Aqueduct: Closer Looks for January 16, 2014

Race 1

Forever for Always

She ran well the first time she raced over turf in her second career start and she gave a decent account of herself when finishing behind a couple of today's rivals in her latest outing; this miss is a 1/2 to stakes placed Dancing Rage (5-38, 140k, including 5 of 32 turf starts for 136k).

Echluath

She goes out for a barn that has been quiet in 2013 and she has been beaten by a few of today's rivals in her recent starts; on a positive note, it is interesting to see Rosario taking the call.

Uman Candy

This filly has a nice pedigree for turf and she's run well enough in a couple of her turf attempts to help give her the look of a legitimate threat in this spot; note that she was favored in her latest outing before running into a fallen rival.

Cake N Cookies

She was completely ignored in the wagering for her career debut and the winner from that race has since returned to win here on 11/3 going 1m over turf vs. N1X alw. rivals with a 75 Beyer; this miss is a 1/2 to minor stakes placed Mynavigator (11-68, 241k, including 3 of 20 turf starst for 138k).

Princessbellaoncal

Her most recent race can be viewed as being her best performance to date, but that type of effort hasn't been the norm for her and she might not care for the added distance that she's being asked to negotiate today.

Bi Light of Day

She's yet to run a race that is strong enough to suggest that she can come out on top in this spot, but maybe taking the blinkers off can help her, and she is out of a multiple stakes winning dam who won 6 of 24 turf starts for 301k.

Josie's Prospect

The move to turf seemed to agree with this miss in her latest start and she finished right behind today's rival Quiet Kiss in that race; this filly is a 1/2 to minor stakes placed Nun On the Run (12-33, 148k over turf) and multiple stakes placed Good Prospect (7-41, 255k over turf); Ortiz has won with 24 of 81 (30%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Threecrackerchile

She didn't make much of an impression in her career debut and that was after going to post at over 40-1; note that she finished behind a few of today's rivals in her debut; she has the look of an outsider.

Royal Jest

It's safe to say that she outran her odds in her career debut, and if she can come right back with that level of performance, she figures to be tough to deal with; the added distance is a concern, but she commands her share of respect after a promising effort at first asking.

Quiet Kiss

One of two signed on in this spot for the Bush barn and it might be worth noting the presence of C.V. aboard this one; she looks like a legitimate threat in this spot, but she is going out for a barn that hasn't made much noise in 2013.

Life's a Stage

She has a little bit of turf in her pedigree, but she's also had her chances to show us what she can do, and it's tough to place confidence in her for the top spot when seeing that she's seeking her first win in start number 13.

Pie's First Lady

She finished behind today's rival Royal Jest in her latest start and she goes from the rail post to the outside; perhaps a minor award is within reach, but others entice more, and it looks like C.V. opted to pilot another in here.

Rosalie's Pleasure

She needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in and she looks like a decent fit at this level of competition; however, not sure how much stock to put into the improved performance last out when considering a very slow early pace helped her along.

Lakeview Lady

Flashy Bull has been a poor influence as a turf sire and this filly has yet to produce a performance that helps give her a competitive look in this spot, and that includes a couple of starts over turf.

Sky Lassie

It's certainly fair to question the dirt form that is signed on in this spot and this filly has a number of starts on her card that are strong enough to get the job done in this spot; she'll have the look of a top contender if this race has to be taken off the turf.

Music Maid

She recorded her best finish to date in her dirt debut in her latest start and this will be a favorable spot for her to make her second dirt start if this race has to be moved to the main track; she has the early speed to get involved in the running right from the bell. - Brian Pochman

Race 2

Lunar Surge

Miss has trained steadily for the return; she showed some semblance of speed 2 back, and was inching toward the winner last time; note the trouble in the last 2 races; 6th and 7th finishers took MSW races next out; 10/17 winner repeated in a $25K optional, then took a $50K optional; nothing but winners in the family and one cashed going long; top last race Beyer in the pocket; look out.

Star Empress

Miss was getting to the winner in last and now goes long; she has a right the distance as full sister Star of Whitney won several turf races routing on way to over $260K career; out to make amends after flop as chalk.

Dowager

She has more speed than she just flashed; 3 for 10 dam took a Grade 3, earned nearly $300K, was route only; lone half bro to race took 2 sprints; fresh and dangerous.

Tizallheart

Seldom thrilled with runners in this league after repeated defeats for a price tag; would think long and hard before taking too short a number here.

Lyrical Diva

Miss has a right to be on the muscle fresh as her best Beyer came in the return effort at the shore; 2nd and 9th finishers in last won in this very league next out; both siblings won across the pond and one could run till the cows come home; toss anything from this barn at own risk.

Di Lissa

Forced to steady in nice debut but this is a tougher assignment; dam took 3 sprints, was third in best route result; 6 of 8 siblings won; several won routing including full sister, 5 for 8 route racer and over $325K earner Malibu Artiste; with a clear trip, it could be a whole new ballgame.

Skinny Margarita

Her best races have been when offered for sale; the blood is there for her to get the trip as top sibling Lismore Knight won several routes on grass on way to earning over $450K; should get a nice stalk and pounce trip. - Brian Mulligan

Race 3

Night Maneuver

Some tough veterans in here; had things going along very nicely from the winter of 2012 into this past summer; however, the pattern since is worrisome - 2 duds at BEL and AQU in the fall, then 2 months off; at least has done good work here, is proven fresh but he didn't pick an easy spot for his return as he would need every bit of his 'A' game to beat these...so is that asking too much off the bench after those last 2 dull outings, hmmmm?

Palace

Likely the one to beat; won 3 straight stakes inlcuding a G3 last summer/fall before running into Strapping Groom's huge effort in the Gravesend; still, this guy fired his shot as he was a clear 2nd and his Beyer (93) was fairly in line with what he'd been doing; trouble was, 'Groom went through the roof; at least has done good work here and his versatility gives Velasquez options.

Bug Juice

Game win over NY-bred optional claimers at SAR Aug. 4, and Rice saw fit to plunk down $25K to claim him that day; trouble is, he was then gone 2 months and came back with a couple so-so outings, first on turf at BEL Oct. 18 and then on the big track here Nov. 21; freshened again, and you know he's a warrior - hey, you don't win 10 of 25 by accident - but he returns up in class and even the best he's shown so far (91 Beyer) likely means he's on the outside looking in here...unless he comes back with at least a couple more lengths in him.

Dan's Gold

Looked super whipping lesser here Dec. 18; trouble is, even that big race and the earned Beyer (86) likely isn't good for anything more than a supporting role here; the good news is it does mark a step forward and he has run well here (3 wins) so could it be he's peaking?; quite possibly, but 'peaking' better mean a Beyer into the 90s if he's to have a say here, and that's something he's yet to do.

Uncle T Seven

Once a pretty tough customer; alas, time has taken its toll and now he's just 1 for his last 16, and that lone win came at FL; things haven't gone well since, there have been a couple layoffs the past half-year and if anything this spot is as tough or tougher than some of his recent starts, too.

Moonlight Song

Gone for over 7 months but you wouldn't know it the way he came back last spring; 5 starts since have been super (3 1sts, 2 2nds); speed to be in it from the start; oh, and it doesn't hurt he seems to love this place (2 for 2 here); outside post is ideal for his stalking or pacepressing style...and if the inside guys don't go he can roll up, take command and cut over in front; plenty of positives and that 2nd to Palace in the Hudson shows he's in no way out of his element here. - Michael Hammersly

Race 5

First Penny

Positive 5-pound weight swing today off the 2-back 6-length loss vs. She's Gosphel; her last race at todays 5.5F distance was her February, 2011, 25K-maiden claimer stalking trip win on today's AQU-Inner Dirt; the runner-up finisher from last posted a 60 Beyer speed figure in her next-out AQU-$12,500 claiming victory; the 3-back winner repeated in a LRL-6K claimer with a 65 Beyer.

Guyana Star

Is arguably better on turf but ran well in defeat in last when stretched out 3F longer than today's distance; her last victory was 15 races ago in May taking a BEL-6F turf 25K claimer stalking the speed; her graduation was a March-6F-maiden-claiming win on today's AQU Inner Dirt.

She's Gosphel

Try to catch me; she projects to be loose on an easy lead with Rain Forest the only other early zip in this event; the last time she raced 5.5F was a more than 8-length victory over today's AQU Inner Dirt where her 3-for-6 record leaps off the form at you; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 67-63 in next-out AQU-20K-$12,500-claiming wins; the pick.

Wildcat Thunder

6-0-0-0 record and all double-digit length defeats off the May claim/win; was troubled in latest which was her 1st race over today's oval trailing throughout; last win was on a wet track but showed zero form 2-back in the mud; would be a complete shocker.

Baal Perazim

55-day absence for an 0-for-22 trainer with similar-fresh starters since 2013; posted an 11-0-0-1 dirt record which is not easy to take; her last main-track start was at today's 5.5F distance on a wet track where she finished far back; beat the 3-back runner-up turf finisher who Beyered 67 in a next-out BEL-16K-maiden-claiming win.

Rain Forest

Projects to chase She's Gosphel to the lead then hopes to find the missing stamina; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with a 72 Beyer; posted a 4-0-0-0 record since claimed off a turf Mile field-best speed figure victory; all 3-dirt losses were on wet-main tracks so deserves a chance to compete on fast footing but exits a career-low Beyer racing 1st time over the track 26 days ago which is not a good sign and leads me to back others.

Stately Cat

Long layoff for an 0-for-12-fresh trainer since 2013; the good news is she won her 1st-ever start on AQU Inner Dirt 11 months ago then ran big here again; dull since claimed in March beating 4 runners combined in 3 races for this trainer; the 2-back runner-up finsiher won her next 2 starts with 68-61 Beyers taking BEL-15K-claimers. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Hey Kiddo

Fair try behind a blowout winner last month and although regressing on the Beyer scale, she improved pace-wise; may have to tussle with the Parx invader to her right but still warrants respect based on the inner dirt debut.

Cinnamonjellybean

Philly filly set a lively pace in her maiden voyage before settling for second; her sire won multiple G1 stakes and 749K; the dam went 3 for 20 earning 99K; there are no winning siblings to mention; looks like a comfortable fit.

Biddy Martin

Made up decent ground in her Belmont debut nearly 4 months ago, just missing the place; her sire is the multiple G1 star Medaglia d'Oro who banked 5.75 million; the dam won 1 of 11 and 19K; among the winning sibs is 77K earner Garmentos Girl.

Wv Mountain Momma

The latest gate breeze was an improvement for this new face whose sire won the G1 King's Bishop and 1.02 million; (progeny of More Than Ready have scored in 86 out of 686 initial starts); the dam went zero for 5; sib to 304K earner Audacious Chloe.

Latin Tudor

Pressed the issue until the midway point in her first route attempt; shows only a modest training track work since that venture at Gulfstream and is very difficult to decipher at this point in her career.

William'sluckygray

Beginner was sired by 393K winner Dunkirk whose descendants are 3 for 40 as far as winning their first test; the dam won 5 of 17 and 48K: among the winning siblings is 37K earner Stole Love; encouraged by the latest breeze at today's trip.

Ka Buki Rose

Outfinished by Hey Kiddo when they met nearly a month ago but she might have been compromised by the rail slot in a large field that day; her sire won multiple G1s and 915K; the dam went 3 for 14 earning 109K; sib to 104K earner Sunset Time.

Pink Lipgloss

Got into gear way too late in her first run; her sire was a G1 type who captured 570K; the mom went 2 for 24 earning 20K; among the winning siblings is 117K earner Pink Gloss; can move up substantially with alert getaway.

Pitched

Firster hails from multiple G3 victor Elusive Quality who notched 413K and whose descendants have won 95 out of 615 debuts; the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 235K earner Double Expresso.

Magdalena Bay

A solid try while favored in her recent unveiling at Laurel; her sire won multiple G2s and 769K; the dam went 6 for 23 earning 114K; winning siblings include 479K earner Emcee; may have difficulty clearing the inside speed here but now will offer better odds. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Garmentos Girl

Didn't have much of an impact on the class rise last time after getting up to score first time off this barn's claim prior to that; sprinter draws a nice post for the stretchout and there's not a lot of speed in here so maybe they use her a bit harder early and work out a trip; don't know that she's going to love the added ground but maybe she gets in the exotics mix at a price.

House On Toilsome

Tries better after rolling up to get second money on the stretchout a couple of weeks back; it's been a while since she's seen the winner's circle and she has settled for plenty of minor awards; better start would help, but a small share is likely her ceiling in this spot as well.

Start It Up

Stretches out on the class rise in her first crack off this low profile outfit's buy; she does like the inner and maybe she's closer to the top at a trip she's yet to try, but she'll need to move forward several lengths to get involved in the outcome with this bunch.

Violet Hour

Field's highest last out Beyer earner made the lead through soft splits in her first stateside try and ran away from that cheaper field at a trip that may be shorter than she prefers; filly stretches out to the trip of her overseas maiden turf score last summer and she catches a field that doesn't look to contain a lot of speed so she should again be involved early; Pletcher barn does well both second back from the break and with its stretchouts so wouldn't be surprised if this gal were to have a big say in the outcome; contender.

Darnley Bay

Took a big step forward in her initial 2 turn try while beating cheaper last month and now she'll go first off the claim for this low percentage barn; the move towards the inside can't hurt, but these are better than she's been facing and don't know that she's going to get a great setup here.

Broadway Music Gal

Lightly raced mare tries 2 turns for the first time on dirt after offering little in 2 sprint spins here; barn does stretch them out well but this filly's turf route 3 back didn't give the indication that this trip is going to move her forward all that much; have to side with others on the win end.

Royal Suspicion

Just missed lasting while escaping the statebred ranks in her return to the inner track; filly has hit the board in 7 straight and 9 of her last 10 so she always fires a good shot and she does figure find a solid tracking spot in this heat; she's settled for a lot of minor awards, but she appears to be the one to beat today.

Voodoo Tales

She didn't have much to offer when asked in her return to the inner track last time and took a big step back on the figure scale off 2 solid tries since moving to this barn; sprinter can sit close to the top early on the stretchout and maybe that helps her but she's another who has had her issues going long.

Opalite

Steps up after failing to settle on the stretchout when dropped in for a conditioned tag last month; mare wasn't beaten all that much in this one and she is a confirmed router which gives her an edge over some of these; if she can get off to a better start maybe she gets in the mix.

No Means No

Ships in from Maryland for her inner track debut and will start from a tough slot today; she sharpened her lick sprinting in her Laurel finale and the barn does ok with its stretchouts; she's done her better running on green this year, but wouldn't be surprised if she were to show up with a big one in this spot. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Darling Bridezilla

Added blinkers and looked super whipping lesser on the big track here Nov. 30; aals, then tried about this caliber here Dec. 19 and didn't fare nearly as well; oh, she didn't run badly to be 4th, but today's foe Jonata beat her fairly easily; the good news is not only does Velasquez see fit to ride today but note in that Dec. 19 race she was slow into stride - she's best when she's right into the race so maybe a better start and a more aggressive early ride can get her going...maybe.

The Magic Stone

Giggled at maidens here Dec., 22; came from SoCal, stalked the pace and blasted home to win going away; Beyer was nice, too (77); that being said, it's first time vs. winners and you've seen many a big maiden winner take on winners for the first time and fizzle at the short price; that's not to say that's what's going to happen here - after all, she looked super - but it does tell you to tread a bit carefully with the grocery money.

Keep Bustin

Was on quite a roll from late 2012 to this fall but then tried some nice NY-bred stakes foes on the big track here and managed only 6th; in her defense, she wasn't beaten all that far (2 3/4 lengths) and after a busy campaign could be she was in need of a break; well, she's had her break and she's down in class, though she's still asked to face open foes here after spending all of her time vs. NY-breds only.

Little Rocket

Coupled with Jonata; only dull outings came when she tried the G1 Prioress at SAR last summer, so you can surely be forgiving about that; otherwise she's maintained good form; only 4th on the big track here in a spot like this Dec. 4 but that was her first run in 2 months; has that under her belt, there's no panicky drop by Hushion and she's worked 3 times since.

Jonata

Coupled with Little Rocket; certainly the lesser of the 2 in the entry; that being said, she didn't run badly when 3rd in a spot like this here Dec. 19; that was her 2nd run after 3 months off so could be she's headed back in the right direction; nice to see there's not another layoff and no drop by Hushion; not the worst safety net in the world for those of you latching onto the entry because of Little Rocket.

Cubicle Queen

Flashed talent in last 2012/early 2013 but then she fizzled badly (in fact was pulled up) in a stakes here 11 months ago, was then gone 10 months, surged to the lead in her comeback here Dec. 19 but just as quickly gave way; that recent pattern is disconcerting to be sure; the good news at least is there's no panicky drop by Baker and there's not another layoff, and she did show some good acceleration to surge to a clear lead turning for home, even if the stamina wasn't there for her to stay there; maybe that changes this time with that race under her belt, hmmmm?

Talent N Passion

Plenty of speed here to be sure; trouble is, she hit the brakes pretty firmly in her last 2, both at about this level; at least you know what to expect stylewise but this spot came up pretty tough and even when she ran well at BEL Oct. 4 in a race like this she was no match for today's foe Little Rocket (ran 2nd).

Aliana

Plenty of promise shown last summer/fall; not only a good 2nd vs. maidens at BEL Oct. 24 (90 Beyer) but she then won on the big track here Nov. 14, a win that looks even better when you note 2nd fiinisher Katie's Garden came right to beat maidens and THEN came right back to beat winners at SA this past Sunday; layoff is no problem - hey, it's Mr. Mott calling the shots - and plenty of strong works say she's doing well; still, it's first time vs. winners, some tough winners at that.

E Z Passer

Figures as an outsider; yes, this gal has been a pro for a long time (she's a 7yo with 7 wins); trouble is, her last win came at SAR Aug. 8 over $20KB claimers - she hasn't been a factor since and the gals she faces today are likely tougher than what she was facing on those occasions. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Nail It

Clearly beaten by today's presumed favorite Bottleofredorwhite last month when breaking from this same slot; perhaps can be more of a threat if catching a fast surface and will offer a much better price on the board today; consider.

Keyaly

Nearly ended a profound drought when coming up short 11 days ago; will have to deal with much swifter fractions this afternoon and seems destined for another minor award at best; still worth some use in your overall exotic wagering attack.

Chang's Secret

Best efforts have been on the turf but today stamps only his second attempt at the claiming level; ignore the last 2-turn try where he lost all chance in the early stages; should improve somewhat on this turnback with the major class relief.

Insighting

Goes back to blinkers after racing evenly without them a month ago; drops down to the purchase price and, like others in this field who exit the same race, can move forward over a dry surface; the betting value should be there.

Do It for Dennis

The gelding has flashed some early speed at times but shows little in the way of fighting spirit; the introduction of blinkers last recently did not help as he failed to break straight and true; cannot endorse at this time.

Madison V.

In her sole try for a tag, she ran a solid third behind a repeat winner although the race itself was modest in overall quality; similar to Chang's Secret in many ways in that her last try at a route of ground should be dismissed; can awaken today against the boys.

D J's Hope

Has not come close to that excellent career debut over this course nearly a year ago; did not have a smooth getaway in his comeback race last month and may be in serious need of another tightening effort; pass for now.

Ballybrit

His overall Beyer pattern is on par with some of the major contenders today; made a fair middle move on a wide path in the last assignment over the main track and the latest training track breeze did show some improvement.

Private Irving A

This runner has better prompting speed than most of the field but draws an annoying post today; unlike most of his opponents, he seems to prefer some moisture on the track and can be in the trifecta mix this afternoon if that is the case at post time.

Bottleofredorwhite

The probable favorite today lost by inches in his last when setting all the tempo; this outside slot may not be a problem as there is not that much pace opposition on view; still a bit shaky as to whether to take such a short price in light of those prior disappointments. - Jim Kachulis