Aqueduct: Closer Looks for January 12, 2014

Race 2

Royal Posse

Statebred is offered for a tag for the first time in this spot while moving to the fence and getting yet another new pilot; addition of shades didn't do much to improve her early lick, but maybe he moves forward second time in them and his numbers suggest this is a significantly softer bunch than he's been facing; class relief makes him the one to beat.

Ausable River

Showed some early foot before backing out of it when shades were added for the stretchout in his first off this barn's claim; colt will try a softer set here and does draw inside so maybe his early lick will again be on display; could last longer against this weaker bunch and looms the one to run down.

Sweet Lover

Didn't do much in either of his sprint starts and now he'll drop again for his initial route spin; colt is kin to a route winner so maybe the added ground helps and he did show a little more early interest in shades last out; nice to see his pilot stick around.

Perfect Dancing

Barely lifted a hoof while sprinting on the main track and now the statebred will stretchout against this cheap bunch; barn does ok with runners tackling added ground, but don't know that this gelding will really like the trip; has a lot to prove off that debut run.

Dynamic Chime

Hasn't been close in 5 career starts including most recently in his initial dirt route spin; he does drop a bit in price here, but doubt that's going to help him make much of an impact; tough to make a case for this longshot.

Mane Meal

New face makes his first local start after spending the fall in Florida; didn't have too much of an impact down there, but he did earn numbers that fit at this local level and he'll get a weight break with the capable bug named; dam dropped a couple of route winners including 1.1 million earner Gourmet Dinner who was G2 SP and a G3 SW going long so maybe the 2 turn trip appeals to him; main danger.

Even Shower

Debuted in a 4 horse sprint heat earlier in the month and had the misfortune of running into a runaway winner; gelding did eat his other 2 foes home handily while rallying in a wide path and now he'll stretch out to a trip his pedigree suggests he'll love; worth a look in here.

Yes I'm True

Took no money in the first out route spin with MSWs and now he'll drop in for a cheap tag; barn's second runner in here is out of a SW turf router who dropped 2 main track route winners including SW and 187K earner Morrow Cove who won 3 times going long; maybe the class relief brings out some run in him.

Race 3

Vero Amore

With NY just lifting the quarantine on Parx ship-ins (caused from a horse testing positive for the equine herpesvirus), this one helps the Ruthless to fill; obviously has exclusively sprinted but is bred to route and overcame a slow break to win her latest; contender.

Alpaca Fina

Has proven a rewarding claim since being taken for 50K off Brown in his debut; already she is stakes placed, but she is Canadian-bred, and there will be lots of options for her at WO next year; first route didn't go well, but she stumbled at the start and didn't gain her usual position within 2-3 lengths of the pace.

Keep in Mind

Looks like pure filler - stuck in here to make the race do; she barely lasted to win a maiden 20K with a 28 Beyer and is now taking on stakes horses; brief pace factor only.

Summertime Friend

Adds Lasix (a high % move for McLaughlin) for this start after showing sped and coming up empty late in a seven eighths race; sold for a bundle and has some strong sire lines in her pedigree; beaten chalk is the choice to rebound.

Mamdooha

Was shipped over the Laurel in search of a stakes win, and did what was expected, crushing the opposition and drawing away in the lane as the chalk; never worse than second in three starts and gives every impression she should like the added distance.

Race 4

Quiet Value

Poor record throughout and there is little hope on the horizon; no reason to think the inside slot will make any difference and the grey is destined for another futile run; cannot endorse under any conditions.

Ballybrit

Middle-moved on a wide path a month ago and although finishing off the board, it was a respectable effort; finally draws a comfortable slot and should be able to work out a fair trip from close range; worthy of exotic wagering inclusion.

My New Hope

Has a bit of a first gear but little in the way of endurance; came up empty in both starts over this course while huge odds; goes back to journeyman handling today but still have doubts he can be the main pacesetting force.

Moonlite Encounter

Woke up with a clear placing 2 weeks ago and any improvement on that performance stamps him as a legit contender today; will probably have to overcome much swifter fractions though and that will be the main roadblock.

Papa Doc

Looks like the main speed even though he returns to the six-furlong setting here; has been involved in duels in the last pair and that diminished his chances; dangerous if able to open up immediate daylight.

Lincoln Flyer

Pressed the issue in his last start, first start under these silks; have to respect the connections involved and the gelding can work out a cozy stalking trip with the primary pacesetter breaking to his left; worth some follow-up.

Consoles Gotta Go

Gets rid of the blinkers after that failed turf attempt way back in April; latest breeze from the gate is upbeat; the sire involved won a G1 and 1.02 million; the dam won 7 of 30 and 192K; sib to several multiple winners including 127K earner Marine Landing.

Flashy Ross

All kinds of trouble last time out when jammed up on the rail; wide slot can work in his favor today and the six-year-old may be able to launch a fair rally from midpack as a result; wheels back very quickly.

Unbridled Bear

Drops in half for this assignment and could not have found an easier spot; earned strong comparative Beyers at the beginning of his career in Canada despite slow getaways; should be in the mix with an alert break and he has an expert trainer in his corner.

Race 5

Sokitumi Samurai

0-for-4 with the blinkers on they are removed for this; career-best Beyer speed figure was accomplished at a longer distance than 6F; comes off a race where he faded and not a good sign racing 1st off the claim while posting his lowest Beyer speed figure since July; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 91 winning an AQU-30K claimer next out.

The Truth and K G

The 1st race off the claim represents his lowest Beyer since September, 2012; does not like wet tracks so could possibly use that excuse and give him a pass; the runner-up from the last-place finish Beyered 87 in his next-out AQU-starter alw win; beat the 2-back runner-up who Beyered 73 in his next-out AQU-16K claimer; the 3-back winner and show finishers Beyered 93-90 in next-out AQU-98K stakes and optional-claiming wins.

Make a Fortune

Doing the rain dance as the lone-dirt win was over a muddy race track; 161 days since latest SAR fade hoping the time off provies a wakeup call noting his January, 2013, win was off a 61-day break; hopes to stalk Conticinio from the gate then get 1st run on the closers.

Ground Force

Exits his lowest Beyer since February when fading in a key race; the runner-up and show finishers from last Beyered 90-87 in next-out AQU-OPC and starter alw wins; did not fire best in his 2013-AQU Inner Dirt defeats; the August winner was taking his 1st of 4 in a row posting 91-90-98 Beyers in 3 next-out OPC wins.

Conticinio

Projects to own the best gate speed in this event; great sign that his 1st race off the claim is a career-best Beyer showing his affinity for a wet-race track; helps the cause that he projects to be loose on the lead in a field lacking defined pace; try to catch me.

Head Heart Hoof

November, 2012, represents his field-best Beyer at 6F on AQU Main; it has been since January, '13, that he made the lead in a race while latest was a stumble at the start losing all chance; the 2-back fade was in a key race (90-87 Beyers for the runner-up and show finishers next out).

Take Down Two

The 1-for-13 record on AQU Inner Dirt is not easy to take; the 1st race off the claim was poor exiting his lowest Beyer since March, 2012; the show runner from last Beyered 72 in his next-out AQU-20K-claiming victory; would be a complete surprise from today's wide-ground losing draw.

Race 6

Gold Potion

All 3 efforts have been respectable including that trouble-filled debut in November; she makes the difficult leap to special weights but can be a late factor today especially if catching another wet-fast racing surface.

Fortheluvofbethany

Newcomer hails from Bellamy Road, winner of the G1 Wood Memorial and 811K (his offspring have won 17 out of 149 initial starts); the dam won 1 of 9 and 11K; among the winning siblings is 365K earner Readtheprospectus.

Share 'n Stone

Finished a remote third in her first venture but it was a very strong, key race; her undefeated sire won the G1 Carter and 480K; the dam went 4 for 33 while banking 111K; winning siblings include 507K earner Lady of the Future.

Shea Darby

Considering the long layoff, and slow getaway, she ran a fine race in defeat last month while going to post as the public choice; should be much more of a front-running factor today and be utilized in your wagering approach.

Rock N Cozy

Keeps earning steady checks regardless of the surface or distance involved; remains a difficult runner to key on top though and may rally after the fact once again; an off-track (the expected course condition for today) would work in her favor.

Once a Week

Turned in a fine first run from the outside and with only one blemish on her record, she is a major player now; her sire won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 7.8 million; the dam won a G2 and 251K; sib to 432K bankroller Z Fortune.

Echluath

This grey has shown only minor rallying kick thus far but her one main track effort was a decent try at Saratoga where she was on or near the lead throughout; latest half-mile breeze over the training track does show improvement; tough call.

Camie's Dancer

Shot to the lead in her inner dirt debut last month only to stop on a dime; doubtful that she can show more endurance today and she will probably be denied the early advantage; pass until further notice.

Rice and Beans

Despite a clean rail trip, she never got involved against several of these same foes in the last assignment; that was her first start in nearly 6 months ago and she has flashed some decent early foot in the past; may need another tightener.

Princessbellaoncal

Curious turnback possibility in a race with a soft pace profile; if able to clear the field in the opening strides today, she may be able to slow down the tempo enough to hold on at a big price; consider if front-runners have dominated the card.

You Jane

Sired by G2 sprinter Hook and Ladder who banked 388K and whose progeny have won 12 percent of their debuts; the dam won 2 of 12 and 61K; winning siblings include 91K earner Mark It man; latest half-mile breeze was an upgrade.

Riveressed

Brave effort in defeat last month despite the escalation from claimers; outside post may not be a serious headache; her sire won a G1 and 816K while the dam scored in 1 of 9 appearances earning 13K; this is her only foal to compete.

Royal Jest

Unlucky lass did not break alertly in the last assignment and is scheduled to add Lasix for this return; did blow out nicely 3 days ago in preparation; must be respected if breaking out of AE imprisonment.

Madison V.

Turns back from a route failure where she was forced wide; has displayed minor prompting ability in the past but will need to run a personal best in order to be the in the mix today; cannot recommend as a true contender at this time.

Race 7

Beat of the Drum

Wonder is something happened in that June win?; he had to take the time off and has not been sharp since; 3rd and 6th finishers in last both took N2L claimers, $16K and $12.5K respectively; can't be thrilled with the slate on the inner; would think long and hard before taking too short a number.

Foggy Road

Been given time since the all-out victory; runner ran well in defeat when beaten a length in the comeback effort in July; could see him getting a nice stalk and pounce trip; rates long look in all the slots.

El Oh El

This seems like a much better placement; runner handles any kind of going, and he was still inching toward the winner in last; Jacobson tries to strike while the iron is hot and it's been a good ploy for this barn; legit player.

Little Wyatt

Toss last; he could not stand up in the off going; he has a rough 2013 but never thrilled to see them give up clear leads like he did in the May effort; in good hands, runners is in light, but you get the feeling if he is looked in the eye, he'll blink.

Cactus City Road

At least he got a feel of the surface; what happened to the speed this runner flashed in his last win?; note he caught the off track in that next race on 9/2 and those efforts can take a toll; another slice?

Tweet Me

Went from Jacobson, to Ness, to not winning; he really went off form in that May opener and has not been able to get righted since; runner does have sneaky speed but hard to adore the way he has caved in of late.

Perfect Trippi

Runner has natural speed and could show more with the blinks today; place horse in last cashed next out in a $12.5K claimer and then was 2nd in a $25K optional; this is the first time in his career he will run with blinks; will at least muddle the pace.

Tiger Willie

Two for 54 is a near impossible number to bet into with any degree of confidence; no speed, no asset and he has not been close on the inner; can't endorse.

Reserved Quality

More experienced pilot takes the reins here; runner has limited speed and hard to see the blinks being the cure all here; third time under the purchase price; things have to unfold just right for it to happen.

Economic Forecast

Shades off, like they were for both of the win; maybe he just didn't adore the surface at Finger Lakes; place horse in last took an N3L allowance at Finger Lakes and the 7th finisher took a $7500 N3L seller there; considering the slate on the inner, hard to be overly positive.

Pleasure Principle

He did win the last time for this price; you can never dismiss sub :22 speed but he sure had to hail the taxi cab quickly in last; respect barn and this guy will be forwardly placed, just not sure he'll be around when the snap the pictures.

Mr. Style

Hot claim box item cuts back and sprinting is his game; can't be thrilled with the beat vs. lower-priced runners in November; hung outside here, needs a turn around.

Race 8

Pass the Tap

He's hit the board in each of his last 6 tries and has moved up several lengths since claimed by this outfit and stretched out last month; moves to the fence which should help him work out a ground saving trip in a field whose speed looks to be drawn towards the outside; gets the better of the post draw today against the guy who finished in front of him 2 starts back; concerned that he's yet to seal the deal since moving to this outfit but he should have every shot to get over the hump today.

Herbal Prospector

Steps up after scoring on the stretchout to 2 turns in his second crack over the inner; like his positional foot which can help him in this heat and he's certainly shown an affinity for this strip; worth a good luck from close range in his current form.

Jonrah

Turfer didn't have much to say in a heat moved to the local main track and finished well off some of the guys he'll see again in this spot; barn has hit the board with a couple of its starters at the local stand, but this inner track winner doesn't look to stack up so well with these on this surface.

Bemata

Steps up to face better in his first start off the claim by an outfit that doesn't drop for them too often; beaten last out chalk tries the inner for the initial time and he hasn't done much at 2 turns, but he does enter this on the improve and the barn does do well with its routers.

Idle American

Finished behind a couple of the guys who return in this spot as well when fourth in his first crack over the inner this season; gelding has yet to win off the lawn and that's a concern as is the fact he hasn't seen the winner's circle in 14 months; maybe for a share.

Go Canes Go

He's been off his game since the big effort off the break at Belmont and even failed to finish his return to the inner track; his early lick figures to have him close from the bell but off what he did a couple of weeks ago it's tough to make a serious case for him winning this one.

Ithastobegeorge

Sprinter tried a flat mile last time but didn't have much to offer late in that main track try and now he'll give 2 turns a shot; he's earned some nice numbers along the way, but he's also settled for a handful of minor awards and the added ground doesn't look to benefit him all that much.

Burned Bridges

Made a wide run in his first start back from 7 months on the shelf and understandably tired late in that one; he may be tighter for this one and he is a 2 time winner over this strip, but he'll be tackling a much tougher bunch today; siding with others on the win end.

Bellamy Chief

Recent graduate tries winners for the first time after a solid front running score first time at 2 turns over the inner track; expect they'll again look to send him to the top but there are some others with early foot who figure to be breathing down his neck; he'll have to work to pose any type of repeat threat.

North Ocean

Runner up in his last 2 at the level coughed up a clear midstretch lead at a slightly shorter trip in his first spin over the inner; gelding has sharp tactical foot so maybe moving from the fence to the outside slot doesn't hurt him as much as it would a less tactically inclined runner; he's the one they'll have to beat.