Aqueduct: Closer Looks for December 29, 2013

Race 1

Cryptic Comet

1st blinkers and 1st time racing on a wet track produced a new Beyer speed figure Top and graduation victory on the lead; Bridget Moloney and Henry's Gal project to fly from the gate early which could leave her with a good-stalking trip while saving ground from the rail; the 2-back show runner Beyered 66 in her next-out 75K-maiden-claiming victory.

Henry's Gal

Claimed off the debut win by a trainer who is outstanding 27% winners 1st off the purchase; major-class test to face winners off the maiden-claiming score; won right on the lead and hopes to crack Bridget Moloney to make the front here; right back in the entries 17 days after her wet-track victory; view as a major-pace presence.

Missy Bay

Late runner is trying to shake up the form adding blinkers after posting a career-low Beyer in her 1st dirt start; her 3-back turf-narrow loss represents a field-best Beyer when edged by the winner who repeated in a BEL-100K event with a 77 speed figure.

Looksgoodfromhere

Late runner cuts way back in distance hoping to get up in time; lone win on turf which is where her Beyer Top was also posted; just missed in last firing her best speed figure on dirt losing by a head to Bridget Moloney; today she receives a negative 2-pound swing in the weights for the rematch.

Summerdale

Was not well backed by bettors in either start shocking the career debut at $56; nine weeks away for a high-percentage fresh trainer; the turf-to-dirt angle is also a high-percentage win move from her trainer; cuts back to her shortest-distance test ever while she has been working steadily for this.

Champagne Ruby

Versatile sort can win from on the lead or off the pace; ran well 1st time going long now cuts back to her shortest-distance test since May; today is the 1st time ever in a race where she can be claimed exiting 4 straight stakes includng an FL-SW; the 3-back show runner Beyered 58 in a next-out AQU-MSW triumph.

Manhattan Gin

Made the transition nicely to beat winners; sat nicely from off the pace in last and hopes to setup just outside of Bridget Moloney here then wear down the speed to make it 3 in a row; she beat the 2-back show runner a next-out 51 Beyer 25K-maiden-claiming winner.

Bridget Moloney

Perfect runner projects to own the best-gate speed in a race packed with inside frontrunners; lost the lead in last but would not be denied; won from post 11 in her career debut so this far outside draw is not an issue; 1st start on AQU Inner Dirt is a concern but her trainer began this meet hot. - Art Gropper

Race 2

Go to the Net

Although compromised by the outermost post in his recent assignment, the switch to the rail today will likely not matter much as he has been clearly beaten by some of these same rivals; best effort was on the turf; pass for now.

Kissed and Missed

He is a legitimate candidate today based on the equipment change and the fact that he has only 2 blemishes on the record; his sire was a G1 sprinter who banked 570K; the dam won 7 of 12 and 164K; winning siblings include 20K earner Northern Romance.

Quiet Value

This grey has flashed only brief speed in his career and no endurance or fighting power whatsoever; all 3 prior attempts over this winter course has been ineffective and he is an unlikely hero today, pure and simple.

Ask About Me

Tries this low level for the first time and did not have a smooth beginning to his comeback race earlier in the month; one of his top effort was over the inner dirt where he was a clear-cut second behind a repeat winner; deserves another chance.

Lincoln Flyer

In light of the new connections, this gelding deserves respect; turned in a fair showing a month ago behind a blowout winner; do not be dissuaded by the ordinary work tab this month as he lands into a very soft line-up this afternoon.

Moonlite Encounter

Raced evenly in his last test, a definite improvement; tries yet another apprentice, however, and will have to get into the race sooner; may earn a share at a healthy price but difficult to recommend as the one to key on top.

Chief Scout

Not sure which half of the Jacobson entry will race but this colt upgraded in his first start under these silks 10 days ago; should be able to stay within range and the extra distance should work in his favor as well.

Do It for Dennis

Like the fact that he showed much more early speed last time out when fighting for command while between rivals; the turnback in distance may not be that demanding a task and he could prove to be the right value play.

El Dreamer

Has earned many a check in his long maiden career; seems worth some use in your exotic wagering approach but still have difficulty recommending him for the top position; note lifetime exacta record over this inner dirt oval.

Moravitz

Probably the best rallier in this field although there may not be that hot a pace to set him up today; made 2 moves in the last route affair and despite the fact that he has limited main track experience, he looks like a comfortable fit against this lot.

Harry Consolidator

He has never finished in the money in all this time but did show some atypical early zip in his latest test; outside post position is just one of several headaches and he cannot be viewed as a serious threat here. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Aussi Austin

Two of the 3 wins came on turf; he was in range at the top of the line in last but just loss the momentum; only a neck out of the trifecta in a similar spot in August; place horse 10/26 took a $25K optional, lost next pair; can't be dismissed.

Farhaan

Colt beat 16 foes for the diploma; grass only so far, but he has valid speed if you key off the 10/14 effort; snappy move on the 19th screams off the tab; note trainer adapt going sprint to route; must find a way to turn the tables on the Jacobson rival among others.

Regulus

In good hands out West, gelding ran well on the stretch out in July of 2012; if you figure she needed the last race, you can build a case for a move forward; veteran has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to win; look for rider to send long and hope for the best.

Colleen's Sailor

There is some back class in her form keying off the third in the $500K stakes in 2012; colt can handle any kind of going, he has some semblance of speed but can sit just off the pace and cash; trainer can keep them going good once they get good to the tune of 24%; far too sharp to ignore.

Speightscity

Pushed into the stakes in the 2012 opener and he has not been able to close the deal since; a bit more keen to work on the 22nd, he got an ideal trip in the win on the inner; he has only beaten 3 horses in his last 4 outings; has some things to iron out.

Praetereo

Proven at the trip, runner was inching toward the winner in last and the race over the strip can't hurt; at least he kept the legs moving 5 days ago; veteran proved he belongs in this league off the 98 Beyer 4 back; barn continues to fire on all cylinders; expect better effort here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Julie Napp

Dons the blinkers and tries claimers for the first time, a strong combination of factors; she held fairly well in her first route assignment 2 back before fading in the last furlong; daughter of multiple champion Curlin should make an impact from the fence.

From Tiz Moment On

Rested since a clear placing over the Big A main nearly 2 months ago; subsequent workout activity is varied and she tries the fifth different rider in as many starts; no match for Believeinfaith in her last sprint outing.

Flaring

She was trounced in her inner dirt debut but the early fractions of that event were sharp; drew difficult posts in both races; her sire won a G2 and 1.1 million while the dam went 2 for 16 earning 50K; winning siblings include 28K earner Farah.

Believeinfaith

Did not recover from a bumpy beginning in her last run; workout regimen this month shows life and perhaps she can rebound from that performance; earned this field's best Beyer 2 back when chasing all the way around.

Go West Marie

Gets rid of the blinkers for her first effort in 3 months; she has had more than her share of bad racing luck in her brief career thus far; her sire won 8 of 30 and 402K: the mom won 3 of 7 and 128K; sib to 70K bankroller Roman Counsel.

Stacey's Pumpkin

Nowhere in that first run at Laurel while a big price on the board; her sire won a G1 and 1.22 million while the dam was without victory in 5 attempts; winning siblings include 72K earner Buffoonery.

Alice and Trixie

Exits a fairly quick affair where she was never involved; her sire won the G1 Wood Memorial and 996K; the mom won 9 of 60 and 183K; among the winning siblings is 206K earner A Rose for You; should fare better at this reduced level.

Lady Luciano

Maturing now, she was a game second in her first try over this inner dirt surface; should be able to stalk the issue from the opening bell but might have to chase much swifter fractions along the way; mixed signals for this lass.

Sals Wonderfulgirl

The selection despite the layoff since early October; her sire won a G2 and 254K while the dam won 1 of 11 and 45K; sib to 26K earner Magical Appeal; dangerous if breaking straight and true and getting away unchallenged in the opening stages.

Lauded

Among the missing in her unveiling; her sire won multiple G1s and 5.75 million while the dam involved was unraced; winning siblings include 557K earner Fusaichi Giga; blinker addition may help her awaken. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Sacred Ground

Draws the fence for his local return after failing to threaten the winner in his Finger Lakes finale last month; 6 year old is an inner track winner and he won at this level over the main track earlier in the year; if he gets a little bit of pace in front of him he's capable of contending for a share of this.

Coach A. J.

Ran his inner track record to 2 for 2 while getting his nose down to best conditioned claimers earlier in the month; he steps up in this spot and though the importance of current form can't be overstated at this time of year, he'll need to take a good step forward to have a say today; siding against the repeat.

Isn'tlovejustgrand

Failed to finish his return to the lawn against statebreds last month and now they'll look to get him back on dirt; like the fact this New York bred isn't dangled for a tag and maybe the weight break with the switch to a bug helps; career record over the inner isn't much, though, so we'll be looking elsewhere for the winner.

I Want You to Know

Hood comes off for the stretchout after showing speed off the freshening last time; new outfit hasn't had much luck with its newly claimed runners right back and this guy doesn't have much 2 turn experience, but he does figure to be close earlt in his inner track debut.

A. P. Cino

Shipper makes his first start for a barn that hasn't had any recent success with this type; stakes placed gelding has been in career best form of late and those recent numbers tower over what these have been running; note that those last few did come over wet tracks and he will take huge tote support, but he has run fast over dry strips before and last week's Penn National blowout suggests he's set for his inner track debut; they'll have him to beat.

Metaurus

Gelding earned a handful of minor awards earlier in the year but he hasn't been a serious threat in the second half of this season and now he'll stretchout; he owns a couple of inner track scores so maybe the return to this course helps get him going, but it's tough to make a serious case for this longshot off what he's shown of late; passing.

Kings Village

Makes his first start for a new outfit after failing to go on from his pace efforts against claimers on the inner track; gelding hasn't been a factor in a long time and don't think the removal of shades is going to be the panacea here; can't use this big price.

Mister Woolman

Wide trip hurt him when stretched out against conditioned claimers earlier in the month but his prior score first time off the barn's claim was pretty good; he will need to run faster against this better bunch and he draws outside so don't know that he'll be able to save any more ground from here.

Photon

Tracked a slow clip and wasn't able to go with the front running winner late in his return to the inner track; gelding's last win came over this strip almost an entire year ago and maybe the solid figure he earned last time is a sgin he's ready to move forward; contender.

Divine Child

Ran out of ground while returning from the brief freshening at Parx last time and now he'll start from the outside slot in his return to the inner over which he owns a score; gray isn't the most consistent sort, but he does go for a solid barn and he'll get the services of a top pilot for this; one to consider at this level. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Sugar Beach

Wonder if that last win knocked the starch out of her?; she had to hit the bench and the return was less than stellar; proven on the surface in a similar spot and she s handled the off going too; not a ton of speed in here, cozy slot can't hurt, expect much better effort here.

Rodinia

Miss has the two races under the girth and note she improved in the Beyer department in that third off the layoff run in the September finale; place horse in the last score cashed next out in a $12.5K N2L, then was 2nd a length in a $12.5K claimer; agile enough to overcome the trouble 11/21, look for him to flash more speed on the stretch out; don't ignore.

Penthouse Party

In the best effort on the inner surface, runner was third beaten 7 and she lost ground that day late; versatility could be her best asset; she has some semblance of speed but doesn t need the lead to succeed; this rider up for the last score; protected in last pair, expect better effort here.

Concealed

Beaten over 4 in the best result on this surface; note runner was nearly 4 clear two back, miss got away with the pedestrian splits three back and still gave up it; she should appreciate this softer spot; far too sharp to leave out of consideration.

Chloe Bear

She has run decently here without cashing on the inner; bet like a good thing in last, miss was just a brief threat but could be more on the muscle with the blinks; trainer has been sending out live runners but this guy will need plenty of help up front to get there.

Rebellious Chic

Mare had to be off for 18 months for a pretty serious reason; in light again, she has the three races under the girth now but was coasting along on the soft pace and still spit out the bit at crunch time; try to get a good look at her on the track before taking a swing.

Golden Cheetah

Basically she is out to prove the 31-1 maiden breaker was no fluke; guess somebody had to be third in the October open in the small field; off poorly two back, she never kicked in last and the pace was extremely ordinary; would think long and hard before taking too short a number.

Little Rita

Never in the money in the three starts on the inner and that must be addressed; off the rail this time, can't be thrilled with the defeat vs. softer in September; a slice may be the ceiling.

Warmhearted Sandy

Garcia got a chance to figure her out last time; twice as many slices as wins makes her a tough on top only ticket; the 11/8 winner repeated in an allowance fray with a 66 Beyer; in the best result on the inner, miss was third beaten 5 with a 45 Beyer; not sold on chances.

Hope for Tomorrow

Soph only beat 3 to the wire in the closer of 2012 on this surface; the winner that day has won 4 times since, the last in a $35K optional beating the chalk in the 8th here Thursday; the fact she graduated off the vacation gives her a shot to fire fresh; she could be compromised by the slot today.

Nonnie Connie

Needed the sealed muddy strip for the lone win; decent move on the 4th is a positive sign; place horse in last took a $14K optional next out and the winner repeated in a $35K optional with a 78 Beyer; the speed last time could have set her up for a big run if she gets a chance to go; live rider hired, don't ignore. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Mighty Ian

Speedster displayed versatility by 2 races ago posting a field-best Beyer speed figure when stalking the pace; Osceola Prince among others have gate speed so likely saves ground stalking here; gets the rematch from his neck loss to Tiz Chris however the added yardage here favors his nemsis; his 3-back victory at today's distance looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 67 in his next-out PRX-16K-claiming victory.

Go Canes Go

0-for-5 since the debut-maiden breaker when stalking sprinters; he raced on the lead 2 back and wants to be close to the lead; figures to chase Osceola Prince to the front then hopes to hold off the stalkers/closers; the runner-up finisher from last captured a GP-192K stakes next out with a 90 Beyer.

Modern Child

Adds more-gate speed here; on the lead in last when defeated by Pass the Tap at shorter; has not shown enough stamina in prior races at today's 8.5F distance to get enthused; 2-back is a career-best Beyer on AQU Main but did not offer that same type spark in his return to today's Inner Dirt course for last.

Idle American

0-for-10 dirt record; latest-even finish vs. Pass the Tap does not help the confidence level that he can turn the tables with added yaradge for this; the good news is his 3-back Beyer-career Top was posted at today's distance but on turf; others appeal more.

Tiz Chris

Graduated at today's distance; he stretches back out off the distant-exacta finish when beating Mighty Ian at 1 Mile; the added yardage here favors this one; likely needed latest off a 9-week freshening; he beat the 3-back show finisher a 90 Beyer next-out BEL-MSW graduate.

Pass the Tap

Have to go back to May on turf to see a bad race on his form; main issue is today's added distance as his only race at 8.5F was a dull effort and 2nd-lowest Beyer ever; in last lost a spot in deep stretch at shorter which doesn't bode well for this; new rider wins 36% at AQU since 2012 for the trainer; has beaten some of these in recent starts have him ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Jonrah

His 2 starts beating winners occurred at today's distance but on turf; exits a career-low Beyer when placed back on dirt while 2-back was a co-Beyer Top on turf; December, 2011, posted a 6F career-debut victory on AQU-Inner Dirt; off recent form must show more.

Osceola Prince

4-for-11 dirt record while the 2-back main-track win was a strong effort; has a lot of inside-gate speed to fend off here but projects to race on the lead especially with the new rider known for getting speed runners out of the gate in front; his best Beyer since 2012 occurred at today's distance but on turf; know him early then hopes to hang on late for a share.

Finn's Quest

New rider means his lightest-weight assignment ever; DQ'd winner of last losing the $26.40 win price but loving the wet track to post a new Beyer Top; lone win was sprinting but the way he rallied at 1 Mile today's added yardage seems well within his scope.

Dan and Sheila

Huge race from post ten 1st off the claim; that was just his 2nd race ever on AQU Inner Dirt while posting a new Beyer-career Top over a wet-race track to snap a long-losing skid; today's wide draw does not hurt his chances it is a question of whether he will be just as good on fast footing while back in just 9 days after winning with 44 days between starts. - Art Gropper