Aqueduct: Closer Looks for January 1, 2014

Race 1

Point Taken

Claimed from a high-win percentage trainer which is not a good win angle; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with a 94 Beyer speed figure; posted a distant-show finish the last time racing at today's 6F distance; all of his recent wins have been at much longer stamina tests than today's event; his last start on AQU Inner Dirt was a March 4th-place finish in a 1M-70 yards starter handicap loss; he won in January and February of 2013 over the track taking 30K-20K claimers at 6F and 1M-70.

Non Stop

Positive 2-pound weight swing off the 1-length loss when racing for the 1st time on today's AQU-Inner Dirt oval; also likely needed the race off a 67-day absence; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 90 in his next-out AQU-OPC win; the 2-back runner-up and show finishers both Beyered 79 in next-out AQU-16K-claiming wins; contender.

Caixa Eletronica

Scratched

Tyrus

Seems like the one to catch here with Dr Wesley; was claimed by a strong 1st-off-the-purchase trainer following a dueled-into-defeat line but a not a bad race 1st time ever on a wet-main track; the September winner repeated in a CD-25K claimer with an 86 Beyer; the 10 minor awards during career suggest he often races well in defeat.

Head Heart Hoof

113 pounds would be the lightest-weight assignment of his career; dull return to AQU Inner Dirt vs. this same group exiting his lowest Beyer since August, 2011, at FL; was also entered Tuesday here at 10-1 monring-line odds in a 6F dirt race for a lower purse.

Haverhill

1-for-9 record since his GP-March field-best Beyer at today's distance; did not show his best form 1st time over the track in last when seemingly screaming out for more yardage but remains at 6F; last win was 2nd time off the layoff which is the exact scenario for this; has something to prove over today's oval.

Dr. Wesley

Speedster's 2-back win looks a lot better since defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 93 in his next-out PRX-starter handicap win; has to beat Tyrus from the gate then hopes to hold off the closers; has won from off the pace during career but figures as the one to catch and beat here.

Bet the Power

Picks up 2 pounds off the half-length win over the runner-up finisher who Beyered 90 in his next-out AQU-OPC score; latest was even more impressive because it was his 1st race ever over today's Inner Dirt oval; he defeated the 3-back show runner who Beyered 88 in his next-out PEN-OPC win; the pick. By Art Gropper

Race 2

C C's Pride

Miss has been dealing with mostly cheaper claimers of late; 2 of the 6 wins came at this distance but not only 2 published drills since the last effort; cozy slot can't hurt but runner is speed challenged; needs to hurry.

Rock Show

Nosedived in class for the last win but has not been sharp since; hard to be positive after the dull opener on the inner surface and she will need to be put into the race half way through to have best shot; needs a rebound run.

Bozique

Hustling bug got a chance to figure her out and the winner was clear in last; she has shown the ability to win after being close up or from left field and it s always good to have options; only one off effort since entering this barn and she was checked that day; should be right there when the smoke clears.

Princess Mara

Best when sent along, she has more speed than she recently flashed but note she was tons the best of the rest in last; mare has been in some good barns, she was hung wide two back, but wonder if she needs state-breds to show top talent.

Sus Annmaries Gold

At least she got a feel of the inner surface; 10/9 place horse cashed next out in a $25K claimer, then ran out of the money; runner has much more speed than he just showed, note he when :46 and change in the 2012 closer and her trainer may be trying to get her focused with the addition of the blinks; can't blame those that give her another shot at glory after failing as chalk.

Lily Lynn

Mare could be a bit fragile as the races have been spaced; proven on the strip and that could mean something at crunch time; winner of the Saratoga finale cashed next out in a $25K optional, then was out of the money in a Grade 2; place horse 8/21 took a $50K optional next out, lost next pair; trainer has spotted them just fine all year.

House On Toilsome

Far from a win machine, check out the 15 slices; bothered early in last and runner was 3 clear; the win this year came in a $12.5K N2L seller; needs very best.

Malibu Queen

Game in the maiden breaker but some rivals may not have taken to the surface; note they were spread out and some may not have have enjoyed having slop being kicked in the face; in good hands, could see her getting a nice stalk and pounce trip; the concern: she has to prove she can motor with winners. By Brian Mulligan

Race 3

Centring

Named for the filly that was called the Queen of Aqueduct during her span, was won last year by Twice the Lady, who was coming off a 2nd in a $62.5K optional before getting a perfect 3-hole trip to post the winning 90 Beyer; can t fault those that are a bit gun shy with the double chalk flop present; last win was in the first-step allowance condition and against a small field; over 4 times as many slices as wins makes her a tough ticket to embrace.

Street Secret

Proven fresh, she has won at a number of different venues so she could take to the inner; winner of the Saratoga finale won a $111K stakes next out; show horse 8/9 took a $150K stakes next out, then ran out of the money; nothing wrong with hitting the exacta half the time, the return drills are classically spaced and runner is versatile; toss anything from this barn at own risk.

Royal Lahaina

Miss finally broke through in Graded company last time; never out of the money on this strip and could see her sitting a nice trip, maybe just 2 of 3 off a legit pace primed to pounce; miss took that $100K stakes in June and a repeat of that effort would make her a handful.

Welcome Guest

Brings speed to the table but she can sit just off the pace and get it done; the May 4 winner won two starter races since; once this gal got away from Saratoga, runner picked it up; not sure she was beating anybody in the last victory; the place horse that day has lost three times since; off the rail finally, probably needs to improve to get unsaddled.

Teen Pauline

Would expect this gal to be the speed component of the Pletchers; miss can give you a :45 half if in the mood and at least she drilled okay on the 26th; look for Ortiz to send hard and try to steal it or soften up the other pace for the stablemate; interesting. By Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Charming Eyes

Ran ok late while sprinting for half this price in her inner track debut last month; filly draws the fence for the stretchout and she's the first foal to race out of a 6 time route winning dam so the added trip should be to her benefit; she'll need to improve for a figure standpoint, but maybe she's able to get in the mix here.

Bay Dawn

Wasn't close in either of her 2 sprint tries and now she'll stretchout in her second crack over the strip for this low percantage outfit; dam was a statebred SW turf router and 361K so maybe the added ground helps, but her foals are a combined 0 for 29 going long.

Fancy 'n Flight

New York bred wasn't a threat at a big price again in her first over the inner; barn does boast some decent number on the stretchout and this filly is kin to 3 route winners so maybe the new configuration helps, but she has some improving to do in order to step with some of these.

Miss Charlize

Didn't take much money first out and after breaking at the back of the back, did very little running; maybe the added real estate helps now that she's has the first out experience as she is kin to several route winners, but she'll need to get off to a better beginning to have any shot of getting involved in the outcome.

Red Constitution

Ran well to just miss second by a neck when stretched out to 2 turns on the drop to this level first time over the inner; filly showed enough early in that one to put her in a good spot from the bell in a heat that doesn't look to feature a lot of speed and if she's able to run back to that last one she could prove tough for this hot barn.

Check the Credit

Hasn't been a threat to the money finishers in any of her starts though her initial crack over the inner saw her get her closest yet; though her dam's 2 wins did come going long, her flat mile effort over the main track a couple of months back wasn't much; just watching her in this spot.

Please No Emails

Filly was given a little extra time after backing out of it late from her solid early pace efforts against MSWs; there's not much speed in here so she figures to be quite prominent from the bell in here and last week's breeze suggests she reatins her lick; sibs are a combined 0 for 9 going long, but this gal should love the class relief and the pace scenario certainly benefits her; one to catch and beat.

Gallant Lady

Didn't factor in either of her 2 sprints start and now she'll stretch out to 2 turns; she's kin to 4 route winners including minor SW and 98K earner Lady Contender so the added ground figures to help, but she's yet to show that she has any ability.

Race and Shine

Exits a troubled run when dropped to this level in her first spin over the inner track last month; new shades didn't really do much for her in that one and now she'll start from the outside slot; lone sib remains a maiden after 14 career starts. By Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Mississippi Duel

Projects to race on or near the lead with Mia Poppy; muddy-track winner showed no run in the slop the last time seen on dirt; his only fast-main track try was a decent effort back in 2011 when placing 5th in a stakes over the AQU Inner-dirt track vs. the winner who repeated in a 75K stakes with a 74 Beyer speed figure; view as a pace presence for part.

Papa Tom

Both wins on today's AQU-Inner Dirt oval; willing to excuse latest over the track when catching a wet oval; the 3-back show finisher Beyered 85 in his next-out AQU-optional-claiming win; been best when close to the pace like latest; September, 2012, was his last start as light as 113 pounds.

Giant Finish

Won his only race attempting Inner Dirt while serious class relief the last time in vs. NY breds was his romp over the track; June absentee finished far back when last seen in a key race; the winner from last posted a 107 Beyer speed figure in his next-out SAR-Grade 2 stakes win; he beat the 14th-place finisher from last an 85 Beyer next-out SAR-allowance victory; if ready is the one to beat.

Pure Attitude

2 strong races off the November claim however his career-best Beyer was posted over a synthetic surface; clearly latest was a very-good sign after being beaten by over 24 lengths combined from 1st pair on AQU Inner Dirt he scored nicely on today's oval in last; deep closer hopes for a Mia Poppy-Mississippi Duel speed battle to enhance his late kick; contender.

Street Lord

Did not want any parts of turf in last while also needing the race off a 71-day absence; 45 days away for this for a high-percentage fresh trainer; the good news is his July graduation was with 110 days idle; main concern is his affinity for this race track; he began career on today's oval with 2 so-so defeats.

Smokin Candy

Exits his 1st ever race with front wraps on; posted an 0-for-5 record since the BEL win at longer; was listed at 10-1 morning-line odds Tuesday for a higher purse at today's distance over the track; positive 1-pound weight swing off his latest loss to Sandy'z Slew; the 3-back runner-up Beyered 82 in his next-out BEL-20K-claiming win.

Sandy'z Slew

Seems to be best on turf; flashed gate speed in latest but projects to chase Mississippi Duel-Mia Poppy to the front; both wins at 5.5F; today's 8.3F distance is a serious issue off latest fade when loose on the lead with easy-early fractions.

Mia Poppy

Today's 113 pounds is the lighest assignment of his career; projects to race on or near the lead with Mississippi Duel; his co-field-best Beyer was posted October, 2012, over a wet-BEL turf course; lacked stamina twice off the claim; the 3-back show finisher Beyered 85 in his next-out BEL-OPC win; know him early but unsure about late.

Go Get the Basil

Projects for an ideal trip stalking the speed; defeated both the 6th and 8th-place finishers from last; they Beyered 86-81 in next-out AQU-OPC wins; his 2-back bear-miss finish at BEL represents a co-field-best Beyer when defeating the show finisher who posted an 87 speed figure in his next-out BEL-OPC win; the 3-back show runner also took a BEL-OPC next out with a 96 Beyer; the pick.

Warrior Up

Also entered Thursday at today's distance for a lower purse; was defeated by Go Get The Basil by 5 lengths 2-back and today gets a negative 5-pound weight swing for the rematch; last victory was over today's Inner Dirt at the distance but is 0-for-10 since; ranked a few notches below the top contenders. By Art Gropper

Race 8

Five Star Momma

Quick mare draws the fence for her local return and inner track debut after failing to hold off the winner this past weekend at Laurel; quick breaker's lick should be on display again from this inside slot and though several figure to hound her from the bell she should be able to show the way from the outset; co-highweight will have to be run down.

Lion D N A

Looked pretty good running away from an overmatched bunch at odds on in her first inner track spin and now she'll tackle stakes company; with speed to her inside her pilot may be able to take hold of her here and allow pace to develop as she has won from a tracking spot in the past; faces her toughest task yet, but in her current form she's a huge threat.

P J's Superego

Barn's runners have fired here and now they'll give this Jersey bred a boost into stakes company; she wired cheaper in her first spin over the track but she's going to have a tough time making the lead here and she hasn't run nearly as well from off the pace; have to side against the repeat.

Fantasy of Flight

Brings plenty of class to the table while cutting back to a sprint trip in her return to the inner track over which she's hit the board twice without winning in as many spins; mare hasn't won in a while, but she has kept pretty good company and though this trip may be a little short of her best, she figures to offer much improved late interest; one to fear in the lane.

Delightful Quality

Runner up in 3 straight has defeated one of today's foes to the wire in each of those heats; she's hit the board in each of her 11 career starts and always finds herself in striking range of the front runners; lone inner track spin was a near miss at today's trip, but that seems to be the story for this gal as she rarely gets the job done; prefer to limit her use to underneath in exotics.

Baby J

Didn't have enough late when beaten home by the gal drawn to her immediate inside here last time; filly should be tighter with that one behind her and each of her last 3 scores has come at today's trip including the 2 most recent in stakes company; one to consider at a decent price.

Miss Mischief

Outside drawn filly didn't make much impact while catching a wet track and finishing behind some of the gals she'll see again in here; she did look pretty good besting restricted stakes runners at the trip 2 back on the main track and maybe the return to a dry strip would help, but don't know that she's as good as some of these; prefer others on the win end. By Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Between the Lines

Tough trip first time out when earning minor spoils; his sire won the G2 Remsen and 450K overall; the dam did not make it to the starting gate; among the winning siblings is 140K earner Imperial Zip.

Gotham Rising

Offspring of young sire J Be K, a G2 pure sprinter who notched 440K, have done well thus far, winning 6 of 21: the dam went zero for 2; winning sibs include 18K earner Sunny Sol Rio.

Horatio

A victim of many a pace battle, the gelding turned in a solid effort last month following a layoff; showed a good first gear in 2 prior efforts over the inner dirt but may have to deal with more than one early foe again in this puzzling contest.

Brass Pear

Ran well in the last pair despite bumpy beginnings in both; has some gate speed in his favor but draws an annoying post, sandwiched by runners who also will be gunning for the lead; needs some key late scratches.

Wood On the Fire

Makes his first start for these connections but spots important experience over this winter course; cutback to this distance may help but his inability to rate off the leaders seems a major drawback.

Shot to Win

Goes back to blinkers after stopping cold at a mile last month; the trainer has a fair record with turnback runners such as this and the gelding could secure an ideal position behind some battling front-runners today.

Handy Stan

Probably best in his maiden voyage while going to post at generous odds; his sire won 1 of 6 and 75K while the dam was without a tally in 7 attempts; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Chasintheblues

Made 2 moves in the last placing but draws a wide post for the first time in his career and might be compromised as a result; needs to be taken back in the early stages and can improve his chances if that strategy is employed.

De Laddy

Beginner was sired by multiple G1 winner Dehere who banked 723K and whose progeny have won 76 out of 454 initial starts; the dam won 4 of 31 and 188K; this is her only foal to compete; steady training track work tab is on view.

Perfect Disco

Upgraded in the latest half-mile breeze; his sire won multiple G3s and 532K (descendants of Disco Rico have won approximately 10 percent of their debuts); the dam won 7 of 16 and 228K; sib to 61K earner Cat Ferrad.

Ronnie's Whey

Did not recover from a slow start in his recent unveiling; late foal was sired by G2 pure sprinter Hook and Ladder who captured 388K (his offspring have won 32 out of 270 debuts); the dam was zero for 20; sib to 106K earner Roaring Conquest. By Jim Kachulis