Aqueduct
Aqueduct: Closer Looks for April 26, 2014
Race 1
| Majestic Raffy |
| Stakes placed veteran will appreciate getting back over turf for his second start of 2014 and his best effort is clearly strong enough to get the job done in this spot; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Aqu on 4/12 going 6 1/2f vs. 50k OPC's with a 96 Beyer. |
| Go Get the Basil |
| Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam won 5 of 32 starts for 118k, including 0-for-1 over turf; note sure about the move to turf for him but he'll be a top contender if this race has to be moved to the main track. |
| Why Not Whiskey |
| There is a long layoff in play, and he wasn't at his best in his first start after a layoff last year, but his best effort does get him into the mix against these; winner from latest won next out here on 4/12 going 1m over turf vs. N1X rivals alw. rivals with an 86 Beyer. |
| Precious Metal |
| He's won five of 16 turf starts, and unlike most of his rivals in here, he enters this race off of a sharp recent performance; this barn has done some decent work with turf starters lately and it doesn't hurt this gelding to retain the service of a hot-riding Velasquez. |
| Giant Finish |
| Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was winless from four starts, including one turf start; have to be concerned when seeing the decline in his recent form, and his pedigree isn't crying out for turf, but he is G3 stakes placed over synthetic. |
| Isn'tlovejustgrand |
| He's going to need to step it up over what he's been doing in his most recent starts in order to contend, but if he can find his way back to one of his better performances, he can have a say in the outcome; winner from latest won next out here on 3/8 going 6f vs. 20k claimers with a 74 Beyer. |
| Native Singer |
| Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 4 of 14 starts for 150k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 110k; this gelding is a 1/2 to Adirondack Dancer (4-16, 231k, including 4 of 12 turf starts for 223k); he has some early speed, and like to see that he has some turf in his pedigree, especially on the bottom. |
| Sea to Sky |
| This is a barn and rider that team up with success, but there is some legitimate dirt form signed on in this race, and he'll have to show up with his very best effort in order to get himself into the mix; leaning toward others. |
| Most Happy Fella |
| Multiple stakes placed veteran didn't close out 2013 on a high note, but perhaps the time off did him some good; runner up from latest won next out here on 1/25 going 1 1/8m vs. starter alw. rivals with a 73 Beyer. |
| Artie Luvsto Party |
| This looks like it will be a favorable spot for this multiple stakes placed veteran to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track and he's run as well as ever in his two starts since moving into this barn; runner up from latest won next out here on 3/17 going 1 1/16m v s. 16k N3L claimers with a 73 Beyer, and third finisher won next out here on 3/28 going 7 1/2f vs. 20k claimers with a 73 Beyer; Velasquez has won with 4 of 8 mounts for this barn at the current meeting. - Brian Pochman |
Race 3
| Bet the Power |
| Back from Maryland where he couldn't handle optional claimers; reunites with 3-back win-rider Ortiz; the connections thought he was good enough to race in Grade 3 company 2nd off the claim; he is another like Tummel that moves up if the track comes up wet; was claimed from a November exacta finish over today's surface while defeating the 3-back runner-up and show finishers they Beyered 90-87 in a next-out AQU-OPC and starter alw. wins. |
| Dighton |
| His best efforts had been racing on or close to the lead but changed styles boldly in last rallying from next to last while posting a career-best Beyer when returning to today's AQU Main; has the speedy Tummel to deal with early if he breaks as sharply as we know he can; beat the 2-back show finisher who Beyered 83 in a next-out AQU-$12,500-claiming win. |
| Tummel |
| Projects as the lone-gate speed here; races 1st off the claim with 30 days to regroup from latest where he was dueled into defeat at the half-mile marker; his win chances move up on wet footing noting his 2-back win was right on the lead; the final half furlong here is a major concern but is the one to catch. |
| Groomedforvictory |
| Rock-solid form in 2014 and the 5-for-11 AQU Main record is strong; projects to sit just off Tummel early then get 1st run on the closers; June, 2009, is the last race of his career racing as short as 6.5F and it was a dull effort in a BEL-OPC; was listed at 5-2 morning-line odds Thursday in a 1Mile event vs. New York breds; today would face open company rivals at 6.5F; posted his 105 field-best Beyer in a 1Mile-GP dirt OPC win February, 2011. |
| Apex |
| Another who moves up on wet footing; his career-best Beyer was posted in the mud; Schoolyard Dreams rematch but is ranked as an outsider off latest nearly-double digit length defeat; pressd the pace in latest and stalking was the winning trip 2-back when defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 70 in a next-out AQU-25K-claiming win. |
| Dan and Sheila |
| Was claimed from a high-win percentage trainer which is not a good-win angle; the winner from last repeated in an AQU-35K claimer with an 80 Beyer; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-20K claimer with a 71 speed figure; the layoff is a drawback so will be taking a wait and see approach. |
| Schoolyard Dreams |
| The only issue is his only 2 races at 6.5F were way off his best form; looked new-and-improved off the January claim with back-to-back wins the latest rally suggests today's added distance will not be of any concern; his 2-back victory looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 74 in a next-out AQU-$12,500-claiming win. |
| In the Beat |
| Made Schoolyard Dreams race 2 back look a lot better when just missing next out at 32-1 odds; he had not displayed an affinity for AQU Main but wokeup big time in last; projects for another wide trip and have him ranked a notch below the top players off that 2-back decision. - Art Gropper |
Race 4
| Telic |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from two starts; there is a long layoff in play, but he has a turf leaning pedigree, adds Lasix and shows up for a top turf barn. |
| Sheldon |
| He's shown some turf ability in his first six starts and like to see that one of his better efforts was run over this turf course; this colt is a 1/2 to stakes placed Gold N Glamore (3-7, 74k over turf); like to see him being reunited with Alvarado for this. |
| School Yard |
| His form has been solid since being equipped with blinkers, but he is starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while, and he might not care for stepping back in with maiden special weight competition. |
| Strueves Star |
| This colt has a little bit of turf in his pedigree and he was improved at second asking, even if it was against maiden claiming competition; not going to give him the nod for the top spot, but he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics. |
| Maximus Mike |
| Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam was winless from four starts, including three turf starts; like the early speed he showed in his career debut and this barn can have one ready for better at second asking with a move to turf. |
| Eastcoast Lights |
| Half-brother to One Note Samba (5-7, 126k over turf) hasn't shown much in his first seven starts and he's going to need to find a way to take his game to another level if he's to have a say in the outcome in this spot. |
| Decisive Edge |
| He has to be considered a top contender in here when taking into account what he's done since moving to turf and adding blinkers, but he is by a sire who hasn't been a positive influence as a turf sire, and he has struggled to maintain a forward gear late in his races. |
| This Guy Is Blue |
| His lack of early speed is a concern and he hasn't posted a 1-2-3 finish in his first six starts, and that includes five turf starts; connections will hope that he can show more while taking blinkers off. - Brian Pochman |
Race 6
| Goodnewsisnonews |
| Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam was winless from three starts, and she didn't make a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Fly Down (6-22, $1.2 million, no turf starts); Castellano has won with 40 of 109 (37%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Away Game |
| Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and G3 stakes placed dam won 3 of 13 starts for 163k, including 0-for-6 over turf; this colt is a full to multiple graded stakes winner Wilkinson (6-26, 464k, including 3 of 14 turf starts for 290k); his dirt form has been solid and like the idea of him getting over turf for this. |
| V. E. Day |
| Like to see the step forward he took at second asking and this son of top turf influence English Channel is plenty eligble to still have more to show us; his most recent workout looks sharp, and this barn has been live lately. |
| Bolt From the Blue |
| Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and stakes winning dam won 3 of 8 starts for 134k, including 0-for-2 over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Electric Chant (3-22, 153k, including 1 of 12 turf starts for 96k). |
| Rare Eagle |
| Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 15 starts for 65k, including 0-for-4 over turf; he lacks early speed and Birdstone has not been a positive influence as a turf sire. |
| Jimmy Fillpot |
| Sire wins with approximately 16% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and stakes placed dam won once from eight starts for 70k, and all of her starts were over turf; he has turf in his pedigree and Ortiz has won with 17 of 49 (35%) mounts for this barn in 2014. |
| Heyaarat |
| Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a G1 winning dam who won 6 of 19 starts for $1 million, including 2 of 11 turf starts for 203k; he gets Lasix for the first time and this barn can have one ready for a much improved performance at second asking. |
| Inca Saint |
| Sire wins with approximately 4% of his turf starters and dam won once from four starts for 35k, and she didn't make a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to G1 stakes placed Harlan's Ruby (2-11, 172k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 35k); winner from debut won next out here on 4/3 going 1m vs. 75k OPC's with an 82 Beyer. - Brian Pochman |
Race 6
| Handy Stan |
| Perfect in-the-money record to note but all of that was accomplished over the inner dirt; he has important multiple experience of breaking from the rail and should be able to stay within striking range if taking to this surface; might be an underlay, however. |
| Last Run |
| Kept earning checks when mired in the n2l class at Finger Lakes last season and then was given a well-deserved rest; returning breezes are nothing special until you come to the one of 4/19, a huge upgrade; conflicting signals for this returnee. |
| Thnxtomyuncle |
| Seems a likely member of the trifecta team today despite the vacation involved; has run well in both prior attempts over this main oval and there should be a very strong pace in this event if all runners go; downplay chances, however, if there is a key late scratch of the front-running types. |
| Swell |
| Ran into a quick group in his first allowance test that featured the talented graded stakes winner Samraat; there is no such dynamo in this field and the colt has been breezing in above average fashion of late; should be able to launch a rally from midpack. |
| Sandcat |
| Scheduled to remove the blinkers after a failed wide run in that February getaway race; reverts to original, and winning, rider Alvarado and he did improve noticeably in the latest breeze at five-eighths; remains a difficult runner to unravel. |
| Acigarisjustacigar |
| Might have been best earlier this month when losing momentum in the latest placing; may have to rally from much further back today, however, as the pace profile here seems much sharper than in the 4/9 affair. |
| Brass Pear |
| A shame he tried seven furlongs last time as he ran out of gas in the final yards; cutback in distance now should work in his favor but he may have unwanted company; note he ran wide on the strong inside bias day of 3/15; worth some inclusion but odds will not be as juicy today. |
| Captain Davrick |
| On the shelf since last summer and he seems to do his best running over off-tracks (ignore the run 2 back when have little chance when racing wide from post 13); fair training track breeze for this comeback but he spots valuable experience over the Big A main. |
| Perfect Disco |
| Latest blowout was strong and the equipment change can make a world of difference; set a nice tempo when breaking maiden 2 races back but was aided by the inside path that day; likely faces an intense battle for early command here and does not draw particularly well. |
| Money in Action |
| Philadelphia invader is the only 3-time winner in the field and was pestered from the opening bell in the last showing; despite competing in small fields in the last pair of starts, he should be respected in this spot as he may be capable of clearing the others intent on the lead. |
| Captain Serious |
| Looked professional in winning his maiden voyage, a race with some big gaps, defeating a next-out winner in the process; can rate outside again and be produced at the appropriate moment; expert trainer/jockey team at the helm. |
| Southern Proper |
| Crushed his field when graduating last month but the middle fractions of that tally were certainly on the soft side; today's outside slot and near certain faster pace will test all the skills of the rider; make sure to get proper betting value. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 8
| So Scott |
| Proven locally and at this trip; he proved he belongs here last time; place horse in the last win cashed twice since in $30K optional claimers; needed slop and 4 rivals when posting the last victory; he's never been a win machine, check out the 18 slices; another section of the purse today? |
| Bake Shop |
| Like fact he has speed but doesn't need the lead to win; he has been handled by a number of today's foes and that must be addressed; 3 of his 4 wins have come at this trip and he should have his sea legs under him by now; can't fault those that project a peak performance. |
| Cap the Moment |
| Poor break in last and connections may have had this race in mind all the time; in light here and don't be shocked if the bug sends hard and makes others react; nice drll 8 days ago; surprise package. |
| Sailmate |
| Nice bit of training to have this runner nearly win off the extended layoff in last; he improved on the Beyer scale in the last 2nd off the layoff run; sharp and dangerous. |
| This Hard Land |
| Only 11-1 when he dropped the rider two back but fans forgot about him and he nearly blew out the tote board in last; 3/15 show horse cashed next out in a $25K optional at Laurel with a 99 Beyer; he was extended in last and we really don't know how much it may have taken out of him. |
| Spa City Fever |
| Far from disgraced in the stakes to close out 2013; he is repeatedly proven in this league, brings natural speed to the party but doesn't absolutely need the lead to win; trainer can keep them going good once the form is there to the tune of 24%; repeat well within the realm. |
| Comandante |
| Been on the stakes diet of late and he boasts tactical speed, which will give him first run on the deep closers; he's versatile, has performed repeatedly for this pilot and can't fault those that give him a shot to make amends for flop as chalk. |
| Zivo |
| Only serious horses win half the time and are never out of the money; he obviously has been expertly handled; proven fresh, he doesn't have to be dead last early here and all he does is show up, punch the clock and work horse; look out. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 9
| Awesome Lute |
| Sire gets 8% first out winners and the dam was a 3 time winner who dropped 3 winners, 2 of whom did so sprinting; barn hasn't had any recent luck with newcomers and the inside draw isn't ideal for an inexperienced runner; drills don't look to be much, either. |
| Baskets |
| Sire gets 11% winners from his debut runners and the dam won twice (no sprint scores) prior to dropping G3 SW turfer and 175K earner Hey Leroy who also won sprinting on the main track; barn is certainly capable of firing with a newcomer and the slow listed breezes aren't a cause for alarm while catching a moderate bunch. |
| Lake Effect |
| Sire hits with 14% of his newcomers and he's the first foal to race out of an unraced dam; barn isn't known for its work with firsters but there are a few decent breezes on his worktab and top side of his pedigree suggests he should have some speed. |
| John's Island |
| Goes first time for a new barn while turning back to sprint off the beaten chalk route try; he did encounter trouble in that one and offered some late kick; the sprint effort 2 back was as good as any of these has run and he should have some bottom for this one; don't know that he'll get a lot of pace in front of him, but he's the one to fear in the lane. |
| Chasintheblues |
| Makes his first start since New Year's Day when he didn't have much to offer from a wide spot over the inner; gelding ran ok sprinting 2 starts back but he's had his chances and may not be set to offer his best first time back; tackles mostly 3 year olds in here but prefer to limit his use to underneath in exotics. |
| Readyheartandsoul |
| Gelding encountered some trouble over the inner in his debut run last month and now he'll try the main track with some moderate interim moves on his tab; barn doesn't do so well with its second out runners and this guy's lone winning sib's only score came over a wet track. |
| Ride a Cat |
| Gave a good account of himself in his initial dirt try when second behind a runaway winner in his first start back from better than 5 months on the shelf; colt has been given some time off since the effort and showed the lick to stay close early which could benefit him while tackling a field of mostly sophomores; consider. |
| Flat Leaver |
| Sire gets 9% winners from his debut runners and the dam was a G2 SW juvenile sprinter who banked 166K prior to dropping 7 multiple sprint winners including G2 SW and nearly 300K earner Lovely Lil who also took her debut run; doesn't look to be facing any killers and the barn knows how to get them ready so keep an eye on the board. |
| Hampden Fiveone |
| Worked well for his return from a little freshening after offering little behind one of these early last month; gelding's 2 prior sprint efforts over the inner were solid and though he didn't do much in the mud in that one, he does have local main track experience; with a top pilot taking the call he's a contender. |
| Stenson |
| Lightly raced colt moves outside after failing to fire from a tracking spot in his first try over the local main track; gray did show improved early interest in that heat and the runner up did return to win in quick time here last week; he is kin to 5 winners including SW and 198K earner Lauren's Tizzy who won twice sprinting; another move forward puts him in the mix today. |
| Four Directions |
| Hit the board in both of his inner track spins and now he'll try the main track from this outside starting slot; gelding hasn't shown much early foot which isn't going to help him in a heat without much of that commodity but he will get an added half panel in which to make his run; lone sib to race was a limited sprint winner. - Steve Grabowski |