Aqueduct: Closer Looks for February 9, 2014

Race 1

Princessbellaoncal

With the return to a fast racing surface, she ran one of the best races of her career last month only to lose in the final stride; she will have to improve upon that attempt as there appears to be more than one rival intent on the lead today; mixed signals.

Heiressofthecrown

She was part of a multiple speed duel in her last try before fading; draws a particularly favorable post now as the rail runner will be a dead send; switches to a top apprentice and can work an ideal journey; betting value should be there.

Missed Count

Disappointed at even money when claimed last out, the returning breeze pattern is of interest with a focus on the morning trial of 1/13; if she can come close to recapturing the performance levels she achieved at Gulfstream last season, she should prove tough.

Vinhdication Spot

All-out to graduate 2 weeks ago when controlling the issue; gets weight from the entire but still may have to be hard used in order to clear the inside speed; possibility of a wet track (snow is in the forecast) will likely diminish her chances.

Radiant Cut

Numerical rises at the n2l level are often deceptive and this could be a classic case; exits a heartbreaker where she lost by inches and of greater import is the latest half-mile training track breeze; consider if odds are true.

Louder Than Sound

Eased up last summer at Finger Lakes, she has extensive inner dirt experience but has yet to earn an exacta finish over this surface; fair workout regimen for this return but it will likely prove insufficient; cannot endorse as the one to key on top.

My Donna Jean

Stuck in second gear regardless of surface or distance; has been caught wide in all of her recent starts and it remains unlikely she can avoid such a trip here; may need a serious pace meltdown in order to have any realistic chance. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Score Boyera

Today is the shortest-distance test of her career; sharp form with 4 straight exactas; May 31, 2012, posted the field's best Beyer speed figure in a BHP 8.5F turf-nose loss in an optional claimer; the December-mud loss looks better since the winner and runner-up Beyered 67-63 in next-out AQU-20K-$12,500-claiming wins.

Another Page

Projects as the one to catch cutting back to her shortest-distance test ever helps the cause; the trainer is 0-for-5 since 2013 first off the claim exiting her worst placement ever when 9th and last; beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 65-63 in her next-out AQU-16K-$12,500-claiming wins.

C C's Pride

Show finish closing too late the last time racing at today's distance; exits her lowest Beyer since the September loss vs. the runner-up finisher who posted a 66 speed figure in her next-out MTH-15K-claiming win; today's 108-pound assignment is easily the lightest package ever.

Rain Forest

Winner at today's distance while many of these have never raced this short she fits well at this stamina test; rematch with Guyana Star who handled 2-back on a wet track she is 1-for-1 on fast footing and hopes to turn the tables on a dry oval; the December winner repeated in an AQU-OPC event with a 72 Beyer.

Guyana Star

Exits her lowest Beyer since August when wanting no parts of route racing in last but her 2-back rallying win was a strong effort at today's distance; new rider is 0-for-10 at AQU for the trainer since 2013; hopes someone goes after Another Page early as she will have to rally into a paceless event.

Rock Show

Today is the shortest-distance test of her career; 4-0-0-0 since the October claim including last 3 starts racing over today's oval; the November show runner Beyered 67 in her next-out AQU-OPC win; shortest win was at 7.5F so getting up in time is the primary concern.

Wildcat Thunder

Not a great sign that she showed back up with front wraps on then produced another poor effort; 0-for-8 all double-digit length defeats since claimed off a May-sloppy track win; she has caught wet tracks in some of her losses for this trainer and would need a massive wakeup call to make any impact here. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Effinex

A long series of half-mile breezes to consider; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.28 million (offspring of Mineshaft have won 21 out of 294 debuts); the dam went 4 for 15 earning 161K; this is her only foal to compete.

Thrill Hill

He is scheduled to add blinkers after failing badly at 2 to 1 last month; his sire won 3 of 4 and 92K; the dam was without a tallly in 5 attempts; sib to 27K earner Major Dome; note superior workout of 8 days ago.

Chase the Giant

Ran into an impressive winner first time out; the colt's sire won 454K including a G1 score while the mom won 7 of 42 and 138K; among the winning siblings is 72K earner Jesses Giant Dunk; modest training track drills of late.

Bryce Bryce Baby

Above average work regimen for this son of Golden Missile, a G1 winner who banked 2.19 million (his progeny have scored in 10 percent of their initial races); the dam went 2 for 13 earning 98K; sib to 70K earner Gold Bear.

First Ranger

Blinkers on today after a deceptively good try in his second outing; the gelding's sire won multiple G1s and 4.91 million while the dam was unraced; among the winning sibs is 97K earner Saturday Appeal.

Sanctify

Beginner hails from multiple G2 victor Pulpit who annexed 728K and whose descendants are 75 for 625 first time out; the dam won 1 of 6 and 41K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Officer Mahaffy

Progeny of Officer, a G1 type who captured 804K, have won 55 out of 412 initial races; the dam went zero for 19K; among the winning siblings is 10K earner Wonsome; nothing special about the recent work tab.

Kaepernick

Gets the makeover package after breaking slowest in his first venture; the sire won 3.61 million including score in the Kentucky Derby; the dam went 2 for 8 earning 104K; winning siblings include 445K earner Starship Truffle; can rebound and is worth follow-up.

Four Directions

Sired by multiple G1 winner Harlan's Holiday who amassed 3.63 million (his offspring have scored in 67 out of 477 initial appearances); the dam won 1 of 7 and 12K: among the winning siblings is 23K earner Peachy Baby. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Jesses Giant Dunk

Runner has been given time since taxing maiden breaker; 11/10 winner repeated in a $14K optional here with an 83 Beyer; runner needs help up front but there are at least 3 that could vie for the lead here; look for him late if at all.

Onecats Chance

He has a chance to be more focused with the blinks today; basically just flattered the rail in last; needs very best.

Chrisandlorisposse

Don't be harsh about last as it's never easy to beat winners right back; place horse in last won at this level next out and the winner repeated in a $25K optional; runner has more speed than he flashed in last; look for rider to be aggressive here.

The Brothers Rap

Three regressions since first effort vs. winners; the winner of last repeated in a $30K optional with a 99 Beyer; he has a shot to get the trip as dam won routing on grass; he was hung wide from the marooned slot; barn continues to roll.

Awesome Heart

All out for the win and just ordinary since; more experienced pilot hired; has to make a big move forwad to make an impact here.

Saturday Appeal

Proven locally and he handles the off going; respect this guy's speed; he can give you a sub :46 speed if in the mood; could get brave if he gets a lonely lead.

Chilton

Hate to see them give up clear leads like he did two back; the show horse that day did win next out but only in a $12.5K N2L spot; runner has had a ton of chances to get that 2nd start.

Alcolite

Runner closed into the pedestrian pace for the lone win and he ran okay in last despite going wide; bug got a chance to figure him out; should be right there with slight improvement.

Wise Guide

This is his venue and note place horse was 3 clear in last; could see him getting a nice stalk and pounce trip; rates long look in a weak affair. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Lumineuse

Hasn't been a serious threat late since stepping up to this level after breaking her maiden last summer at Saratoga, but she has been running on the lawn now she'll move back to dirt in her initial inner track sprint; she's burned a lot of money over this type of footing, but she's also run ok on it and has been working well for her return to the races; may be able to get in the exotics mix at a price.

Rebellious Chic

Eight year old caught slop when sent long in each of her last 2 inner track spins; she's been stuck at the level for a while and has done her better running on the green; turn back to this trip means she'll probably be even further out of it early than usual here; siding with others.

Spritely Mambo

Lightly raced 4 year old gets Lasix for her return from the freshening while trying dirt for the initial time; she's been breezing well at her synthetic base for this and has shown enough early foot to suggest she's capable of adapting to this one turn trip; consider.

Absolute Paradise

Ran down limited winners when cut back a bit to this trip off a couple of weak tries in her first 2 starts with winners; maybe the effort served as a confidence builder as she goes for a barn that's had a pretty nice meeting thus far and sharp recent form often trumps class at this time of year.

Shea Darby

Last out graduate tries winners after kicking away from her pace rivals in just her fourth career start; she's yet to surpass numbers she earned as a baby and that's a concern, but maybe she's turned the corner and she does draw inside some of her main pace foes.

White Crane

Returns to the scene of his first out maiden score while returning from nearly half a year on the shelf; she's earned numbers that put her right in the thick of this one and does look to get an honest clip in front of her here; proven off drills and with a hot bug getting aboard it wouldn't be a surprise if she were to return running.

Imagine Tomorrow

Enters this in career best form after running away from limited winners at this trip last week; 7 year old is quick enough to go with the front runners early and should have every shot to prove she's good enough to repeat, but don't know that she'll have the same effort in her on the quick return.

Julesco

Outside drawn filly brings plenty of early lick to the table while stepping up to the allowance ranks after holding on to score at a slightly shorter trip last time; she'll go from the fence to this draw and the presence of other speed will force her to work hard from the bell; she did break her maiden from a tracking spot, but that was quite a while ago and she's recently run a lot better on the front end; last out pilot goes elsewhere. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Dighton

Great sign that his 1st race off the claim is a career-best Beyer speed figure; the November runner-up finisher Beyered 73 in a next-out AQU-16K-claiming victory; the big wakeup call occurred for the rider who returns with a light-weight assignment; saves ground stalking I'm Stoked then makes one run.

Bos'n Alwyne

Did not fire best when chasing Bear's Spirit who figures to be part of the pace while his best race is rallying from midpack; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 71 taking an AQU-16K claimer next out; the 3-back show runner Beyered 72 winning an AQU-20K claimer in his next start.

Make Your Move

Was screaming out for more distance in the 1st off the claim loss but remains at 6F; the 2-back winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 94-86 in next-out AQU-75K stakes and allowance wins; career-best speed figure and last win was accomplished at 1F longer than this.

Gombey Dancer

Blinkers on for the 1st time for a trainer 1-for the last-13 with this angle; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 86 both times in his 2 next-out CD alw. and OPC wins; likely needed last start off the long layoff so could be set for best here; the June runner-up finisher Beyered 90 in his next-out BEL alw. win.

Seeker

The runner-up finisher from last posted an 88 Beyer taking an AQU-allowance event next out; posted a field-best Beyer speed figure gate-to-wire September, 2011, on a SAR-wet main track graduating at 5.5F in a MSW; projects to be part of the pace with Bear's Spirit and likely pacesetter I'm Stoked.

Bear's Spirit

Projects as part of the pace with I'm Stoked and Seeker; 6F August, 2012, career debut on a synthetic surface is his Beyer Top; today marks the lighest-weight assignment of career; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 105-84 in next-out GP-150K stakes and OPC wins.

Start Jumping

Have to go back to February, 2013, to see a bad race on his form; looks like his stalking style fits perfectly here with I'm Stoked likely setting a lively pace; the 2-back runner-up finisher where he beat Seeker Beyered 88 in a next-out AQU-alw. score; the 3-back runner-up Beyered 85 in his next-out AQU-alw. score.

Chasing Moonlight

Like Start Jumping figures for a great trip stalking the speed; main concern is he could not beat his nemesis in 2013; the 3-back show finisher took a FG-25K claimer next out with an 80 Beyer; the 4-back show runner Beyered 84-83 in next-out AQU-alw. and starter alw. wins.

War Hero

Tons of upside off the debut win but gets the class tested big time for this; 45 days since the unveiling score stalking the pace and that type of trip likely wins this; high-percentage-fresh trainer adds to the appeal; would have to up his game to a brand-new level to repeat.

I'm Stoked

Try to catch me projected to have Seeker and Bear's Spirit pressure him from the gate; on the lead in all 5 races so if he does not make the front here it could be a problem; back in 20 days after scoring latest with 33 days between races and all of his wins have been off layoffs; picks up 2 pounds but won with this weight assignment in the debut. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Startripenterprise

Noonmark 3 for 16 with debuters; Grade 3 winning sire won at 2, banked over $350K; 3 for 21 dam won at 2, earned over $200K; lone half sis was out of the money 4 times; homebred looks fit enough.

Television Too

A bit more keen to run early in last but he still has lost ground in the lane every time; the sibling to win was just one for 19; could see him muddling the pace, not sure he'll be there late.

Island Therapy

Maybe he was intimidated by the rail in the debut; nice try off the freshening when hung 5 wide; 13 for 64 dam banked nearly $200K; this is her first to race; apparently not much of a work horse, probably needs to improve to cash.

Royal Posse

Must be given look on the drop alone; dam was unraced; 3 of 4 siblings won; top earner Ampart Ridge took 5 of 13, earned nearly $180K; considering the cut back, he could find himself behind a wall of horses turning for home.

Texas Town

Soph added wraps to no avail in last, now blinks are added to the equation; show horse in the Finger Lakes finale graduated there next out in a MSW with a 56 Beyer; he has a shot to have a nice career as kin to triple winner and near $185K earner Yes It's Pink; clever barn due for a bit of luck, check out the 20 slices this meet.

Nate and D D

Freud about 11% with first-timers in a 340-runner sample; sire 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; 2 for 16 dam won at 2 in the minor leagues; this is her first to race; he doesn't have to be a monster to make an impact here.

My Mojo

Belong to Me about 11% with debuters in a 693-horse sample; sire won debut at Meadowlands at 2, was a multiple Grade 3 winner, earned over 250 grand, dam was unraced; 3 of 5 siblings won; top kin Slevin was stakes placed thrice, banked over $300K; homebred has trained steadily.

Essence of a Hero

Was an ice cube on the tote and the fans were right on the money; 3 for 12 dam earned nearly $75K; this is her first to race; could need softer foes.

Bold Senator

Rivals vetoed his debut in a hurry; 3 for 17 dam won about $90K; this is her first to race; if he can run at all, the figures to show it today on the drop.

Let's Discuss

The discussion starts with the experience of 2 inner strip races; a slice may be the ceiling.

Tactical Pal

Gelding could have sulked about being 11 back but he kept coming; stakes winning 6 for 28 dam earned nearly $300K, took debut at 2; like this progression; he flashed speed, then finished decently; look out.

Clearly Perfection

He was doomed when he walked out of the gate; at least the race came back okay as the place horse took a MSW next out and the 8th finisher took a maiden $10K claimer; dam was jsut one for 16; in for $15K more than purchase price. - Brian Mulligan