Aqueduct: Closer Looks for December 11, 2013

Race 1

Socialsaul

Not a good sign that his 1st race off the claim produced a career-low Beyer speed figure; the dull effort was in his return to AQU Main in a race he may have needed off a 50-day layoff; is winless on AQU Inner dirt but owns a career-Top Beyer here when stakes placed December, 2012; back to reality in a race where he can be claimed from; July 5th-place finish saw the runner-up Beyer 93 in his next-out SAR-optional-claiming win; off latest has much to prove for the latest connections; saves ground from midpack then makes 1 run.

Meeker Avenue

2 last-place finishes in 2 previous races on the AQU Inner Dirt; was claimed after flashing gate speed in sprints; he figures to race on or near the lead here playing catch me if you can with Sandy's Slew; has not won at longer than 7F; likely needed last start off the 88-day absence; career-best Beyer was 2nd time off a layoff which bodes well for this looking to carry his speed as far as he can.

Papa Tom

Back to the graduation distance racing over the AQU Inner Dirt after producing-recent dull form exiting back-to-back last-place finishes the latest was coming off a 7-week absence; the 2-back show runner Beyered 85 in his next-out AQU-optional-claiming victory; needs a massive-wakeup call to land a share.

Sound of Drums

Hopes to work out a similar trip to last when stalking the inside speed Meeker Avenue; is 1-for-6 off the claim but is 0-for-9 on the AQU Inner Dirt and his last race here was a far-back finish and a career-low Beyer; finished close 2 starts back vs. the show runner who Beyered 88 in his next-out AQU-optional-claiming victory.

Tug of War

The big-gate speed displayed in his AQU-Inner Dirt win nearly one year ago has been missing from recent races; exits his lowest Beyer since May, 2012; he is 3-for-5 on less-than-fast footing so will be doing the rain dance for this; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 94 in a next-out SAR alw win; the 4-back winner took his next 2 starts (107-99) including a PEN-135K stakes.

Smokin Candy

Even finish 1st off the claim but has to get by Sound of Drums here to upset; 0-for-4 record since the June-BEL victory and career-best Beyer in a 1-turn Mile; did not show much in his 2013 Inner Dirt defeat while no match in 2012 here for Tug of War; the 2-back runner-up Beyered 82 winning a BEL-20K claimer next out; in his July-BEL show finish finished right behind the runner-up who Beyered 79 in his next-out SAR alw. win.

Warrior Up

Winner at today's distance over the track in February but is 0-for-9 since with the last 4 all off-the-board finishes; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 88 in his next-out AQU-optional-claiming win; zero-gate speed in recent losses so will have to pass them all in to win; others appeal more.

Sandy'z Slew

Projects to race close to the front with Meeker Avenue; benefits catching a short field not top heavy with gate speed; hopes to break well then keep on going up top; primed for this on turf for a 27%-winning grass-to-dirt trainer; stamina is the concern never raced this far during career but has rated well in recent losses; lone win on the lead at 2.8F shorter than this.-Art Gropper

Race 2

Nail It

He makes a couple of notable moves for his second start back following a long layoff; he returns to the main track and he cuts back to a sprint distance; has done his best work to date under such conditions, and would seem to have reason to move forward in his second start since December 2012; can share.

Insighting

He cuts back to a sprint distance and returns to the maiden claiming ranks and he fired his best recent race under such conditions; barn also will be removing blinkers; has been a consistent sort and the main question would seem to be dirt as he has raced exclusively on turf; pedigree does agree with the surface switch; leading contender.

Bottleofredorwhite

He's yet another moving to the main track and cutting back in distance following a turf route start; he also makes the meaningful move to the maiden claiming ranks for the first time; like the speed he showed in his last start, and he could be sitting on a peak race in his third start since August; also owns some of the field's better Beyer Figures; leading contender.

Bird Hunter

He showed speed for a while in his career debut last out, and seems like one who could be showing the way against these as a number of his rivals are turning back from route races; his cause is furthered by the move to the maiden claiming ranks for the first time; would seem poised to take a nice step forward.

Bob and Jim

He's one of the more experienced members of the field as a 12-time starter; might be a little closer to the pace here for a couple of reasons; it will be his second straight start at six furlongs, and, a number of his rivals are turning back in distance; one who can share.

Sir Maurice

He showed good speed last out on the move from six furlongs to a mile and perhaps he will again be prominent as a number of his rivals are turning back in distance; could get an ideal tracking trip behind Bird Hunter and is one of several who can share.

Handy Stan

By a multiple Grade 3-placed winner of $75K who is getting 9 percent debut winners; he is the first foal from his placed dam; in a race of experienced maidens, taking a watch and learn with first-time starter; as with all new faces, he is one to preview in the paddock.

Awesome Heart

He shortened up from a mile to six furlongs last out and closed for third for this price; might be a little closer to the pace here in his second straight start at the distance, and could get a nice stalking trip behind Bird Hunter and Sir Maurice; adding to his appeal is the fact that he owns one of the field's best last-race Beyer Figures; choice.-Mary Rampellini

Race 3

Nuffsaid Nuffsaid

Draws the fence for the stretchout while seeking her fourth straight score on the circuit; field's highest last out Beyer earner figures to show early foot from here and could well control from the bell while trying a trip at which she does own a score, but her lone try over the unner was not very encouraging; still looks to be the one to deny.

My Place

Inherited the score first time winners when the easy winner was taken down in her last out sprint try; she'll tackle 2 turns for the initial time in this heat and her dam was a route winner so though the stretch 2 this trip is no easy task, maybe the added trip agrees with her; barn does nice work with runners second back from the break as well; contender.

Magma (GB)

Didn't do much in either of her starts at the level since shipping stateside and now she'll stretch out; barn has had a nice year but they haven't had much recent luck with runners tackling the added trip and she'll need to take a good step forward to get in the mix in this spot.

Revenue

Steps up and stretches out for her first off the claim by this barn; she's winless in 4 career dirt spins and there's not much route on the dam's side of the pedigree so though she's been a solid late running sprinter, don't know that she's going to love today's added ground; fact she faces just a handful of foes can't hurt and she does get in light with the bug named.

Mr Hall's Opus

Sophomore tries older after giving a decent accout of herself in each of her last 2 stakes starts against fields of her peers; career best number did come at today's 2 turn trip and this sharp outfit does nice work stretching them back out; consider.

Mischief Maker

Field's lone inner track winner has done so twice and has yet to finish off the board in 4 career spins over the footing; statebred tries open company in this spot but she does enter this fresh off some solid tries against restricted stakes runners and owns some of the better numbers in the here; main danger.-Steve Grabowski

Race 4

East Coast Express

Today marks her 1st start racing on the main track for a 1-for-20 turf-to-dirt trainer since 2012; the runner-up finisher 55 days ago graduated next out with a 40 Beyer speed figure taking an AQU-25K-maiden claimer; the 3-back winner repeated with a 71 Beyer taking a BEL-20K claimer.

Gingee

Last race on AQU Inner Dirt was a zero Beyer and has shown little in 2 races over the track; prepped for this sprinting when passing runners and hopes Amber Morning gets softened up by Candy's Luck on the lead which would help her cause; still has plenty to prove racing on today's Inner-Dirt oval.

Candy's Luck

Figures to own the best gate speed; she will be making her 1st start beyond 7F but has to fend off Amber Morning from the bell then hold off the closers; tough call exiting 5 consecutive double-digit length defeats and 6 off-the-board finishes; sire was a Grade 1-dirt router; dam never raced longer than 6.5F; view as a pace presence for part.

Amber Morning

Figures to be a major-pace presence chasing Candy's Luck to the front; her 3-back field-best Beyer was posted on turf while today is 1st time in a maiden claimer, 1st dirt and 1st blinkers; displayed front wraps for the 1st time in latest loss when racing wide every step; the added distance is the main concern after being outfinished in last pair but just may be able to outclass this group.

Threecrackerchile

Defeated 2 runners combined in 2 losses; the debut winner repeated in an AQU alw. with a 75 Beyer; has worked well on dirt so may appreciate the surface change and class drop going from MSW-to-maiden claiming which is considered to be the biggest drop in racing.

Sky Lassie

55 days since screaming out for more distance and gets it here; style change in last as previously she was a frontrunner who lacked stamina; gets the MSW-to-maiden claiming class drop seeking answers; the 2-back show finish looks better since the winner repeated in a BEL-optional claimer with a 62 Beyer.

Left Uppercut

Dueled for the lead in last but hopes like his June-career Beyer to stalk the inside speed of Candy's Luck and Amber Morning then come up big in deep stretch; 0-for-6 since that turf exacta finish; best-dirt Beyer was on a wet-main track but held on well in latest despite the light speed figure attached.

See See See

Lacked the needed spark in deep strech to defeat Left Uppercut however her only exacta finish of career occurred over today's AQU-Inner Dirt oval; another wide-post position draw does not help the confidence level that she can turn the tables from latest loss.-Art Gropper

Race 6

Oltre' Oro

Sired by G2 winner Ready's Image who captured a total of 310K (his offspring have won 5 of 39 debuts); the dam went 1 for 7 and 10; winning siblings include 157K earner Monsterinmyroom; see how inside speed has fared and adjust your opinion.

Wilco's Rocky

Ordinary work tab on view for this son of multiple G1 type Marquetry who amassed 2.84 million; his progeny have scored in 39 out of 661 initial starts; the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 13K earner Knuckles Cooper.

Red Knot

Adds blinkers after a wide attempt on the stretchout while failing at 3 to 2; his sire won multiple G1s on the NYRA circuit en route to netting 1.57 million; the dam did not race; winniing siblings include 310K earner Love to Tell.

Bourbon Therapy

Drops off the claim, normally not a good sign, but this trainer/jockey team sports an excellent record; the gelding's sire won 1 of 12 and 44K; the dam won 3 of 21 and 75K; winning siblings include 153K earner Raynick's Jet.

Cuckoo House

Beginner was sired by multiple G2 winner Limehouse who notched 1.11 million (his descendants are 30 for 219 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 8 of 33 and 292K; this is her only foal to compete.

Flying Joe

The selection based on pace cross-reference; he was chasing an unpressured, wire-to-wire winner in the last run; the previous effort was strikingly similar as he had no chance against an odds-on unchallenged victor; appears well-positioned today.

Shanks for Nothin

New face was sired by G2 winner Cowtown Cat who notched 508K and whose progeny have won 3 of 41 debuts; the dam was without a tally in 6 attempts; among the winning siblings is 235K earner Shankopotamus.

Cool It

The always dangerous first time for a tag possibility; the gelding seems more of a natural for route racing and this effort may be interpreted as a prep for such a test; however, his latest blowout over the training track was fair; mixed signals.

Steve Came Thru

He was sired by G2 type Stephen Got Even who had lifetime earnings of just over a million dollars (his progeny have won nearly 11 percent of their initial races); the dam won 6 of 30 and 202K; this is her only foal to race.

Senor Cach

The offspring of Senor Swinger, a G2 winner who earned a total of 964K, have won only one of 31 debuts; the dam won 7 of 33 and 176K; there are no winning siblings to mention; workout pattern does not inspire.

Dynamic Chime

Big A debut showed little firepower and he has failed repeatedly at big odds; tries a journeyman rider for the first time but another extra-wide trip seems unavoidable; cannot endorse despite this being his first attempt for this lower price tag.-Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Royal Currier

Cuts back a panel while taking on a much softer bunch in his return to the inner where he earned some nice numbers last winter; gelding does draw the fence again and maybe he's not as sharp early at this shorter trip which won't help with speed drawn right outside of him; maybe he's just gone the wrong way, but the class relief makes him a threat.

Moments Notiz

First part of the Jacobson coupling ran huge in earning the field's highest last out number against a bit cheaper in his first local crack over the main track; he'll have to tackle the inner in this spot and maybe his big effort has taken its toll on him, but he's a career .500 hitter at the trip and his tactical foot should again have him in the right spot early; consider.

Non Stop

Enters his inner track debut fresh after being given some time off the open lengths score over cheaper next out winners on the Belmont lawn; gelding does own a couple of scores on dirt so the surface switch shouldn't bother him, but don't know that he's as good as that last out effort made him look and these are significantly better than he's been chasing; have to side against the return repeat.

Frazil

Couldn't make up much ground through a quick final quarter on the turn back to sprint on the main track and though he was no match for the winner who returns here as well, he did get up to best the rest; when right, inner track winner does like this strip and maybe his last was a sign that he's rounding to form again; worth a look.

Forest Jingles

Gray tackles a one turn trip in his return from 5 months on the shelf while going back to a barn that conditioned him around this time last year; his recent numbers are light, but he does own an inner track score and he figures to have a little more to offer late at this shorter trip.

Escrow Kid

Wasn't beaten much in the Laurel stake while making his first start off this barn's claim; gelding returns to the strip over which he earned a huge Beyer at this trip earlier in the year; maybe the local comebacker helps move him up as he gets a solid local pilot and the price does figure to be right.

Bet the Power

Goes first time for another new barn after getting up for second money off the freshening on the main track; gelding has been in the exacta in each of his last 5 starts and he should get some solid fractions in front of him; contender can have a serious say in the outcome in his inner track debut.

Head Heart Hoof

First part of the Rodriguez entry makes his first start since the spring when his wide run at Belmont took its toll on him against that better bunch; gray was one of the better sprinters around her last winter so the return to inner track racing should benefit him and though the drills aren't particularly quick he has been on a regular pattern for his return under the care of an outfit that brings them back ready.

Schoolyard Dreams

Tries better after rallying too late to threaten the winner in his first start snce the summer; gelding was ok in his lone start over the strip, but he'll make his first start off the claim by an outfit that's winless on the year in this spot and these may just be too much for him right now.

Precious Metal

Statebred got going too late to seriously impact while making his first start at the level off this outfit's claim last time, but he did make up a good amount of ground through a solid final quarter mile fraction in that one; pace should be a little better in this spot and he does enter this in decent form so though his numbers are light, maybe his kick helps him get involved for a share at a solid price.

Ground Force

Jacobson's other half cuts back a panel after scoring on the main track in his first start after they took him back; he's a 2 time inner track winner who figures to be up with the pacesetters from the outside in this spot; looms a big threat right back.

Dawly

Second part of the RudyRod coupling seeks his third straight score on the cut back to sprint here; he gave his all in holding on to score last time and it's tough to remember the last time this gelding failed to grab a share; with an honest clip in front of him today, this 2 time inner track winner looks to be the one to deny.-Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Sinistra

Wonder if connections had this race in mind all the time; he improved a bit in last, has the two races to draw from and note he did win on the inner strip; Montanez got a chance to figure him out; rates upset glance.

Grahamandwithers

Soph has found life vs. winners a bit tougher; on the slow pace in last and he still gave up the ghost; 10/5 place horse took an N1X, then was crushed in a stakes; place horse in last cashed at this level and the winner repeated in a $125K stakes; favorite rider aloft but runner has to prove he can handle dirt.

Take the El Train

Freshened since blowing up the tote; place horse in last has won twice since but last was just against $4500 N2L foes at FL; a positive is he did win here; the negative is he is looking at much more speed this time.

Chrisandlorisposse

Colt looked good winning and would expect runner to be aggressive fresh; off the rail here, this distance could be pushing the envelope as he was getting a little late in last; Hushion solid when he gets new stock; can't be dismissed.

Saturday Appeal

Like fact he graduated sprinting on this surface; runner was probably just overmatched in the October return and he was 3 clear in last; he pushed the issue the last time at this level and then just hit the brick wall; tough to adore keying off that race.

Alcolite

Soph seemed on the verge after the 8/18 effort but he has gone the other way since; hung wide from slot 9 in last, runner has had tons of chances to get that second win but he s had a recent tendency to get late; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Reaching Out

The first concern is how much did the grass debut take out of him?; he had to take the time off, bobbled in the return, then set the legit pace before folding his tent; bug got a chance to figure him out and would expect the tyro to be sending hard again at the sound of the bell; still a tough ticket to sell the way he has been tiring.

Saxophone Len

Pushed into the stakes to close out 2012 and has not been able to close the deal since; the 7/22 winner repeated in a $50K stakes, lost never several; 8/19 place horse has won twice since, but the last was just in an $8500 claimer at FL; never out of the money on the inner; must at least be left in the exotic conversation.

Tycoon Cat

Gelding has decent speed but he doesn't need the lead to win; 5th finisher in last took a $12.5K seller and the winner won at that same level by a nose; note show horse in last was nearly 3 clear; one could envision this guy sitting a nice stalk and pounce trip as he is at the claimed level for the first time for this barn; last angle: this rider is 43% in the last year or so for this stable.

Wise Guide

Proven on the surface but lack of speed must be addressed; on the wrong surface in September, dull the last time at this level but the Beyers are going in the right direction; decent move on the 20th is a plus as is this rider was up for the lone victory.

Mike and Rob

He can be his own worst enemy since he has limited speed; note both wins came when he was chalk but both wins also came on grass; could slip in for a slice today.

Pure Attitude

Pro has been in some good barns; he has much more speed than he just flashed and note the 11/2 show horse cashed next out in this league, was 2nd a nose in a $25K optional on 11/29; bothered early two back, he has beaten higher-priced foes and did win from the outside post in the small field in November of last year; respect.-Brian Mulligan