Aqueduct: Closer Looks for January 10, 2014

Race 2

Baratti

Moves to the fence for the stretchout after failing to factor sprinting first out here last month; colt did encounter early trouble in that one and the barn's numbers with second out runners are tough to overlook; sire was a multiple G1 SW router and the unraced dam dropped a couple of foals who did win going long; expecting a much improved effort today.

Genuine Flare

Tries dirt for the initial time after being freshening a bit off a pacesetting effort on the local sod; barn's first entrant in here is kin to several good ones including G1 main track SW sprinter and 450K earner Latent Heat as well as G2 SW sprinter Indian Flare who banked 444K in her career; not much lick signed on so expect to see him look for the top from the bell and he could last longer this time.

Jeremy's Song

Wasn't beaten much after taking some tote support in his sprint debut over the track last month and now they'll stretch him out; his G1 SW dam's 13 wins all came routing in a career in which she banked 786K prior to dropping 2 winners, one of whom scored routing; he's shown he can run some and they did shell out a good amount for him in training last spring.

Tourist

Barn's second runner in here cuts back a half panel off a sharp placing over the main track when equipped with shades for the first time; colt breezed pretty well across town for this last weekend and if he's again able to secure a spot within striking range of the likely moderate clip he could prove tough to hold off; one to beat.

All My Memories

Hasn't been much of a threat to the winner in any of his 3 sprint starts and now he'll try the route; colt is on the improve from a figure standpoint and the barn does hit at a nice clip both with stretchouts and those going second off the break; lone sib did finish off the board in all 3 of her route tries, but this guy can't be dismissed.

Goodnewsisnonews

His first 2 turn try was solid though he did finish a few lengths off the runner up who returns in this spot as well; 250K yearling buy did has only run twice and the Pletcher barn is going rather well here so have to think he's got a move forward in him second time going long; he's kin to 4 route winners including multiple G1 SP, G2 SW router and 1.2 million earner Fly Down; contender.

Rare Eagle

New shades didn't do much to move this guy up in his second 2 turn spin when finishing behind 2 of the foes he'll catch again in this spot; cuts back a half panel and don't know that the apparent lack of pace will help him much either; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Patty and Nooche

Draws outside after starting from the fence in each of his last 3 races; gelding hasn't been a threat in either of his 2 tries here and will need to take a good step forward in his second route spin to have any type of say in the outcome. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Lasso

The speed of the party is a turf expert who has never competed on the inner track; has worked twice around these tight turns, and should take come catching if the course is kind to early types; post 1 in routes at the meet has yielded 13% winners.

Western Grit

Sprinter hasn't shown much since his narrow loss against easier Nov. 17, when he was claimed by his current connections; his sire was a stakes-placed sprinter, and his dam has produced six route winners on the main track; outsider certainly merits a chance around two turns.

Ghostly Vision

NY-bred by Ghostzapper brings most of the highest recent Beyers to this $20K contest, which will be his first start in the selling ranks; has worked twice during his time off, which included a bullet half-mile breeze at Belmont; steady colt broke his maiden over this layout last winter, and is arguably the one to fear most.

Poliziano

Finished on the fringes in his last few, and is stretching back out off a bit of a troubled run in a six-furlong optional starter; 6yo isn't out of his league here from a Beyer perspective, and is a must-use underneath in all vertical wagers.

Where's Danny (IRE)

Danny hasn't found the winner's circle since Saratoga, when he was claimed for $20K; he's dropping back down to that price while experimenting with blinkers, and his trainer hasn't had any recent success when adding the hood; doubtful.

El Oh El

Son of Speightstown will be returning on very short rest if he isn't withdrawn; Jacobson has fared well with quick comebackers, and this one is moving out to a distance which he can handle when he's on his game; should be an effective stalker under Cohen, who was aboard for some of his better performances.

Force Multiplier

Second half of the Jacobson entry is stepping up off a victory over non-winners of two opposition; Decarlo, who retains the mount, figures to have him tracking the leaders on the outside after breaking him from this tough post; others have more appeal. - Ron Gierkink

Race 4

Go to the Net

Field-best Beyer speed figure was posted at 1Mile on turf; hates wet tracks so willing to dismiss last pair; has never raced in a fast-main track route race; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 62 in his next-out AQU-$12,500-maiden-claiming win.

Mad Props

New rider means he is in with the lightest-weight assignment of his career; new rider had other options but lands here; has shown zero gate speed in the 3 losses beating 3 runners combined in 3 losses including latest which was his dirt debut on a wet track.

Harry Consolidator

Projects as a major pace presence but would have to outbreak Privatize then hold off the closers; rider from last sides with Mad Props while the new pilot was off to a 1-for-21 start at the current meet; know him early but unsure about late.

Go Liberty Go

Just 1 career race so still has some upside; adds distance off the wet-track sprint unveiling; his sire won twice at 1 Mile on dirt including the BEL-maiden breaker; dam never raced past 7F; the runner-up finisher from his debut Beyered 64 in his next-out AQU-16K-maiden-claiming win.

Commodus

2 great signs out of last removing the front wraps then rallying well to post a new Beyer speed figure Top in his 1st-ever race over the Inner Dirt track; seemed to enjoy the added distance; exacta finish was posted on a fast oval so can handle any surface; the 2-back runner-up graduated next out in a FL-$4,500-maiden claimer with a 37 speed figure.

Privatize

Projects as the one to catch with Harry Consolidator the one who will likely put on some early pressure; 50 days since just missing when favored and cuts the price tag in half for this; the 3-back winner repeated with an 86 Beyer while he beat the show runner who graduated next out in a BEL-MSW event with an 81 speed figure; seems the one to beat.

Prince Curlin

The good news is his return to AQU Inner Dirt produced his cloest loss among 10 career defeats; the career-best Beyer occurred over today's race track at longer but still seeks his 1st-ever in-the-money finish; raced evenly in latest chasing the runner-up who graduated next out with a 62 speed figure.

Uragano

More than 1 year away from the races off his 2nd straight did-not-finish running line; outsider drops to lowest price tag ever seeking answers; the winner and runner-up finishers from last Beyered 77-76 in next-out AQU-MSW and OPC wins; will be taking a wait and see approach.

El Dreamer

18 minor awards during career noting his best Beyer was posted on turf; rallied well in latest at shorter and his 3-back exacta finish occurred at today's distance but was accomplished on the AQU Main; the 4-back winner repeated with an 84 Beyer taking an AQU-30K claimer; hard to leave out of the exotics conversation.

Mr. Masterpiece

Brief speed in latest while stamina has not been his strong suit; shown very little in 2 prior starts over today's Inner Dirt oval beating 1 runner in 2 other races here; the winner from last Beyered 77 in his repeat GP-20K-claiming win; would be a surprise.

Prime Time City

Wanted no parts of blinkers on and a wet track in latest; the hood remains on for this; if gets in off the also-eligible list would be a pace factor chasing Privatize to the front who beat him 2 races back; the runner-up from last drilled a 62 Beyer in his next-out 16K-maiden-claiming graduation.

Muscles Marinara

Blinkers on for the 1st time today after finishing evenly behind similar rivals; is another who posted his best Beyer on turf; 5-0-1-1 record since the June claim; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 55 when avenging that defeat in last; ranked a notch below the top contenders. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Conga Bella

Proven locally, Philly flash is consistent and she has a decent turn of late foot; apparently not much of a work horse, but at 7, she also knows all the tricks; far from disgraced in allowance land last time, she needs help up front and there is not a ton of speed in here; look for her late if at all.

Coast of Sangria

This is a tough ticket as she didn't run in the money last year; she has the 2 races to draw from though and she did run solidly when 2nd beaten a half in a cut back run in October of 2012; would still tread lightly.

Rosie My Way

Have always liked the claim back angle and guess Orseno knows what he is doing; he's been a quality trainer for decades; 12/7 show horse cashed next out in a $12.5K N3L spot; slight improvement and she will be a handful.

Pegasus Diamond

Over 3 times as many slices as wins; proven locally, she has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to succeed; she was boosted when the winner of last cashed in a $25K optional with a 73 Beyer; miss hooks a group with a paucity of speed; look for rider to send hard to try to steal it.

Voodoo Tales

Don't be too harsh about last as she has no lost her last three when breaking from the rail; 5th finisher in last took a $14K optional next out and the 3rd and 6th finishers won in this very league; note place horse was 6 clear two back; can't fault those that give her another shot at glory.

Pinot Grigio

At least she got a feel of the surface; over 4 times as many slices as wins makes her a tough on top only ticket; trainer cut down on his starters last year and it worked to a nice debut; another slice?

Matching Skies

Nice move to open up 4 at the top of the lane and she just kept to keeping on; sometimes those kind of drops like she had in last can turn the attitude around; could again sit a nice stalk and pounce trip; repeat well within the scope.

Prize Taker

Not the easiest spot for just a maiden winner; she is facing a few that have been around the block and back; 11/13 winner repeated in a $14K optional with a 68 Beyer; lean toward watching a race vs. winners.

Run a Dubb Dubb

She danced all the dances last year; miss has been handled by a couple of today's foes in the past; bothered early in the last couple of races, at least she blew out last Sunday; needs very best.

Guyana Star

Hung outside, she could be pretty far back on the cut back here; taken to task by Voodoo on the main surface here, would look for rider to take a hold, try to save ground, hope a duel occurs and make the one run. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Grandmabarbsgiant

Only a moderate breeze pattern is shown for this daughter of Frost Giant, who won multiple G3 stakes and 454K (his offspring have won 5 of 35 debuts); the dam went 2 for 18 earning 10K; winning siblings include 118K earner Holy Smoke Ya.

Andromeda's Risk

Her sire won at the G3 level en route to banking 836K in total (descendants of Andromeda's Hero have won 1 of 54 initial starts); the dam was without victory in 6 attempts; sib to 33K earner The Wiley Vet.

Very Precious

Made up decent groud in her first test; her sire won 4 of 28 and 163K; the dam won 2 of 10 and 34K; among the winning siblings is 43K earner One Red Cat; may upgrade further over a fast racing surface.

She's a Sizzler

Drops off the claim but the returning breezes of late are strong; she makes her first start for high-percentage connections and has unfortunately ran into repeat winners in her last pair of races.

Lucky Nancy E.

The steady check earner if late was a game second in her last assignment and should be able to stay within striking range once again; bound to be overbet, however, and is facing some newcomers; difficult call therefore.

Please No Emails

Turns back from her first try around 2 turns where she chased throughout; despite the major distance transition, she can be on or near the lead throughout; appears to be nicely positioned this afternoon.

Promise Me Forever

Rested since a failure at Finger Lakes a race which turned out to be key; makes her first appearance at the claiming level and can awaken against this group; shows only a moderate work tab during December, however.

That's No Limit

New face hails from Western Expression who won 3 of 16 starts and 140K (his progeny are 14 for 235 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 1 of 3 and 26K; among the winning siblings is 310K earner Sportswriter.

Lemme Rock

Tried the to keep pace from the outermost slot last time out but failed; there is only light workout activity since that performance but the drop from special weights should never be underestimated; worth some follow-up.

Queen of Jazz

Sired by Horse of the Year Holy Bull who won 13 of 16 and 2.08 million (his offspring have won 58 out of 812 debuts); the dam scored in 4 of 28 appearances earning 112K; there are no winning siblings to mention; respect. - Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Love Contract

7F-PRX dirt alowance winner on the lead December, 2011, was her last victory; likes to be forwardly placed but has to deal with Flores Island from the gate for this; her last race traveling this far was a show finish nearly 2 years ago at 1M chasing the winner who repeated in an AQU-optional claimer posting a 70 Beyer speed figure; view as a pace presence for part.

Nuffsaid Nuffsaid

Is a nose away from being 4-for-5 since the May claim; has the right style for this saving ground behind a hot pace set by Flores Island; showed she could handle this AQU-Inner Dirt oval in last while 2-back on a wet track is a career-best Beyer; if only repeats some of her recent rallys would be tough to hold off late; the pick.

Sister State

Figuers to stalk Flores Island and the rest of the speedsters signed on for this; owns up-and-down career form; she is back from Florida where the turf debut posted was the 2nd-lowest Beyer of her career; 33 days away for a high-percentage fresh trainer; been in with some quick ones defeated in June by the winner who repeated in a PRX-Grade 1 with a 93 speed figure.

Ilikecandy

1st time away from Maryland but a visually impressive score at shorter in last when showing versatility by racing from just off the pace; her 2-back win was gate-to-wire; figures as a pace presence here; the final yards will be the main issue after chasing Flores Island from the gate.

Lady of Gold

Big wakeup when blinkers were added for last pair on turf; an AQU-March Inner Dirt graduate she won a key race 39 days ago defeating the runner-up and 8th-place finishers they Beyered 80-75 in next-out LRL allowance and AQU-OPC wins.

Flores Island

Try to catch me; consistent sort's lone off-the-board finish was in her only synthetic-surface start; she posted the field's best Beyer gate-to-wire at shorter than this 2 races back; gets in with her lightest-weight assignment ever which adds to the appeal; the 3-back winner Beyered 87 in her next-out LRL alw. win; the one to beat.

Mr Hall's Opus

Negative 1-pound weight swing off the neck loss vs. Nuffsaid Nuffsaid at longer but a great sign because it was her 1st start ever over today's Inner Dirt oval; deep closer gets a good setup with Flores Island among others gunning for the lead.

The Best Option

7 weeks since winning a good race in Illinois beating the runner-up finisher who posted an 85 Beyer taking a next-out HAW-OPC win; late runner's 113-pound assignment today is the lightest of her career; can she win right off the bench 1st time in New York and all for a new barn? hard to leave out of the exotics conversation with her late kick. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Canela Rose

Cozier slot after being hung out to dry; no help from 3 siblings as they are a combined 0 for 16; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Lovely Athena

Bad actress at the gate must hustle; 2 for 10 dam banked nearly $75K; all 4 siblings won; top kin Judge Well took 5 of 35, banked over $100K; in light today, not sure that is the cure all.

Cake N Cookies

She seems to improve since she got off grass; connections would love to see her start acting like top kin and near $250K earner Mynavigator; miss fits in the Beyer department; must be given legit look in all the slots.

Bizi Bein a Lizi

It's possible she was intimidated by the rail; 1 for 8 dam earned over $20K; several winners in the family; stakes winning top kin Gold Joy banked nearly $135K; could see her being a brief threat, not sure she'll be around at the end.

Contender's Queen

Miss got to lugging, now is on the auction block; 8 for 42 dam took debut at 2, earned nearly $200K; the 2 siblings to race are a combined 0 for 15; would have liked to have seen some local works.

Explosive Smile

Pleasantly Perfect about 14% with debuters in a 193-runner sample; sire didn t run at 2, took BC Classic on way to over $7.7 million career; dam 0 for 9; lone half sis was out of the money 6 times; homebred will not have to be much stock to make an impact here.

No It's Not Me

Shades off, like they were for her best Beyers; she wilted pretty good in last and sometimes those muddy events can take a toll.

Bebes Passion

After 23 defeats, the upside pretty much goes right out the window; can't be thrilled with the slate on the inner and considering the cut back, she could be left with a ton of work to do turning for home; passing.

Utopian Wife

She did show career speed for this pilot and must be given valid look on the drop alone; she has a shot to mature with grace as kin to near $300K earner Won Great Classic; due.

Moonstone Beach

Much better placement here and she showed some semblance of talent in the debut; dam was 0 for 2; all 4 siblings won; top kin Medford Junction earned nearly $125K; trainer has had some good winter meets over the years.

Signora Sofia

Never in the money in this surface or any surface for that matter; can't be happy with the beats vs. softer and she has no speed; it all adds up to boxcars at the tote once again.

Mini Muffin

Six and still trying, she was losing a little ground late the day she did run in the money; the tendency to get late must be addressed.

Sensual Nite

Griffinite 2 for 31 with firsters; sire won twice at 2, took a G3, banked nearly $350K; dam was unraced; both siblings won; they took 7 of 34 combined and banked over $100K; trainer spotted them just fine in 2013 but drills hardly eye-catching. - Brian Mulligan