Aqueduct
Aqueduct: Closer Looks for April 19, 2014
Race 2
| Centripital |
| Hard to overlook the huge gap in his profile yet this field comes up very light even for the low price tag involved; capable of earning another trifecta share based primarily on the latest sharp half-mile drill. |
| From the Point |
| Disappointed as the public choice last month when catching an off-track for the second time; should give a much better account of himself here if there is a fast surface, which is forecast; worthy of exotic wagering inclusion. |
| Metropolitan Storm |
| Cannot recommend as he has yet to earn a money finish; clearly trounced by Wood On the Fire in the latest run with no known excuse; most recent workout does not show any real improvement; pass until further notice. |
| Giulio Cesari |
| Game in defeat in the latest run when splitting the place award; had little chance in his only other Big A main track attempt when unable to stay within range of strong fractions while burdened with the extreme outside slot; fits nicely here. |
| My Mojo |
| Upgraded as far as early speed is concerned in his latest venture; the switch to the main oval could have been the primary reason but he still has much work to do; may do better if reserved off the early leaders this afternoon. |
| Wood On the Fire |
| One of the main speeds to consider but he has been vastly overbet in the last pair of efforts; shorter distance today may help matters yet will also mean another short price on the board; switches to Velazquez who has been on a roll of late. |
| Leatherhead Lurie |
| Newcomer hails from Noonmark, a G3 pure sprinter who banked 354K (his offspring have scored in 3 of 20 debuts); the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 66K earner House of Leaves; a factor by default. |
| Chief Assignment |
| Drops to this low level for the first time and the blinkers are scheduled to be removed; that combination, plus a solid breeze only 8 days ago, can be the catalyst for a sudden turnaround; should offer betting value. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 3
| Hearty Congrats |
| Looked good whipping $12,500 maidens at GP Feb. 21, and Cibelli saw fit to claim him that day, too; then faced tougher and while no match for a runaway winner he stayed on well for 2nd (beaten 9 1/4 lengths); back down in class and while he got whipped last time his Beyer still went up nicely so he's heading the right way. |
| Love Co Bro |
| 4th for $25K here March 30 and was beaten a long, long ways (22 1/2 lengths); still, you can be a bit forgiving - not only was that his first start in a couple months but it came in the slop and he broke slowly; there's no layoff this time, he's down in class but only a peg and Levine also adds blinkers; wouldn't be surprised to see him bounce with a much better effort. |
| Let's Discuss |
| 3rd for $25K here March 30 so today's drop may help; still, it's not as if he was a threat (beaten 5 3/4 lengths); that run also came in the slop and that may not be his best game; well behind Forged when facing tougher March 24 but if you take away his inner track work things seems that much more dicey. |
| Forged |
| Nice win on the inner Feb. 23 and was claimed; trouble is, things haven't gone so well since; yes, did finish 3rd vs. tougher March 24 but he was no factor (beaten 14 3/4 lengths) and his last 2, on this track, weren't very pretty either; and now today he's actually asked to step UP in price to boot. |
| Double Gold |
| Kept to his task nicely to beat $16K NY-bred foes here March 15, after 2 1/2 months off, too; up in price and facing open foes to day but these aren't monsters and don't assume that March 15 win means he's an inner-track specialist only; after all, he won his debut at SAR last sumer and off tha twin was pitched right into a stakes race so they've been optimiistic about him all along; maybe that March 14 maiden win shows he's turned the corner....maybe. - Michael Hammersly |
Race 5
| Straight Fax |
| Didn't have much to offer from a wide spot behind one of these when in for a slightly higher price earlier in the month; he showed improved early foot from the fence in that one and maybe he does so again in here, but don't know that he'll show up with enough late to factor; passing. |
| Meeker Avenue |
| Cuts back a panel after wiring 3 foes for this price last time; the number he earned came back light and though the barn is going well here their numbers on the cut back in distance are weak; think he finds this task a lot tougher; siding against the repeat. |
| Festive Spirit |
| Didn't have much rally in him when stuck in a wide spot in his inner track finale; gelding doesn't win often but his effort 2 back earned a number that fits here and he did win his lone main track outing; gets in light with a capable, but slumping bug getting back aboard. |
| Tiny Predicament |
| Got going too late after a slow beginning to his first main track start of the season; gelding owns numbers from last year that would make him a big threat in this spot and a solid journeyman pilot will get aboard, but he's been off his best game of late and doesn't win very often; prefer others on the win end. |
| Denn Piper |
| Rolled past a cheaper set to win at a slightly longer trip last season and now he'll step up the class ladded under the care of a new outfit; he showed last time that he's capable of handling a one turn trip and the pace in front of him wasn't very quick; can get in the mix here. |
| Superiority |
| Just missed with a late punch in his return to the main main track at the level and now he'll get an extra half panel as well as the services of a solid pilot returning to action; it's been a while since this gelding's last score but maybe his last is a sign he's returning to form over his favorite strip; consider. |
| I Want You to Know |
| Couldn't get to the front running winner who had things his own way through slow splits at the trip last time but he did hold second money on the turn back; 6 year old doesn't look to encounter a whole bunch of pace in this heat either, so expect he'll again find a spot close to the top and figures to have every shot from there; contender. |
| Greeley's Law |
| Statebred tries open claimers in his return from the break; he's looked pretty bad since taken by this barn 10 months ago and there's not a lot to suggest things will go much better for him in here; tough to make any type of case for this longshot. |
| Star of New York |
| Ships back into this circuit after getting beaten by a subsequent repeater (82 Beyer) in his second start of the season at Laurel; number he earned prior to that one in the slop stands out in here and he does have the speed to give his pilot options from this outside draw; with a sharp blowout drill in tow he's the one they'll have to beat. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 6
| A Marked Man |
| Sire is 1-for-10 with his turf starters and multiple stakes placed dam won 4 of 19 starts for 264k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 62k; he didn't get much going in his career debut and it might be worth noting the presence of C.V. aboard another in here. |
| Ride of Your Life |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 6 of 15 starts for 272k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this barn can have one ready for better with a move to turf, and despite losing the services of C.V., it's interesting to see John V. get the call. |
| Canarsie Kid |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a dam who won 2 of 27 starts for 124k, including 1 of 16 turf starts for 78k; this looks like a tough test for a firster, but this barn has success with first-time starters and a few of his works look sharp. |
| Really B Cat |
| Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and minor stakes placed dam won 3 of 6 starts for 69k, and she didn't make a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to Giant's Promise (1-6, 32k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 26k); he attracted wagering support for his career debut and Rice saw fit to claim him for 16k. |
| Fusaichi's Song |
| Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam won once from 14 starts for 26k, including 0-for-6 over turf; he'll need a much improved performance in his turf debut in order to threaten the top contenders in here. |
| Elroi |
| He's shown enough in his five turf starts to merit some consideration against these, but like the others in here, he's going to need to hope that Point Roll takes a step backward to have a chance at the top spot; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 12/6 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 69 Beyer; note that it looks like C.V. had other options to consider in here. |
| Point Roll |
| His belated career debut was a very nice run against a strong group of open maidens and the runner up from that race returned to win next out at GP on 4/12 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 88 Beyer; this gelding is out of a dam who won 4 of 16 turf starts for 102k, and he's a 1/2 to East of Danzig (4-23, 168k over turf). |
| Born in Brooklyn |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this gelding is a 1/2 to stakes placed Dreaming of Cara (3-33, 227k, including 1 of 18 turf starts for 84k); third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 4/9 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 58 Beyer. |
| My Friend Keith |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; he exits the same race as today's rival Born in Brooklyn and this barn does nice work with young/lightly raced horses over turf. |
| Sole Train |
| He's flashed some ability in his first three starts and he's out of a multiple graded stakes winning dam who won 7 of 13 turf starts for 442k; this is a capable turf barn and this colt figures to appreciate moving back in with NY-bred competition. |
| Campion Lane |
| There's not a lot of dirt form worth mentioning in this race, but it isn't like this gelding has shown a lot in his dirt starts; that said, this really wouldn't be a bad spot for him to land in and a couple of his better efforts have been in his two starts over this surface. |
| Readyheartandsoul |
| 105k purchase can benefit from having a race behind him and this will be a favorable spot for this Live Oak-owned runner to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf; must consider. - Brian Pochman |
Race 7
| The Rhythmisright |
| Only 3-year-old in the field tests older rivals for the 1st time; exits a best-last-race Beyer speed figure when running up the score on the lead widening the early advantage in an eye-catching graduation; in 5 races on AQU Main at today's-6.5F distance April 11-12 speed was king as all 5 winners raced either 1st or 2nd at the 1st call; his style is perfect for this; defeated the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 70 in a next-out AQU-MSW win. |
| Western Tryst |
| Win rider sides with Quick Money for this; his one race over the AQU Main represents a career-best Beyer speed figure but N. F.'s Destiny beat him that day and holds a clear tactical edge as he will have to rally against a speed-favoring strip; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 78 in a next-out AQU-allowance win; the 3-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional clamer with a 99 Beyer. |
| Bernardo |
| Win rider stays with The Rhythmisright; today marks the shortest distance test since April, 2013; during career is 3-0-0-0 in races 6.5F or shorter; was freshened up off the career-best Beyer going longer; expecting him to sit back early save ground then make 1 run. |
| Dehere of the Cat |
| His last win was in the mud which why latest was so disappointing when unable to make any impact on a sloppy oval; way off best form in 3 prior AQU-Main starts; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 75 in a next-out AQU-OPC win; the 2-back winner repeated in a LRL-OPC with an 85 Beyer. |
| Leilani's Ticket |
| Gets the Quick Money rematch with an additional half furlong to rally past him for this; also returns to AQU Main; horse for the course is 4-for-4 in exacta finishes here while the 2-back win represents a career-best Beyer when defeating the show finisher who Beyered 76 in a next-out AQU-OPC win; will have to rally against a speed-favoring strip but clearly owns winning credentials. |
| Fiona's Hero |
| His last start racing at 6.5F was a victory; main concern is he could be last in the early going and while we have some pace signed on here late runners were up against it April 11-12 as all five-6.5F winners raced either 1st or 2nd at the 1st call; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU alw. with an 85 Beyer. |
| One Red Cat |
| One of the trainer's specialties is winning with fresh runners; he is 2-for-2 in exacta finishes on AQU Main and has never been better exiting back-to-back Beyer-career Tops; the worktab does not bowl you over but projects to be a major player from bell to finish; view as a speedy contender for win honors. |
| N. F.'s Destiny |
| His field-best Beyer speed figure was accomplished on a muddy oval which why latest when catching wet footing was so disappointing; his big gate speed plays well over the track but will likely have The Rhythmisright breathing down his neck from the bell. |
| Isn'tlovejustgrand |
| His last win picture was on the lead but may end up pressing it 4-wide for this; the winner and 5th-place finishers from last captured AQU-OPC and 20K-claiming races next out (86-74 Beyers); the 1-for-16 fast-main track record and stepping up in price off the layoff suggests we take a wait and see approach. |
| Quick Money |
| Was claimed from a high-win percentage trainer which is often not a good-win angle; won his last 2 races on AQU Main both rallying from midpack; last week here the winners racing at 6.5F were closer to the lead at the 1st call which is not his style; keeps the win rider despite the barn change which is a plus. |
| Run Run Forrest |
| New trainer off the long layoff after posting the 2nd-lowest Beyer of career; the winner, runner-up and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 99-90-82 in next-out FL-160K, BEL-100K-98K stakes wins; main knock is he was defeated by double-digit lengths in both prior AQU-Main defeats. |
| Native Singer |
| Back to a sprint distance today but it marks the shortest-distance test of his career; best races are when forwardly placed but did not break sharply in last then middle moved; does not project to own the type of gate speed that would get him to the lead with this group. - Art Gropper |
Race 8
| La Verdad |
| Seldom beaten to the first call, but she could be looking at the fastest splits of her career this time; some may not have cared for the off going in last but miss came back to drill sharply; Empire-bred has to proven her class in open company. |
| Miss d'Oro |
| Mare stalked to no avail in this race last year; the winner that day took the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom, then was first again in a $150K stakes; the fact she broke her maiden in debut and was only beaten a neck in the return in late December gives her a shot to fire fresh; probably needs to improve to cash today. |
| Lion D N A |
| Illinois-bred sizzled on the inner this winter until being hooked wide in last; reformed claimer could be biting off a bit more than she can chew in the Graded stakes; look for her off the pace if at all. |
| Munnings Sister |
| Repeatedly proven fresh, she has solid speed but doesn't need the lead to win; winner of the Las Flores in last repeated in the Grade 1 Madison at KEE last Saturday with a 96 Beyer; she should be focused after relaxing at Palm Meadows; mare got her last quarter in :12.80 last time; expect huge effort here. |
| Kauai Katie |
| Proven in Grade 2 company, she has been rested since failing at odds-on; repeatedly proven fresh and in Grade 2 company, she has trained steadily for this opportunity; note she stumbled in the Acorn 2 back; fresh and dangerous. |
| Bridgehampton |
| Toss the synthetic debut when she was pinballed at the break and the form brightens; far from disgraced in the lone try in Graded company; could see her sitting a nice stalk and pounce trip; miss gets the acid test. |
| My Pal Chrisy |
| Nothing wrong with either going 50% at this distance or running out of the money just once at 6 furlongs; drawn right, connections took a look at a $200K CT stakes today; must find a way to turn the tables on the Tagg runner among others. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 9
| Mark Twain |
| Sire is 1-for-10 with his turf starters and dam was winless from seven starts, including one turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to Wild Grace (2-6, 104k, including 2-for-2 over turf for 76k); this looks like a reasonable spot to get this colt over turf for the first time. |
| Slew's Brew |
| Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 8 of 31 starts for 94k, including 0-for-1 over turf; he has some early speed, but he's been tiring going shorter on dirt, and it isn't like his pedigree is crying out for turf. |
| Sandomonium |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his first-time starters, and he's 0-for-15 with his turf starters, and dam was winless from four starts, and she didn't make a turf start; two turns and 1 1/16m can be a demanding assignment for a firster. |
| Toohottoevenspeak |
| Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 19 starts for 79k, including 2 of 10 turf starts for 57k; he hasn't run badly in his first three starts over dirt and he might be looking forward to a move to turf. |
| Copper Core |
| Sire wins with approximately 17% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this colt is a 1/2 to Gulf Time (1-5, 9k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 8k); runner up from debut won next out here on 1/27 going 6f vs. 35k MCL's with a 61 Beyer. |
| My Uncle Frank |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was winless from five starts, and she didn't make a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to Bishop of Nola (7-38, 182k, including 4 of 26 turf starts for 151k); maybe the move to turf can help him along, but it's tough to back him based on what he's shown in his first two starts. |
| Spinning for Home |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won once from three starts for 8k, including 0-for-1 over turf; they were looking to get him over turf for his career debut and he's making his first start for a barn that is hitting at a 25% clip in 2014; Ortiz has won with 9 of 36 (25%) mounts for this outfit on the year. |
| Dreamin of Betty |
| Half-brother to G1 winner Unbridled Command (6-10, 498k over turf) took a step in the right direction at second asking and this looks like a good spot for his first start since the first of March; Maragh has won with 3 of 10 mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Hobson's Choice |
| He ran well against NY-bred competition in his career debut and this is his first start back in the statebred ranks since then; runner up from latest won next out at GP on 3/23 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with an 86 Beyer, and third-place finisher won next out at GP on 3/2 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 78 Beyer. |
| Eastcoast Lights |
| Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and multiple stakes placed dam won 2 of 5 starts for 87k, and she didn't make a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to One Note Samba (6-14, 171k, including 5 of 7 turf starts for 126k); runner up from latest won next out here on 4/11 going 6 1/2f vs. 35k MCL's with a 71 Beyer. |
| Wake Up and Go |
| He'll merit plenty of consideration if he draws into this event based on what he's shown in his two most recent starts over turf with the addition of Lasix, and he's a 1/2 to stakes placed Stormy Relations (4-20, 175k over turf). |
| Salisbury Knight |
| This barn is off to a hot start at this meeting and it's worth noting that they've been having some success moving horse sprint-to-route; 290k purchase will have to be viewed in the light of a contender if this event has to be moved to the main track. |
| Mighty Zealous |
| He's shown enough in his first two starts to be given a competitive look against these, and like Salisbury Knight, he'll be going sprint-sprint-route for his third career start; however, this one does have more of a sprint-leaning pedigree. - Brian Pochman |