Aqueduct: Closer Looks for April 3, 2014

Race 1

Julesco

First part of the coupling draws the fence while dropping a notch in price off the pace fade in her first crack at this level; she's got early lick so expect she'll again be part of it from the bell and there doesn't look to be a whole lot to go with her in this field; one to catch.

Absolute Paradise

Didn't muster much late while breaking from an outside slot last time but her effort 2 back from an inside draw for twice this price was pretty solid and she's never been the most consistent sort so maybe with the regression behind her she's ready to get back to it; contender.

Evasive Cat

Shades go on as this beaten chalk gives it another shot for this price; she'll go third off the break following the trouble run first time at the level and maybe she was just reacting to the quick return; with some positional foot in her she's capable of securing a good tracking spot early and looms a threat from there; consider.

Why Not Her

Fresh mare ran cheaper down at a huge price first time out this year and has been sidelined since; her prior handful of efforts last year were terrible and she'd need probably need to improve some in her return to have a serious say in the outcome here; have to side against the repeat.

Heidi's Holiday

Offered some late interest in her return from the freshening at this level and this outfit has had some recent luck with runners going second back from the break; she doesn't have much speed so she'll need some help in front of her and she'll also need to keep getting better from a figure standpoint; maybe for a minor share.

Daisysgonnamakeit

Barn's other half retains a top pilot for her second off the freshening which is an angle with which the outfit does well; her speed was there with the addition of shades last week and the quick return suggests they think she has more to offer on the slight cutback and return to this level; it's been a while since she's won and that's a negative, but her recent figures and class edge make this statebred the one to down.

Tatoo Me

Six year old peaked at the beginning of the year and hasn't been much of a threat since returning to her real self soon after; maybe the new bug pilot helps shake things up and a clean run couldn't hurt, but in her current form it's tough to get excited about her chances today. - Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Ducks Dock

No early speed and poor form since breaking his maiden; only competitive effort came on the turf, and he's on the dirt today; no thanks, though apprentice Rice is riding well.

Craqui

Very little to like about this one over his last six starts; he has not finished better than sixth over that stretch, and he has lost by 14 lengths or more in 4 of those races; at least his maiden win came on the outer track here - at this time almost a year ago.

Read the Proposal

Sharp form in his last two starts, one of which came for Jacobson; those searching for some faults in this one will not that this colt drifted out last time and bolted in another race at Saratoga; still have to be encouraged by how he has run of late and the winning connections in his corner.

Patriotic Duty

This marks his 8th start of the year and 27th of 2013-2014 for Persaud, who likes to run them; this one managed a third last time but vs. cheaper, and even running one of his better races, he only managed a 60 Beyer; limit use to the bottom of the gimmicks in light of this runner's 3% win mark.

Pegasus Red

Is one of several in here that looks like a toss out based on form; he has not finished better than fourth over the course of the winter while racing on the inner track; better efforts came at Finger Lakes; wait until he returns there before backing him.

Spirited Touch

Gullo, a good fried of the recently passed away Galluscio, picked up the training of this one; was freshened after going off form in late December, but his runs before that were very good when he was with Jacobson; a return to that form would make him tough to beat; at a fitness disadvantage off the bench and note the month gap in works from Jan. 27 to Feb. 27; second selection behind Read the Proposal due to the layoff. - Byron King

Race 3

Andromeda's Risk

Came out firing to win her debut but things haven't gone so well in 3 starts vs. winners; did perk up a bit when 4th for $35K on the inner March 15 (just a head behind Chase My Tail in 3rd) and now comes a further drop with a real nice BEL breeze since (:48.20 March 29).

Tizarocket

Coupled with Chase My Tail and with Ortiz Jr. named on both only 1 will go; may have turned the corner; sharp 2nd on the inner vs. $50K maiden claimers Jan. 19 and Rudy claimed her; she validated his eye by then beating $50K maiden claimers on the inner Feb. 23; it's first time vs. winners so the water is much deeper and she's worked well since; but considering she ran so well last time why then are they now willing to lose her for half what they paid for her, hmmmmm?

Longride to Wisdom

Toss that March 2 outing when 7th vs. tougher and you're left with 4 good-looking sprints on the inner; moves to the big track and she handled this place decently in the fall; also gets a class drop; that being said, she was 3rd in her last outing March 13 but wasn't really a threat in the lane (beaten 7 lengths) and the gal who won that race (Appearance) is lined up against her again here so she's got to make up quite a bit of ground on that foe.

Red Constitution

Big maiden win on the inner for this price Jan. 1; then wasn't seen for 2 months, which is a tad disconcerting; after all, you don't normally take a horse who has seemingly turned the corner and put her away for that long; at least when she came back it was without a tag March 6; dueled and fizzled but there's no further layoff, she's down in class and a bullet :48.60B here March 28 bodes well.

Appearance

A repeat of that big March 13 performance would likely be more than enough to beat these; back down in class after being in too steep here March 27 - and a troubled start didn't help; Jacobson continues to fire on all cylinders, though it's noteworthy they have a sharp filly here and are now willing to lose her for just $25K; quick turnaround has been a good move for this barn, too (24%).

Bridget Moloney

Got things off to a rousing start, winning her first 3, including a nice win over this track; that was all enough to earn her a shot at a stakes on the inner Feb. 8; OK, so that didn't go so well and she found some tough NY-bred optional claimers too much to handle in her last 2 but it's not as if she ran poorly so today's class drop may be just what the Dr. ordered.

Chase My Tail

Coupled with Tizarocket and with Ortiz Jr. named on both only 1 will go; after over 2 months off she came back at GP for $50K and was no factor; dropped to the $35K level on the inner here March 15 and did better, finishing 3rd (though that won't make those who made her the 3-2 favorite feel any better); while that was a better result it's not as if she was a factor (beaten 9 3/4 lengths); drops further but her 2 return Beyers leave her with plenty of work to do even if she is facing softer here. - Michael Hammersly

Race 4

Wood On the Fire

His second best career Beyer came on this surface; he has more speed than he just flashed but he also has had his chances; connections would love to see the light go on and for him to start acting like top kin and near $200K earner Myakka; look for rider to send hard at the sound of the bell and hope for the best.

Metropolitan Storm

Tough to spin this form in the right direction after he's never run in the money; colt only beat one to the wire the last time for this price; can't endorse.

Kaepernick

Some semblance of speed on the stretch out but he was finished quickly; place horse in last took a $75K optional next out with an 80 Beyer and the 6th finisher took a maiden $16K seller; stakes winning 2 for 8 dam earned over $100K; 2 of 3 siblings won including Grade 1 winner and near $450K earner Starship Truffles; must be given legit glance on the drop alone.

Maggie's Lad

Something went awry in the debut when he was not moving properly; given time but note now published moves beyond 4 furlongs for this fray; 4 for 25 dam banked $50K; all 4 siblings won including G3 placed nearly $100K earner Deciphering Dreams; trainer has spotted them well so far t his season; respect.

Bob and Jim

The good news is he has the 2 races to build on now; the bad news is he was getting late in last and now has to go a sixteenth of a mile farther; top last-race Beyer in the resume; long overdue to get there.

Island Therapy

Wide in 3 of 4, he was second the other time at this level; he also hooked the clear winner in last; hustling bug takes the reins; expect better effort here.

D J's Hope

Blinkers off, just like they were for the debut and the best career Beyer; never in the money on this surface; and he really gave up the ghost in last; would tread lightly yere. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Woelf Den

He's developed a nice level of consistency to his game but it does appear that his best effort is a cut or two below what the top contenders in here are capable of; respect the fact that this is a barn and rider that team up with success, but prefer to look toward others.

Kodiak Kody

Looking at this as being a tough spot for him to make his New York racing debut and he might prove to be more effective sprinting than routing; his form hasn't been bad by any means, but he's going to need to take his game to another level to get the better of this bunch.

Pass the Coffee

He made it look very easy against lesser in his first two starts to begin his career, and even though he stepped it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in his latest outing, he found out that this level of competition is much tougher; note that he finished behind today's rival Oltre' Oro in that event.

Peter Island

His career debut was an impressive performance and McGaughey wastes little time in getting him to a route; he's out of a multiple G1 stakes plcced dam who won 4 of 19 starts for 247k, three wins routing, and he's a 1/2 to G2 winner Sightseeing (2-18, 508k, both wins routing) and multiple graded stakes placed Sea Island (3-18, 341k, all wins routing).

Patty and Nooche

He deserves credit for earning his first career win while making his first start back from a layoff in his latest outing, but he will have to step up his game in his first attempt against winners if he's planning on making any noise against these.

Oltre' Oro

Like what this colt has shown us in his first three starts, but he does have a sprint leaning pedigree, and even though he's looked good routing so far, inner dirt routes can be very different than routing over the main track; have to respect him as a contender, but feel that he should be approached with some caution when considering the surface switch.

Life in Shambles

Maybe there's something to be said for the fact that this Clement bred/owned/trained runner was in against maiden claiming competition in his first two starts, but he clearly has some ability to work with, and with only two starts behind him, the potential for better exists; like to see Lezcano aboard again.

Eye Luv Lulu

He ran well after a troubled start in his first start back from a layoff in his latest outing and that was his first start without blinkers; this does look like a tough bunch for him to be meeting up with, but now does look like a good time to find out what he can do routing; have to respect the presence of C.V. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Cousin Michael

Finished a clear second at this level under Rice in his first try for Jacobson, who's won at a good clip second-time off the claim and with 1-7 day comebackers; 5yo might be poised for a peak performance in his third race off a layoff, even though he's cramming those races into less than three weeks; preferred, especially if the inside is live today.

Socialsaul

Popular (at the claim box) 6yo is dropping for his second outing off the halter switch, while shortening up a little; trainer has 13% strike-rate second-time off the claim during the past five years ($1.73 ROI); he drilled a bullet the other day, and could sneak into the super if things go his way.

Ultimate Empire

West Point runner has been idle since a fringe finish over the main track here Dec. 1, in a race which has yielded two next-out winners in optional-claiming company; possesses tactical speed, and note that Irad Ortiz was aboard for one of his better efforts last year; might need one before getting back into the swing of things.

Sinistra

Just missed at a big price two back in a stakes, when he put up a career best 87 Beyer, but a subsequent race at this level was disappointing; regular rider Montanez and this trainer are a combined 1 for 16 on the year; his record here on the main track is poor, and he might be over the top, but he wouldn't have to bring his "A" game to be a factor.

Papa Tom

Tom didn't show much during the last year, and was beaten in double digits in three of his four most recent excursions; he's getting another rider change, and is hard to recommend at this juncture.

The Brothers Rap

Baker enjoyed a productive stint on the inner track this winter, as did this gelding, who cleared the first NY-bred allowance condition in early February; 4yo has yet to crack 80 on the Beyer scale, but could be along to garner some of the scraps on the surface over which he broke his maiden.

The Big Deluxe

Sprinter put up a career high 90 Beyer when he wired $20K opposition 10 days ago; he figures to regress in this tougher spot off the claim by a trainer who's been shut out with that angle since the beginning of 2013; can make most of the running traveling a distance over which he's questionable. - Ron Gierkink

Race 8

Dighton

Comes here sharp so it looks as though D'Alessandro was right on the money when he claimed this guy for $12,500 Jan. 2; since then has come a 2nd, 2nd and 1st, all WITHOUT racing for a tag, and that March 15 win on the inner was quite nice; tries a bit tougher today, including Chapman who beat him by 4 lengths Feb. 23 but he's figured things out and another move forward can put him in the mix.

Coolusive

Scary just because Jacobson saw fit to plunk down $25K to claim him last time (25% off a claim), and even scarier since Jacobson brings him back in a spot where he can't lose him via another claim; horse won his only start on this track last spring so he handles this place and has tactical speed and versatility to give his rider options.

Chapman

Not only did he look super winning that Feb. 23 starter allowance race easily on the inner but he got a nice Beyer (2nd straight 90) and was flattered when the horse he easily beat back into 2nd, today's foe Dighton, came right back to win nicely; speed to be in it from the start but this spot came up pretty darn salty.

Mr. Right

Nice maiden win in the mud here last April 13; nice as that was you have to be a bit worried he hasn't been seen since; let's face it, you don't take a horse who seemingly is putting it together and put him away for nearly a year without good reason; good news at least is he's been working well for a trainer who's strong off the bench and returns with NO tag attached; but it's still first time vs. winners (some fast winners at that) off a long layoff so there are hurdles.

Mr. O'Leary

Tough, tough loss at GP Feb. 23; he actually ran the race of his life Beyerwise (92) but was edged by Red Hot Randy; finished well clear of 3rd (5 lengths) and that looks even better when you note the 3rd horse (Squadron A) came right back to win; it's his first time here but he's already handled BEL dirt and GP dirt so odds are he'll handle this place, and it's nice to see Rosario stays put.

Marriedtothemusic

Continues to fire bullets; he has 7 straight top-2 finishes and that includes 4 90-plus Beyers so those mean he can more than hold his own here; 2nd in the Hollie Hughes on the inner Feb. 17 shows his quality, and while he faces open foes today it's still a drop and 2 big recent BEL bullets say he holds his edge.

Jeter

Solid 3rd on the inner March 8, though that won't make those who made him the 6-5 favorite feel any better; the downside it that came vs. $20K NY-bred claimers and his Beyer wasn't much (71); in other words, this is a much tougher spot and he has to run much faster if he's to have a say; the good news is a year and a half or so agco he posted a huge 104 Beyer on THIS track, though whether he can ring up such a number at this stage of the game is dicey.

Cap the Moment

Tough to be too enthused; did some good work in early 2013 but his form tailed off some and now he hasn't been seen since dueling and fizzling in a route at this level at SAR last July 28; at least there's no class drop but even if he comes back at full tilt he appears in some trouble, and while he has won at this trip he's just 1 for 12 at 6fs so this really isn't his forte, either.

Aly's Favorite Boy

Stretches back out to try a flat mile after offering little against statebred here last week; barn hasn't won a race yet this year and though this is far from a stellar bunch there's not a lot to suggest she's set to taking a good step forward to contend today; have to side with others on the win end.

Karamojo

Goes first time for a new outfit while giving the level another crack off a trouble run going long in his inner track finale; he's run ok routing here and though he didn't do much at the local trip second out in the fall, maybe the return to one turning can help; maybe for a minor award.

Bundler

Moved forward to hold second money after getting a nice setup in his second crack over the inner; gelding still didn't earn a number that distinguishes himself from these but he does own some back one turn mile experience and a top pilot sticks with him; consider.

Uragano

Hasn't been close in any of his starts, all at big prices, and now he'll give the level another shot while switching to a triple bug; gelding has no early foot and there's not a lot to suggest he'll move forward much in this spot; can't back this longshot.

All Over Me

New York bred tries open company off the placing while tackling older for the first time; gelding earned a field best last out dirt number in that one and though it came at 2 turns, after 3 week tries to begin his career, maybe he's just starting to come around; with a top pilot getting aboard he's a contender in this spot.

Talon's Papa

Shades go on for his third career start while dropping to a new low level following a couple of weak spins; gelding is kin to a couple of sprint winners and he'll get a weight break with a capable bug named for the stretchout, but off what he's shown thus far it's tough to get excited about his chances in here.

Mad Props

Gelding's been getting closer to the winner of late and now he'll switch to a live bug pilot; maybe he's set to move forward here, but his one run, deep closing style is a concern as there doesn't look to be much pace in his heat and if he takes back to his usual spot he could find himself in an even bigger hole than he's used to in the lane; limiting his use to underneath in exotics.

Magnificent Moon

Makes his first start for a new outfit that does ok with both its newly acquired runners and those moving off the lawn; he's certainly had his share of chances and maybe he just likes the green better, but he's earned some solid numbers on the dirt in the past, including a big local placing before he hit the bench; boasts efforts earlier in his career against some runners who have become quite good; tough to swallow, but his best makes him the one to beat. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Aly's Favorite Boy

Stretches back out to try a flat mile after offering little against statebred here last week; barn hasn't won a race yet this year and though this is far from a stellar bunch there's not a lot to suggest she's set to taking a good step forward to contend today; have to side with others on the win end.

Karamojo

Goes first time for a new outfit while giving the level another crack off a trouble run going long in his inner track finale; he's run ok routing here and though he didn't do much at the local trip second out in the fall, maybe the return to one turning can help; maybe for a minor award.

Bundler

Moved forward to hold second money after getting a nice setup in his second crack over the inner; gelding still didn't earn a number that distinguishes himself from these but he does own some back one turn mile experience and a top pilot sticks with him; consider.

Uragano

Hasn't been close in any of his starts, all at big prices, and now he'll give the level another shot while switching to a triple bug; gelding has no early foot and there's not a lot to suggest he'll move forward much in this spot; can't back this longshot.

All Over Me

New York bred tries open company off the placing while tackling older for the first time; gelding earned a field best last out dirt number in that one and though it came at 2 turns, after 3 week tries to begin his career, maybe he's just starting to come around; with a top pilot getting aboard he's a contender in this spot.

Talon's Papa

Shades go on for his third career start while dropping to a new low level following a couple of weak spins; gelding is kin to a couple of sprint winners and he'll get a weight break with a capable bug named for the stretchout, but off what he's shown thus far it's tough to get excited about his chances in here.

Mad Props

Gelding's been getting closer to the winner of late and now he'll switch to a live bug pilot; maybe he's set to move forward here, but his one run, deep closing style is a concern as there doesn't look to be much pace in his heat and if he takes back to his usual spot he could find himself in an even bigger hole than he's used to in the lane; limiting his use to underneath in exotics.

Magnificent Moon

Makes his first start for a new outfit that does ok with both its newly acquired runners and those moving off the lawn; he's certainly had his share of chances and maybe he just likes the green better, but he's earned some solid numbers on the dirt in the past, including a big local placing before he hit the bench; boasts efforts earlier in his career against some runners who have become quite good; tough to swallow, but his best makes him the one to beat. - Steve Grabowksi