Monday Empire Report
The Empire Report – Monday, July 7, 2025 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – (1) AYE AYE CAPTAIN N didn’t seem like a huge threat when he disappeared into the fog 2 back but
he was pacing like a machine when he emerged into the stretch, absolutely crushing his foes effortlessly – he might
have been just as sharp last week, but he was just too far back for any chance at a bigger piece (he paced his final
half in :54 )– gets the edge tonight over another extremely sharp rival. (4) MULLINAX has elevated his game
tremendously since recently joining our leading barn, and his last effort was the best so far – he steps up a notch, but
will be a serious threat if he shows up as sharp as last week. (2) TWIN B POWERBALL had no prayer last week
from Post 8 but still almost grabbed 4th – he’s looking at an easy trip here, and has a chance to grab a small piece. (3)
BOILING OAR hasn’t won in a long time but he’s picked up his share of good pieces along the way – chance for
another tonight. (6) SHERLOCK N landed on a dream trip last week and it’s concerning that he couldn’t just blow
by in the lane – he’s capable of better, but tonight’s draw has us leaning more towards others. (5) SANTANA HANO
VER steps up another notch off a pair of front end scores but he’s looking at a tougher trip...and probably a smaller
share. (7) WEHADABABYETZABOY arrives sharp from Delaware but lands the worst post in a solid field.
RACE 2 – (1) SOHO DOW JONES A was a winner in back to back starts in late March (vs. NW15K and NW20K)
but that left him a bit overmatched for a few weeks at the top level – recent class drops have seen him perk back up,
and his last effort was excellent (right there 3rd despite a very long first over trip, vs. better) – short price, but the one
to knock off. (3) LAYTON HANOVER won 10 races last year but has been inconsistent in 2025, currently at
15-1-4-1...he should be pretty tight after chasing fast miles in his last 2 PA starts, and may have the best chance to
upset the top one. (2) SHAZAM BLUE CHIP is still winless in 2025 but raced well in most of his 18 starts– moves
inside, and should be able to grab a good piece. (4) OPTICAL ILLUSION N has definitely tailed off a bit but he gets
some class relief, and that may help him contend for a small share. (5) ROYAL DESIRE appreciated the easy inside
trip last week and was able to pick up a 3rd – chance for minor spoils here too. (6) GRETZKY THE GREAT was 0
for 9 here last year but came back sharp off the long layoff, winning his first start of the year despite a brutal trip –
the class jump figures to slow him down tonight, but note that his barn has been sending out a lot of longshot
winners the past 2-3 weeks. (7) MYULTIMATEBAXTER N is the outsider...both literally and figuratively.
RACE 3 – (2) HAZEVILLE is a streaky sort and his last pair at Pocono suggest that he’s hitting on all cylinders
right now – he may just hit the top and never stop in this spot. (5) COPPERFIELD had a tough time over the last
couple of months in KY but he’s back on Lasix, back with Bartlett, and back at Yonkers...where he was 3 for 3
earlier in the year...guessing he’ll perk right back up. (1) NANDOLO N may be overlooked with Tritton driving but
she’s won with him in the past (including 2 starts back, in NJ) – he didn’t fire at all last week, but that doesn’t mean
he won’t bounce right back tonight...playable if the price is fair. (4) CHURCHVIEWFRANKL N just hasn’t been
sharp, as evidenced by last week’s squandering of a perfect trip – he’s another who could be very dangerous if he
brings his best...but that’s a big IF! (3) HP MOMENTUM is moving up 2 classes off a no threat 5th but he may just
tow along relatively close to the pace and stick around for some minor spoils. (6) TAHUYA DEVIL was a winning
machine in Western Canada so it was no surprise to see him take his first 2 local tries as well...but this is a BIG step
up in class, and he draws poorly as well– a lot to prove. (7) POP IT needs a much better draw to contend at this level
(8) SPIRIT OF STLOUIS N draws Post 8 after 2 months off – Down Under millionaire has struggled in the U.S.
RACE 4 – (4) TYPHOON BANNER N is a legitimate Open player when sharp, but just wasn’t on his best game
here this Spring – he took some time off after a sick scratch on 5/12, and his last 2 Chester qualifiers suggest he may
be ready for business now...he was Bartlett’s choice, and that should mean he’ll be all systems go! (8) HUNTINGF
ORCHROME made over $150K at 2 then over $260K at 3...he’s now making his 5th start back as a 4YO, and his
last effort hinted that he’s ready to start doing some damage – legit threat, even from out here. (2) THE IDEAL
DAN CER A wasn’t Bartlett’s choice (understandably), but he still should be able to have a say here – worth at least
a look at that 10-1 ML price. (1) VICI has been a solid weekly player for some time, though his last couple weren’t
quite as sharp – remains a logical horse to include underneath. (5) LOUS WORLD sat pocketed to the sharp winner
in his first local try of the year and was a solid 2nd best – may find this spot a bit tougher, though. (3) NIGHT HAWK
was sharp for a while, but his last couple suggest he may be tailing just a bit – a class drop would help. (6) SURFSI
DE BEACH drops a win off his card after tonight, and will look better with some class drops going forward.
RACE 5 – Tough race! (1) CARABAO A threw a major dud 2 back when asked to change tactics (and cut the mile)
but he bounced right back with an easy trip 3rd last week – he has just 2 wins so far in 2025, but he can be dangerous
here with the right trip. (3) SOUTHWIND CELSIUS feels like he’s tailed off a bit in his last few but he was also
stuck at the higher levels – his best effort in THIS class could make him very dangerous. (7) CHIMICHURRI N was
an aggressive front end winner at this level 2 back, but conceded at the start (NW20000) last week – if the tote board
suggests he’ll be aggressive again tonight, you may want to use him on your tickets. (5) ROCK THE BELLES was
an overlay at 15-1 last week but just couldn’t overcome a very tough first over trip (but was still right there at the
end) – he’ll be a good price again, and still worth considering. (2) THE BIGBOSS A was handled aggressively last
week and picked up his first U.S. victory – this is a much tougher spot, so he’ll need to be even better if he hopes to
make it 2 in a row. (6) BONDI LOCKDOWN A has really held form beautifully, especially since he’s been racing at
tough levels for a while– he’ll need all kinds of trip luck to overcome THIS spot, however. (4) KOPI LUWAK hasn’t
been on his best game, and is in tough tonight. (8) ALL ALONE will look better with a class drop next week.
RACE 6 – (2) CENTURY ENDEAVOR has raced well in virtually every start all year, for multiple barns, and even
with a variety of trips – draws inside his main rival tonight, and we’ll give him the narrow edge. (5) SHAKE IT has
held form as he’s risen from the bottom claiming class right up to 40s, and his last effort was outstanding (for a barn
that’s been sending out fire-breathers lately) – major danger! (3) JUST ENUFF STUFF landed on a very tough trip
last week and still stayed on gamely for 3rd– his overall form is solid, and another piece is within reach (4) ITALIAN
LAD N lost any chance after a shuffle last week and while he’s usually not a threat to WIN at this level, he delivers
a solid effort almost every start – never a bad one to use underneath. (8) MIND HUNTER benefited from being the
only outside leaver last week and that helped him come up with an excellent try for 2nd – he’s unlikely to be as lucky
tonight, but still a good bomb for 3rd/4th. (6) MUSIC HALL seems to have tailed off since the recent claim but his
speed always gives him a chance for a good trip...and possibly a small piece. (1) MACH N CHEESE just has more
lesser efforts than good ones lately – leaning elsewhere. (7) TWIG struggled in his last (off the claim) but was taken
right back for a barn he’s thrived for – the move to 40s (and Post 7) do figure to hurt his chances, though.
RACE 7 – (5) ENDOFSTORY really blossomed into his 3YO season and has continued to thrive since returning at
4 – his last line may not LOOK all that impressive, but he did pace his final half in a (hidden) :53.2, suggesting that
he’s as sharp as ever – very dangerous with tonight’s drop, with any decent trip. (1) HIMSELF N is often overlooked
despite picking up 7 wins and 7 seconds here last year (for $175K) – he’s another that had no prayer last week, but
figures to be a much more prominent player tonight! (4) ALL CLASS was racing well as a 4YO but only managed 9
starts before going on the shelf last summer – has come back solid in 2025 and getting sharper for sure...but does
figure to be a bit overbet in tonight’s tougher spot. (2) RACING RAMPAGE hasn’t gotten back to last year’s “peak”
form but he’s at least been bringing consistent efforts again – leaning a bit more to a couple of others, but he does
figure to at least have a say in here. (3) TOBINS CHESTER hung in ok when buried in the Open last week and the
good draw may allow him to tow along for some minor spoils. (8) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A is racing very well
for a sizzling barn but faces many obstacles tonight starting from out here. (6) CADILLAC BAYAMA has been very
solid but draws poorly while moving up two classes. (7) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK has a pair of big recent upsets
(and almost a 3rd!) but just wasn’t right last week, and now lands outside, in a good field – on another note, good to
see Mark MacDonald back in action!
RACE 8 – Good field! (4) DUNKIN was well meant 2 back but forced to make a full abort (after leaving hard) and
lost any realistic chance – he was stuck in a no-prayer spot last week, but did pace back-to-back sub :27 quarters
while unable to have any impact...he moves inside, and may be able to come out on top with some better trip luck.
(3) HOWLENTHEHILLS was an outstanding 3YO,came back good at 4, and seems to be really hitting his best
stride the last couple of weeks – another that would be very dangerous here with the right journey. (2) ALWAYS A
THRILL had to settle for good 3rds after tough first over trips the last 2 weeks – he (understandably) loses Bartlett
to #7 tonight, but can do some big damage for Holland as well. (6) VERDUN was handled aggressively last week
and delivered the game front end victory – he’ll be coming from well back tonight, however, and may have too
much work to do when they turn for home. (7) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR was solid through the Borgata Series
then won his last 3 Invitationals, all on the front end – he’s assigned Post 7 tonight, however, and has missed 3
weeks – definitely could be vulnerable. (5) HEZA CHARTTOPPER A was a dominant front end winner in his last
pair but takes a big step up tonight – leaning elsewhere. (1) MANFERNO has been insanely good since joining this
barn 3 starts back (all wins!), but still has a lot to prove stepping up to face THIS bunch!
RACE 9 – (3) FINVARRA A has been super since the beginning of the year, but felt like he may tailing a bit (2 and
3 starts back) – his last was actually VERY encouraging, however, as he was absolutely flying through the wire after
sitting in the back most of the way – Brennan opts for #6, but this guy could offer some good value tonight. (2) AM
ERICAN DEALER N picked up 2nds in 3 of his last 4 Invitational starts (first over in the other) – drops, draws
inside, and looms a very dangerous player. (5) LUCAPELO A saw his 3 race winning streak snapped last week but
still finished full of pace for 4th, in a 1:51.2 mile – good sign that Stratton stays on board, and he could have a say IF
things fall into place for him. (6) STREET HAWK N (Brennan’s choice) was a little bit flat last start, but was off 3
weeks – he certainly fits with these, but the draw puts him at a disadvantage. (1) DIEGO N was a first over winner
in this class 2 back, also from the pole – Stratton does opt for #6, though, and that’s at least a bit of a concern. (7)
AARDIES FLASH N has his moments, but figures to end up with a tough trip from out here. (4) WHY NOT NOW
is just 2 for 27 over the last 2 years, and has missed 3 weeks after a clunker in PA.
RACE 10 – (6) FLIP MY CHIP won 5 of 12 starts here last year and has already been 1st or 2nd in 13 of his 18
Yonkers starts in 2025 – he had no trouble handling the rise to 40s last week, and can be forgiven for coming up 2nd
best to the streaking SHAKE IT – the one to catch tonight. (1) WALKINSHAW N has been a little inconsistent
lately but he’s looking at an easy trip from this spot, and his best effort could make him a late threat. (3) SHAKESP
EARE saw his game pick back up after a recent barn change, but he’s missed 3 weeks coming into tonight – may be
worth a look IF the price is decent. (2) SIX DEGREES is one of several recent pick ups for this barn that quickly
improved significantly– no reason he can’t land somewhere on the ticket with an easy trip. (4) CURBSIDE PICKUP
won back to back starts off the recent barn change but quickly cooled off after that – needs to pick his game back up
to have a real say here. (7) LYRICAL GENIUS A hit board in 7 of his last 8 starts but wasn’t quite as sharp last
week, and lands all the way outside tonight. (5) STAG PARTY was 3nd and 2nd in his 2 starts since arriving on the
local scene but he steps up in class here and will need to be sharper to hang with these.
RACE 11 – (2) AMERITRIC lost all chance 2 back after leaving well but then having to back off hard into 6th – his
chances were really compromised by horrible cover in his last, and he probably deserves a pass for that mile as well
– his form prior to that was actually very good, and he may be looking at a much better trip here – possible upsetter?
(8) WHY TOMORROW RAY has been a solid weekly player at this level but faces some obvious difficulty after
drawing Post 8 – if he can establish a good trip without being used too hard early on, his chances would go way up.
(6) IM THE PRINCE was very well meant last week, was running #1 over in the pocket to 3/4s but had to settle for
2nd best after shaking free at the top of the lane behind the razor sharp winner – another possible upsetter. (1) FREQ
UENT IMAGE will take plenty of $$ as the big speed from the pole but he seems off his best game and MAY prove
at least a bit vulnerable...at a pretty short price. (5) HARD TO CATCH usually isn’t a threat to win but he grabs his
fair share of pieces – playable underneath. (3) TOPVILLE SOMBEACH just hasn’t clicked since the 5/19 claim –
waiting for some better signs. (4) THAT DOG WILL HUNT is another that has tailed off since switching hands
recently. (7) EMINEM HANOVER has struggled in the majority of his recent efforts – would be a big surprise.