Aqueduct: Closer Looks for March 15, 2014

Race 2

Sunrise Lover

Struggling chestnut hasn't shown much since he graduated over a sloppy track in the fall at Finger Lakes, and is way light on Beyers for this caliber of competition; mission impossible.

Stealth Steed

Dusted $12.5K non-winners of two opposition with a career high 79 Beyer the other day, and would be dangerous on a repeat in this starter; has a hot trainer/rider duo, and there's not another confirmed front-runner in the field; advantage: Stealth Steed.

Indy Sea

Got back on track in his second start off the Quick claim five weeks ago when second to Joking, who came back to run third at this level; former turf expert has evolved into an effective closing sprinter on the dirt, and could be along to round out the tri.

Deadicated Deal

Checked in fourth behind Dighton after a wide trip in his first inner track excursion at this class Feb. 23, a race he could benefit from; trainer has respectable numbers second-time off a layoff; minor player.

Dighton

Has improved by leaps and bounds since being claimed by this low-percentage trainer in early January, earning an average Beyer in the low 80s in his three starts since then; the bug gets along well with him, and should have him forwardly placed near the leading Stealth Steed; should be the main threat to that rival.

Starship Captain

Put up a big 84 Beyer when he eked out a victory over $16K claimers in his debut for Contessa, who's won at a 9% clip second-time off the claim over the past five years ($0.78 ROI); a bounce could be in the cards in this much tougher spot. - Ron Gierkink

Race 3

Madris

Shipper is coming off a lackluster performance on the grass at Gulfstream; his dirt form is weak, and his trainer has been shut out at the meet and with new acquisitions since the beginning of 2013; doubtful.

Hackleton

Sprinter has run hot and cold since being claimed for $25K Feb. 2, but wasn't badly beaten while returning on short rest most recently; this will be his third start in 15 days, and he might be too pooped to put his best hoof forward; should flash some speed before fading.

This Hard Land

Has been a fringe player throughout his winter campaign on the inner track, and could be in line for another fourth-place finish; trainer/rider combo is 1 for 5 at the meet; closer doesn't have much speed to chase in this N2X/optional event.

Start Jumping

Earned a whopping 98 Beyer when he came charging from off a lively pace to land an N1X on the stretchout to a mile and a sixteenth Feb. 17; the hot bug Rice has posted excellent numbers for leading trainer Jacobson, who's fared okay with horses exiting a victory; the lack of speed in this acid test might not bode well him for him, but he can hit the ticket.

North Ocean

His tactical speed should come in handy in this field of mainly closers, and he figures to be on or near a tepid pace under the least aggressive of the two Ortiz brothers; the sharp rival who beat him when he got a career high 92 Beyer Figure Dec. 14 subsequently won two straight restricted stakes; definitely the one to fear most. - Ron Gierkink

Race 4

Sideways Vision

Exits a best-last-race Beyer speed figure 1st time racing today's distance when losing ground traveling wide from post 11 but gets the benefit of an inside draw for this; last time racing from the rail 3 back finished right behind the show runner who Beyered 95 in his next-out AQU-MSW victory; stamina has not been his strong suit so getting the final yards are the concern but hard to leave out of the exotics.

Forever Utopia

Stakes-placed over the track in December chasing next-out Grade 3-stakes winner 5-for-5 Samraat; he beat the show runner that day who Beyered 76 in his next-out optional-claiming win; blinkers on has been a winning angle for his trainer; posted a field-best Beyer speed figure racing on the lead on wet turf at 1 Mile; is 2-for-3 in dirt exactas the latest when outfinished for the win at 1 Mile; the main issue is getting this distance fading at 8.5F two back but seems the one to catch with Fusaichi's Song.

Fusaichi's Song

Projects as the one to catch with Forever Utopia as both runners go blinkers on today trying to harness down that speed and carry it 8.5F; one issue is his barn is 0-for-19 since 2013 when using the blinkers-on angle; the debut runner-up and show finishers Beyered 66-55 in next-out 35K-16K-maiden-claiming wins.

My Friend Keith

Hopes the 2nd-time out improvement is worth more than 2 lengths to turn the tables on Sideways Vision; great news is he fired a super-March 2 half-mile drill suggesting he is ready for a biggie here; caught wet footing also 1st time out so deserves a chance to fire better on a fast track.

Born in Brooklyn

Another who has to get by Sideways Vision but is a runner who rallied past a few in last and deserves a chance to show form on a fast track both times catching wet ovals; steady workouts for a 10%-winning fresh trainer; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Woke Up Tired

Consistsent sort with 4-of-4 in the money finishes; his best race was 2-back without blinkers in the mud; the best news is he benefits being a late runner in a race with some suspect-stamina runners; finished 3rd to 5-for-5 G3-SW Samraat in his career debut; will be making up ground in deep stretch while for some of the others 8.5F seems like an obstacle not a plus.

Harbor King

Not easy to back off the middle moving career-low Beyer loss vs. similar rivals; his 2 starts racing with Lasix certainly have not helped his form out any; has raced this far just once in career where he faded to beat 1 runner home; others appeal more.

Coffee and Donuts

Wish the worktab sparkled more off the layoff as he was screaming out for more yardage in the debut and gets it here; last looks better since the winner repeated with a 74 Beyer; stretching out to 8.5F for this helps the cause; sire's 3 non-stakes wins were all at 9F on dirt; dam won 2-dirt route stakes races the longest at 8.3F. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Holyicious

Removes the hood for his first start off the barn's claim after a rough start did him in first time wearing them last out; his first crack over the inner earned him a field best number and he figures to be quick enough to secure a good spot from the bell in here; one to beat.

Cuckoo House

Wasn't beaten much on a roughly run heat when in against older last time; gray moves back in with fellow sophomores here and maybe that helps as he moves a slot off the fence, but he'll need to keep getting better to have a say in the outcome in this spot.

Gabriel's Flame

Just missed for a notch cheaper while settling for the place for the second time in 3 starts over the inner; gelding has shown a solid tracking gear and there's not a whole bunch of lick in here so that can benefit him as he enters this on the improve; contender.

Grace's Honor

He's shown very little in 3 career spins and now he'll return quickly while getting back in with foes who crushed him in each of his first 2 starts over this strip; maybe getting off the fence helps him some and he does get the services of a hot bug, but he hasn't shown he can run much at all so we can only watch this longshot.

Let It Fly

Sire is 1 for 4 with his newcomers and the dam was winless from 4 starts prior to dropping 4 winners from 5 foals to race including Salt Lake Express, a 164K earner who won 9 times (8 sprints); barn didn't win a race all of last year and though they do boast a score at the local stand they haven't done much with debut runners.

Viva La Vista

Makes his first start for a new barn while making his local debut; outfit boasts solid numbers with this type and this guy's lone sprint loss did come first out against MSWs; he should have some bottom from the recent route spins and maybe he'll have something to offer in the lane; new face is worth a look.

Prince Raja

Adds the hood for his first start off this sharp outfit's claim after showing solid early foot from the local fence; lightly raced colt moves outside for this one but maybe he's able to work out a tracking trip from here and he certainly has a right to keep improving; contender.

Secret Ops

Drops in for a tag after offering sharp early foot second out in the local mud; he moves to the outside slot but he'll switch to a journeyman pilot for this and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them attempt to speed pop this weaker bunch second time in shades; thinking they'll have to catch him to win. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Half Nelson

Made a nice early bid to nearly wrest command in his last match before being outfinished by Here Comes Tommy (who enjoyed a much easier trip); can turn the tables if making first run on the pacesetters, perhaps finding the keyhole on the rail.

Here Comes Tommy

Received a fine set-up a month ago when capturing the place and the same type of flow might occur again although he will not be as generous a price here; would benefit if Cobalto and Brass Pear hook up from the opening bell; legitimate trifecta chances even if such a duel does not develop.

Jack's R Wild

Not his best Beyer 9 days ago but one of his better performances; finished with a flourish despite being in tight quarters and in the race prior, he lost significant ground when defeated by some of these same rivals; cannot be dismissed by any means.

Cobalto

Exits a race that was above average in pace and final time and although he wilted at the eighth pole in that event, that was his first effort since last May; extra distance today will enhance his price on the board and if he can dissuade Brass Pear in the opening moments, he can last for a major share.

Uproarious George

Makes his belated 2014 debut but failed to do any serious running after breaking maiden in early September; inexperience over this inner dirt course is just another knock and he cannot be viewed as a serious contender against these; pass until further notice.

Brass Pear

Crushed his field when finally graduating earlier this month but had the rail and an unpressured lead that day; the key to this outcome hinges on whether or not he can put away Cobalto or be denied the lead by that important foe; very difficult call therefore.

Nearly There

Trounced at nearly 100-1 in both of his last 2 starts, he appears in deep water once again; although he is the only member of the field with 3 lifetime victories, he has never shown any preference for this winter course and cannot be given much chance for a sudden reversal.

Wild Finish

On vacation since last St. Patrick's Day, he has been breezing steadily for a trainer who has done well with layoff runners such as this; the gelding is a proven commodity over this course and could secure ideal stalking position under Ortiz who has been aboard since day one. - Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Jonesin for Jerry

Must prove it on this circuit; she was crushed in the other try upstate; she has more speed than she just showed but there are several in here that figure to be gunning hard early on; she can give you a sub :22 quarter if in the mood; far too sharp to ignore.

Inspired Say Eye

Okay, it was turf, but she saw all the heels in the lone stakes attempt; miss has a right to have a nice career as kin to multiple stakes winner and near $250K earner Wild Jacob; she never has won at this distance and could be wanting in that last sixteenth.

Go West Marie

Had dead aim on the foe on the direct outside in last, could not put her away; would expect rider to take a little hold, try to save a little ground, then try to reel them all in.

Red Minx

Youngster showed a new wrinkle in last but is looking at much more speed now; she probably has to prove she can run faster than 1:13 and big change to get the job done; no mistakes, but this is her toughest test to date.

Mamdooha

Left with too much to do in the only loss; the winner that day won only other start by 6 in a $125K GP stakes with an 81 Beyer; fresh and dangerous, she passed her inner strip test with flying colors although by only a nose; McLaughlin look for that deja vu feeling as he won this race last year with Elghayoor, who was coming off a win in the $75K Dearly Precious; the one to deny.

Miss Behaviour

Miss stalked to no avail on the stretch out last time; back to square one here; love fact she has natural speed but can sit just off the pace and cash; place horse in the Matron last year took a Grade 3 next out, then ran 3rd in a softer stakes; published moves on the light side.

Alpaca Fina

Shades were no help in last but maybe she just hated the mud; there is plenty of speed in here to help promote the needed kick; could see her sitting a stalk and pounce trip but things will need to break just right.

Sustainable

Considering the winner freaked in last, the race was not all that bad and she was 4 clear in the process; was really getting late in the lone win, now has to go a sixteenth farther; stablemate seems more potent.

Rock Me Mama

Nothing like a quick turn on the investment to perk things up; once she got off the turf, she started to figure it out; show horse in last won next out in a $40K starter with a 60 Beyer; miss may have a harder time keeping up this time. - Brian Mulligan

Race 9

Marketable Miss

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure and the big question is whether today's extra half furlong helps or hurts her chances of graduating after knocking on the door so loudly in 1st pair; has worked smartly off the 36-day layoff for an 11%-winning fresh trainer since 2013.

Eleni's Daughter

Sire is 40-for-354 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-5 dam (30K) who produced 2 winners from 4 other foals to race including stakes winner Night Maneuver (7-for-20, 347K); best workout ever was latest from the gate and gets a rider known to get his runners to the lead; view as a pace presence.

Suave and Smooth

Sire is 8-for-179 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 1-for-5 dam (36K) who's only other foal to race is 2-for-21 Swaylon Braylon (45K); has been outworked by many of the other 1sters however races for a high-percentage Inner Dirt trainer.

Traipse in Utopia

Sire is 6-for-138 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 9-for-54 dam (105K) who produced 3 winners from 3 other foals to race including stakes-placed I'm All Out (5-for-27, 166K); January 27 workout was outstanding and is ranked as the best 1ster in the field.

Penella

Freshened up for the new barn after snreaking through the claim box 37 days ago at GP; through the years the GP-to-New York angle has been a strong-win move; new barn is capable with new acquistions; hard to leave off any tickets.

Bella Fachi

Sire is 64-for-592 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-21 dam (130K) who's only other foal to race is 3-0-0-0 Leland's Dawnn; posted a 3F-bullet workout and has a good 4F drill expecting her to flash some gate speed for this then hopes to hang on late for a share.

Tenacious Indeed

Sire is 6-for-121 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of a 7-for-41 dam (234K); the good gate workouts posted during the last 19 days suggest she will flash some gate speed here then hopes the last the entire 6F distance.

Make Your Point

Primed for this going long when defeated by the runner-up finisher who graduated with a 63 Beyer speed figure next out in an AQU-MSW event; finished right behind Marketable Miss who is rated highly here on the Beyer scale; wish latest workout stood out more and the new rider wasn't 1-for-17 for the trainer since 2013.

Agate

Sire is 58-for-815 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of a 1-for-17 dam (58K); has been working steadily and a great sign that the trainer goes to a 26%-winning AQU rider for the barn suggesting she will be ready to fire a biggie at 1st asking.

Pretty Like Me

Sire is 6-for-138 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-13 dam (26K) who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including 28K-earner Run Run (4-for-17); the worktab does not impress but one of the few trainers with at least 1 debut winner since 2013.

My Won Love

Sire is 6-for-138 with 1st-time starters; is out of a stakes-winning dam (9-for-34, 210K) who produced 2 winners from 3 other foals to race including 325K-Won Great Classic (9-for-44); was working in Fla but unveils vs NY breds for a 1-for-29 firster barn since 2013.

Lutheran Miss

Sire is 1-for-17 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of a 2-0-0-1 dam (5K); exits her best workout ever from the gate while getting a high-percentage Inner Dirt rider for 1st asking; would not count out although will have to overcome the ground-losing post.

Regifting

Improved 2nd-time out but her first 2 starts produced double-digit length losses; the debut winner repeated with a 73 Beyer taking an AQU-optional claimer next out; was screaming out for more distance in last but remains at 6F for this.

Jazzminegem

Bet to under 5-1 odds in the troubled-outrun debut; the 37%-winning 2nd start trainer and latest-strong 5F breeze suggest we will see improvement today with a clean trip; cost 100K as a 2-year-old so high hopes at one point on this one who may ultimately want longer than 6F.

All Luv Me

Sire is 10-for-147 with 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of an unraced dam; have mixed reviews from the worktab as Feb 23 was a bullet drill from the gate then went a lot slower in her latest workout 13 days prior to her unveiling. - Art Gropper