Aqueduct: Closer Looks for December 15, 2013

Race 1

Bird House

Came rolling late to get third money at the level on the main track; she does have some early foot and maybe it comes out with the move to the fence here; filly likes the inner strip and with a better beginning could prove a big threat in the lane; contender.

Uncle Southern

Held on to beat cheaper in her return from the freshening on the Belmont lawn and was again given some time; filly's 2 dirt spins were poor, but she bred to handle the footing and her lick could well be on display from this inside draw in her first start over the inner; may end up having to be caught.

Hot Rendezvous

Takes the next step up the class ladder in her first over the inner after running down cheaper in her main track finale; late runner could get an honest clip to run at here and maybe the weight break with the bug named helps, but she hasn't been the most consistent sort in her career so it's tough to count on her moving forward off that last one.

Jitney

Four year old's return to dirt on the local main track was pretty poor but it did come against stakes runners and now she'll drop back to a level at which she's been competitive this fall on the lawn; it's been a while since she's shown much early foot but she did do it in the local slop around this time last year while holding well for second money; price should be right to give her a look.

La Bella Valeria

She's been stuck in this condition for over a year and her last couple of spins weren't much; filly's lone inner track try did come going long and she was never a threat at any point of that heat; tough to make a case for her moving forward enough to contend in here; passing.

Saichi Sweepin

Speedster is again in for the optional tag after getting run past by a couple of these on the main track; had trouble against a pretty good one in her lone inner spin last season but she does have the foot to lead a bunch like this when right; have to respect her lick.

Nicole's Miss El

Faced better in her local return from the freshening and now she returns to a more reasonable level; her record over the inner isn't very good and she's clearly been off her best game of late; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Pennymine

Outside drawn filly just missed in her first crack at the level and now she'll return to the strip of her maiden score nearly a year to the day of that win; she enters this in career best form and doesn't figure to be too far out of this one early; looks as if they'll have her to beat. - Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Coronate

The trainer has been awesome 1st-time out with newly-acquired runners; down to lowest price tag ever as part of a class-dropping entry with Lion Keen; flashed speed 2nd-time out while cutting back some in distance getting 2-turns is the biggest concern.

Mach Seven

Adds blinkers after a good race off the more than year layoff when off slowly but made up ground and seems set to improve 2nd time off the bench; his debut loss was in a key race noting the runner-up and show finishers posted 68-61 Beyer speed figures in next-out LRL-DEL-MSW wins.

Mad Props

Beat 1 runner in 2 races combined as the runner-up from last crushed him again in last with a 78 Beyer; the 31-day layoff does not help the cause noting the 1-for-27 trainer record since 2012 and 0-for-9 turf-to-dirt mark; wish the main-track workouts enticed more.

Red Supreme

Did not appear like he wanted any parts of dirt in latest but needed the race following more than a 6-month absence; 32-days away for a super-fresh trainer; showed some talent 2-back on turf; the debut runner-up and show finishers Beyered 74-60 in next-out BEL-KEE MSW wins.

Zol Zayne

7 weeks since twice a beaten favorite on WO synthetic; today marks his 1st time on dirt and for a new barn; lone exacta finish when on the lead but showed none of that early lick in recent losses; the 3-back runner-up Beyered 70 in his next-out WO score; May-June WO dirt-training track workouts do not entice.

Lion Keen

Hard to ignore the barn's super-success rate with turf-to-dirt winners at 27%; drops below the claim price after the beaten-betting choice in latest while 2-back represents the field's best Beyer; wish we more more enticed by the dirt workouts for this; the debut-show runner Beyered 78 in his next-out BEL-MSW win.

Prince Curlin

Best Beyers were in races 1 and 2 of career both in 2012; was badly outrun at long odds in last but returns to AQU-Inner Dirt the surface of his career-best speed figure; moves up in price off a loss which is not a good-win angle; despite his affinity for this surface would be a surprise.

El Dreamer

Has had many chances but this looks a good spot to land a major share; picked up the 12th exacta finish of his career in latest and has 8 exactas to his credit on today's AQU-Inner Dirt oval; career-best Beyer was on turf; in his last race over the track in March chased the winner who repeated in a BEL-98K stakes with a 77 Beyer.

Polaris Dream

In his last dirt start in May he did not finish while recent-grass form is poor; last time in for a 20K-maiden claiming price tag was an exacta finish on the lawn; was handled by El Dreamer earlier this year on AQU Main; he gets his 1st test on the AQU Inner while sure to lose ground breaking widest; have him ranked a notch below the top contenders. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Tropical Trouble

Fair breeze pattern for this daughter of Utopia, a multiple G1 winner who banked 4.91 million (his offspring have scored in 6 out of 126 debuts attempts); the dam won 1 of 12 and 40K; among the winning siblings is 110K earner Tropical Jetset.

Princessbellaoncal

Returns to the more difficult special weight class but has shown a surprising first gear at times; faces several firsters today and is unlikely to steal away; needs a superior inside path in order to land a share.

No Trespassers

Beginner is from the same sire as the first runner in this field; the filly's dam was zero for 11 lifetime and this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; workout regimen does not really inspire much confidence.

Camie's Dancer

Stopped cold in both appearances but may fare better over this winter surface; her sire won a G3 and 321K while the dam involved was unraced; this is her sole foal to compete; latest breezes were modest.

Countess Twice

A pace possibility on the turnback today; she is another offspring of Utopia to consider (see Tropical Trouble, above, for stats); the dam won 10 of 24 and 378K; winning siblings include 14K earner Magical Blend.

Riveressed

Held well until the final yards of her maiden voyage; her sire won a G1 and 818K while the dam scored in 1 of 9 appearances earning 13K; this is her only foal to start; prior experience over the inner dirt is a distinct plus.

Shea Darby

Ran into some solid groups in 2012 and her placing in an added money event at Finger Lakes was excellent; her sire won the Kentucky Derby and 4.38 million; the dam won 4 of 16 and 177K; there are no winning sibs to mention.

Moonstone Beach

Second all the way around in her first run; her sire is pure sprinter Disco River who captured 532K including multiple G3 scores; the dam was zero for 2; sib to 122K earner Medford Junction; should be within range again.

Utopian Wife

First time on the main oval for this lass (see first runner for sire stats); the race 2 back although an off-the-board finish, featured some pace prompting ability from the far outside post; can be a pace presence against this lot.

Prize Taker

Another turnback to consider from a high-percentage trainer; the filly was a clear-cut second in her last assignment despite breaking slowest of all; may be able to launch a rally from midpack and cannot be discounted.

Rice and Beans

Gets rid of the blinkers after stopping in her June getaway effort over the lawn; came up empty in her sole appearance over the inner dirt and another extra-wide journey seems in the cards; cannot endorse today.

Once a Week

Firster was sired by powerhouse Invasor who won 7.8 million including the Breeders' Cup Classic (his progeny have won 2 of 48 initial starts); the dam won 5 of 14 and 251K; among the winning sibs is G3 winner Z Fortune who netted 432K.

Madison V.

No match for Prize Taker a month ago and she will have to deal with a difficult point of departure if breaking into the field; best effort was the showing 2 back against a repeat winner; may be facing a long road this afternoon. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Lure of the South

Late runner switches on the drop in company here; he is a 2 time winner over the inner track but this heat doesn't have a defined pace scenario and that could make things difficult given his running style; expect to see his best late in the lane but that may limit him to a small share.

Warrior Up

Statebred didn't have much to offer in any of his 4 starts since returning from the early summer freshening and now he'll tackle a softer bunch; he's another without much early foot which doesn't figure to help him here and he's settled for plenty of minor awards, but maybe he finds this softer bunch more to his liking; consider.

Shoutout

Sprinter brings some positional foot to the table and that could be enough to put him on the lead on the stretchout in this rather paceless heat; gelding's route spins against cheaper earlier this year weren't anything great, but he did hold on for a share over the inner last season; enters this in poor form but they'll probably have to chase him.

Dan and Sheila

Four year old was entered yesterday as well to make his first start off this prolific outfit's claim; maybe the stretchout helps him sit closer early as well but he hasn't shown much lick at all, regardless of trip, and his recent form is dull.

Awake At T Wire

Makes his first start for a new barn while returning to the level of a poor one turn effort 2 starts back across town; gelding's most recent 2 turn effort at Parx was quite good and it earned a number better than anything these have run of dirt of late; worth a look.

Poliziano

Steps up after failing to threaten the top 3 finishers in his first start off this outfit's claim; 5 year old was close to the top early and showed a nice turn of foot in that one and given the shaky pace scenario here maybe if he's asked a bit he can take charge of the heat; he's cheap, but he's gotten brave near the top before.

Anaphylaxis

Drops out of the statebred stakes ranks after running out of ground in that one turn heat; didn't do so much at the level 2 back, but maybe the stretchout helps and he was pretty solid over the inner last season; pace is far from ideal, but they may have him to hold off.

Matt and Jesse

Doesn't win very often and none of his spins since the Saratoga slop score were very competitive; maybe the drop to this level helps and he does own an inner track score, but prefer to limit his use to underneath in exotics in this spot.

Vee's Accolade

Tried conditioned claimers in her fist off the barn's claim last time and may have sharpened his lick at that sprint trip; gelding's prior try in the one turn route against cheaper was solid and he wasn't beaten much the last time he stepped over the inner; can't count him out in here. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Worldly Charm

Game try first time out when involved in a lengthy pace battle; her prolific sire won 1 of 2 and 33K while the dam won 1 of 3 and 36K; among the winning siblings is 169K earner Worship the Moon; definitely worth follow-up from the fence.

D' Kennesaw Cat

Middle-moved into strong fractions at Philly; her sire won a G1 and 424K while the dam never made it to the races; this is her sole foal to compete; looks like a good fit and can work out cozy inside trip.

Night Time Slipper

Newcomer was sired by G3 type Disco Rico who netted 532K and whose progeny have won nearly 10 percent of their initial races; the dam won 11 of 33 and 233K; this is her only foal to start; moderate a.m. drills on display.

Naughty Matilda

Latest training track breeze was an upgrade; her sire won 616K including G1 success; progeny of Indian Charlie have won 102 out of 603 debuts; the mom won 3 of 17 and 162K; this is her only foal to compete.

Flaring

Wheels right back after staying within range against a claiming group; her sire won a G2 and 1.1 million; the dam won 2 of 16 and 50K; winning siblings include 28K earner Farah; a generous price is assured.

Wraith

Sired by the powerhouse Ghostzapper who earned 3.44 million and whose descendants are 10 percent winners first time out; the dam won 1 of 11 and 36K; this is her only foal to race; latest gate breeze was encouraging.

Alexandra's Storm

Caught wide in her first run, she did not factor; her sire won multiple G1s and 1.77 million while the dam was unraced; winning siblings include 279K earner Desert Key; may work out more comfortable journey here.

Pink Lipgloss

Offspring of D'wildcat, a G1 victor who garnered 570K, have scored in 33 out of 257 initial races; the dam won 2 of 24 and 20K; among the winning siblings is 117K earner Pink Gloss; breezing steadily over the training track.

Taris

Curious arrival from Penn National shows a superior work tab; her sire won 4 of 6 and 148K (descendants of Flatter are 32 for 332 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 1 of 8 and 31K; among the winning sibs is 37K earner Certain Swagger.

Biddy Martin

Respectable effort in her September unveiling, just missing the show; her sire won multiple G1s and 5.75 million; the dam won 1 of 11 and 19K; among the winning siblings is 77K earner Garmentos Girl; respect despite the wide draw.

Sun and Moon

Tough beat if you backed her last month when she might have been best; her sire won a G1 and 727K while the dam won 3 of 22 and 157K; among the winning siblings is 74K earner Malibu High. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Lord of Love

Caught a wet track the win surface in his last dirt start which was more than 1 year ago but did not fire at all; he's been pretty close in defeat in recent-turf defeats including 2-back when testing the winner who posted an 87 Beyer speed figure in his next-out AQU-optional-claiming win; 1 of many entered that appear to be turf-only types.

Birchwood Road

Looked like a new horse when switching barns for last defeating the show and 7th-place finishers from last they Beyered 75-69 in next-out AQU-MSW wins; rare dirt start the only time on the main track was a fade on wet footing at shorter than this; has something to prove on dirt.

Sun Worshipper

Late runner saves ground then makes one run; in with his lightest-weight assignment ever; is another who has no history on dirt to speak of except for the debut loss vs. the show runner who won next out with a 70 speed figure; defeated the 3-back show runner a next-out 70 Beyer BEL-MSW graduate.

Fortitude

Hopes for a wakeup off 4 consecutive double-digit length defeats; 3 of his 4 wins on AQU Inner dirt hoping this horse for the course can fire back to his March show finish or January win over the track; been best in routes but recent form does not suggest a distance stretchout will help the cause.

Papa Freud

Is 0-for-9 without blinkers but wokeup strongly in last when the hood was removed; speedster's 113-pound assignment is the lightest he will ever race with during career; just has not done anything on dirt to speak of including 2 poor races on AQU Inner Dirt.

Jack's R Wild

Hard to ignore the poor AQU-Inner Dirt record (6-0-0-1) while his Beyer Top was at a shorter distance than this graduating in October over the runner-up finisher who Beyered 92 in his next-out AQU-MSW victory; the 3-back winner and runner-up Beyered 94-83 in next-out wins.

Pin Number

Defeated the 5th and 7th-place finishers from last they Beyered 79-64 in next-out LRL-5K claiming wins; field-best speed figure was posted May, 2011, at 1M on BEL dirt in an alw. event; faced some good ones 2-back; the runner-up finisher Beyered 95 in his next-out BEL-20K-claiming win.

Sea to Sky

10 weeks since fading at longer noting the runner-up finisher Beyered 94-88 in his 2 next-out wins; was superb on the AQU Inner Dirt to end 2012 and begin '13; the main concern is the long layoff as he has not fired best off previous freshenings.

Reggie D

The 7-week freshening for last produced his best finish and Beyer since July; finished 10th-beaten nearly 40 lengths December, 2012, in his last start at 1M or longer; 0-for-5 during career without blinkers as they are removed for this; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 81 in a next-out AQU-optional claiming win; the 3-back winner is now 3-for-3 scoring next out with an 89 Beyer while the show runner scored with a 97 in a BEL-OPC event.

Native Singer

Massive-wakeup call for this rider when racing loose on an easy lead in last after easily handled when favored over Jack's R Wild 2-back; the runner-up from that event Beyered 92 winning next out vs. AQU-MSW company; the 3-back show runner won his 2 races with 86-79 Beyers.

Joe Mooch

More gate speed signed on here but stamina has been missing from recent sprints; he did not show any resistance in his only start at 1 Mile in March when defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 76 in his next-out BEL-MSW win; the 3-back show runner posted an 84 taking a next-out SAR-OPC victory.

Carson Bandit

Exits his lowest Beyer since September, 2012; brief speed in latest while today is drawn outside of a ton of other frontrunners; lone win on a sloppy race track at 2F shorter than this; the 3-back winner and runner-up Beyered 84-79 in next-out BEL-OPC wins.

Petrocelli

Huge-turf race 1st time for a new trainer; was troubled 2-back in a key race as the winner repeated with a 94 Beyer; last win was on a wet-main track while figures for a stalking trip of the inside speed then hopes the wide-ground losing post doesn't cost him in deep stretch.

Hidden Vow

Winless on dirt all against maidens; he is another in the field who has clearly been superior on turf with tons to prove on the surface change (3-0-0-0 on AQU Inner Dirt); tired from wide post 11 in latest and seems set for a similar type of trip here; won fresh off nearly a 6-month absence and comes in here off a 6-week break. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Champagne Ruby

Pinballed at the start of the Gimma, miss was inching toward the winner last time; sire carried speed long successfully; dam won 10 times, all sprints; over $260K earner sibling City in the Clouds did win routing once; could be coming on strong late.

Daddy's Lil Saint

Must find a way to deal with the Rice charge among others; show horse in the Gimma took a MSW next out and the winner repeated in a $150K stakes; sire proved stamina taking Florida Derby; dam was unraced; a half sis won multiple stakes but was sprint only; has some things to iron out.

Underthemoonlight

Miss ran into the freak to kick it off, looked good winning with the steady close in last; sire was a Grade 1 winner routing; dam was unraced; this is her first to roll; probably has to pick it up to repeat.

Miss Narcissist

Miss was anxious before the debut and left her race behind the gate; no mistakes since; the winner of this race last year Kelli Got Frosty also used a win in the NY Stallion as a steppingstone but with a higher 82 Beyer; sire graduated at about a mile for lone score; dam was sprint only; lone half bro to win took one sprint; miss finished her last furlong in :12.39 in last; the one to beat.

Flipcup

Miss must prove it on the conventional dirt but the stakes debut was promising; place horse in the maiden breaker graduated next out, was 2nd a neck in a $150K stakes and then got up in an N2L allowance with a 64 Beyer 11/30 at WO; sire could run all day long; dam was unraced; full bro Runweister was a triple route winner; may like it here.

Mlle. Minuit

Youngster exits the best race; fresh Lasix was the remedy for the win and maybe she just wanted to part of grass; G1 winning sire was sprint only; dam was unraced; a half sis did win routing once; she figures to appreciate being back with own kind. - Brian Mulligan