Aqueduct: Closer Looks for February 14, 2014

Race 1

Rigby

Ran past the pacesetters to score at a slightly shorter trip while in with cheaper in his first off this barn's claim last time; 7 year old moves to the fence for this and he does look to have the positional foot to secure a good spot behind the speed early; 5 time inner strip winner will need to move forward to have a repeat shot against this better bunch.

Luckysdream

First part of the coupling makes his first start off their claim after just missing as the chalk while tackling better in his local return; inside draw means his lick should be on display and he does have a right to be better second back from the freshening; while there's other speed signed on, they'll probably have to come and get him to win.

Ground Force

Statebred enters this fresh after offering little from a wide spot and finishing behind today's uncoupled stablemate drawn to his immediate outside; move towards the inside does figure to help him sit a better trip, but both of his recent wins have come on the front end and that will be a tough spot to secure in here; prefer others.

Moments Notiz

Barn's other half seeks his fourth straight score over the inner after running down a cheaper bunch on the slight cut back last month; his pilot is named on both halves of the entry so only one will meet the starter here; gelding's tacking style should have him in a good spot from the bell and if he's the one chosen to represent the entry, should prove tough to hold off in the lane; one to beat if he goes.

Sensational Slam

Returns 2 weeks after failing to factor G3 sprinters off the near miss with cheaper in his return to this strip; 6 year old does like the inner track and he should get some pace to run at in this one; getting off the fence can help, but he could also be left with a lot to do in the lane; consider.

In the Beat

Hasn't been close to the winner since moving to a barn that hasn't saddled a winner in over 13 months; maybe the weight break with a switch to this triple bug helps perk him up some, but he's got a lot of improving to do in order to get in the mix here; longshot.

Abra

Outside drawn gelding looked good kicking away from pace pressure when in against an overmatched allowance bunch here late last month; he doesn't need the top and he should find himself in a tracking spot from this starting slot; can get in the mix for a share of the pot. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Street Prince

Edged out Cost Affective for second in one of his better performances Dec. 26--that maiden special has yet to yield a next-out winner, but the victor was subsequently fourth in a fast N1X (86 Beyer); Maragh, who rode Groupie Doll in her stunning stakes score at Gulfstream last weekend, is 1 for 17 at the meet for Persaud; contender.

Cost Affective

Like Street Prize, this son of Officer has had lots of chances, but has been getting closer of late; he put up an 80 Beyer when a wide third ahead of In the Dark Jan. 20; leading rider Irad Ortiz stays aboard and has had ample success for this barn, which is overdue to heat up at this stand; contender.

Mach Seven

Chestnut set a moderate pace before tiring when going long in his debut for Parker, who's 0 for 7 second-time off the claim during the past five years; trainer has also been pitching a shutout with turnbacks, and when using this jock; pretender.

Takajo

Two horses have exited his last outing to beat $50K maidens, and the winner subsquently ran third in a $50K starter (79 Beyer); the hot bug Rice picks up the mount for a live barn, which has fared okay with similar comebackers; possible for the bottom of gimmicks.

In the Dark

Comes off an improved runner-up placing behind Green Gratto, who then doubled up in a $50K starter with a whopping 90 Beyer; with more forward progress, this son of Discreet Cat can take the cake here in his third inner track excursion; preferred.

Dr. Hal

Kentucky shipper faded in the final furlong last time when he went back to his original trainer in a six-furlong maiden special over Turfway's Polytrack; son of Purge is competing on dirt for the first time with the capable bug Esquivel aboard; a wild card. - Ron Gierkink

Race 4

Pegasus Tiger

Try to catch me while cutting back to his shortest-distance test ever adds to the appeal; seems set for a huge effort today racing 2nd time off the 52-day layoff; trying to make amends from his last 2 stats where pounded down to below even-money odds in both losses; 3 races ago was defeated by the show runner who Beyered 69 in his next-out AQU-35K-maiden-claiming win.

Centripital

Returns to the distance of his 3-back exacta finish; Pegasus Tiger rematch today losing latest decision to that one but he was coming off a long layoff so should improve here; his May, 2011, show finish saw the runner-up finisher Beyer 56 in his next-out BEL-16K-maiden-claiming victory.

Keyaly

Beat a few of these in a key race Dec 7 as the runner-up and 5th-place finishers both graduated next out with 64-63 Beyers taking AQU-16K-$12,500-maiden claimers; late runner needs a pace metldown; exits his lowest speed figure since November when troubled on a wet track defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 62 in his next-out AQU-25K-maiden-claiming graduation.

Bob and Jim

Flashed gate speed pre-rest but his lone-exacta finish was a rally from 7th; would prefer him to sit just off Pegasus Tiger early then hopes to get 1st run on the closers; 3-0-0-1 record with blinkers on but his top speed figure was without blinkers and they are removed for this; field-best Beyer speed figure was accomplished following nearly a 5-month freshening and on turf; the 7-week absence for this can help the cause for a high-percentage layoff trainer but still seeks his 1st-ever dirt-exacta finish.

My New Hope

Front wraps were removed for last pair but that angle still did not produce a strong effort; March-career debut on AQU Main was his only other start racing without blinkers and was eased in that 50K-maiden-claiming dirt loss at 6F; best-recent finish was in the slop so is doing a rain dance for this.

It Was All Good

Some 2nd-time starters improve dramatically; nearly 10 weeks since the dull debut passing a few when much too late; the runner-up and 5th-place finishers from last both graduated next out with 64-63 Beyers taking AQU-16K-$12,500-maiden claimers; caught wet footing 1st-time out so deserves a chance on a fast track; wish the workout for this inspired more

Harsh

7 weeks since defeated by Keyaly when racing evenly giving the impression he might need more yardage but cuts back to his shortest-distance ever for this; his career-best Beyer October, 2012, was at 1 Mile, defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 53 in his next-out AQU-MSW win; began career troubled in a key race; the winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 75-66 in next-out BEL-MSW and AQU-$12,500-claiming wins. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Dawly

Inner track lover moves inside off his most impressive effort yet over second level allowance runners; he doesn't have much early foot, but given the heat's pace scenario he doesn't figure to be too far out of this one early and he's clearly run the fastest of these of late; looks tough to hold off at a short price.

Scotus

Seeks his fifth straight score while making his first start off this new outfit's claim; nice to see they bring him back in a protected spot and he's been sharp enough to overcome moderate clips in front of him since returning to the inner track; expect he'll again come running late and looms a threat in his current form.

Reserved Quality

First part of the coupling ran away from conditioned claimers while sprinting in his return to the inner; he'll get a hot bug but will tackle a tougher bunch in this spot; maybe he's closer early on the stretchout and that can't hurt in a field without a lot of lick, but don't know that he's good enough to prove a serious threat late; have to side against the repeat.

Washington's Rules

Barn's other half got the job done at 1-2 on the big drop to the conditioned claiming ranks while returning from 9 months on the shelf; he's had more than a month to get over the score and he did run significantly faster in victory over the track last season so maybe he moves forward enough to factor second back from the break; same pilot is named on both parts of the entry so only one will go; consider.

Forest Jingles

Returned from half a year on the shelf with a career best Beyer placing while sprinting over the track; gray scored going long over the inner last season so the added trip shouldn't bother him and he has had time to get over his last; barn didn't have a lot of luck last year and they've gotten off to a poor start this season as well.

Risk Management

Beat limited winners in his return to the inner and was taken from the effort by a low percentage outfit that hasn't had much luck with its newly acquired runners first time out; he's only run 7 times so wouldn't be surprised if his last gave him confidence enough to keep moving forward and he will get a weight concession with the bug named.

Groomedforvictory

Nine year old has had his stamina issues of late and was run down by one of today's foes 2 starts back; gelding did win with a big number here last winter but it looks as if he's lost at least a step since then; prefer to limit his use to underneath in exotics in this one.

Sound of Drums

New York bred tries open company while returning from 7 weeks on the shelf; he's winless from 10 inner track tries and his most recent scores have come at a lesser venue than he tackles again here; maybe he gets involved for a minor share, but have to look elsewhere for the winner. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

The Rhythmisright

Not only looked super blasting maidens here Jan. 13, but that run was flattered (2nd and 3rd finishers both came right back to win); that was a big move forward after dueling and finishing a well-beaten 3rd in his debut here Dec. 21, and he got a big Beyer, too (83); faces winners for the first timem, yes, but only Bourbon Therapy has more than a maiden win to his credit, and this guy's smart :48.60B at BEL Feb. 9 says he holds his edge, too.

Sidearm

Been knocking on the door the past few months with 5 3rds in his last 6 tries; last 3 all came on this track, too; shown he can be effective as a late-running sprinter, though his top Beyers (72, 73) leave him withi a bit of work to do if he's to catch the rail horse; still, unlike that foe THIS guy has shown he can compete well vs. winners and there's a solid work since.

Social Rebellion

Tough to be too enthused; lone win came on turf, at BEL 6 months ago; things haven't gone very well since and that includes 3 recent sprints on this track where he finished behind Sidearm in all 3, behind Sandcat in 1 of those and behind Bass River Road in another.

Bass River Road

Came out firing to win his debut on the big track here Nov. 23; first 2 starts on this track weren't bad - ran 5th in each; he wasn't disgraced and his Beyers were on par with what he did while winning his debut; trouble is, those weren't maidens and that includes today's foes Sidearm (who beat him in both) and Sandcat (who beat him in 1 of those) so he needs to move forward if he's to have a say at this level.

Bourbon Therapy

Has done something of which no one else in here can boast - beaten winners; broke his maiden on this track Dec. 11, ran 4th and 6th in a couple tries vs. this caliber and then beat open starter allowance foes here Jan. 30; shown versatility, too - his maiden win came wire to wire while his Jan. 30 win came from well off the pace; Jacobson continues his strong work.

Sandcat

Won his debut smartly at SAR Aug. 22 but then wasn't seen for 3 months, which was worrisome; at least when he came back he did so without a tag and while he didn't fare so well (chasing now unbeaten Derby hopeful Samraat) he was thena sharp 2nd on this track at this trip at this level Dec. 12 as if he was back on track; trouble is, his next 2, both at this level, weren't very pretty; oh, he did run 4th Jan. 31 but let's face it - he was no factor (beaten 20 lengths); that came going a mile so he's back sprinting today and there's no drop but there seem to be more questions than answers attached to this guy, aren't there?

Testosterstone

Dueled and fizzled in his SAR debut last Aug. 19 and wasn't seen again for 5 months; at least when he came back here Jan. 26 he was not offered for a tag and he moved forward a lot, easily wiring maidens; faces winners today and while that win was nice if he's a need-the-lead type what's he to do about the faster horse on the rail?; at least there's no layoff this time, but off that win could have have worked much slower than he did at BEL Feb. 9 (3fs in :39.80B, 23rd fastest of 27 that day), hmmmmm? - Michael Hammersly

Race 8

Your Time Is Up

A fascinating race as there are several speeds to consider including this filly who crushed her field last month; she got away with pace murder in that victory but also has some versatility in her favor as she rated in the prior score; latest breeze was atypically fast; hat trick not out of the question.

Pennymine

Raced evenly behind some of these same rivals last time while favored; she should receive an entirely different set of early fractions today and can atone at a much better price; it is likely she will catch yet another off track if weather forecasters are correct.

Bit Bustin

Turned in a fine try in her December getaway race but she does not have the same gate speed as the main contenders; will benefit if reserved much further off the early leaders today; she will have to run a personal best in order to be in the exacta mix today.

Dee Dee's Comet

All-out to hit the wire first a month ago only to be disqualified; she will have to deal with a much quicker early tempo now and is another in this line-up who may have no choice but to change tactics; did win the only time she attempted this short distance.

She's Stones Sis

Consistent check earner is making only her third start since last autumn and should offer much more inviting odds than in the last pair of efforts; best recent workout was on 1/25; conflicting signals for this twice beaten chalk.

Uncle Southern

Lost much more ground than the margin of defeat in her last assignment; she gets weight from the entire field with the switch to this promising apprentice and, with a perfectly timed middle move, can be a major force in the final furlong.

Saichi Sweepin

In a race filled with early speed, bettors gravitate towards closers; that may mean this mare might fly under the betting radar; although she certainly disappointed in the comeback race of a week ago, she returns to her ideal distance; worth some follow-up at this reduced level.

Concealed

Controlled the pace throughout in her last outing but she has not been in a main track sprint in quite some time; has rated to victory in the past including a bombs away score over the Belmont turf last September; cannot be discounted despite the major distance transition. - Jim Kachulis

Race 9

Guyana Princess

Was favored off the 59-day absence then just missed sprinting which is her best game; 3 career wins and not one has been past 6.5F in distance which was her last victory 20 races ago rallying from 12 lengths back September, 2012, beating BEL-15K claimers on dirt; major concern is she is 0-for-7 in 1M and 70-yard dirt races during career.

C C's Pride

Longest win and career-best Beyer speed figure at 1 Mile on dirt but did not show anything when racing at today's longer distance 2-back; her Beyers have taken a dip since the November claim and while latest was her 1st-exacta finish for the newest trainer it was a race contested at much shorter than today's event with stamina questions to answer for this.

Twillerbee

Rain Forest likely provides a good target today noting she was placed on the lead in last but her 2013 wins were both from stalking trips which is what she likley gets today; 10-pound positive weight swing off the more than 3-length loss vs. Go Olivia Go set to turn the tables on that one; career-best Beyer was posted in the mud while her 2-back wet-dirt race at today's distance produced an exacta finish.

Go Olivia Go

Horse for the course has 3 wins on AQU Inner Dirt and is 1-for-18 on all other surfaces; she was claimed off a victory when posting her best Beyer since October stalking lesser over the track; picks up 3 pounds off the win but she has carried more weight than this during career and won; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 57 winning an AQU-$12,500-claimer next out.

Exclusive Sarah

Finished 3rd, 5th and 6th in her only races traveling at today's distance or longer; all of those losses were on turf; exits her lowest Beyer since December, 2012; was claimed off a sprint fade suggesting she will flash some gate speed for this however Rain Forest seems the one to catch; was super at TAM sprinting in 2013 vs. lesser; since the June claim at MTH she produced a 7-0-0-1 record.

Lily Lynn

Her recent Beyers have been very consistent winning one of her 2 races in 2013 on AQU Inner Dirt at today's distance; favored in latest loss when finishing evenly; her August rally was a key-race loss as the winner and runner-up Beyered 82-81 in next-out AQU-optional-claiming wins.

Philippis

Likes to be forwardly placed; dream trip would be to sit just off Rain Forest from the gate then get 1st run on the closers; owns some-strong win angles here aggressively dropping in claiming price off the purchase with 71 days away for a 27%-winning fresh trainer; exits her lowest Beyer since June for her 1st-Inner Dirt attempt; the strong 4-for-14 dirt record is noted.

My Honey Laurie

Steps up in claiming price off recent losses which is not a good-win angle; December, 2010, won on today's surface at 1 Mile in a $7,500 claimer; her field-best Beyer speed figure was posted July, 2012, in an FL-allowance victory romp by more than 22 lengths stalking the pace; the November winner repeated in a FL alw. with a 65 Beyer; must show more.

Seven Dreams

She has not won past 7F during career while her only 2 races traveling at today's distance or longer were her losses 2 and 3 back; in December finished 3rd in a key race as the winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 85-60 in next-out AQU-OPC and $12,500-claiming wins.

Rain Forest

Dueled into defeat at much shorter than this; figures to be a major-pace presence in a field loaded with other gate speed; has 2 wins at 1 Mile the final yards today are the issue; August on turf was the only time during career racing this far of a distance producing a 6th-place fade. - Art Gropper