Monday Empire Report

The Empire Report – Monday, September 29, 2025 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (2) ALL ALONE has been very sharp for some time, and that includes last week’s sizzling 1:51.2 front end score – he absolutely deserves top billing, but he does go for a new (small) barn tonight, so be careful about falling in love at too short a price. (1) JUST ENUFF STUFF was sent off at 3/5 last week despite moving up to 40s (off the claim), but he faltered badly on the lead – drops back down to 30s, drops right back in the box, and could bounce right back with a much bigger effort. (4) ALWAYSCUTTINSCHOOL is a solid performer at this level as long as he lands on a decent trip – decent chance to grab a small piece. (5) C BET HANOVER is usually a big price, but often rallies well to outrace his odds – never a bad one for the bottom of exotics. (3) LOUS THE ATTITUDE dropped in for a tag last week and had some pace finishing for 4th – chance for another small piece tonight. (6) CAP TAIN PARADISE had pace in his last pair but from tough spots – might have been listed higher if not for the awful draw. (7) WELL THATS MARKY has been racing well but he steps up in class off the claim, and figures to be hurt badly by the draw. (8) PINE BUSH ITALIANO will be hard pressed to get into the hunt from out here 

RACE 2 – (2) SLIP THE HUNDY N has really elevated his game since joining this barn 4 starts back, and shouldn’t have any trouble handling the class jump after last week’s dominant front end score – solid chance to take another. (1) KINGSVILLE leveled off in his last few after a nice form spree just prior to that, but the rail draw and class drop could see him rebound with a sharper try tonight – could be dangerous with the right trip. (4) HELLABALOU has obviously lost a bit on his fastball this year, but he can still be a legitimate player at THIS level – leaning to the top two, but he’d hardly be a surprise. (3) DEUCE HANOVER has been thriving for his current barn and was a very sharp 3rd last week, in his local debut – he’s forced to move up TWO classes tonight, but that 20-1 ML price does make him at least a little intriguing. (5) LUCAPELO A seems off his best game right now, but that doesn’t mean he can’t grab a share with an easy enough trip. (6) WINDSUN RICKY can do damage at this level, but probably needs a better draw to do so – might look better with a class drop, next week. (7) SOUTHWIND CELSIUS is just 9-1-0-0 at YR this year, and his best recent PcD tries have come vs. easier – tough draw for his local return. (8) THONG CONTROL gets hit with Post 8 AND a double class jump tonight – sticking with others 

RACE 3 – (8) DUNKIN has certainly been off his best game recently but he did appreciate last week’s easy pocket trip behind heavily favored CATALPA RESCUE A, and was easily 2nd best (chasing the sizzling :26.4 final quarter) – he gets major class relief here, and has the speed to at least find a manageable trip despite Post 8 – giving him the tepid nod. (1) ROCKIN JUKEBOX was well backed from Post 8 last week and used a fast start to pick up a nice 2nd (behind #2) – if #8 doesn’t fire tonight, he could be a very strong player from this spot. (6) AARDIES FLASH N missed 2 months after a lame scratch on 7/7, qualified back nicely and finished crisply in his (PA) return try off the conservative steer – if the board suggests he’s “live” tonight, he’s more than capable against these types. (2) MY UL TIMATE BYRON A picked up his first victory in some time last week, helped by a beautiful trip – gets a good draw, and should be part of the equation here too. (3) TWIN B DELUXE has enjoyed an excellent year but does seem at least a bit off top form right now – minor share? (5) THE IDEAL DANCER A has been solid since the barn change but may need to be in a little easier to be a threat for the top slot – ok for minor spoils. (4) ROYAL DESIRE saw his 3 race winning streak end abruptly last week when he got on a line leaving and made a break – he now has to face tougher, and that has us leaning towards others. (7) MANFERNO qualified quietly after a month off and the guess is that he’ll be very conservative tonight as well, after drawing so poorly. 

RACE 4 – (4) ULYSSES was sharp in NJ after joining a barn that has really excelled with fresh stock, then turned in an excellent try here at Yonkers too, finishing just behind a razor sharp ALL ALONE in that hot 1:51.2 mile – this is a solid field, but we’ll still give him the narrow nod. (2) ALTA CLASSIC A was on an excellent roll before a sick scratch, followed by Post 7 – moves back inside, and would be a serious player if he’s ready to deliver his best effort (1) DONTLIKEITLEAVE has raced very well since dropping to 40s and that includes his last (even if it’s hard to tell from the line) – he may have been the top choice if Bartlett was here tonight, but he’s tougher to endorse at that 9/5 ML price with the switch to Miller. (5) SMOOTH LOU was content to trail from Post 8 last start but that was on the heels of a win, and a pair of very narrow nose losses– another that becomes a threat on his best effort (7) MUSIC HALL is in raging form, even managing to hold 3rd last week after getting caught in a suicidal speed duel – no luck at the draw for his new connections, however, and it may be tough to overcome Post 7 without a big helping of trip luck. (3) WALKINSHAW N doesn’t feel like a threat to win, but he’s a steady player with a chance for a piece, with a trip. (8) PYRO has struggled in all his starts from outside posts lately – sticking with others. (6) AMERICAGREA TAGAIN just feels overmatched, especially from Post 6 

RACE 5 – (2) CAMOUFLAGE MONEY is a streaky sort that came to life with the 22-1 upset two back, then confirmed it was no fluke with last week’s solid finishing 4th (from an impossible spot) – he loses Kakaley to #6 (he stays loyal to his best account), but Kelly can get the job done as well. (5) SOUTHWIND PETYR hit board in 6 of his last 7 starts, and was actually very good the week that he didn’t – he finished with good pace last week despite getting bothered on turn three, and looms a solid threat for tonight. (4) LYONS BENJAMIN had been looking a bit off his best game recently but was definitely a solid 3rd last week – belongs in exotics, and maybe even a chance to come out on top. (1) HEAVEN ON HIGH N was a dullish 4th off the barn change last week but it’s way too soon to write off his chances – if he’s live on the tote board, perhaps give him some extra consideration. (7) SCRIBBLERS moved back to his favorite barn last and was able to deliver a form reversing victory, even if helped by a “fall apart” race vs. cheaper – this feels like a tough spot, but maybe he can rally for a share? (6) REIGNING DEO was terrific in that victory 3 back, but he hasn’t been nearly as good in any of his other starts– leaning elsewhere (3) GALANTE A is just 1 for 21 at Yonkers over the past 2 years – prefer others. (8) I DRAINTHESWAMP A lands Post 8 after missing 3 weeks – good week to observe, for next time 

RACE 6 – (1) SHAKESPEARE finished alertly 2 back (off the claim) then was very sharp taking his last, even if the trip worked out beautifully (at a very generous 12-1 payoff) – his price will surely come down tonight, but he does have a legitimate chance to repeat. (4) CUT N RUN N was razor sharp when he went on the shelf back in Feb. – he returned after missing 7 months at the $60K level, but dropped to 30s for his next – he was an excellent 2nd that night, was raised to 40s for his last, and raced super once more, even if 2nd best to #2 – should be a big player again tonight. (2) SPEAKER OF PEACE worked out a very nice trip off the barn change last week and rallied to a solid victory – he goes for another new barn tonight, but also gets a new pilot…would need a decent price to look for him to repeat. (3) SADDLE UP is tough as nails, and that’s why he’s won an incredible 20 of his 41 local starts – he’s also making a move to 40s tonight, while moving to a barn that’s just 2 for 50 here in 2025…demand a decent price if he’s your top pick. (5) GOLIATH HANOVER dropped back down to 40s last week (after a try at the $60K level) and just wasn’t sharp at all – possible, but leaning more towards a few to his inside. (8) SLING SHOCK draws Post 8 for his new barn after getting brutally parked last week – terrible spot! (6) ITALIAN LAD N is very camera shy, but can grab pieces (at nice price) sometimes – maybe 3rd/4th? (7) GDS THUNDER GB wasn’t bad trying the 40s last week, but likely needs a much better draw to compete at this level 

RACE 7 – (2) PANETTONE HANOVER can throw some big efforts when things go his way and last week was a clear reminder – he’s moving up a peg, but these types are still within his comfort zone, when sharp – the good draw should make him a big threat to repeat. (5) WASA HEAT SEEKER N was hurt when SOHO SANTORINI A left (and got rough) to his inside last week, was parked out as a result, and deserves a complete pass – he’s used to facing better, has 2 local wins on the front end and may be able to get there tonight – worth considering. (1) MYULTIMAT EBAXTER N worked out a nice pocket trip last week and was a solid 2nd best – he’s in line for another good journey tonight, with a chance for another nice chunk. (6) SOHO SANTORINI A probably should have been 2nd in his 2nd U.S. start (ended up 3rd) then was a bit disappointing again last week, forced to drop in 3rd after getting steppy on the first turn, then drifting in the lane and costing himself a chance at 2nd – he’ll put it all together sooner or later, but he’d need to be a decent price to use on top tonight. (7) ROCKMYSTER N has been holding form nicely, and not a bad bomb for the bottom exotics…even from out here. (3) DEETZY will attract some attention off the class drop but the mega-classy 13YO has been off his game for some time, and feels pretty iffy at the moment. (8) POP IT hit board in all 3 starts since a short layoff, but has much to overcome tonight with the terrible draw. (4) HYPEBEAST could probably use some class relief, though is eligible here for minor spoils, with an easy trip 

RACE 8 – (7) JAMAICAN ROCK A hadn’t done much to really distinguish himself in Australia so it was certainly surprising (to say the least) to see him rattle off wins in his first 6 U.S. starts, including 3 straight Invitationals here at Yonkers – he did finally get beat last week, but was still 3rd to CAPTAIN ALBANO (and COACHES CORNER) in the Grade 2 Aria Invitational, despite being parked from the start going 1 ¼ miles – tough spot here for sure, but still worthy of top billing. (4) SOHO FIRESTONE A had a tough time in the Aria, stuck at the back then bolting to the rake yard after a break on the final turn – he qualified back super, and did finish 2nd to #7 in his prior 2 starts – maybe he can turn the tables tonight? (2) WHATS STANLEY GOT A found his form a couple of months ago and has held it right up to this top level – he was an excellent 2nd last week, and not a bad one to consider if looking for a longshot play. (6) MOSSDALE BEN N finally showed the gate speed we assumed he had last week, but ended up viciously parked through fractions of :26.3, :53.4, and 1:22…yet still was able to get by the leader into the stretch and almost hold 2nd – he’s clearly ready to win one, making the 2nd start for his new listed trainer – consider if the price is fair. (5) VERDUN could be looking at another tough spot tonight, but he’s never a bad one to include when the price creeps up. (1) ALWAYS A THRILL is having trouble getting back to peak form – the rail might help, but others seem more appealing right now. (3) HIMSELF N came into his last razor sharp, landed on a dream trip but lacked the stretch pop to capitalize – may need to be in a little easier 

RACE 9 – (2) HEMSWORTH N drops back down to the level he beat 2 back, should be in line for a good trip and while he’s not always the most dependable horse on the planet, he still figures to have a solid chance vs. these. (5) RACING RAMPAGE hasn’t been able to get back to last year’s peak form, but he’s at least been a pretty steady player lately at these levels – he should be pretty tight after being involved in a pair of quick Pocono miles, and a good trip would make him plenty dangerous. (1) VICIOUS has been just that lately, doing excellent work ever since changing barns in July – he steps up a bit, but the rail draw should help offset that…he’ll be right there to take advantage if the top pair fail to deliver. (4) AMERICAN DEALER N hasn’t done much winning lately, but almost always is in the hunt – belongs in exotics. (3) TWIN B POWERBALL gets post relief, but also moves up a notch – seems destined to tow along, looking for some minor spoils. (6) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N is clicking right now, but will be asked to handle both a double class jump AND a bad draw tonight – figures to hurt his chances quite a bit (7) COPPERFIELD draws poorly after missing 3 weeks and moving up in class, (8) BENHOPE RULZ N has been holding his own even at higher levels than he’s used to, but Post 8 does figure to cramp his style tonight 

RACE 10 – (4) NIGHT HAWK showed life off the class drop 2 back and wasn’t bad last week either – he drops down to the level he beat on 7/29, and we’ll look for him to bring a top effort tonight. (5) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A was well backed last week, aggressively driven, and did hold 3rd after being passed by a couple of classy rivals (who sat right behind him) – a live trip makes him a big player once more. (3) DANCIN SANCHO perked up quickly for his new barn, charging home from way back in his local debut, just missing in his next then scoring at $3 last week – he'll face tougher now, but should be able to hang with these too. (2) HICKFROMFRENCHLICK has gone some big miles this year (even vs. better), and paid some big prices – he’s missed 3 weeks, however (sick scratch), and does feel a little iffy for tonight. (6) ROCK THE BELLES held 2nd after chasing from the pocket last week but just hasn’t been finishing his miles well enough lately – drawing outside a few main foes figures to hurt his chances here (1) ORLANDO BLUE A threw a dud off a decent trip last week but is capable of better – ok to include underneath if you think he can rebound with one of his better efforts. (8) PRINTVILLE moves up a notch off an 8th place finish but the class rise isn’t nearly as concerning as another 8 hole! (7) SAVE ME A DANCE would like a much better post, in a much easier field.