Aqueduct: Closer Looks for February 21, 2014

Race 1

Brown Mellisa

First part of the coupling tries winners for the first time after overcoming a poor start to run down maidens second time over the inner track; she hasn't run as fast as some of these and there's not a lot of early lick in here and another rough start from here would make be tough for her to recover from; siding against the repeat.

My Jimmy Chew Girl

Turns back to sprint while dropping back to a more appropriate level after being given a shot in the stakes ranks earlier in the month; barn does great work with its runners second back from the freshening and this gal's maiden win did come at the trip; her best makes her a huge threat, but her running style will likely leave her at a tactical disadvantage against her main foes; one to fear in the lane.

Front Cover Dream

Barn's other half earned a career best number when third at this trip last time, but now she'll tackle better and the figure doesn't play out so well in this heat; considering she sat a great trip behind the front runners and still failed to threaten the top 2 in that last one, don't think she'll be able to factor against this tougher bunch.

Pinch Me Again

Overcame trouble to roll home and get her nose down on the wire first out and the gal she denied came back to score and ends up in this spot as well; she'll go first off the new barn while tackling winners today; filly will need to run faster to threaten these, but she showed she's capable of overcoming adversity and maybe she'll have more to offer against this better field with a clean run.

Andromeda's Risk

New York bred looked little like the first out upsetter she was at a slightly shorter trip when trying this open company level for the first time last out; filly has had a full 4 weeks to get over the regression and mayve she finds herself in a decent spot just off the pacesetters in here; rebound possibility is worth a good look.

Lemme Rock

Quick breaker encounters a field that doesn't look to contain a lot of early foot; New York bred has come to hand since they added shades and the number she earned last time certainly fits well with these open company winners, but note that the gal drawn to her immediate inside did run her down quite handily 2 starts back; looks like they'll have to run her down to win.

Rock Me Mama

Returns from the freshening to try winners for the first time off the claim by this prolific outfit; filly looked pretty good running away from her foes while trying dirt for the first time but now she'll tackle sprinting; she was handy enough going long last year to suggest she'll be able to sit close enough to the top to make a run here and with the switch to a bug pilot she'll get a weight concession; contender. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Oltre' Oro

Claimed off a field-best Beyer speed figure getting loose on an easy lead then widening over a lot lesser-maiden claimers; Otoy figures to offer some early pressure but seems the one to catch and beat here; 43 days to regroup for a high-percentage fresh trainer; bullet workout for his 1st start away from a high-win percentage win barn which is often not a good-win angle.

Schivarelli

Has not raced past 6F yet; sire finished 4th in his only dirt route; dam went 3-0-1-0 in dirt routes; overcame racing greenly to win his debut from off the pace clearly giving hope he can negotiate 1 Mile here; 1 of 3 runners today meeting winners for the 1st time which is often any starter's toughest-class assignment.

Louisiana Flyboy

Deep closer broke a little better for latest; hopes for a pace meltdown here; 61 days since his 1st start over the track was a near-miss finish; connections really thought highly of him trying graded stakes company 2nd-time out where he broke poorly then stayed outrun vs. the show finisher who Beyered 85 in his next-out AQU-Grade 2 stakes win.

Otoy

Projects to batlle Oltre' Oro for the lead; beat one runner home the only time sent a route during career while 1st blinkers for last did not produce a top effort; the 2-back winner repesated in a LRL-100K stakes with a 92 Beyer; today marks the lighest-weight assignment ever but seems up against it off recent form and questionable stamina.

Street Gent

Solid-prep race for this when testing graded-stakes rivals following a 9-week absence; back in under 3 weeks for this noting his lone win was gate-to-wire at longer so figures to be forwardly placed chasing Oltre' Oro and Otoy to the front; wish the trainer wasn't yielding just 7% winners since 2013 with runners 2nd time off a similar layoff.

Village Warrior

The 1st start with blinkers on put him over the top to graduate over much lesser; the win rider lands on Street Gent for this; gets the Oltre' Oro rematch from 2-back where he posted his career-best Beyer in a more than 7-length loss to that one; is ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Monopolize

The win rider opts for Oltre' Oro; returns to New York for the Inner Dirt win surface after being outrun facing winners in Fla.; blinkers on is a 26%-win angle for the trainer while hoping he can sustain his late kick cutting back in distance off last pair; figures to stalk Oltre' Oro then hopes to wear that one down in deep stretch. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Golden Doc

Shows only a modest breeze pattern for this first run; his sire won a G1 stakes and 661K (offspring of Consolidator have scored in 16 out of 227 debuts); the dam won 4 of 36 and 118K; winning siblings include 146K earner Brush Creek Honey.

Donttellyourmother

Improved in the latest half-mile breeze over the training track; the gelding's sire was a G2 type who banked 232K; progeny of Put It Back have won 53 out of 414 initial starts; the dam won 1 of 5 and 7; this is her only foal to start.

Hard Fast Cash

Prompted the pace in his first try before fading midway; his sire won 2.67 million including G1 success; the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 227K earner Nash; should move forward with a clean getaway.

All My Memories

Yet to finish in the money although he did lose significant ground in his first try around 2 turns; latest blowout was an upgrade and perhaps he cut back effectively in this, his second attempt without blinkers.

Smarty Burns

Exits the same affair as Hard Fast Cash and held on much better; that was his first outing in nearly 2 months and he looks like a legitimate trifecta presence here under the guidance of a Hall of Fame trainer; respect.

Secret Ops

Did not really fire first time out but his latest a.m. move suggests he can turn things around suddenly; his sire won a G1 and 570K; the mom won 3 of 8 and 64K; among the winning siblings is 199K earner Enumerate.

Ground Control

New face hails from Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again who captured 4.37 million and whose descendants have won nearly 10 percent of their first races; the dam won 2 of 23 and 77K; this is her sole to make it to the races.

Einstein Affair

Beginner was sired by the exceptional Einstein who amassed 2.94 million including multiple G1 scores (his offspring are 3 for 13 as far as winning their first test); the dam never raced; sib to 287K earner Maltese Mazel.

Perfect American

His sire lost only once, in the final yards of the Belmont Stakes; descendants of Smarty Jones are 31 for 227 as far as winning their debut is concerned; the dam was without victory in 8 attempts; sib to 141K earner Tech Fall. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Native Hero

Forced to steady in last, cozy slot for this and he has shown the ability to pass horses; he at least drilled a couple of times since the last effort; he needs help up front but there are several in here with designs on the top; look for him late if at all.

Let's Discuss

He basically flattered the Contessa charge with the victory; he tends to just settle into stride and that can put him behind the 8 ball turning for home at times; nice timing by hustling bug in last, but would think long and hard before taking too short a number.

Brother Ralphie

Note show horse was over 9 clear; runner has been firing with everything but it's interesting he debuted for $75K less than purchase price; soph has a right to have a nice career as both siblings banked 6 figures; repeat well within the scope.

Lulu Rocks

He might have been overmatched in his debut; runner was bumped in November and won with the weird trip in last; he was forwardly placed, dropped back, came on again; note show horse in last was 3 clear and he has a shot to have a nice career as kin to near $350K earner Mystic City; don't ignore.

Xixixi

Never easy to beat winners right back but he almost pulled it off; he drilled solidly since and the show horse in the win graduated next out in a maiden $25K claimer with a 67 Beyer; he's improved on the inner, would expect rider to send hard and try to steal it.

Pete's Fleet

Colt had aim at the top of the lane but didn't have the momentum to get the job done; Garcia got a chance to figure him out but his last 2 Beyers were his best yet; he's lost ground in the lane in every single race; needs very best.

Oliver Zip

Runner bobbled early and still almost got there; note show horse was over 3 clear; 12/21 winner repeated in a $100K Laurel stakes with a 92 Beyer; like fact he has speed but can track and get it done; the one to beat.

Three Cents

He overcame the poor start in the opener but stumbled in last and never kicked; in light and tyro has had success for this barn; there seems to be plenty of speed to help the cause; things will have to break just right. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Retire Fifty Five

A long set of half-mile a.m. moves to consider; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 3.65 million; offspring of Raven's Pass are thus far zero for 7 as far as winning their debut; the dam won 2 of 11 and 78K: sib to 154K earner Quillian.

Giant Fox

All recent workouts have been at five-eighths; his sire won multiple Group 1s and 3.07 million; progeny of Giant's Causeway have won 69 out of 660 initial starts; the dam won 3 of 11 and 102K; winning sibs include 356K earner Gangbuster.

Onthewhistle

A very fine try last time out at Parx in an extremely fast race; his sire won a G2 and 254K; the dam was without a tally in 8 attempts; among the winning siblings is 29K earner Island Dancer; upbeat work tab for this import.

Jackson N Lorimer

Used up in a speed duel last summer at Saratoga; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.76 million; the dam won 2 of 10 races and 80K; there are no winning siblings to report; needs to clear the inside speed which may prove a difficult task.

Brendan G

Had a long string of seconditis snapped last month when trying a route for the first time; the gelding was a game second in his effort 2 back but both the pace and final time of that event were ordinary; may have to settle for minor spoils.

Ferlin Husky

Although he was a clear-cut second in that latest run, he got away with a very slow tempo that day; beaten favorite will have a tough time keeping up with the other known pacesetters in this field and certainly does not warrant 6 to 5 again.

Perfect Stormy

New face hails from 148K earner Stormy Atlantic whose offspring have won 105 out of 900 initial starts; the dam won multiple G2s and 541K; sib to 272K bankroller Fight Spirits; best recent workout was on the morning of 2/1.

Handstand

Firster was sired by G1 type Hard Spun who captured a total of 2.67 million and whose descendants have won their first race at a rate of 10 percent; the dam lost her only try; sib to 31K earner Attempt; moderate workout regimen is shown.

Metro Dreamer

Very tough beat at true odds last month but he had an easy trip in that placing and now must deal with the outermost slot (inside path was golden here on Monday); the colt's sire won 669K including multiple G1 scores; the dam won 2 of 14 and 70K; sib to 20K earner Spider Dust. - Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Private Tale

First part of the Jacobson coupling drops in for a price well below what they paid for him 8 weeks ago; he's likely no longer the stakes winner he was around this time last year but the barn knows how to get the best out of this type first time under their care and this guy does own a win at this short trip; hot bug will get him the weight concession and there's no shortage of pace in front of him.

Bellamy

Saw his number taken down for a late infraction when in against a cheaper field last time; he's capable from tracking range and that could help him sit a trip behind the plethora of early lick in here, but don't know that he's good enough to step with the best they have to offer; prefer others.

Tyrus

Steps up to face better in his first off the barn's claim after getting used in pace earlier in the month; the presence of other lick means he'll likely again get discouraged early and that won't make it easy for him to go on; barn does boast a winner from its lone recent claim.

Make a Fortune

Beaten last out chalk makes his first start off this barn's claim while returning at the level; barn hasn't had much recent luck with this type right back, but this guy does have a right to be better in his second start back from better than 5 months on the shelf; if the expected pace develops he could get back on track here.

Take Down Two

First part of the Cannizzo coupling ran them down at this level in the mud last time and now he'll encounter a field with plenty of early foot; don't know that the 9 year old is fast enough to step with some of these unless he catches a lot of breaks; have to side against the repeat.

Hillswick

Drops in for a tag while making his first start in over 9 months off a set of moderate recent drills; barn know how to get them ready, though, and this guy has fired fresh in the past; capable from tracking range, he'd likely prove a big threat if ready to return running and he will get in light with the bug named.

Much Stronger

Beaten chalk drops back to the claiming ranks after tiring against allowance runners over the track last time; he held on for the front end score 2 back and has shown in the past that he doesn't need the lead to threaten; with a solid clip up top likely he cold get a nice setup here and is one to consider.

The Truth and K G

Returns at the level to make his first start off this sharp outfit's claim; colt had little to offer when beaten by one of today's foes last time but he was pretty good over the track last year and this barn can turn its newly acquired runners around rather quickly; can't be overlooked.

Mystic Strike

Jacobson's other half makes his first start under their care while cutting back in distance to try the inner for the first time today; he'll also be in for a tag for the initial time while having the same pilot named as his coupled mate so only one will go; barn does do a nice job with its newly acquired runners first time under their care but this guy doesn't have much recent sprint experience.

Shankopotamus

Second half of the Cannizzo coupling ran into a sharp foe when off the board on the slight cut back to this trip last time; maybe the hood helps him and a clean start should help him sit close, but he does face a pretty solid field in this spot and there's a lot of lick signed on which won't make things easy for him unless he's able to settle from out here.

Dreamingofunclreda

Undefeated gelding hasn't been challenged in any of his 3 spaced starts and now he'll return from 4 months on the shelf to make his local debut first time off this outfit's claim; speed is his game and that doesn't fit the heat's pace scenario well, especially from this outside draw, and the pace challenges he has kicked off in Florida came from overmatched foes; last out number is imposing, but he'll take money here and will have to earn this one.

Gunfighter

Speedy invader returns from the freshening after holding on to score in his Laurel finale; he's finished in the exacta in 7 straight starts and that consistency can never be discounted but from this outside draw he certainly looks to have his work cut out for him today. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

So Scott

Proven on the inner repeatedly, he's won at this trip and not a lot of horses can win sprinting and win going 2 miles; he can be his own worst enemy with limited speed, but there are several in here that could vie for the top; winner of last repeated in an N1X with a 96 Beyer; 17 slices, 5 wins; must show more.

Quick Money

Mirror racesin the last pair; the 12/6 race proves he can beat this caliber foe; 12/31 place horse cashed next out in a $12.5K starter, then was 2nd beaten over 4 in a $20K starter; in the exacta in 8 of 14 on the inner; respect.

Head Heart Hoof

He's invented ways to win over the seasons; since winning his 2013 opener he's lost ground in the lane every single time; Lopez fits this runner and look for rider to send hard and try to steal it.

Precious Metal

Gelding goes from one good barn to another; note trifecta players in last were both 4 clear; snappy move on the 12th is a positive sign and he has shown the ability to track and perform; repeat well within the realm.

Wee Freudian

Have always liked the claim back angle especially when talking a sharp barn; 3 of his 5 wins came on the inner and last race came back live; the show horse took a $20K N3L, 6th finisher beat $35K claimers next out and the winner was 2nd beaten a neck in a $50K optional; out to make amends for flop as chalk.

Say Mr. Sandman

Veteran put cheaper foes to bed last time with the furious rally; he snapped a pretty long losing streak in last and he was fully extended; apparently not much of a work horse; probably needs to improve to repeat.

The Big Deluxe

Colt has been given time after 3 tough races; like the fact he can be placed anyplace and still fire; show horse in last cashed next out in a $25K claimer with an 80 Beyer; proven locally, he can be place anywhere and still perform; another threat in a good betting race.

Newton Crescent

Nice ride in last; pilot opened up and just had enough left; winner of the Tampa finale won twice since, the last against $8K starter foes; might be pitched a tad too high here.

Do I Amuse You

This good fella has plenty of natural speed; he's been pretty consistent but has a tendency to get late at crunch time; note twice as many slices as wins; style no secret, he'll be sent out of there trying to steal it; he could have a had time clearing if the Rodriquez runner has anything to say about it. - Brian Mulligan

Race 10

My Mojo

Trailed throughout racing to the 31-1 debut odds; blinkers on is a winning angle for his trainer but would need a massive-form reversal in the 2nd-career start to make any impact; back in 12 days without a published workout for this; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Kick'n Butt

Projects to stalk Maybrys Challenge from the gate then get 1st run on the closers; was claimed off a field-best Beyer speed figure from a high-percentage win trainer which is not a good-win angle; the new barn was off to an icy 0-for-20 start to the AQU Inner Dirt meeting; the winner and show finisher 2 back Beyered 83-80 in next-out AQU-MSW and allowance wins; the debut runner-up finisher Beyered 67 graduating next out in an AQU-MSW event; scary on best.

Maybrys Challenge

Projects as the one to catch; speedster's best Beyer was posted on turf; he has not defeated 1 runner in 2 starts combined off the November claim; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 61 in his next-out AQU-35K-maiden-claiming win; the 3-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with a 74 speed figure.

Metropolitan Storm

8 weeks since a did-not-finish running line when overmatched facing MSW company; rallied behind Campion Lane 2 back like he wanted more yardage but his 1st route test was poor; the workouts for this and his 1-for-35 fresh trainer since 2013 do not inspire confidence.

Thrill Hill

1st-blinkered race for last did not produce a top effort; races MSW-to-maiden claiming today the biggest-class drop in racing angle; his career-best Beyer was in the debut on a wet track; less-than fast footing would move him up; the 2-back runner-up and show finishers both Beyered 70 in next-out AQU-MSW wins.

King Gettigan

Was screaming out for more yardage in 1st pair but remains at 6F; added-1st blinkers for latest 2nd-time out Beyer regression start; new rider means his lightest-weight assignment ever but steps up in claiming price off a loss which is not a good-win angle.

Campion Lane

Posted a career-best Beyer 1st time with blinkers on 3 races ago but showed nothing in recent starts; broke next-to-last from the gate in latest then showed very little; down to lowest-claiming price ever seeking answers; the 2-back runner-up and show finishers both Beyered 70 in their next-out AQU-MSW wins.

Tactical Pal

Great sign that the front wraps coming off for latest coincided with another strong effort; looks like 6F still might be too short for him to get up in time to win it all; clearly has been an improved runner for this trainer off the debut loss/claim; hopes Maybrys Challenge softens up the other frontrunners which would enhance his late punch; contender.

Aly's Favorite Boy

Unveils in a race lacking superstars; sire is 3-for-17 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-21 dam (50K) who produced 5 winners from 7 other foals to race including 226K-earner Aly's Colors (8-for-36); the only runner without any racing experience for a trainer 0-for-8 since 2013 with 1sters.

Prophet's Cat

Most runners move forward 2nd-time out but his Beyer regressed 12 points; defeated 3 rivals in 2 races combined with a worktab for this that does not inspire; gets the weight back off to reunite with the debut rider when no match for Thrill Hill.

Officer Mahaffy

Ran to the 83-1 debut odds when trailing throughout; no published workouts for this 12 days later; most runners move forward 2nd-time out and he has plenty of room to improve here; drops into a maiden claimer from MSW the biggest-class drop in racing. - Art Gropper