Monday Empire Report

RACE 1 - (2) CONBOYVILLE has been 3rd vs. better in his last 3 starts, drops in class, and draws inside

for a barn that's been on fire recently - may just be a good trip away from finding the winner's circle. (1)

RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN N has 2 very sharp recent tries one level down, but he can be a big threat against

these too - rail, speed, and Bartlett's choice. (6) CAPTAIN FANCY has always been a "nice" horse, but he's

elevated his game significantly the past 2 starts (two easy wins) - steps up to face older and while he should

be able to contend with these, he may also struggle a bit with the outside draw - insist on a decent price if

using on top. (3) MIKES Z TAM jogged in this class as the favorite on 12/14, but has struggled vs. better

since then - very possible that we'll see a much sharper try with tonight's class relief. (4) SHNEONUCRZY

DIAMND A is a total "in and outer" - on his best, he'd have a chance to be a threat here - good for longshot

fans. (5) REDBANK BLAZE A really needs easier to do his damage - wait for a class drop to consider. (7)

KILOWATT KID N doesn't seem nearly sharp enough to be a player from out here. (8) YAYAS HOT SPOT

N has found some better form, but moves up and draws Post 8....not a winning formula!

RACE 2 - (1) FUNATTHEBEACH N wired this class as the odds on choice last week and gets to stay at

this level, as another win (also at this level) drops off the bottom of his card - the one to beat, once again.

(2) SAVE ME A DANCE drops out of the Open, draws inside, and could be the main danger - any decent

trip should put him right there at the end. (3) BENHOPE RULZ N is hitting on all cylinders right now -

normally does his best work with cheaper, but may be sharp enough right now to contend for a piece, if the

trip is easy enough. (6) PYRO hasn't been a threat the last couple of weeks, but he hasn't been bad, either -

drops out of the Open, but that MAY be offset by the outside draw - unpredictable sort is always capable of

throwing a big one ay any time. (4) IM SIR BLAKE A has been very sharp for a hot barn for some time -

faces an uncertain trip from this spot, but can land somewhere on the ticket if things go his way. (5) ROCK

CANDY is hard to fault, as he's been very solid ever since arriving here last Fall - lands in a very solid

field, though, and the draw will require him to find some trip luck to be a player.

RACE 3 - (2) BELTANE A has 3 wins in his last 6 tries at this level, a close 2nd, and major excuses in the

other two races - draws inside all his main foes tonight, and that may be enough to get him back to the

winner's circle. (4) ROBBIE BURNS N took a suspicious drop to 30s two back and was a solid winner -

was claimed that night, but had no chance from a bad spot in his first try for new connections - eligible to

come up with a much better effort tonight with the move inside. (6) MACHIAVELLI has taken 5 of his last

6, including 4 of 5 for this incredible barn - will be a tough assignment from Post 6, but it's hard to NOT

use anything this incredible crew sends out these days. (8) REGAL SON has been razor sharp for weeks,

and sports a 10-4-1-4 record here at Yonkers - the only reason he's listed this far down is Post 8...and the

likelihood of a pretty tough trip coming his way. (3) LIFEONTHEBEACH A was a conservative 5th upon

arrival from NJ last week - not quite sure just how well he fits with these, but will pay close attention here.

(5) PERFECTBOY HANOVER returns from NJ where he was having success against these claiming types,

but he wasn't nearly as good when he raced here in the past - we'll see if he's just a better horse now. (7)

CRUZING HILL benefited from a beautiful trip/drive last week to score the upset off the long layoff - barn

sending them out live the past couple of weeks, but this could be a very tough spot. (1) DARK ENERGY N

was in career form right before the winter break, but hasn't been the same since returning - waiting to see

some spark in him before hopping back on his team.

RACE 4 - (2) ITSGOODTOBEDAKING has his off weeks, but he's won 5 of his 20 local starts, moves

way inside after a hopeless 8 hole trip in last, and meets nothing too scary in here - expecting a big effort

from him tonight. (4) MY MIND IS MADEUP has been a solid weekly player for some time, and getting

caught behind a tiring leader last week definitely hurt - he's pretty camera shy, but definitely a good one for

exotics. (1) DESIRES CAPTAIN rallied well for pieces 3 and 4 starts back - was dull in his next, but used a

ground saving trip to rebound with a close 3rd in his last - rail draw makes him a legitimate threat for a nice

chunk. (5) SHOREVIEW was claimed by a (small) barn that has enjoyed incredible success here, but got

parked from Post 8 and never had a prayer - has to end up with an easier trip tonight, but he's also a bit

unproven at this level - would consider IF the price is good enough. (6) MAJESTIC KIWI N was claimed

for $15K 3 back, rallied very nicely for 4th vs. 20s in his next, then rallied again vs. the 30s last week to be

2nd - good bomb for the bottom of exotics. (3) AMERICAN REBEL was well backed moving inside last

week but was a "meh" 4th - eligible to be sharper this week, but he's unappealing from a wagering

standpoint at that 2-1 ML price. (7) MISSILE SEELSTER will be helped by the drop to 30s but not by the

outside draw - ends up with the pilot that figured to be driving #5! (8) FOX VALLEY INFERNO doesn't

seem sharp enough to be a serious threat from out here.

RACE 5 - (1) BRACKLEY BEACH raced well in his last 3 starts here facing better - returns from a no

chance spot at Dover, draws the pole for the talented training tandem and gets to call the shots - the one to

beat. (3) KERFORD ROAD A also gets some class relief, draws inside, and should be able to be a lot more

involved than in his last couple - logical player. (5) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP has been picking up

smaller pieces vs. better in his last few - this may be a spot where Kakaley can be more aggressive, and that

would make him a legitimate threat against these. (2) IM A GIGOLO N seems more comfortable vs. a bit

cheaper but the good draw should result in a decent trip...and that would give him a chance at a small piece.

(4) SO MANY ROADS will likely look to save ground and rally late...and that could result in him rallying

for a minor share, with a bit of racing luck. (6) MICKY GEE N just hasn't been close to top form in some

time - hard to consider right now, even with the class drop. (7) HERRICKROOSEVELT N has been using

easy trips to pick up a bunch of smaller pieces lately - may not be able to be as successful from out here,

though. (8) CYCLONE BANNER N was a wire to wire winner last week but now draws Post 8 while also

taking a double jump in class - faces an uphill battle tonight.

RACE 6 - (1) MAJOR CROCKER A was racing off a sick scratch last week but was still sent off at 4/5,

racing super to finish a close 2nd to the easier-trip winner - moves all the way inside for the tiny barn with

the big winning %, and deserves top billing tonight. (2) MARK WITHA K has been right there in a bunch

of starts at the $50K claiming level, and now gets both post and class relief - logical threat. (4) EDDARD

HANOVER was no factor in his last 3 (all terrible posts), but had a pair of 2nds the two starts before that -

not a bad week to include him on your tickets, at a decent price. (3) WESTERN HILL really does his better

racing on the lead - not sure he can get there tonight, but he can at least race a little closer to the pace -

chance for a piece. (8) BALLERAT BOOMERANG returns off some fine tries at The Swamp against

similar claiming classes, but it's hard to say if those fields are as tough as these - won't be easy from out

here, but he does have a pilot that will leave with any horse, from any spot....not a bad one if looking for a

price. (5) KINNDER JACKSON was in for $50K, scratched sick, and now drops in for $10K less than the

recent claim price - could be a red flag...proceed with caution. (6) ROCK N TONY is definitely better in

30s - may be able to battle these from a good post, but not sure about his chances from out here. (7) CINN

AMACK figures to be coming from too far back to make any real noise.

RACE 7 - (4) PAT STANLEY N finished with plenty of pace from well out of it last week - moves inside,

goes from Cory to Jordan, and is capable of handling better than these when sharp - should be tough here

with a live trip. (3) OUR MAX PHACTOR N had been sharp with a little cheaper for several starts before

landing in a no prayer spot last week - the move inside should make him a legitimate contender tonight. (8)

TWIN B TUFFENUF is the "x factor" here - he's being allowed to make a TRIPLE class drop, and can

leave well enough to get in play even from Post 8 - when sharp, he can beat MUCH better than these, but

the question is whether he's sharp enough RIGHT NOW to do so...worth considering if the price is right.

(2) THE WILD CARD has been picking up good pieces against this type lately, and gets major post relief -

definitely one to include in exotics. (5) GRIFFON HANOVER rarely gets his picture taken here so the fact

that he won last week really speaks volumes about how hot this barn is right now - this bunch does seem a

little tough for him, though. (6) FOO FIGHTER N was a decent 3rd at Fhd. last week after a trip of 7 holes

vs. better here at Yonkers - gets some class relief, but is it enough to make him a contender? (7) MAJOR

BETTS was 3rd in his return qua. at Fhd. for a barn that usually WINS qualifiers over there by huge

margins - guessing he'll need a start or two. (1) ONE OFF DELIGHT A draws another rail, but just hasn't

been sharp at all lately.

RACE 8 - (1) VELOCITY KOMODO really looked like he'd be a winner turning for home last week but

lacked his usual late pop, and came up half a length short - should be looking at a nice trip here, and this

$75K claimer did come up a little on the weaker side tonight....chance to make amends. (5) LYONS KING

was a winner in this class in his last start, but faced no pressure, and was looking for the wire at the end -

definitely can repeat, but also figures to be somewhat overbet. (2) PASS A GRILLEBEACH actually got

beat at the bottom level last week - normally that would make him hard to use in a $75K claimer, but he did

carve out some wicked fractions, and could be better tonight with a close up. stalking trip. (8) AIR FORCE

HANOVER is feeling pretty good these days, but jumps from 50s to 75s while also drawing all the way

outside - took his last, but may be looking at a smaller piece tonight. (3) THE DOWNTOWN BUS may be

able to pick up a share with an easy trip, but he's 0 for 18 here (last 2 years) and hard to consider for a top

slot. (7) PRINCE MCARDLE N has proven he can hang with these, but the outside draw may leave him at

a major disadvantage - much trip luck will be needed. (4) PADUKA N definitely seems a bit below these -

wait for an easier spot. (6) ROLLING WITH SAM almost looks like he was entered in the wrong class.

RACE 9 - Good race! (1) SOHO LENNON A seemed to appreciate a couple of weeks off as he returned on

his best game, and jogged in his last start - steps back up to face the 100s, but he's beaten these a couple of

times already...and may be able to take advantage of the draw to pick up another win in this VERY solid

field! (6) ENVIRONS HANOVER was a nice 15-1 overlay winner last week, and he certainly earned that

victory - barn is hitting on all cylinders right now, and this guy WILL be a decent price once more -

consider. (2) JOESSTAR OF MIAA has raced well in this class a bunch of times, and moves in from last

week's Post 8 draw - very logical threat for a barn that's been winning at an insane rate since December! (3)

SAN DOMINO A is a threat to deliver a big mile on any given week, but also tends to be somewhat

unreliable...worth a look if the price is right. (5) LOUS SWEETREVENGE has been razor sharp in 75s -

moved up to this level off the claim last week, and just missed to #6 - could be a late danger IF things get

testy up front. (4) WALKINSHAW hasn't been a threat in his last 3 but won 2 of 3 at this level just prior to

that - another that can be dangerous late if things get too hot and heavy up top. (8) JESSE DUKE N has

proven that he belongs with these in his current form, but will need a lot to go his way to threaten from all

the way out here. (7) FOREVER FAV has been a model of consistency for so long, but has missed a month

(scr. sick) and starts from Post 7 - stick with others for tonight.

RACE 10 - (6) LEONIDAS A saw his 3 race win streak ended last week when he was used just a little too

hard from Post 8 getting the lead, and came up a neck short at the end - the classy import has been looking

super, and we'll give him a chance to start a new streak tonight. (4) DRAGON SAID was actually sent off

favored for his first start in 4 months, landed on a perfect trip but was just a little short at the wire - he's

perhaps the most impressive of all the Dynamic Duo's many "rags to riches" stories, and it would be no

surprise to see him pick up another Open win tonight. (2) DIAMONDBEACH was an excellent first over

2nd to the short price winner last week, and now bumps back up to the open - maybe he can work out a

good enough trip for another nice piece. (5) SPEED MAN N was our choice last week, and he rewarded us

with a dead game, 7-1 upset win - may land on a tougher trip tonight, though. (1) BRAEVIEW BONDI N

hasn't been as successful since climbing his way to the Open level - will look to just tow along, and hope to

take home a small piece. (3) TYGA HANOVER is another solid performer who really does his best work

with a bit easier.

RACE 11 - Very tough race! (1) SOHO WALLSTREET A has been pretty sharp for weeks, and rattled off

a very sharp mile in last week's victory - will go for new connections tonight, but the draw may give him

the edge he needs to make it 2 in a row. (6) CHANGE STRIDE N had an outstanding 2021 season and is

currently riding a 3 race win streak - if Marohn works out a manageable trip, he can be right there once

more. (2) JIMS PERFET TEN has picked up a lot of pieces at this level, but last week's first over 2nd place

finish to #1 (off the claim) was his best effort of all - if he can replicate that, he'll be a big factor again. (5) I

GET THAT was yet another big priced winner for this barn last week, and he went a BIG mile to do it -

steps up in class tonight, and we'll see if he can be as effective against these. (3) CHICKEN NUGGET

drops back down to 30s after weakening vs. the 40s last week - this level may still be a little higher than

he'd prefer, but he's still eligible to pick up a nice chunk, with the right trip. (8) SWEET N FAST was

taking a suspicious drop to 30s last week but went a big effort, coming up 2nd best to #5 after being used

hard - moves up for a new barn tonight, and it won't be easy to overcome this spot. (7) LATE MAIL N

figures to have speed leaving inside of him, and that will probably leave him in a tough spot - wait for a

better scenario. (4) CENTURY GRIZZLY steps up in class off a sick scratch for his new connections -

prefer to just observe this week.

RACE 12 - Another tough one in the finale: (6) OZONE BLUE CHIP took a suspicious drop down to 20s

last week but went a BIG mile from Post 8, just missing by a nose - steps back up to 30s off the claim but

he'll be a big price in a wide open race, and perhaps can light up the tote board. (5) BEVANS CULLEN N

never stays in one barn long enough to get comfortable and this week is no exception - took a little too long

to get rolling last time but on his best, has beaten these several times recently. (4) JOJOS PLACE has been

racing very well but threw a complete dud for a new barn last week - ends up in a new barn again for

tonight, and we'll see if he can bounce right back. (3) MARTY MONKHOUSER A is very consistent in

this class, and was a pocket winner 2 back - add him to the list of (very) possible winners. (7) MARINER

SEELSTER is 13 years old and STILL gets claimed almost every single week - he's been 2nd 4X already

this year but has yet to get his picture taken - starting from Post 7 won't make that task any easier tonight.

(1) PACING MAJOR N only raced 5X last year, but was pretty good in most of those starts - took off

another 5 months, and was dull in NJ last week. vs. 40s - drops and draws the pole, but it's hard to say if

he's sharp enough right now to be a serious player. (2) SWAGASAURUSREX was empty in his first start

off the claim, and has been away for a month since then - as noted previously, his barn is red hot right now -

but this guy may not be ready to deliver his best just yet. (8) LA PLAYER A is 0 for 15 here at YR, and

Post 8 figures to keep him away from the winner's circle for at least another week.