Aqueduct: Closer Looks for December 4, 2013

Race 2

Madre Ditutticapi

On the lead in 2 of her last 4 races and graduated on the frontend but her career-best Beyer speed figure was when sitting just off the pace and will likely have to revert to those tactics with speedsters The Royal Boot and Queen Nine signed on here; the 3-0-0-0 mark over the AQU-main track and latest fade locally suggests the class drop is very-much needed; view as a pace presence for part.

The Royal Boot

Won 2 in a row on dirt and is 7-for-13 overall leaving the turf course where she is winless is clearly a positive move; she wants the lead and will have to fend off Queen Nine and Madre Ditutticapi during the early stages then hold off the closers; career-best Beyer accomplished at 5.5F so the final yards here are the main issue.

Evasive Cat

Have to go back to January, 2012, to see her last win and career-best co-field best Beyer at a half furlong shorter than this; been right there in last 4 starts including beaten favorite in last 2; 1st race off the claim in last was a good race in defeat; hard to leave out of the exotics but not sure about backing on the win end trying to end the drought.

Off My Cloud

Hopes to stalk the inside speed then come up big in deep stretch after being primed in routes; was claimed off a front-running loss at longer by a 9% trainer with the 1st-off-the-purchase angle; September, 2012, was her last race going this short but won her debut romping at 5.5F on a wet-DEL main track and off going moves her up; the 3-back loss looks better since the winner repeated with a 70 Beyer taking a PEN-starter alw.

Trail Walker

Have to go back to June to see a bad race on her form although was disappointed when she did not blow past the speed when favored in last which was her 1st race ever on AQU dirt; her 1st-blinkered run for this barn is a career-best co-field best Beyer but did not follow that up with the same spark for most recent.

Heidi's Holiday

Late runner needs a pace metltdown to score; the 3-back winner repeated with a 74 Beyer then made it a 3 in a row with a 60 taking FL-optional claimers; trying to recall her career-best speed figure was 2nd-time out in a SAR-MSW romp rallying from 5th and almost 10 back at the 1st call at 6F.

Purling

52 days since troubled in the grass debut she returns to the distance of her maiden victory when stalking the speed; overall her Beyers are very light in comparison to the others while the trainer is 1-for the last-23 first-time out with newly-acquired runners; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Your Time Is Up

51 days since fading on BEL dirt; her only race on the AQU Main is a career-best Beyer at today's distance; gets a new rider for a high-percentage fresh trainer; figures to chase the inside speed then hopes to find the stamina missing from the pre-rest defeats.

Queen Nine

She has never handled a wet track in her career so willing to completely toss last when also coming off a 74-day absence; all 3 wins on the lead and will have to outbreak The Royal Boot to get the front here; her 2-back co-field-best Beyer romp looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 76 in a next-out BEL-16K-claiming win; try to catch the pick.

Yampa River

2 of her 3 races off the August claim have been her best-career performances; the negative 6-pound weight switch from Evasive Cat off latest nearly 3-length defeat does not help the confidence level to turn the tables; beat the 3-back runner-up who Beyered 77 taking a BEL-35K claimer next out. By Art Gropper

Race 3

Honorable Dillon

A G2 SW at GP last winter so there's some class here; that being said, he last ran 8th in the G2 Woody Stephens at BEL June 8 - and hasn't been seen since; at least working well for this, has run well off a similar long layoff and toss a couple G2 duds and he's run fairly well in his 6 other starts; the only time he faced elders came as a young 3yo May 1 at BEL - and he won.

Johannesburg Smile

Tough veteran; last seen finishing a game 3rd in an NY-bred stakes; trouble is, 'last seen' was March 21 so there's a long layoff to overcome; at least it's Mr. Pletcher calling the shots and he's good off the bench, and while this guy returns for a tag it's a big one ($100K); in fact, it's the same price Pletcher claimed him for 11 months ago.

Farhaan

Made a smart first impression in the U.S. as he came from England and gamely won a turf race at SAR Aug. 14; things haven't gone so well in 3 starts since, however; good news, though is he's shown some dirt ability and there's no panicky drop by a real sharp trainer; had ample early trouble when last seen here Nov. 8 and while a non-threatening 4th the winner (Praetereo) was entered and scratched from the G1 Cigar Mile Saturday, so that's a nice horse this guy chased.

Regulus

Wonderfully bred runner flashed ample ability out West; won 4 of his last 6 and they thought enough of him to try the G2 San Fernando at SA last Jan.12; found those waters too deep, went to NoCal and easily won 2 straight on GG's synthetic track; in fact, in his last win March 17 he beat multiple GSW mare Halo Dolly back into 2nd, and she's awfully tough; hasn't run since so that's an issue but he has won on dirt and brings some strong works into this.

Spa City Fever

Grizzled veteran looks back on track; found NY-bred stakes foes a bit too much to handle this fall but then came here and looked good wiring a tough optional claiming band Nov. 28; love that Jacobson moves him up in price and wheels him back in less than a week (25% doing so), particularly as Jacobson is off to a fine start this meet; speed should have him in it from the start. By Michael Hammersly

Race 4

Chow Fun

The 73 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field, but she is meeting up with winners for the first time after getting the job done at 13-1 in her latest start; not willing to count her out of it, but others entice more.

Mighty Reward

Of the horses in the main body of this race she's the only one with more than a single victory next to her name and the runner up from her latest race returned to win next out at Crc on 11/28 going 6f vs. 16k OPC's with an 82 Beyer; it is fair to wonder if today's 1 1/16m distance is a bit more than she can handle.

The Lady Says Yes

Her lack of early speed is always a concern but this stone-cold closer hasn't run a bad race to date and she goes out for one of the sharpest turf outfits in the country; Castellano has won with 65 of 213 (31%) mounts for this barn in 2013; must consider.

Rebellious Chic

Have to be at least mildly concerned when seeing that her lone victory was earned in December 2011 and that she didn't make a start from April 2012 until October 2013; viewing her as being an early pace factor but going to look for others to have more to offer through the stretch.

Miracleonbroadway

Her lone victory was earned against 16k MCL's, and not only does her best effort appear to be short of the mark of what it will take to get the job done in this spot, but she appears to be at her best sprinting.

Golden Cheetah

Her most recent race wasn't one of her better performances, and not sure that the top spot is quite within her reach, but she ran well enough in three consecutive starts between July and October to suggest that she might be able to secure a spot underneath in the exotics.

Image of Noon

Maybe she's a little bit of a question mark at today's 1 1/16m distance, but this multiple stakes placed miss has run some nice races over turf through her first seven starts, and looking at this as a good spot for her to take another shot in a turf route; must respect.

Run to Mama

She's making her first start beyond seven furlongs, but she has been much improved in her two most recent races and she finished right behind one of today's key rivals in Image of Noon in her latest outing; 112k purchase commands her share of respect in this spot.

As Well

She's another who has to be careful to avoid falling too far out of it through the opening stages, but her best effort is strong enough to get her into the mix against these; this barn has been live in recent months, but it might be worth noting the presence of Castellano aboard another in here.

Miz Owell

Her four turf starts since moving into this barn have been respectable performances and she shows up for a high win percentage barn that gets the job done with their turf starters; the outside post isn't ideal, but if she can benefit from some racing luck, she's eligible to find herself involved in the running through the final furlong.

Absolute Beauty

Don't want to ignore a barn that has been very live over the past couple of months, but it is difficult to give this filly a favorable push when seeing what she's been doing lately, and it really would've been nice to have seen a little bit more out of her when placed back over turf in her latest outing.

Coriander

Since being claimed by her current connections, she's put together a couple of performances that are in the neighborhood of what it might take to get the job done in this spot, and like the idea of her being ready for better while meeting up with winners for the second time; she's worth keeping an eye out for in the event that she draws in.

Castles Burning

There isn't much in the way of dirt form signed on in the main body of this race, but this filly does appear to be the weaker of the four Main Track Only entered runners in this race; she looks like more of an outsider.

Ascended Fever

Her better Beyer Speed Figures have been earned racing over turf but her dirt form has been strong enough to suggest that she can prove to be a legitimate threat in this spot if this race has to be moved to the main track.

Milkyyourway

She's going to need to improve over what she's done in her two most recent races in order to contend, but she is a threat on a top try, and this will be her first start wearing blinkers; leaning toward others, but wouldn't consider her a shocker.

All Mine Tonight

This has a chance to prove to be a favorable spot for this filly to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf, but it might be of some concern that she wasn't at her best in her latest outing when asked to run beyond seven furlongs for the first time. By Brian Pochman

Race 6

Henry's Gal

Offspring of Disco Rico, a multiple G3 winner who banked 532K, have scored in nearly 10 percent of their debuts; the dam involved was unraced; among the winning siblings is 159K earner Disco's Son.

Possetivevibration

Drops in half following a display of early speed in the last pair; switches to apprentice handling and draws a comfortable slot; looks like a good fit based on the pace nature of this field and is recommended for exotic wagering inclusion.

Livininthefastlane

Managed to capture the place in her last assignment but the race itself is on the slow side; subsequent workout pattern is fairly good and perhaps she can make first run on the leaders; solid trainer/jockey tandem a plus.

No More Sins

Tough beat in that maiden voyage at Penn National when narrowly outfinished (a race with a big gap to third); she hails from multiple G2 victor Repent who notched 1.25 million; the dam won 4 of 32 and 97K; sib to 70K earner My Smartness.

Chicks and a Pig

Tries the claiming world for the first time after 2 troubled efforts against better stock; her sire won the G1 King's Bishop and 1.02 million; the dam won 3 of 26 and 33K; among the winning sibs is 110K earner Evan's Rocket; should upgrade.

Margaret Ownzit

She turned in a decent showing in a large field recently and has legitimate money chances once again; should be near a mundane early pace and benefit; makes only second start for these connections and should return further dividends.

Fancy 'n Flight

Not much to highlight thus far although she did run into a repeat winner in the last score; her sire is New York bred legend Say Florida Sandy who compiled 2.08 million; the dam won 4 of 27 and 352K; sib to 348K earner Precious Pixel.

Front Cover Dream

Far back each time at huge odds, the last one a trouncing by Margaret Ownzit; the most recent half-mile breeze is not quick enough to turn things around suddenly; cannot be endorsed at this time.

Archer Queen

Races over the main oval for the first time and can improve; her sire was a G1 sprinter who notched 570K; the dam was zero for 3 and this is her only foal to compete; no chance last time because of the extra-soft middle fractions.

Recovered

Tries blinkers for the new barn and she did show some gate speed first time out; her sire won a G2 and 662K; the mom won 1 of 3 and 10K; among the winning siblings is 90K earner Catalonia; distinct improvement to the latest training track move.

Lucky Nancy E.

In her first race for a tag, she raced evenly but faded a bit in the final furlong; this trainer/jockey combination has tallied with some longshots in the past and this filly should be within striking range this afternoon; consider if odds are more inviting. By Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Belle Gallantey

She's the highest earner in the field with a bankroll of $256K; returned from a freshening last out and finished third in a race she can build upon; might get a decent setup behind a few of these as there is some speed to her outside; might also benefit if the strip is fast as her last win came on such a surface; dam was a four-time winner who ran out $147K; can share.

Little Rocket

She's a well-bred sort as her dam was a Grade 2 winner of $166K and she has produced a Grade 2 winner in Lovely Lil ($299K) and a multiple stakes winner in Sweet Sweet ($191K); has tactical speed and might get a nice trip tracking Talent N Passion and perhaps the fresh Sister City; runner who has seen Grade 1 rivals a leading contender.

Superior Sarah

She has class appeal as one who has been facing steeper; she also could be sitting on a peak race here in what will be her third out since August 2012; has a useful stalking style, and could get a decent setup behind a few of these; she also has an age edge on some of these as she is 5.

Merry Meadow

She finished first by a clear margin at this level last out, but her number came down; for the effort, she did earn what ranks as this field's best last-race Beyer Figure; has natural speed, and could show the way here or perhaps track Talent N Passion; is also stakes-placed, and owns field's best collection of Beyer Figures; win candidate.

My Sparky

She cuts back to a distance similar to her last win after racing over a mile last out; looking for her to be bidding from off the pace on account of the turn back and perhaps she will get a decent setup behind a few of these; like several in here, she is one who could share.

Cape Cod Carol

She's a stakes-placed runner and a half-sister to Becky's Exchange, a stakes winner of $173K; encountered some trouble in her last start and could be a little closer the pace here with clearer sailing; has a nice record over the local strip and appears to be a leading contender.

Talent N Passion

She's quick, and depending on how things fall at the break suspect she will be showing the way against these; has a chance to slip away, but could also face pressure from a fresh Sister City, who is situated to her immediate outside, and perhaps Merry Meadow; defeated steeper in her most recent start, and rates as a win candidate.

Sister City

She's a half-sister to City to City, a four-time Grade 2 winner who has run out $729K; gives up recency to all of these as she has not raced since May, but like that she has won off the bench in the past; also draws a tactical post, to the outside of potential pace rival Talent N Passion; as with all comebackers, she is one to preview in the paddock. By Mary Rampellini

Race 8

Mia Poppy

Gelding has run well here without winning; shorter trip could work to his advantage and the show horse two back cashed next out in a $25K optional, then ran out of the money; there are stamina issues as he has lost ground in the lane in every single race.

Tiz Gianni

Carefully placed by clever barn; must find a way to turn the tables on Nation among others but he got a boost when the show horse in last cashed next out in a $25K Laurel optional with an 88 Beyer; key off the September opener and he must be left in the mix but note after that 2nd fans backed off to the tune of 7 and 21-1 and they were right on the money.

Sandyinthesun

Optimistic after the nose win three back, connections tried the stakes to no avail; sometimes when horses are just put in over their heads it takes a toll for races to come; no speed, no asset; Empire-bred may need own kind.

Cheyenne Nation

Runner likes to cut it close even when he brings the A game; he has been able to close into a slow pace and a moderate one and still prevail; nothing wrong with winning a third of the starts or cashing locally; repeat well within the scope.

Shkspeare Shaliyah

Been a long time between drinks for this runner; this guy got good for about 2 weeks back in 2011 when he graduated, then repeated in the Grade 3 Pilgrim on a soft Belmont course; it s been dull city since; passing.

Unbridled Fire

Proven on this circuit, Beyers going in the right direction and this guy doesn t have to be a dozen back early today; 6th finisher in last beat $16K claimers next out and the 9th finisher took a $25K optional; 9/5 show horse took an N1X in Maryland next out and the 9/5 winner repeated in a $25K Philly optional; respect.

Bo Strikes Back

Runner lost contact early in the fog but finished decently; the show horse 10/26 won next out in a $25K optional, then ran out of the money; versatile enough to lead to succeed or track and pounce like he did in the last 2 victories; Ortiz got a chance to figure him out; can't be dismissed.

Compliance Officer

Mirror races in last pair and neither was pretty; gelding had dead aim the last time in an optional claimer but he went backward at crunch time; at least he was fit enough to drill since the last effort and this rider was up for the last win; backers have to hope he'll wake up against non-stakes rivals.

Vinny Goodtimes

Must respect his consistency; he's fired every time and could have just been overmatched in last; note his first couple of wins came from a stalking position but then he showed a new wrinkle coming from left field in the October score; fact he won his second career start gives him a chance to be on his game; interesting.

Royal Blessing

Nice bit of training to have this guy set to win the 2013 opener off the extended layoff; he was far from disgraced at Saratoga and was caught in a gypsy switch two back; off the rail here and he has been handled by a couple of today s foes; another threat in a great betting race.

Screenplay

Nothing like a quick turn on an investment to pick up the morale around the stable; he s put wins together in the past as he took 3 in a row back in 2011 and they came at 3 different venues; only beaten a length in this very league in May; rates long look if the scratches are kind.

Non Stop

Freshened since the freak job at Belmont; proven fresh last year at the shore, the last race came back ultra live; 2nd and 3rd finishers took $16K claimers next out, 4th finisher won a $20K optional and the 6th finisher took a $12.5K seller next out; he has a right to get the trip as kin Talike Me won routing twice; look for rider to send and try to steal it.

Breathaway

Gelding broke maiden here but got away pushed a moderate pace; the splits today could be much quicker; fully extended in that last win and we really don't know how much it may have taken out of him; a couple of shore drills coming to this race; hard to adore after the last fiasco.

Strong Impact

You have to put them where they belong in this sport; he did catch the yielding course two back and connections thought enough of him to try the Grade 1 in Canada; place horse in last took a $32K optional, 5th finisher won at this very level at Woodbine and the winner repeated in a $100K stakes; proven at this level and note he was over 5 clear in the tough beat at this distance last year; must be left in the hopper.

Two Is to Many

Runner proved he wanted no part of the turf game in last; fully extended in the last win in the smallish field and he has been out of the money the last 2 times in this league; could see him in a stalking position early if he roll, not sure he'll be around when the smoke clears.

Point Taken

He's danced all the dances and he has found a way to get the job done this year a third of the time; nice; nearly three clear when getting to the winner as he tries to snap the seconditis bug; must be left in the exotic conversation at least. By Brian Mulligan

Race 9

Street Prince

First part of the coupling returns from the brief freshening to try claimers for the initial time; gelding has shown some ability at times and his debut run over the track at this time last year behind a subsequent G2 SW sprinter offers some hope that maybe the change of afternoon scenery will help get him going; holds a big figure advantage and looms the one to down.

Thunder But Norain

Fresh colt makes his first start in nearly 10 months for a barn that does nice work with this type first time back; he hasn't finished close to the winner in any of his handful of starts and there's not a lot to suggest he'll go much better in this spot.

El Dreamer

Five year old has lost 45 times and his recent tries at this trip and level have not been very good; he owns some numbers that would put him in the mix here and maybe he jumps up with one that puts him in the exotics mix, but even in a weak gathering we'd have to side with others on the win end.

St. Sincere

Beaten chalk in 3 of his last 4 stretches out after holding second money behind a runaway winner; there's not much in here and he does figure to be prominent from the bell at today's added trip, but he's had his share of chances and has shown that this distance is a little longer than he really wants to go.

Do It for Dennis

Statebred trailed the entire way first out on the local lawn a couple of weeks back and now he'll try cheap open claimers on the main track; unraced dam's 2 other foals to race are 2 time dirt route winners so maybe the change in footing helps at what figures to be a pretty long price.

Fastinov

Tasted victory 2 back on the lawn but had his number taken down before spotted against winners at a marathon trip and his 125-1 price on the board suggests he was significantly overmatched that day; should appreciate the return to non-winners and maybe his success in shades will continue on dirt in this weak field, but he's 0 for 13 so far and the barn is winless on the year.

Bundler

Gets Castellano for another crack at the trip and level after showing a bit of late interest over a local main track with some moisture in it last out; getting a little more involved early would help and with just 4 starts under his belt he certainly has a right to improve; one to consider.

Copper Beeches

Showed speed while sprinting in his initial dirt spin and didn't have much left thereafter; barn boasts a recent winner on the stretchout and the dam dropped 7 route winners including G1 SP, multiple G2 SW turfer and 746K earner Middlesex Drive who also won going long on the main track.

Prince Curlin

Other half of the entry hasn't been close in any of his 8 career starts and was sent to post at huge prices in his last 2 local spins; it's difficult to envision a scenario in which he gets involved in the outcome.

Flashy Ross

Gelding ran ok at Suffolk Downs earlier in the fall but hasn't been able to factor in 2 spins at the local level; maybe the stretch back out helps, but don't know that he'll be able to take the step forward he'd need to have a say in the outcome today.

Muscles Marinara

Last out runner up at the level draws another outside slot after taking a step back on the figure scale; gelding may be set to take a step forward numberswise, but he doesn't have much early foot and will likely be best used underneath in exotics here. By Steve Grabowski