The Empire Report – Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Race Analysis
RACE 1 – (3) LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND has been very solid in his 10 starts this year, can race on or off the pace
and is usually a pretty fair price – definitely worth a play in a field where a couple of horses that will take $$ are
question marks. (5) THE BALLYKEEL DEAL picked up 2nds to a couple of sharp winners in his last pair – no
inside draw tonight, but a quick start still puts him in play for another good piece. (6) DRACO S lands outside again
but he does fit at this level, and that 20-1 ML price makes him worth considering for exotics. (2) BAR COINS was
an even 4th last week, and probably capable of better – willing to consider including underneath. (1) J S HOPSCOT
CH hasn’t looked in either start since the recent claim – he’s certainly eligible to bounce back at any time, but that
3/2 ML price is pretty hard to justify. (4) FLIP THE SWITCH won 4 straight not long ago but has been going in the
wrong direction recently – another that could end up a bit overbet in here
RACE 2 – (2) P L NOTSONICE shows a pair of wins sandwiched around a 2nd to the often-beastly TIPSY MONI in
her last 3 starts – she’s not a “cinch” here, but she’s certainly the one to beat. (3) PARISO turned in a good one in her
first try at this level, laying off the early pace then finishing full of trot – could be worth a look here if the price is
good enough. (5) PERFECT VIXEN has really blossomed for her current barn, going from low level Stga. mare to a
weekly Invitational threat – she was worn down by the top choice last time, but it would hardly be a shock to see her
turn the tables tonight. (6) MAY BABY has been holding her form beautifully as she’s climbed the classed out of
town– lands in a pretty tough spot for her local debut, however, and may have to settle for a smaller slice tonight. (1)
GLOBAL GIRL faced solid older horses in her first 2 starts this year in PA and the 4YO is hard to gauge class-wise
– it’s nice to see Goodell coming in to drive her, but we’ll be sticking with the locals for now. (4) LADY JETER
garbs small pieces here and there – definitely prefer others for the top slots
RACE 3 – (2) ALL CHAMPY was well backed in his 3rd start off a long layoff and was able to deliver the sharp
front end score – just missed to #4 in his last, but we’ll give the classy 10YO a chance to make amends. (4) MAX
dropped in for a tag last week, sat pocketed behind the top choice and was able to collar him late (at a generous 6-1
price) – he can absolutely get it done again, but he’ll need the trip to work AND the price will likely come down
quite a bit. (1) INN AT RODANTHE faltered on the lead last week but his overall recent form has been very good –
he exits our leading barn, but he lands with a trainer that has done excellent work off the claim this year – could be a
very live player. (6) WILLY WALTON is pretty in and out and lands a terrible post – he did upset at 19-1 three back,
however, and his barn has sent out their share of live longshots this year – worth a look at 20-1 ML? (3) BEERTHIR
TY K is 0 for 11 this year, and just 1 for 23 at Yonkers (last 3 years) – he’s really not a bad horse, though, and could
grab a small piece. (5) PERRON hot board in his last pair but was just “ok” both times – leaning more toward others
RACE 4 – (1) GENIUS MAN was a good-trip 2nd last week and was also a close 2nd 3 back (to a sharp KIMBLE A)
– he moves to a new barn, draws the pole, and does have a decent amount of back class – we’ll give him the narrow
edge. (3) HURRIKANEKINGJAMES figures almost every week, is always in play but just hasn’t been able to get to
the winner’s circle since February – maybe tonight’s the night? (6) KERFORD ROAD A saw his 4 race winning
streak ended last week but was hurt by an unlucky trip and still raced very well – tonight’s draw may present some
challenges, so make sure to get a decent price if trying him on top. (5) HUDSON PHIL blasted from Post 8 and
whacked out some wicked fractions before finally giving way and tiring last week – if nothing else, he should be
pretty tight for tonight! (4) WON LAST FEELING made a perfectly timed move to beat easier 2 back but came up
well short moving up to this $30K level last week – will need to be better. (2) BALLERAT BOOMERANG has 13
starts this year and still hasn’t been 1st or 2nd – hard to recommend these days
RACE 5 – (2) DUVAL STREET went a BIG mile from Post 8 in NW15000 two back but then didn’t even pretend
to be interested last week – drops, moves inside, and this may be a spot to hop on his team. (1) THE REGULATOR
doesn’t look great on paper right now but he manages to grab more than his share of wins every year, and often
comes alive in a big way from spots like this – possibility. (4) SPLASH BROTHER got a big drop last week but
wasn’t into the tough trip he landed on – drops even more, and a big wake up call could be imminent – another live
player. (3) YOROKOBI N is another getting class relief, but faces others in the same boat – he’s been solid most of
the year, and should at least be a threat for exotics. (5) SOUTHBEACH HANOVER has been 5th in 4 straight starts
and just seems a bit of his best game – minor share? (6) AUSSIE HANOVER was no factor in 2 starts since the
claim and lands a tough spot for tonight. (7) HES SPECIAL figures to have a hard time getting involved from Post 7
RACE 6 – Amateur Race: (4) BONTONI DEGATO S tried to leave from Post 8 last week, had to make a full retreat
then chased a sizzling 1:54.4 mile (John Brennan Trot Consolation) – he’s been facing much better all year, and
almost any of his other recent tries would stand out against these – the one to beat. (2) CAL MILES N SHELL
comes into this off a win and a 2nd, and has a pilot that is surely very familiar with him (his owner/trainer) – should
be able to have a big say. (3) SKYWAY PROFESSOR pulled off an upset here on 3/21, and raced well several times
since then – could add some value to the ticket. (1) DOO WOP KID used a good trip to pick up a close 3
rd last week and his driver has enjoyed good recent success here – logical one to use in exotics. (5) ALLINDOTIME won here as
the favorite 2 back, and had a pair of Amateur wins in NJ in March – another that could be in the mix with the right
trip. (7) DINGLE is worth at least a look as he’s listed at 20-1 ML and does have a pair of recent Fhd. blowout wins.
(6) PSALMSFORTYSIXFIVE has done some good work recently but the poor draw may limit him for tonight. (8)
DARK POOL lands all the way outside after a miscue and qualifier – tough spot!
RACE 7 – (1) DWS POINT MAN didn’t fire his best shot last week adding Lasix for the first time – it’s possible
that he’ll be better the 2nd time around, and he’s gone plenty of miles this year that could make him a threat in here –
one of several possibilities in a tough race. (5) EPOS OSTERVANG DK had been SO reliable for much of the past 2
years it was definitely a bit of a surprise to see him make that early miscue last week – his sharp connections drop
him right back in the box, so perhaps he’ll bounce right back with his typically sharp mile. (4) GAELIHILL got
worn down by the classy KEG STAND last week, before losing 2nd to the equally classy HERODOTUS – he faces
an easier field tonight, and could have a bigger say. (3) MANCLANE is certainly sharp but he steps up in class for a
new barn tonight and we’ll see if he can be as successful with these. (6) MISSISSIPPI STORM was a dull 4 th last
week, and draws poorly tonight– he has plenty of back class, but may need to wait for a better spot. (2) HAT TRICK
MARLEAU made a break last week and just seems a bit off form, in general.
RACE 8 – Interesting Invitational! (2) HERODOTUS prepped nicely for his 4YO return and was very good in his
first start back, leaving hard at the start then kicking home strong for 2nd behind a talented winner – should be even
tighter now, and we’ll see if he can use his post advantage over some of his main rivals. (8) HILLEXOTIC is 2 for 2
here this year, was 4 for 5 in 2023 and 11-3-4-1 in ’22 – lands all the way outside, however, and may face some
adversity...make sure to get a fair price if using on top. (7) NOWS THE MOMENT had to take back in a couple of
recent starts and was no factor...but he was back on top last week and rattled off a sizzling 1:53.3 victory – he’s won
way too many of these to ever take lightly! (5) ROYALTY BEER has hit board in a bunch of these Invitationals and
thrived throughout the recent John Brennan Series as well (horrible trip in the Final) – could add some value to the
exotics. (6) CREDIT CON can be highly unpredictable...but IF he shows up on his best game, he’s another with a
chance for a piece, at a price. (3) I GET IT has done well since arriving from Dover, hitting board in 3 of 6 starts
(with one victory) – likely just hoping for a minor piece tonight, however. (4) TEXSONG SOPRANO has hung in
there in his 2 starts at this level, but is another likely looking at only minor spoils for tonight. (1) P L OSCAR is
listed on the bottom but he does have speed from the pole, so a small share is never impossible
RACE 9 – (6) BLACK TIE BASH may be worth a stab in a pretty wide open race – he had a couple of off weeks 3
and 4 back but rebounded with a better one on 4/25, then kicked home full of trot from an impossible spot last week
– he’ll need things to get testy up front to have a chance from this spot but that MAY happen – appealing at that 20-1
ML price. (2) SHARE THE WEALTH won a pair of Pocono starts after the barn change then picked up a pair of
2nds locally, one from well off the pace and one on the lead – sharp enough to do some damage here, with a trip. (3)
HIGHLAND MOWGLI could only manage 3rds in his last pair but chasing better – he drops, loves to win races and
looms a very real threat...but he also figures to be overbet. (1) JULA MUSCLE PACK has done his best work with
a little cheaper this year but he’s looking at a good trip from this spot and that could put him in play for a decent
piece. (4) VINNY DE VIE had been knocking on the door for a few starts then finally picked up a win last week
when things really went his way – faces tougher now, and that may limit him to a smaller prize. (5)
SEVENSHADESOFG REY was on a good roll before last week’s miscue – hard to say if he’ll shrug it off and
bounce right back, and he’s facing a pretty solid bunch even if he does. (7) TOP ME OFF has gone a few really big
miles this year but he lands all the way outside after a miscue and a scratch – sticking with others tonight
RACE 10 – (3) BIG DREAM FELLA was an excellent 2nd off a bad date 2 back, then built off that mile with last
week’s front end jogburger– faces a few live foes tonight, but remains the one to beat in his current form. (5) FINAL
CHEESERECIPE was a close 2nd behind prolific winner TAKE A CLOSER LOOK 3 back, won his next, then kicked home full of pace for 4th last week from well out of it – chance for the upset with a bit of trip luck. (1) LAZ wasn’t at his best when 3rd last week, but he’s capable of better and already gone some big miles this year – his price should drift up a bit, and he may be worth another try. (4) URIEL BLUE CHIP brought his “good” version last week and was a solid 2nd behind the top choice – he can be frustratingly inconsistent but IF he brings his best again, he can grab another good chunk. (2) AIRY SHADOW was a close 3rd off the pocket trip shipping in from Monti 2 back but
weakened off a similar trip last week – he MAY grab another nice journey tonight, and is worth considering
underneath...at a decent price. (6) THE WILL TO PLAY ships in for a barn that could probably with a zebra right
now...but he really does seem to be ambitiously placed based on his recent out of town competition. (7) CENTURY
IGLESIAS draws Post 7 after being no threat in this class off the claim last week.