Aqueduct: Closer Looks for February 22, 2014

Race 1

Very Precious

The blinker addition in her last assignment did not seem to help much but perhaps this class relief will; the rail, which certainly was the place to be when racing resumed here on Monday, could aid with a sudden upgrade.

That's No Limit

Drops off the claim, coming out of a race which was above average in quality in many ways; the filly was sired by Western Expression who banked 140K; the dam won 1 of 3 and 26K; among the winning siblings is 316K earner Sportswriter; respect.

Recovered

Has a proven first gear but she ran out of steam, despite an unpressured lead and slow fractions, in her last test; lost a heart-breaker at this easier distance 2 races back, but might be severely tested today from other pacesetting foes.

Livininthefastlane

Pressed the issue in a tight spot in her latest attempt but faded; there is distinct improvement to the work tab over the course this month and the trainer has established too strong a win percentage to overlook; enigmatic.

Keen On Green

Late foal showed no enthusiasm in her first run; her undefeated sire won the G1 Carter and 480K; the dam won 1 of 13 and 20K; among the winning siblings is 30K earner Flag Handler; cannot recommend at this time.

Shangaloo

Could not keep pace with Recovered 2 weeks ago and the song will likely remain the same this afternoon; third start off the bench will likely make no difference; has had her share of bad racing luck though and perhaps wait until blinkers are introduced.

Heavenly Girl

Finished among the missing both times but she was facing far better stock in each assignment; her sire won a G2 and 319K while the dam was unraced; among the winning sibs is 66K earner Platinum Case.

Queen of Jazz

May not have cared for the wet-fast footing first time out; her sire is champion Holy Bull who captured a total of 2.48 million; the dam won 4 of 28 and 112K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Heartfelt Jazz

Raced evenly against similar foes last month and had a strong training track blowout going into that effort; latest drill was sharp also but she draws wide in this tight field and does not warrant such short odds as was the case in the last go.

Happy Recap

The key to the race if she breaks alertly; brings to the fore the handicapping concepts of gate speed vs. pace; may have trouble clearing Recovered but should be a major player if accomplishing that goal; dangerous possibility. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Irsaal

Exits a best-last-race and career-best Beyer speed figure at shorter; last win was at longer than this in the mud but displayed in latest he can fire well on any type of race track condition; looms for an ideal trip stalking Rush Now-Modern Child while saving ground; the 3-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with a 94 Beyer.

Rush Now

Stakes winner at a longer distance than today's; wish he displayed better stamina 2 back when claimed; raced on the lead in 3 straight starts; he is the one to catch and beat; has to fend off Modern Child and Balance of Power from the gate then hold off the stalkers/closers; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 97 in his next-out AQU-OPC win; co-field-best Beyer speed figure occurred at 1 Mile on MTH dirt.

Snake Pit

Figures to race midpack then will need a well-timed ride to make a strong impact; 53 days away for a 31%-winning fresh trainer adds to the appeal; he is 0-for-5 in races at today's distance or longer; has been a new runner since blinkers were added in July winning 1st time with the hood on then posting a career-best Beyer at today's distance when DQ'd from 2nd.

Balance of Power

Hopes not to get involved in a Rush Now-Modern Child speed duel and sit just off the speed before getting 1st run on the closers; not a great sign that he faded 1st off the claim after stalking effectively to win 2 back; new rider is the 7th different jockey to pilot in as many races which is not a good-win angle however CVel yields 33% AQU winners for the barn since 2013.

Joan's Choice

Exits his lowest Beyer since September, 2011; last win was on the lead so hopes today's 113-pound assignment his lightest ever will help him make the front in a field top heavy with other gate speed including Rush Now; 2012 co-field-best Beyer speed figure occurred at 1 Mile on the AQU Main.

This Hard Land

Last win was off a 65-day freshening; saw nothing off the bench in November while comes back in just 20 days following a dull effort vs. Irsaal who follows him here; his best races are when forwardly placed but have not seen his good-gate speed since the summer while Rush Now clearly wants the front.

Aussi Austin

The only start on AQU Inner Dirt was a dull effort when outrun throughout posting his lowest Beyer since December, 2012; bounced back nicely when gamely winning in Maryland but has plenty to prove locally; should work out a good trip ralllying into a hot pace but others appeal more.

Modern Child

Projects to fly out of the gate testing Rush Now and Balance of Power to the lead; must note the rating gear 2-back so maybe can sit just off the speed today; 2-back victory looks better since the show runner Beyered 86 in his next-out AQU-starter alw. win; is 1-for1 on wet tracks so is doing the rain dance for this; the 3-back winner and runner-up took AQU-75K stakes and allowance wins next out (94-86). - Art Gropper

Race 3

Eva Lil

Hood goes on for her 27th career spin while returning from the brief freshening; she hasn't been close in a long time and this barn hasn't had much luck over the past year or so; have to pass on this longshot.

Lady C Note

Moves back in with statebreds while turning back to sprint off another weak route spin; she did run ok in a one turn route first out late last summer, but her subsequent sprint spins weren't much; can't use her in here.

Sweetest Side

Makes her return from nearly 15 months on the shelf for a barn that has had some luck this year after failing to win a race all of last year; neither of her sprint starts was much and her recent drills don't suggest she's ready to fire first time back, even at this level.

Signora Sofia

Just missed getting there while rallying in a wide spot in her return to this level; mare will get an extra half panel in this heat and maybe that helps her turn the table on the gal who finished in front of her last time; barn hits at a low clip but if this gal runs back to her last she can threaten.

Today Not Tommorow

Hasn't been a threat in any of her 7 career starts and now she'll return from a short break to try her cheapest bunch yet; with just a slow interim drill listed there's not much to suggest she'll go any better in this spot; another long price.

Andromeda's Coming

Returns from a freshening while dropping in to face statebreds off a route fade when administered Lasix for the initial time; she is kin to a sprint winner but she didn't have much to offer in her lone dirt sprint at Belmont and the barn hasn't had much recent luck with its fresh runners.

Tassinaia

Filly showed solid early lick when drawing the fence on the move to open company here last month; she'll shed some weight with the hot bug named and expect she'll again be asked for some interest from the gate in a field without a lot of early lick; could prove to be the one to run down.

East Coast Express

Shades go on for her 12th career start and she'll turn back to sprint for the first time on dirt in this spot; expect she'll have some extra to offer in the lane and maybe the new equipment helps her sit closer to the top today; worth a look in a weak field.

Rufus Ruth

Just missed after tracking the pacesetter when cut back a bit on the move to this level a few weeks back; filly has run well in each of her cracks over the inner this winter and she should be able to work out another stalking trip with a top pilot sticking with her in this spot; giving her the nod to get there on top in her return to this trip.

Pleasant Shaker

Wasn't close in either of her 2 sprint tries including most recently at this level; barn doesn't win very often, though they do already boast a couple of scores at the stand, and she'll get another new pilot for this one; siding with others for the money spots.

Tricky Tiffany

Boasts some ugly running lines while failing to earn a minor award in 12 career starts; she boasts some slow, spaced interim drills for a barn that hasn't won a race in quite a while and there's not much to suggest this longshot will go much better here.

You Take the Cake

Outside drawn filly wasn't beaten much for a highest price while returning to the inner track in her first start of the year; she owns some of the better numbers in here, but she's had plenty of chances and her late running style doesn't figure to help her in a bulky field; should be rolling late.

Countess Twice

AE drops in price after taking a big step forward when offered for a tag for the initial time; lightly raced filly will start from a tough spot if she gets to go here, but she has a right to move forward off that last one and if she does she could prove quite dangerous in this heat; big threat if she draws in.

Canela Rose

AE was done in by a poor start when turned back to sprint in her return to this level and finished behind some of the gals in the main body of the heat here; she owns some back numbers that would fit here, but she doesn't have a lot of early foot and could find herself in a tough spot if she were to meet the starter.

Explosive Smile

AE drops back to the level of this barn's claim out of her debut run; she'll turn back to sprint and maybe she'll have a little extra to offer late in the lane, but she'll need to take a good step forward off what she's been running in order to threaten if she gets to go.

Locks of Gold

She's mired on the AE list and doesn't figure to turn back to sprint in this one; filly wasn't beaten much by some of these 2 back sprinting at the level and maybe the return to one turn racing helps; may be able to secure a tracking trip from this outside slot but she'll need plenty of help to get in. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Moneyinyour Pocket

Been knocking heads with a number of these of late; hasn't been disgraced by any means but Awesome Vision, Zivo and Comandant have gotten the better of him in his last 3 starts; at least has some tactical speed, tries hard and likely is in the best form of his life; likely needs to find a few more lengths if he's to beat all of these but that ain't out of reach, right?

Beautyinthepulpit

A no-threat 3rd here Jan. 30 but remember, that was his first start in over 14 months so you can be a bit forgiving; certainly showed talent in 2011/2012 so if he can certianly move forward off that Jan. 30 comeback run; still, he likely needs to move forward more than a few lengths but it's nice a sharp guy like Brown opted to go in a spot like this as opposed to finding another optional claimer for him.

Sinistra

Perked up nicely of late; that coincided with his return to this track; all his best work has come on this inner track so obviously this is the place he likes best; that being said, he's still up in class today taking on some tough fellow NY-breds and he likely needs to run a race he hasn't run yet (career top Beyer is 84) if he's to have a say.

Comandante

Rattled off 3 straight wins this fall/winter, including taking the Robb impressively over a few of these on this track; then dueled and fizzled in another stakes here Jan. 19; certainly capable of better and a return to his prior form would make him scary, but the question is, was that Jan. 19 dud a sign he's over the top or just one of those days?; after all, vs. 'Vision and Zivo he has little room for error but he does appear to be the controlling speed, doesn't he?

Awesome Vision

Soured some at BEL but he's perked up since moving back here with a SW on the big track and 2 3rds in stakes in his last 2 starts over this track; of course, Comandante and 'Pocket beat him here Dec. 28 and Zivo beat him Jan. 19 so he's got to turn the tables on a few guys but he's more than capable of doing so and may well fall into a real nice trip stalking trip...so long as someone keeps Comandante honest up front.

Zivo

Continues his fine form as he's won 3 of his last 4, and the lone loss was when he was 2nd beaten just a head by today's foe Awesome Vision in a stakes on the big track here Nov. 16; last 2, both wins, came on THIS track so you know he likes it here; still, like 'Vision he can be at the mercy of the pace scenario as he bides his time and does his best running late, but at least you know he's sharp, likes it here and fits well with these. - Michael Hammersly

Race 6

Warrior Up

Far from a win machine, 3 times as many slices as victories, and lack of speed must be addressed; handled pretty easily in his last 2 tries in open company and beaten over 20 in the last return effort; show horse in last took a $20K starter next out, place horse was 2nd a nose in a $50K starter and the winner repeated in an N1X; still not sold on chances.

Son of a General

Five clear when wide two back, he got a boost when the runner that was put up in last cashed next out in a $50K optional with a 96 Beyer; like fact he drilled since the last race and note he beat $35K optional foes last year at Oaklawn; respect.

Groomedforvictory

Nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 19 of 42; tough beat for this price two back and the race in the Shipman last year was solid; proven locally and in open company, the place horse in last beat $30K optional foes next out; legit threat for all the money.

Sound of Drums

Three times as many slices as wins and he's blanked on the inner; not good; he was probably just overmatched in the stakes last time but he's done a lot of his damage at Finger Lakes; leaning elsewhere for a key top horse.

Grand Rapport

Nice bit of training to have this guy run so well off the extended layoff and then cashed in last in game style; he has shown the ability to be placed anywhere and still perform and he brings some back class if you key off the Kent victory back in the day; sharp and dangerous.

Two Is to Many

He drops off the claim but you have to put there where they belong in this game; only one win in 2 years and he was all out that day; pushed into the stakes after that head victory and just has not been able to close the deal of late; could see him muddling the pace, not sure he'll be around at the end.

Sacred Ground

Runner needs help up front and note sure that there is enough zip in here to help promote the punch; note he ducked in last time or could have been closer; proven locally, hung wide two back, can't be counted out.

Socialsaul

Respect hot claim box item; he was getting to the winner last time despite taking the overland route and comes to the race relatively fresh; stakes placed the last 2 years, valid player with slight improvement.

Scotus

Pro has a penchant for finding the wire; he showed he belongs at this level two back, doesn't have to be 7th early on this time, and he was agile enough to overcome the bumping incident in last; if he can repeat the Beyer he earned in the 2014 opener he'll be in the thick of it. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Say Nay Nay

No chance in his first run, not just because of the extreme outpost but in light of a strong inside bias existed that afternoon; his sire won multiple G1s and 1.77 million; the dam won 2 of 18 and 87K; winning siblings include 59K earner Karakorum Holiday.

Woke Up Tired

Back to blinkers and he has been a consistent performer at today's trip; may move with further with the equipment change and also has shows a fine breeze over the training track; should be within striking range against this apparent light field.

Sugar Gold

No racing spirit shown thus far regardless of surface or distance; has gone to post at huge odds since the first run and the latest breeze does not suggest a sudden turnaround is in the cards; pass for now.

Jcs American Dream

She faces the boys for the first time and has displayed some fair closing kick in the last pair of attempts; lost a ton of ground in the most recent effort, just missing the place, and should be a late presence today with an easier journey.

Harbor King

Deep closer was no match for Woke Up Tired a month ago but the muddy conditions could have been the reason; has to get into the race sooner today but that may not occur because there is not much known early speed in this test.

All Over Me

Hurt by wide trips in both appearances; his sire won a G1 and 3.63 million; the dam scored in 9 of 36 races earning a total of 174K; among the winning siblings is 89K earner Leawood Teel; could be a surprising early presence because of the pace nature of the field.

Freddie G

Legitimate contender on this stretchout; the grey's sire won 583K including G2 success; the dam was a G1 winner who notched 329K; winning siblings include 69K earner En Chantant; looks like a dead send and could steal away.

Ride of Your Life

Nowhere in that first attempt but, like others in that same race who come back here, he may not have cared for the wet surface; the gelding's sire was undefeated, a G1 winner who captured 749K; the dam won a G3 and 272K; sib to 70K earner Unabashed Charm.

Mineral Water

After a respectable placing 2 back (under today's rider), he could not handle the extension in distance despite an inside run; draws poorly now and may have trouble keeping pace with Freedie G and others; a drying out track would help, however.

Fusaichi's Song

Never got involved when beginning his career against claimers; his sire won the Derby and 1.99 million; the dam won 1 of 14 and 26K; among the winning siblings is 18K earner Asongforsaichi; better odds assured this afternoon.

Forever Utopia

Keeps earning checks and does have better early speed than most of the field; can use that to full advantage if breaking in from the AEs even though the outside slot could create headaches; pay close attention to late scratch information.

Kaepernick

Made a bit of an outside run in that second attempt before tiring; his sire won multiple G1s and 3.61 million; the dam won 2 of 8 attempts and 104K: sib to 445K earner Starship Truffles; the trainer excels with stretchout types.

Effinex

If he does not make it to the gate, he is worth following up next time as he lost all chance in his recent maiden voyage; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.28 million; the dam won 4 of 15 and 161K; this is her only foal to compete.

Royal Posse

Unlikely starter did not move forward when trying 2 turns for the initial time in that December getaway race; on the plus side of the ledger is the improved half-mile breeze over the training track turned in 10 days ago; pass until further notice. - Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Sunnyinseabrook

Benefits being a closer in a race loaded with early zip; his career-best Beyer speed figure in last was only good enough to earn a distant-show finish at this level over the track at longer; 40 days idle for an 11%-winning fresh trainer; the 3-back winner repeated in a 30K-claimer with an 84 Beyer; saves every inch of ground likely from last in the early stages then makes one run.

Onecats Chance

Good effort in his 1st race at this level making the transition nicely facing winners for the 1st time posting his 2nd straight new Beyer speed figure Top; latest was also 1st blinkers when showing a strong improvement; lots of upside here being able to save ground then rally into a hot pace.

Take the El Train

Has only shown up in his win sandwiching 2 dull races pre-win and post victory; exiting sprints he figures to be a major-pace presence here with Sea to Sky and Joe Mooch; have serious mixed reviews from his prior dirt-route races winning his 1st Mile test then did not finish vs. winners 2-back.

Jesses Giant Dunk

Was screaming out for more yardage off the 51-day absence but cuts back to the 2-back win distance graduating on a wet-main track; latest was his 1st race vs. winners and fresh so is eligible to improve some here; career-best Beyer was a loss vs.Escape to the Moon at 7F in November when testing the winner who repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with an 83 speed figure.

Joe Mooch

Lost all chance for a win when stumbling at the gate break of last but passed everyone but the runaway winner; lone win at 7F on the frontend no doubt he wants to break on top and keep on going but has Escape to the Moon, Sea to Sky and Take the El Train to battle with from the gate.

Escape to the Moon

Gave no impression from his 1st route test that he wants to race this far; lone win came from a stalking trip sprinting but he raced to the lead in last and also in the debut; has Joe Mooch, Sea to Sky and Take the El Train to fend off early then the closers late.

Sea to Sky

He's made the lead twice in 8 races but best efforts are when forwardly placed; owns up-and-down recent form; when he gets a wet-main track he fires very best; fast track-start for last produced his lowest Beyer since October, 2012, while 2-back was the 2nd highest speed figure of career ; in December, '12, produced a field-best Beyer when graduating at today's distance gatet-to-wire on a muddy Inner Dirt oval.

Ten Ed

Exits a dull effort but have seen him bounce back big off worse losses; is a tough call off latest when no match for similar rivals as they chased a runaway winner; lone victory when breaking next-to-last and closing but did not see any sign of that runner 30 days ago racing vs. this same bunch.

Rocket Hero

2nd-time Long is often an improvement angle after altering course in last when edged in the exacta by Joe Mooch; a clean trip could help the cause; he posted a caeeer-best Beyer in his career debut at 6F over the track but has hit the board just one time since; the worktab for this does not give confidence he will turn the tables.

Private Irving A

The added yardage here is a dilemma; wide post and ground-losing post for this but should work out a good-stalking trip with 4 breaking inside him that all want the lead; has only raced this long once during career a maiden-show finish in April.

Cat Man Fu

43rd race was the charm at longer over the track snapping an 0-of-15 here; won from the rail but today is widest drawn sure to lose ground; has shown on certain occasions he can make one-huge late run as he's beaten some of the top contenders as maidens; usually the 1st start with winners is often any runner's toughest-class assignment. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Gourmet Dinner

Ships up here while returning to the barn that had him early last year after a weak effort behind the defending Breeders Cup Classic winner in Florida last month; he's shown little early foot and is winless at today's 9 panel trip; maybe he's got a bounce back try in him and it was only a few starts back that he was running fast enough to contend here; price will be right for those willing to excuse that last one.

Don Dulce

Beaten last out chalk makes his first start off this outfit's claim while stretching out a panel to a trip at which he ran big 3 back in the Queens County; he usually delivers a solid account of himself and his better efforts do put him in the mix here, but he does settle for a lot of minor awards and it's not going to be easy for this new barn to move him forward off his prior connections' work; another small share figures to be his ceiling.

Farhaan

He's been freshened since earning a career best number while beating restricted stakes foes in his first spin over the inner late last year; he'll catch a much tougher bunch in this spot but the barn does do a solid job with its fresh runners and a top pilot does stick with him.

Mail

Colt came into his own during the fall and that front end stakes score over a field of his peers last time was excellent; barn does well with its fresh stock and this guy has fired off drills in the past so expect he'll be set to return running and he does draw inside what looks to be his main pace foe; he's yet to go this far, but they may have to come and get him to win.

Jonesy Boy

Five year old has only run 7 times in his career and he's yet to finish off the board; after upsetting 4 foes in his first over the inner 2 back he found himself stuck in a wide spot last out on the cut back; he gets a solid journeyman pilot here and the slight stretch back out can help while again catching a guy who jumped up with a career best effort to crush him last out; a move forward is possible and he should offer some value.

Percussion

Hood went back on him for the Evening Attire and he responded with a triple digit Beyer placing in which he bested the third place finisher, who returns here as well, by better than 13 lengths; don't know that he's going to be able to make the lead in this one as some fresh speed draws inside him today and a guy who beat him in 3 straight to close out last year returns in this spot as well; stamina issues remain a concern as he stretches out slightly today but he does figure to be seriously involved from the bell; trying to beat him on the win end.

Dawly

Gelding has hit the board in every race on his page and enters this having taken 3 of his last 4; he's taken well to 2 turns over the inner strip and his last may have been his best yet, but he'll try some hard hitting routers in this spot and they own a serious class edge; starts from the outside slot to boot in his stakes debut and that all adds up to a tough task ahead of him, even in his current form. - Steve Grabowski