Aqueduct: Closer Looks for January 5, 2014

Race 1

Upward

The 1st race off the claim and 1st race over the track were dull efforts posting his lowest Beyer speed figure since September, 2012; needs a massive-wakeup call off that effort but will be able to save every inch of ground here then make one run; his best Beyer was posted on turf; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 86 in his next-out TAM alw. win.

Bernie the Jet

Not a great sign that his 1st race over the AQU-Inner Dirt comes back a career-low Beyer speed figure; was overmatched 2-back vs. the runner-up finisher who Beyered 73 in his next-out AQU-16K-claiming win; the 3-back turf fade saw the runner-up Beyer 85 in his next-out AQU-optional-claiming win.

Vee's Accolade

November, 2012, posted his field-best Beyer on AQU Main at 6F rallying from 5th; showed nothing in last posting a career-low speed figure although the wet track and going long are not his best game; was edged by the 2-back show finisher who Beyered 82 in his next-out AQU-20K-claiming win.

Cay to Pomeroy

Projects to battle Saint Arthur and Pleasure Principle for the lead; would increase his win chances if he gets loose up top; new trainer off the fade is in with his lightest-weight assignment ever; in with fast ones 3-back; the winner and runner-up finishers Beyered 104-96 in next-out Grade 3-stakes and OPC wins.

Saint Arthur

On the lead in 5 of last 6 races he fIgures as part of the pace with Cay to Pomeroy and Pleasure Principle; last win was in the slop 3-back beating the show runner who Beyered 64 in his next-out FL alw. win; is eligible to move forward 2nd time back off the 47-day absence; know him early then hopes to hang on late.

El Oh El

Loved the sloppy going in latest romp posting a new Beyer speed figure-career best; 2-for-6 record since the August claim but really put it all together in last and gets a good-pace flow to rally into for this; makes his 4th start in 5 weeks and back in just one week which is a high-win percentage angle for the trainer.

Pleasure Principle

Wet-track Inner Dirt graduate may own the best gate speed in this event but will have to crack Saint Arthur and Cay to Pomeroy from the gate then keep on going; 45 days away with mixed reviews off prior freshenings but a great sign because he posted his Beyer-career Top speed figure with 52 days between starts; beat the 3-back show runner a next-out FL alw. winner (64).

Bos'n Alwyne

Muddy-track winner 2-back broke his maiden on the lead but his best has been at Philly getting the rematch with Saint Arthur after breaking slowly at huge odds; chased the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 78 in a next-out AQU-20K claiming victory; others appeal more. - Art Gropper

Race 2

Flashy Ross

Did not fare well recently, at triple-digit odds, in his inner dirt debut; dropping to the common ranks now should help as should the rail slot; still believe the 6-year-old is destined for minor awards at best.

Keyaly

Upgraded in the latest showing but today marks his 50th attempt as a maiden and therefore he remains a tough take for the top spot; may get a more enhanced pace here with Political Farce in attendance; can be part of your trifecta approach.

Do It for Dennis

The blinker addition may help matters but he may catch yet another wet-fast surface (a blizzard is scheduled to hit the metropolitan area at press time); could earn a better share if things dry out completely at post time.

Political Farce

If he can run back to his comeback race of a month ago, he should be very tough to beat in this weak field; began his career over this winter surface where he ran into a repeat winner when facing better stock; obvious true contender.

My New Hope

Although he has a bit of gate speed in his favor, he remains very questionable at the six furlong distance; seems unlikely to clear Political Farce in the opening strides and must add 5 pounds from the last defeat; needs a key late scratch or 2.

Got the Moves

No enthusiasm shown up to now although the last pair of efforts involved bumpy beginnings; returns to the claiming realm yet still will be hard-pressed to keep up with the inside speed; very hard to recommend.

Lincoln Flyer

A distant third in his November getaway race after being bet down to 2 to 1; switches to one of the top trainers on the grounds though and should give a far better performance today despite the numerical escalation; respect regardless of the soil condition.

Oghma

Encountered much trouble in his first attempt over the inner as he middle moved to be a threat approaching the eighth pole only to fade in the final moments; that was his first try in the sprint game and he can improve against this caliber. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Abra

Has proven a rewarding claim for Rice, but looks better suited to starters than allowance races; figures are also below par - landing in the mid 80s; did show speed in the Gravesend before giving way; still siding with others.

Start Jumping

Jacobson set a record for most wins in NY in 2013 and this one gives him a good shot to get going in 2014; this horse has been in good form since the summer; did finish a little behind Abra and Seeker on the outer track before romping on the winner and then running third in a fast race on short rest; forms an imposing entry with Pass The Tap.

Mewannarose

Failed to make an impact in his latest after a near miss in his preceding start on the outer track; this one doesn't have much early speed and that's a clear negative - particularly on tracks in the winter, when speed seems to hold better than usual; might rally for a share.

Seeker

Gamely won a Nov. 29 race here, finishing in front of Start Jumping after running behind that one in October; made only one prior start on the inner track last year and ran 8th of 10; slow winter for Asmussen can't be expected to last.

Pass the Tap

Is the other half of the Jacobson entry and obviously both have strong chances in here; this one is accustomed to racing longer but sprinted to victory going seven eighths in October; Cohen reunited with this one; he was able for a win via DQ in December; a lot to like.

Carried Interest

He once beat the Belmont stakes winner - Palace Malice; has burned up a lot of dollars at the betting windows with some allowance starts at 3, but he ran well in many of those, aside from his last race; he had a troubled start and never got near the lead; this time he ought to work out a favorable outside pressing trip. - Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Here He Fitz

Moves inside for another crack at the trip after falling short of getting to some of these on the stretchout last time; gelding doesn't have any early foot but there isn't much of that commodity in here at all so maybe he's able to work out a trip and get in the mix for a share at a price.

Sir Maurice

Tries 2 turns for the first time after failing to get involved while sprinting in his first crack over the inner; his effort when stretched out 2 back wasn't bad and expect he'll be more involved early on the stretchout with the move to this inside draw.

No Nukes

Just missed on the stretchout to this trip last time after tracking a slow early clip; gelding has had plenty of chances while settling for a handful of minor awards but if he runs back to that last one he can prove a big threat in this spot; consider.

Eastcoast Lights

Lightly raced 4 year old hasn't been close in any of his 3 starts while finishing behind some of these in each; maybe she goes better second time at 2 turns as her dam was a SP, route winner, but her 3 sibs to race all won only sprinting or on the lawn; just watching him here.

Midnight Missile

Didn't have much impact sprinting first out and now he'll tackle a route of ground for a barn that hasn't had any recent luck with second out runners; dam did win 8 times going long and dropped 3 route winners so maybe he does have more to offer at this trip.

Pegasus Tiger

Wasn't a threat to the winner in any of his 3 sprint starts on this circuit before failing to hold the lead at odds on when shipped to Finger Lakes; gelding does go for an outfit that hits at a nice clip with its stretchouts and maybe this guy is closer to the top early in a field that doesn't feature a lot of early foot, but don't know that he's going to love the new configuration.

Chang's Secret

Wide trip did him in when trying 2 turns over the inner for the first time; gelding was defeated quite handily by some of these in that one and his prior dirt spin behind one of these wasn't much to speak of, either; looking at others on the win end.

My Teddy Bear

Gray has shown improved early foot in his 2 starts since moving off the lawn; he was beaten by some of these after setting slow splits last time and he has had plenty of chances to get through the maiden ranks but he'll get a rider upgrade for this and should be able to secure a good pace tracking spot; tough to have much faith in him, but he's the one they'll have to beat.

Six Drivers

Tries a better bunch while stretching out in his first start off the claim by an outfit that does a solid job with this type; sire was a G1 SP dirt router and G1 SW turfer and the dam dropped 3 route winners from 4 other foals to race so the trip could prove to be right up his alley; giving him the upset nod.

Onecats Chance

Starts from the outside slot after getting beaten just over a couple of lengths in his first 2 turn crack over the inner track; gelding wasn't bad while tracking a very slow clip in that last one and maybe he'll take a step forward if they take him back to make one run from out here; price will be right to give him a look.

Cat Man Fu

AE missed a nostril at the trip and level last time, but he broke from the fence in that one and will be stuck in the extreme outside slot if a scratch allows him to go here; gelding is a 40 time loser who has hit the board in just a quarter of his starts but if he is able to muster something close to what he's been running he's capable of grabbing a share, even from here. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Taxplayer

In tough in open company last time but at least he got a feel of the strip; runner has a penchant for finding the wire and note he handled the Finger Lakes rail just fine; in good hands, look for runner to get a nice track and kick journey; don't ignore.

Crafty Dreamer

Only one off effort and he was bothered that day; runner has a nice stalk and pounce style; like the way he extended in last and he got a boost when the winner 11/3 repeated in a $125K stakes, and then took the $100K Robb, both with 94 Beyer; trainer spotted them just fine with limited starters last year and like fact he has a couple of spins over the strip; respect.

Towering Moon

Veteran got a solid pace to close into and the win came on grass; never simple to give away 10 or 12 lengths and be around to talk about it; backers have to hope they go bonkers up front and the race falls completely apart.

Precious Metal

Veteran has more speed than he just showed; note he was with a :46 and small change pace in the November opener; wide and left with too much to do in last, runner performs best when either put into the race early or when he gets a hot pace; interesting.

So Scott

Two of his 5 wins came on this strip; 3 times as many slices as wins makes him a tough on-top only ticket; 7th finisher in last took a $14K optional next out, 9th finisher took a $25K optional; it can't be easy to move a horse up from a 22% barn.

Dehere of the Cat

Gelding needs help up front to get it done; backers have to hope somebody steps up and competes with the runner on the extreme outside and if that duel occurs, this guy's chances are enhanced; Velasquez bails for the claim back runner Bullish; things have to break just right.

Be Bullish

Senior citizen is still competing; proven in this league, in the exacta in 9 of 22 on the strip and the fact he won his racing debut back in the day suggests he can fire off the pine; several drills since the last effort; look out.

Bellamy

Tough beat two back but he quickened in time in last and the show horse was 4 clear; this guy likes this layout and have always liked this kind of a class jump, especially when talking about a capable barn; repeat not without a look.

Night Maneuver

This guy has only been offered for sale twice in his career; he was going good in the summer, got the slices in the stakes, but note he pinballed against the gate in the Hudson and threw in the clinker last time; clever move on the 29th is a positive sign; can't be counted out. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Litigate

Moves to the fence for his return from the break for a low profile barn; gelding was solid at times while sprinting earlier in the year and one of his better efforts did come fresh, but his inner track slate isn't much and the lack of lick in him won't help from this starting slot; maybe for a share, but siding with others on the win end.

D' Wildcard

Nine year old returns from over 5 months on the bench after offering little at the shore in his first start off the barn's claim; he doesn't have much sprint experience and this will be his first crack over the inner track; with just a couple of slow, spaced breezes on his return tab he'll probably be much better on the stretchout next time.

Tummel

Drops in for a tag after tiring from his pace efforts first time over the inner track; 5 year old did earn several minor awards at the trip on this circuit prior to that one and he has the positional foot to stick within striking range of the pacesetters early; maybe the class relief helps make the difference today; consider.

Majestic Number

Kicked off a pace rival before kicking away to score by open lengths on the drop to this level on the main track; career .500 hitter will give the inner a shot for the first time here for a barn that's had a terrific stand; there's not a lot of lick signed on which should help his chances of getting involved from the bell; contender.

Schoolyard Dreams

Makes his first start for a little known outfit that scored an upset with its lone starter at the stand with this pilot up last week; his return to the inner wasn't much, but he did run big over the strip last winter and if the new barn is able to get him back to his level of performance earlier in the year he could prove a big threat.

Running Tap

Steps up after drawing away from cheaper in her return to the inner track a couple of weeks back; gray has early foot and should be involved from the bell in this one but she'll face pace foes drawn to both her inside and out; maybe he's able to hold on for a share.

Chasing Moonlight

Six year old drops in for a straight tag after a wide trip hampered his kick over the track last week; gelding switches to another double bug for this and he did run big from a wide spot 2 back; he's not the most consistent runner, but with a clean run he should be able to sit closer early and that could make him a factor.

Osceola Prince

Fresh 9 year old tries better on the turn back and surface switch after coming up short late on the local lawn; his effort 2 back in Jersey was solid and he does have the lick to be involved from the outset here; barn does nice work with runners moving back to dirt.

Buckeye Heart

Outside drawn 5 year old makes his first start in 4 months while going first time off the claim for an outfit that's had some recent luck with this type; his last win did come over this strip but he's settled for plenty of minor awards here and that may again prove to be his ceiling today. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Dreaming of Cara

Back to the race track where she produced 2 wins while she is 1-for-24 everywhere else but the Inner Dirt; 52 days since outfinished at today's distance posting her lowest Beyer speed figure since October, 2012, ending a winless 2013; last victory on turf April, '12, in an AQU-optional claimer; 2 AQU-Inner Dirt wins at 1M and 70.

Erin Enchanted

Last win at today's distance over the track; she exits her lowest Beyer since October, 2011, on turf; listed at 15-1 morning-line odds in Saturday's 1M allowance event; the 2-back DQd winner Beyered 84 in her next-out AQU-OPC win.

Harbor Mist

Last win at longer; try to catch me racing on the lead in 5 straight starts; has to outbreak Carameaway; a wet track is what she wants; she received that type of footing in last where she tired at shorter than this; know her early but unsure about late.

Tahoe Tigress

She's won her last 4 Mile starts and is certainly working like she will fire a huge race while reuniting with the rider from her last 3 wins; hopes Carameaway goes after Harbor Mist early to setup a fast pace and help her late kick; gets in with her lightest-weight assignment since July, 2012; will be moving well late.

Shesabronxbomber

Claimed off a high-win percentage trainer which is not a good-win angle; gets a positive 6-pound weight swing off the more-than-8-length loss vs. Miss Da Point; January, 2012, graduate over the track in an MSW event at 1M and 70 yards.

Miss Da Point

Likes to be forwardly placed and should work out a great trip stalking Harbor Mist-Carameaway then getting 1st run on the closers; cutting back 1 Mile adds to the appeal; dislikes wet tracks so willing to excuse the 3-back loss vs. the winner and runner-up finishers they Beyered 84-78 in next-out AQU-OPC wins; the one to beat.

Mischief Maker

Owns the field's best Beyer at today's distance when winning a January, 2013, stakes in the mud on Inner Dirt; validated her love for this oval in latest game victory overcoming the 75-day absence with a chance to move forward again here; the pick.

Hot Rendezvous

Style suggests today's added distance is a plus; great sign that her 1st race over today's oval is a career-best Beyer; has not raced past 7F yet; sire was a G1-SW at 8.5F on dirt; was listed at 6-1 morning-line odds in Friday's 6F-dirt 75K stakes; dam went 3-0-1-0 in dirt routes.

Carameaway

Best work on the lead but will have to crack Harbor Mist from the gate then hold off the closers; exits a career-best Beyer on a wet-main track posting the new high mark right off a 162-day absence and hopes not to bounce here; listed at 10-1 morning-line odds in Friday's 6F-dirt 75K stakes. - Art Gropper