Possible Clues:

• Like sandlots
• Horse in a race
• ... blank, as gents often are!
• Empty tin into large vessel
• Empty vessel filling another?
• Empty container found outside jail
• Virginia, California and Northern Territories are free
• Empty tank container must be loaded
• Worker on short holiday showing no interest
• ''For oft, when on my couch I lie / in ... or in pensive mood'' (Wordsworth)