sitting too far back tonight

– good one for the bottom of exotics. (3) AMERICAN DEALER N has clawed his way back up to the top level

though the highest class he’s BEATEN so far this year in NW15000 – still ok to use underneath, though. (5) DIEGO

N was unable to threaten in his first try up at this level but it’s way too soon to write him off – leaning towards

others tonight, but wouldn’t be surprised if he turned in a bigger effort. (7) HEMSWORTH N is capable of a big

mile at any time, but does seem destined for a tough trip tonight. (6) SIMON SAYS HANOVER won 12 of 17 local

starts in 2023-24, some in spectacular fashion – he went on the shelf after his win on 2/12/2024, and didn’t resurface

until 5/2 of THIS year...and doesn’t look anywhere near ready to compete at this level right now.

RACE 9 – (1) MIND HUNTER turned in a very encouraging effort last week, pacing a strong final half (from well

back) to be a fairly close 4th at the end – he moves all the way inside, gets to choose his trip, and may be ready to

deliver a winning mile. (3) HUNGRY ANGEL BOY was clearly overmatched when trying his luck in the Borgata

Series but it’s not like he embarrassed himself – he definitely wasn’t serious last week from Post 8 (returning from

Stga.) but figures to be all system go with the move inside tonight – very live player. (4) GENTLE GIANT was

“sneaky ok” in his last couple and maybe able to land somewhere on the ticket tonight, with a decent trip. (2) MULL

INAX was heavily backed off the claim last week, got to cut the mile but just wasn’t nearly sharp enough to pull it

off – way too soon to write him off, but we’re still leaning more to others this week. (5) CAVIART SARGENT often

outraces his odds, even from tough spots...always a good one for the bottom of exotics. (6) SPLASH BROTHER

drops, but also lands a tough post with likely speed to his inside – maybe he can grab a piece if he can find a good

early spot. (7) CHANTEE will likely be coming from too far back to have any real say here. (8) ALWAYS A LOOK

could use a much better post...in a much easier field.

RACE 10 – (1) AMERITRIC landed on brutally long first over trips the last 2 weeks (into sharp clips cut by

CAMOUFLAGE MONEY) and lived to tell about it both times – he steps up to face “open” 30s tonight but is

looking at a much easier trip...and seems sharp enough to come out on top. (5) MAXIMUS RED A came to life

after rejoining his favorite barn on 4/1 – he was claimed away on 5/10, re-claimed for $5K more the next week, and

had no trouble turning in a sharp effort is his last, despite bumping up TWO classes (to 30s) – deserves plenty of

respect here! (7) BILL HALEY N has had a completely mixed season so far – he went bad for a while, culminating

with his refusal to even go to the gate at Pocono on 4/26 – he did qualify back super, however, and this particular

owner/trainer/driver team is incredibly potent – would be no surprise at all. (6) I DRAINTHESWAMP A was an

even 3rd dropping to this level last week behind a pair of sharp ones – playable in exotics. (4) THAT DOG WILL

HUNT rarely throws a bad one and was hopelessly blocked last week – he does step up a bit in class tonight (“open”

30s), and also exits a sharp barn, off the claim...we’ll see how he holds up. (3) BIG DREAM FELLA has been stuck

on minor spoils and looking at more of the same tonight. (2) BETTORBUCKLEUP may just be looking to get in a

start as he moves up to 30s after missing more than 3 weeks (and failing to beat 25s). (8) OZONE BLUE CHIP

looked more like his old self in that blowout 2 back (heavily speed favoring track) but was no factor from a bad spot

last week, and lands in another one for tonight.