Thursday, May 14, 2026, Empire Report

The Empire Report – Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Race Analysis

RACE 1 – (3) WARRAWEE WHISPER really took to his new barn last week, a “brush and crush” winner in his fastest mile in at least 2 years – he was awfully good winning 3 back as well, and anything close to those efforts will make him very tough to beat tonight. (2) SKY BOX never got involved from Post 6 last week but tonight’s better draw should have him sitting much closer to the action – solid chance to land somewhere on the ticket. (4) WILLY WALTON turned in a much better effort last week, even if helped by the very easy trip – he’s a streaky sort, and may bring another good one tonight. (1) FOR A DREAMER is generally only a threat for minor pieces and that’s likely what is in store for him tonight, even from the pole. (7) RADIO LAB was “sneak ok” 2 back and did a nice job rallying late for 3rd last week – brutal spot, but still a good bomb for 3rd/4th. (5) IRA WHO used a perfect trip to beat easier in his last, and that was 3 weeks ago – could be a bit vulnerable at a short price tonight. (6) P C FREE WHEE LING has been inconsistent this year, but probably needs a better draw to threaten at this level, even if sharp

RACE 2 – Good race: (3) THONG CONTROL dropped from 40s to 25s two back and was a hard used gutsy winner – he was claimed that night then was sent off at 1/5 for his new connections last week, but couldn’t overcome a very tough trip and finished 4th – he was claimed once more, figures to see his price drift up considerably and that makes him worth a look. (1) DELIGHTFUL DUDE N was caught behind weak cover last week (behind #3) but had plenty of pace finishing after an awful trip – his overall form is very good right now, and he has Gingras from the pole – consider! (2) TELITONTHEMOUNTAIN has struggled in his last 3 after moving up in class but from tough spots in some good fields – he drops in for a tag and MAY be at a level that suits him…hard to take a short price, though. (5) ITALIAN LAD N hinted at improvement recently and did turn in a nice try for 2nd last week, even if helped by being the only leaver – he may have to deal with a tougher trip tonight, though. (4) KARLOO BRADLEY N just toured the oval from Post 7 off the claim last week – he could be more serious tonight, and a juicy price would make him worth a look. (6) BONNIPRINCLOUIS N was empty from Post 8 off the claim then scr. sick last week– leaning elsewhere. (7) BETTOR BY SEASIDE probably needs both an easier class and better post to be a serious player

RACE 3 – (5) TAKE ALL COMERS had been leaving hard in almost all of his recent Yonkers starts but changed it up last week, and was absolutely loaded with trot from the back, after splitting horses in the lane – we’ll give him a narrow vote tonight, as he still figures to be a fair price. (2) COMMODUS A actually trotted very well in his final quarter last week after making an unexpected miscue past 5/8ths – he’s unproven with these types, but maybe he can add some value to the ticket. (3) SOUTHWIND COORS looked like a winner into the stretch last week but started to drift coming to the wire and probably cost him a win – he drops right back in the box, and could be dangerous with some mild adjustments. (4) ASTEROID felt a little off his best for a couple of starts but rebounded with a game front end score last week – another possibility in here, if things go his way. (1) FULL OF MUSCLES came back to earth a bit last week after racing in career form for several starts just prior to that

RACE 4 – (1) QUALITY KID took a little while to find her best form after joining our leading barn but she’s taken her last pair, and will be heavily favored to make it 3 in a row tonight– clearly the one to beat, but probably wouldn’t bet the rent money at 1/5 (or less)! (2) STACKING GREEN was a no threat 4th last week but certainly wasn’t bad in her local debut – gets another good draw, and we’ll see if she can improve enough the 2nd time around to be a bigger player. (6) JAS BLUESTONE draws Post 6 again but has more than enough speed to still get to where he needs to be – likes to win races, and worth a look if the price gets tempting enough. (4) BO SILAS was too far back to make any noise last week but has otherwise hung in pretty well since moving up to this level – could see him grabbing a small share. (5) HAT TRICK MARLEAU came up flat last week and could be in for a tough trip tonight – prefer others. (3) BONTONO DEGATO S figures to fit NW5000 after tonight…and that’s when he can really perk up

RACE 5 – (1) IDEAL SKIES was a pocket rocket winner in her last pair, and is looking at another good trip tonight for her new connections – legitimate chance for a “threepeat”, but she’ll have to earn it. (3) BOUT DAMN TIME A doesn’t win nearly as often as she should but she does race well in a good portion of her starts, and looms a possible upsetter if the race plays out in her favor. (6) IRIS SEELSTER has been racing well in a bunch of recent starts – she would need some trip luck to do some real damage tonight, but she’s absolutely worth at least a look with that 20-1 ML price. (5) YUENGLING perked up nicely to spring the upset last week, even if helped tremendously by the way the race fell apart – she could be a big player here too, but she may also end up a bit overbet. (8) ADALECIA shows some intriguing Ohio lines but she also was racing for a very high % trainer out there – she gets Yannick for her YR debut, but also lands Post 8…would need a pretty nice price to try her on top. (4) FORTUNADA has added some consistency to her game, hitting board in her last pair (cutting the mile) after a form-reversing upset win 3 back – playable underneath. (7) ILLUSION SEELSTER and turn in some BIG miles when she makes the lead…but that doesn’t feel like a possible scenario tonight. (2) WHOS PERFECT is one of the few horses in this barn NOT really thriving right now – needs to up her game.

RACE 6 – Some sharp ones in here! (2) GREEN PASTURES was doing excellent work vs. lesser out of town recently but his return to Yonkers last week (at this NW20000 level) was terrific, as he was forced wide around poor cover yet able to sustain his long bid right through the wire, to just miss to the classy MISSISSIPPI STORM – Bartlet takes him over a couple of other live players, and we’ll try him on top too. (4) BESTFRIEND VOLO was having trouble finishing his miles for a while but he definitely seems to be over that issue – he may have been a little short for his last in PA (caught a hot mile, off 3 weeks) but should be able to really make his presence felt tonight. (3) LEF TIES RIGHTIES has a win and a 2nd from his 2 local tries, and seems ready for his best tonight as he makes his 3rd start back off the layoff – would be no surprise at all. (1) KAZIO DK followed up his win in the Brennan Trotting Final with a gutsy victory in this class last week – he’s looking for his 5th straight win tonight, and there’s a chance he can get it. (5) MAHONE SEELSTER benefited from an inside trip last week to be right there late – a similar trip could help him grab another piece tonight. (6) HIGH SPEED SWAN raced aggressively last week and gave #1 all he could handle – may not be able to replicate that from THIS spot, however. (7) DRIBBLING BI has a lot of class but tonight’s draw may already have him looking forward to next week

RACE 7 – Wide open! (1) OLIVER THE GREAT saw his streak of 4 straight close 2nd place finishes ended when he made a costly early miscue last week…but he did come back to race very well after recovering – he’s stepping up a bit in class here, but he’s been sharp for some time and may end up with a great trip - one of several with a chance in here. (4) CANTSTOP YANKEE added his name to the list of Holland longshot winners this meet when he wired the field from Post 8 at 36-1 three back – he’s continued to race well since then, and looms a big player once more. (3) P L OSCAR is just 1 for 12 this year but has been hitting board pretty regularly in this class lately – can be part of the action once more, at his usual good price. (2) EXQUISITE TASTE is putting together a very solid season, and could end up with another good piece tonight, should the trip come up favorable. (5) ZENMEISTER S does have 2 wins and 2 seconds from his 5 local starts but he’s lost 4 straight, and it’s hard to justify him being the ML favorite in this field – he has a chance, but does figure to end up overbet. (7) PEDAL ON METAL will be coming from well out of it, but does have the late kick for at least a chance at a minor share. (6) WHEELZABLAZIN can be excused for last week’s dud (he does throw them), but he also seems ambitiously placed at this level off the claim. (8) CHEERS HA NOVER is struggling to get his 4YO campaign in gear…tonight’s draw isn’t going to help.

RACE 8 – (6) PAYBACK MONI has always had a TON of ability but now seems able to bring it on a fairly weekly basis– she’s shown that she can get roughed up and still win easily, but can also race super from behind, if necessary – deserves top billing as she looks to make it 2 in a row. (4) GLUTES HANOVER beat #6 fair and square three back but was a no-match 2nd best to her last week – remains the main danger. (2) BAY BREEZE HANOVER is having a really good year of her own, and has certainly earned her way up to this top level – comes off her sharpest effort to date, and we’ll see if she can threaten the top two. (3) ALWAYS A STORY has a nice brush in her and keeps getting better– she’s missed 3 weeks and is facing tougher here, and may be looking at a more modest share tonight. (1) MA ISABELLE pulled off a pair of recent upsets but seems unlikely to be able to do that to these. (5) LAFERRARIDM ANCHE S figures to be coming from too far back tonight to be a serious player

RACE 9 – (4) IM SOME GRADUATE moved up to 20s last week and was sent off favored in his quest for his 4th straight victory but was outbattled and ended up a close 4th – drops back to his preferred 15s tonight, and deserves a chance to make amends. (2) SMOOTH LOU lost all chance when parked last week but raced very well when 2nd the week before – could have a big say tonight (off the claim) with an easier trip. (3) J B GRAM hot board at big prices 2 and 3 back but reverted to his lesser form last week – the “good” version could take home a piece of this. (1) ROC KET FREIGHT is definitely camera shy but this is the kind of spot where he’s a real threat for a decent piece. (5) TAKE A CLOSER LOOK finished 3rd in his last 3 starts but still wouldn’t say he’s been “sharp” – needs to be better if he hopes to contend for a bigger piece tonight. (6) BETTORBUCKLEUP has enjoyed some decent luck lately, winning a fall-apart race 3 back then picking up a “trip 3rd” last week – tough spot tonight, however. (8) ARTIST BE ST beat cheaper in NJ last week but was 10-0-0-0 at Yonkers last year, and was 1 for 40 locally in 2024-25. (7) AL WAYS ROCKIN draws poorly and hasn’t been better than 7th in 5 straight starts.