Aqueduct: Closer Looks for February 24, 2014

Race 1

Pin and Win

Has good tactical speed although lone win was on the lead; figures to stalk/save ground racing behind Stage Name then hopes to get 1st run on the closers; faced Grade 2 company in his only other race at today's distance but the outcome was dismal when eased; the 3-back winner posted a 92 Beyer speed figure in his next-out LRL-100K stakes win.

Sweet Lover

Looked like a completely different horse in the mud when sent long for the 1st time rating kindly to crush maidens; was flattered when the runner-up finisher from last graduated next out with a 48 speed figure then repeated in a 16K claimer with a 48; stamina was an issue in his 2-back loss vs. the show runner who Beyered 67 in his next-out AQU-25K-maiden-claiming win.

King Kongrats

Exits back-to-back Beyer lows; has been unable to ever move forward from his career-debut speed figure Top in the slop; was outrun 3 back but in a key race; the winner and runner-up Beyered 98-86 in next-out GP-optional-claiming and FG-MSW wins.

Teardropsinmyeye

Was screaming out for more distance in both starts and gets it here; has not raced past 6F yet; sire took the Grade 1-Met Mile; is out of an unraced dam; away since passing a few rivals too late in a key race; the runner-up and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 59-45 in next-out LRL-optional claiming and PEN-20K-claiming wins.

Stage Name

Filly faces the boys; try to catch me racing on the lead in all 3 starts; today is the longest-distance test ever; Teardropsinmyeye could put come early pressure on but she figures clear up top; loved the wet footing 2 back which would definitely move her up.

Pass the Coffee

Do not see many Zito-trainer runners win 1st-time out making his debut score that much-more impressive; has not raced past 6F yet; sire was a Grade 1-stakes winner at 8.5F on dirt; winless dam finished 3rd in her only dirt route an 8.5F TAM-MSW event.

Race 2

Go to the Net

Leads off a field comprised of several chronic maidens; the rail may not make a difference for this six-year-old whose last exacta finish was nearly 2 years ago; cannot endorse under any conditions.

Kissed and Missed

Might have won 2 weeks ago if not for drifting out during the the running; makes only his second start for high percentage connections and is a logical true contender but will be far less appealing odds today considering the opposition.

Rontos' Code

Beaten favorite made a good run at Kissed and Missed last time out (actually outbroke that rival in the opening strides) but took up in the final 70 yards; should obtain early stalking position today; the race of 1/26 is of interest as it yielded 3 next-out winners; solid contender for the Maragh family.

Quiet Value

Yet to hit the board in all this time yet the grey did show improved early speed in the last pair; doubt that the turnback in distance will help the cause in any way; cannot recommend as a serious player this afternoon.

Flashy Ross

Lost any realistic chance after stumbling at the start recently when trounced by some of these same rivals; fair try 2 back when suffering through an extra-wide path; still believe he is destined for no more than minor spoils here.

Harry Consolidator

Continuous failures at high odds; the gelding seems up against it once again and there is no bright light on the horizon; might affect the outcome of this race in a subtle way, however, if he once again breaks to the outside bothering the newcomer.

Letsfaceitjohnny

By default, this firster should be in the mix; his sire won the G2 King's Bishop and 360K (offspring of the prolific Tale of the Cat have won 157 out of 936 debuts); the dam won 23 of 78 and 263K: sib to multiple G1 victor Lion Heart who banked 1.37 million.

Race 5

Forbidden Talent

First time under claiming price and move to Rice was the remedy; she has the speed to flee the rail but must find a way to turn the tables on the Jacobson runner among others; note place horse in last was nearly 6 clear; don't sell too short.

Red Minx

Can't fault those that try to turn Red into green again; she was between foes and that's not always cool for young horses and she was coming away late; show horse was over 4 clear, in the right hands, and barn can keep them going good once they get good.

Go West Marie

Horace Greeley fans got paid 2 back in the muddy win and miss hooked the freak in last; she may have not adored the rail either; she had some eventful trips early in her career and got a feeling the best is yet to come.

Alpaca Fina

Toss last, she couldn't stand up in the off going; proven in this league, she stumbled in the Busanda and like the series of drills this month; miss also has a right to mature with class as kin to stakes winner and near $250K earner Tiz Gianni; interesting.

Flaring

Only one off effort and she was hung wide that day; she got away with soft splits in the win and is looking at more zip here; trainer has had a solid winter, decent blowout last Tuesday should have her on her toes; probably needs to improve to repeat.

Foxbeau

This gal looms an astute claim; she was flattered when the place horse in last cashed next out in a $25K N2L fray with a 57 Beyer; once she got away from MSW foes, the talent was there; a bit more keen to drill on Wednesday, could sit a super stalk and pounce trip; repeat within the scope.

Race 6

Between the Lines

Ran into a quick subsequent repeater when third in his first with winners last month; 4 year old did break his maiden from the fence at this trip on New Year's Day and the number he earned in that one is better than any of these have run; barn's numbers off the short break aren't much but this guy's drill last week suggests he's on his toes for this and should prove tough to hold off.

Can't Catch Me Now

Steps back in to face statebreds following the narrow score over limited winning claimers in his first crack back under this barn's care; gelding earned a career best Beyer in that one and he'll get the services of a solid journeyman pilot for this, but he'll need to take another good step forward to have a say in this one and that doesn't appear too likely.

Trackmens Star

Seven year old was no match for cheaper claimers in his local return, first time under this low profile outfit's care; his last win did come at the trip but that was against much weaker foes at Finger Lakes; longshot doesn't figure to be a serious factor with these.

Nail It

Got the job done when dropped again in price in the maiden ranks here last month and now he'll tackle winners; gelding does enter this one on the improve and the number from his last does put him in the exotics mix in this spot; maybe for a share.

Perfect Disco

Showed good speed from the fence in his second career start and expect he'll again be flaunting it in his first with winners; though he did win on his own, the number came back light in that one and the presence of other front end types may not makes things so easy on him; have to side against the repeat.

Sunrise Lover

Moves back in with statebreds after again failing to threaten when stretched out in open company; none of his 4 cracks with winners was anything of significance and there's not a lot to suggest this 11 time inner track loser will go much better here; can't use him.

One Red Cat

He's been a new runner in his last 2 and now he'll move bak in 2 face statebreds for a barn that's enjoying a nice meeting; gelding doesn't need the lead to fire and should be able to secure a solid tracking trip with the move outside; he'll get a weight break with a capable bug named; appears to be the main danger.

Cobalto

Broke his maiden locally around this time last year and subsequently spent some time on the shelf before returning to try the lawn without much luck; he'll return from 9 months off to try the inner again in his first start for a barn that does well with this type; colt did show solid early interest last year and he has been training regularly for his return; sharp pilot sticks with him as well so maybe he shows up ready to run some at a price.

Race 7

Ruthless Alley

His two most recent races have been sharp performances against a couple of today's rivals and he should have every opportunity to sit a favorable trip after breaking from an advantageous rail post; if the early pace doesn't heat up, he'll be happy to grab the lead, and if a horse like S'marvelous decides to be aggressive, he'll race just off that rival through the opening stages.

Odeon

Relatively lightly raced 5-year-old sports fine overall form, but he does have to be approached with some caution in this spot when seeing that this will be his first dirt start and that he has a turf leaning pedigree; winner from latest won next out here on 12/5 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 50k OPC's with an 84 Beyer.

Silver Day

He deserves credit for getting the job done in four of 20 starts, but his wins have been earned against lesser, and his best effort just doesn't measure up to the top contenders in here.

Fiona's Hero

Her recent form has been strong enough to give her a competitive look against these and the winner from her latest race returned to win next out here on 1/12 going 1m 70y vs. N1X alw. rivals with an 83 Beyer; Ortiz has won with 7 of 21 (33%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

The Brothers Rap

He put together a fine performance in getting the better of seven rivals in his latest start, but he is going to need to step it up over that effort to beat the top contenders in here, and it might be worth noting the presence of Castro aboard another in here.

Anaphylaxis

Multiple stakes placed gelding has been on top of his game in recent starts and it seems like Velasquez knows all the right buttons to push when he's aboard this runner; don't care to see that he's winless from seven starts over the inner dirt, but he's clearly a contender against competition of this caliber.

Awake At T Wire

He's making his first start after a claim for a barn that has been live at this meeting, and like to see what he's done in his three starts since getting over the inner dirt, but this might prove to be a tough step up in class for him after facing 12.5k claimers in his latest outing.

S'maverlous

He hasn't run a bad race to date, and even though this is first route attempt, he has a pedigree that suggests he might appreciate stretching out in distance; like the idea of him being forwardly placed right from the break and going to look for him to be involved in the running every step of the way.

Inmyfathersimage

This gelding has a strong pedigree and he's looked like a completely different horse since being claimed by these connections four starts ago for 16k; he looks like he can adapt to any early pace scenario, and he might try to fall right in behind the early speed of Ruthless Alley and S'marvelous; Ortiz has won with 12 of 39 (31%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Race 8

Swift Taylor

Good sign that she exits her best finish since the March-AQU Inner Dirt maiden breaker at today's distance; often when a runner shows up with front wraps on it is not a good sign but she posted her best Beyer speed figure since June for last; late runner figures to save ground then rally behind a paceless group.

Porvoo

Figures as a pace presence for part; 1 Mile on wet-MED turf produced her only win 20 races ago; the 73 field-best Beyer speed figure was posted October, 2012, on BEL-Inner Turf at 8.5F finishing 2nd in an allowance; 0-for-9 on dirt with 1 exacta finish September, '12, on MTH dirt at 6F in a $7,500-maiden claimer.

Start It Up

Has never raced this far; the final yards here are the main issue; was outfinished at shorter in last but earned a new-Beyer-career Top; benefits as a pace presence in a field lacking early zip; she has been a forward factor in many of her route races; seems the one to catch and beat.

Milkyyourway

Exits her lowest Beyer since August, 2010; lone win October, 12, romping in the BEL mud at 8.5F; has been far off her best game in 4 other AQU-Inner Dirt starts which is the main concern here; the 3-back winner and runner-up Beyered 78-69 in next-out AQU-optional-claiming wins.

Once a Week

Has been screaming out for more distance and gets it here; win rider stays when having another option; she not raced past 6F yet; sire was a multiple-Grade 1 stakes winner who scored at a variety of distance including the classic-10F test; dam was a Grade 2-dirt SW at 9F; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-alw. with a 70 Beyer; the pick.

Vaid

The 2-time win rider sides wih Once a Week; 7 straight claiming starts but coming off a new-Beyer speed figure Top leaps up in class racing in an event where she can not be claimed; gets in with her lightest-weight assignment ever; figures to be a pace presence in a field void of much other-early foot.

Uman Candy

Favored twice vs. winners with mixed reviews in last pair coming off the 3-back graduation win at today's distance; troubled trip in last but it was easily her worst-dirt finish and main-track effort of career; figures to work out a mid-pack trip but would have to bounce back with one her best ever to make amends.

Prize Taker

Favored loss in last when rallying too late at 1 Mile vs Start It Up; today's added distance today off recent form helps the cause; only race at least this far in distance was last summer an excusable turf-debut loss posting a career-low Beyer; lone win was on a wet-main track and off going moves her up more; even on a fast track looms a logical contender for win honors.

Louder Than Sound

Today's 111 pounds is the lightest assignment of her career; 19th race was the graduation score then defeated 1 rival combined in next pair; was outrun throughout in the return to AQU Inner Dirt (8-0-0-2) where front wraps were added for the 1st time ever.

Race 9

Prairie Stone

Considering she hooked a freak, the debut was not all that bad; 2 for 29 dam earned over $50K; all 4 siblings won including 6 for 33 runner and near $170K earner; has right to improve.

Lavender Road

Been freshened since flashing brief speed; stakes winning 4 for 21 dam earned nearly $200K; 3 of 4 siblings won including stakes placed 2 for 11 Roses for Romney, a near $130K player; try to get a good look at her on the track.

Noon Time Shower

She could be more relaxed and aware of surroundings with the blinks off; there are several multiple race winners in the tree including over $400K earner Perfect Shower; barn has been firing.

Regifting

Was an ice cube on the board and the fans were on the money; stakes placed 2 for 22 dam earned about $30K; 2 of 5 siblings won; top earner took 15 of 64, banked nearly $200K; must hurry.

Elmra

Mizzen Mast about 8% with debuters in a 367-runner sample; sire won at 2, could do anything while banking over $550K; Group 3 placed 1 for 14 dam banked $50K; lone sibling lost 4 times; she has trained steadily.

Official

Took her fair of action, just never got rolling; 4 for 14 dam earned nearly $85K; all 4 siblings won, one banked over $80K; must display more.

Just Catty

Miss acted up and didn't want to go into the gate; she may have left her race right there; 6 for 39 dam earned over $180K; both siblings won including juvenile debut winner, SW and near $250K earner Saltamontes; hustling bug takes reins.

Very Accomplished

Pinballed against the gate and backers hope that didn't leave any mental scars; SW 2 for 8 dam banked nearly $100K; this is her first to race; stablemate seems more polished.

Raelyn Jane

Master Command about 8% with debuters in a 111-runner sample; G2 winning sire didn't go at 2, took 8 of 17, banked over $1.1 million; dam was 0 for 5; both siblings lost; miss looks fit enough.

Shiloh

Freud about 11% with debuters in a 352-runner sample; Freud was 2nd a half in debut at 2 at The Curragh at 6 furlongs on a yielding course, graduated there at 3 at about a mile, was Group 2 placed; dam third in best result; 2 of 3 siblings won, one banked over $50K; lean toward watching one.

Jazzminegem

Mineshaft about 7% with debuters in a 297-runner sample; sire did not race at 2, took multiple G1s going long, banked over $2.2 million; SP 4 for 22 dam banked nearly $165K; 3 of 5 siblings won including triple juvenile winner, G3 winner and near $600K earner; could need experience.

Taylornator

Utopia about 4% with debuters in a 135-runner sample; sire took 2 Group 1s in Japan at 2, banked nearly $5 million; SW 4 for 14 dam earned over $150K; this is her first to race; drills hardly eye-catching.

Bossy Boots

She could have sulked after the stumble, but she settled and was coming; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; a clean break and it could be a whole new ballgame.

Traipse in Utopia

See the Reynolds runner for sire stats; 9 for 54 dam banked over $100K; 3 of 4 siblings won; top kin I'm All Out was SP, banked nearly $170K; 1/27 drill screams off the page.