Aqueduct: Closer Looks for November 7, 2013

Race 1

Caspian Sea

Sire was a G1-SW at 9F on dirt and took a 10F race for a 6M purse in Duabi; he is 13-for-144 with 2-year-old 1st-time starters; is the 1st foal out of a 6-for-20 Grade 3-stakes winning dam (506K) who was a SW at 8.5 on dirt and went 1-for-6 in routes.

Matterhorn

Sire took a G1 at 9F on dirt and is 35-for-279 with 2-year-old 1st-time starters; he is out of a 12-for-18 G3-SW dam (902K); her only dirt route was a show finish in a G1 event; she produced 3 winners from 3 other foals to race including G3-SW Title Contender (3-for-12, 220K) who won 3-of-9 dirt routes.

Street Gent

Defeated 3 runners combined in 2 turf losses while having issues breaking from the gate; hopes the main track will provide some answers noting the trainer is 1-for the last-15 with turf-to-dirt starters; the less-than-enticing worktab for this does not help the cause; the show finisher from his debut Beyered 71 in a next-out BEL-MSW win.

Great Minds

The 2nd-time out Beyer speed figure regression is not a good sign but switches to dirt hoping to sustain his late kick at 9F while unable to do so at shorter in last; defeated the debut show runner who graduated next out with a 71 Beyer; needs a well-timed ride to land a major share.

Rebranded

Projects to be the main speed playing catch me if you can; his field-best Beyer was in the debut sprinting vs. the winner who repeated in a SAR-Grade 1 with an 85 speed figure; the 2-back runner-up finisher posted a 76 Beyer in his next-out BEL-MSW win; mild workout for the added-distance test.

Cousin Stephen

Defeated Rebranded in his debut where troubled and given little chance at 18-1 odds; adds blinkers for start 2 for a high-percentage jockey-trainer combo and a barn that wins 27% with 2nd-time starters since 2012; posted a steady-worktab for his 1st start in 60 days.

Rare Eagle

Solid-debut effort rallying from last then posted a bullet workout for today's 2nd attempt which can be a dramatic-form improvement; the low-percentage 2-year-old trainer began the AQU meet sizzling; the added distance here is a plus; seems the one to beat.

Behedeman

Another who switches to dirt for the 1st time off dirt losses but the 2nd-time out attempt was a strong-Beyer improvement; the winner from last repeated in a BEL-100K stakes with an 85 speed figure; the debut winner repeated in a BEL-Grade 3 with a 91 Beyer.

Race 2

Mi Hijo

California invader exits an above average race where he rallied belatedly; sole try at seven-eighths was also against a strong field; might be good enough to overcome this tricky rail slot with expert trainer/jockey combination in his corner.

Team Lazarus

He is one of the main is speeds to consider today; rested since a lengthy duel at Saratoga, he has been breezing at steady intervals for this return; looks like a primary contender if able to dissuade Spirited Touch in the backstretch run.

Hooping

Newcomer hails from excellent sire Malibu Moon who won 1 of 2 starts and 33K (his offspring have scored in 101 out of 712 debuts); the dam won 1 of 5 and 31K; among the winning siblings is 102K earner Blazeaway.

Catholic Cowboy

Logical for the trifecta despite the climb back to the 50 grand level; well-versed at this trip, he should be within striking range and launch a fair rally before the turn for home; reverts to Saez who was aboard for this colt's only exacta finish.

In Speight Ofitall

Five-year-old tries claimers for the first time and was favored in his last Big A main track appearance; the most recent workout at five-eighths over the training track was one of his best and he should upgrade here via class relief.

Chief Scout

Import from Maryland faced a fairly quick group in his maiden voyage; his sire won the G1 Santa Anita Derby and 616K while the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 39K earner Divine Sanction.

Spirited Touch

May be the only runner in the field capable of pressing Team Lazarus; beaten favorite switches to apprentice handling and gets weight from the entire line-up today; draws a comfortable attack post and should be in the early mix at the very least.

Douro

Puzzling item makes his first start off the claim of nearly 3 months ago; his sire won the G1 King's Bishop and 845K; the dam won 1 of 11 and 32K; this is her only foal to compete; will offer betting value in wide-open affair.

Snifter

Scheduled blinker addition can help him focus today in this, only his second start in a year; his sire won multiple G1s on the NYRA circuit en route to amassing 3.06 million; the dam won 3 of 5 and 69K; sib to 646K earner Sweet Symphony.

Loveisheartandsoul

Considering the troubled start, that was a fine effort when beginning his career over the turf last month; the gelding's sire won multiple G2s and 769K; the dam won 3 of 9 and 217K; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Race 3

Lion D N A

Inside again, and has to cook up a way to beat the Nevin charge; nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 9 of 23 and she has the 2 races to draw from now; miss has a right to take to the surface as he has won at a number of different venues; clever drills last month, Rosario takes reins; rates legit look.

American Kitty

Tough beat in last when she had the lead between calls about a furlong out; 4th finisher 9/23 cashed next out in a $25K Meadowlands optional with a 72 Beyer; winner 9/23 took a $40K Philly optional, then was 2nd beaten a head there in a $75K stakes; consistent, dangerous, may like it here.

Nuffsaid Nuffsaid

Hung wide first time for this barn, she is proven in this league and she was flattered when the place horse 9/29 cashed next out in a $15K claimer; respect he speed, but she has proven she can be placed anywhere and still get it done; threepeat well within the realm.

Tina's Note

Must prove it here and at this distance; apparently not much of a work horse, she caught legit splits last time and could not keep up; 2 for 29 is a tough number to bet into no matter how you slice it.

Belle Gallantey

She posted the rare win in last but 5 times as many victories makes her a tough ticket to bet on to repeat; clever move 10/16 and blowout last Saturday should have her on her toes; must at least be left in the exotic conversation.

Bringingdown Babel

Bolstered by winning 9 of 12 last year against soft company, connections tried the stakes this year at Gulfstream and it didn't work out all that well; she is proven off the pine and has trained solid for this; best when sent along but she can sit just off the pace and still perform; try to get a good look at her on the track.

Normandy

New game on the dirt but both siblings handled dirt successfully; can never dismiss sub :22 speed and she can sit just off the pace and still cash; back pretty quickly for barn that continues to fire; drawn right, respect.

Queen Nine

She was losing ground late when second here in April; style no secret, she's best when sent along; place horse in last took a $16K seller next out, 4th finisher beat $20K claimers on 10/3 and 7th finisher was best against $5K N2L claimers at Laurel next out; looking at much faster splits here, not sure the race sets up all that great for her.

Race 4

Island Therapy

Sire gets 11% first out winners from his offspring and he's the first foal out of a dam who was a 13 time winner (12 sprints) and 197K earner; inside draw is no bargain for a newcomers and the worktab isn't much, but the barn is capable of getting them ready.

Native Hero

Drops from the MSW ranks after steadily retreating in his debut run across town; gelding does get a big rider switch for this one and his dam was a 12 time sprint winner, but his other foal to race was winless from 5 spins; barn hasn't done much of late second out and this guy didn't take any money in his unveiling, but the class relief can't hurt.

Whirlin

Hood goes on for his return from the brief break and now he'll drop to his lowest level; recent worktab is steady but short and he hasn't shown much speed in either of his tries; just watching him in this spot.

Pete's Fleet

Tries both dirt and claimers for the initial time after given a break off the 7 panel turf fade; barn boasts some recent luck with runners dropping to this level and he did breeze well over the local main track last month; dam was winless from 7 tries and this guy's sibs are a combined 0 for 10 on the track, however.

Ausable River

Turns back for the surface switch after tiring from his pace efforts going long on the Belmont lawn first time out; colt breezed well on dirt across town on Halloween and his dam did drop 2 dirt sprint winners so the new footing should agree with him; barn boasts some recent luck on the drop to claimers; contender.

Valar Dohaeris

Took some money when in for a higher tag first time out but didn't do a lot of running; not much immediate pedigree to go on as he's the first foal to race out of a dam who never made it to the gate; gelding boasts just one slow breeze for his return from the brief freshening, but the barn hits at a nice clip second time out and a solid pilot will get aboard.

Bourbon Therapy

Debuted early in the season over synthetic footing at Keeneland and didn't do to much against open company MSWs in that shorter heat; he'll return to the track for the first time since then while making his debut for a barn that does nice work with this type and he catches a pretty soft bunch; all 4 sibs are main track winners incuding statebred SP, 153K earner Raynick's Jet; with a top pilot getting aboard and a steady worktab showing, have to think he returns with a much improved try and can't be overlooked.

Gone Country

He's another trying both dirt and claimers for the initial time after backing out of it when sent long on the Belmont turf second time out; colt goes for an outfit that does a solid job off both angles and the unraced dam did drop a couple of sprint winners including 124K earner Kid Freud whose 11 wins all came sprinting; expecting better.

Where's Elliot

Sire gets 7% debut winners from his offspring and he's the first foal to race out of a dam who won 3 sprints; barn hasn't had any luck of late right out of the box and the works don't offer many clues as to his ability.

Tell It to the Man

Gets Lasix for the first time while giving dirt a shot after another weak try on the green; maybe the drop to claimers helps but he's the first foal to race out of a dam whose 2 wins came on the lawn and she failed to hit the board in any of her 3 main track sprint spins so don't know that the surface switch will get her going.

Race 6

Sunnyinseabrook

Leads off a field of mostly chronic maidens; this gelding did show some fair late kick in his comeback race which featured slow early fractions; finished a remote second in his last attempt at the straightaway mile and can rally in time for a share today.

Prince Curlin

Yet to hit the board and he was clearly trounced by some of these same rivals in the last encounter; subsequent local work tab does not show enough to think a sudden turnaround is in the cards today; cannot endorse.

Muscles Marinara

Interesting item on pace cross-reference as he stayed within range on a wide path in his only start since June; began his career over the dirt and in his first two efforts, ran into some strong groups; worth inclusion in exotic wagering approach.

Tone of Triumph

Retreated in his unveiling over the lawn; his sire won 1 of 4 and 327K but was also twice G1 stakes-placed; the dam won 2 of 8 and 59K; winning siblings include 55K earner Moon Spinner; can improve dramatically with this surface switch.

Bundler

Fine try at this distance when making 2 moves in the race; lands into an exceptionally soft field now and should be a major player no matter how the early pace unfolds; worth following up today.

Inmyfathersimage

Stays at the same level following the September claim; he has been breezing moderately at this oval and the last run over the turf was deceptively good when burdened with the outermost post and forced wide; reverts to original rider today.

Flashy Ross

Although all of his route assignments have been around 2 turns, he seems like a true contender here because of his pace prompting ability; unlucky in the last 2 efforts, he might be able to secure clear sailing from this middle post and factor.

The Culchie

Finished a mere length behind Bundler last time out and in his only appearance over the Big A main, he was compromised by the rail slot when facing much stronger opposition; he should benefit by the expected pedestrian pace today.

El Dreamer

Hard to endorse as the one to key on top because of the long losing streak, yet he has earned numerous checks because of his fair rallying capability; should inherit a share once again if the pacesetting crew fails; worth some trifecta play, rain or shine.

River Ron

Shows only one outing since February and no experience whatsoever at the one-turn mile; draws comfortable outside post but that still does not seem enough of a plus factor; fair breeze pattern during October seems insufficient as well.

Race 7

Bricks and Clicks

She was ready to roll after a layoff in her latest outing, a winning performance that saw her equal a career best Beyer Speed Figure, and that level of performance looks like it can play well against these; perhaps the change of tactics was a key for her last time.

Win for Kitten

This is a barn and rider that team up with success, and this filly looks like a good fit with this group of optional claimers; she was claimed for 65k back in July and her best effort makes her a legitimate threat for the top spot.

Claiming Victory

She's a very interesting option to consider after going gate-to-finish in her turf debut in her latest outing and she's out of a multiple graded stakes winning dam who won 9 of 24 starts for 625k, including 8 of 21 turf starts for 595k; she might be vulnerable to an early pace dispute, but viewing her as being a serious player.

Dance With Gio

Not only is her best effort on the level of what it might take to win this, but she was in good form prior to shipping to Laurel to take a shot at stakes competition in her latest outing; she can pack a strong stretch punch on her best day and she benefits from the services of a fine turf rider.

Darling Bridezilla

She's run well in back-to-back starts sprinting over dirt prior to this and she figures to appreciate getting back over turf and stretching out in distance again; she's shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and Lezcano knows her well.

Holiday's Jewel

Her better races were run as a member of the Carlos Martin barn and she was beaten by today's rival Dattts Da Boss two races back; she can be a threat on her best day, but not sure that it's reasonable to expect a top try at the moment.

Wickapecko

Her first two starts after being claimed by these connections were solid performances, and perhaps the assignment of Castellano is a reason to suspect that her connections feel that she's going to show up with one of her better performances; runner up from latest won next out at Bel on 10/20 going 1 1/8m over turf vs. 35k OPC's with an 83 Beyer.

Ezpz Lemon Squeeze

Stone-cold closer is probably going to need to see some pieces fall into place to emerge from this contest victorious, but it is worth noting that she's gotten the job done in two of three starts over the Aqueduct turf with a runner-up finish; not going to count her out of it.

Rain Forest

This barn has clearly turned things around since having a quite Belmont meeting and this is only the second time that this filly is being sent out by this outfit; her turf form has been solid and she's out of a dam who won 5 of 19 turf starts for 118k.

So Blessed

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 27 starts for 63k, including 0-for-2 over turf; multiple stakes placed miss tries turf for the first time, and she's a question at the distance as well; runner up from latest won next out at Bel on 10/2 going 6f over turf vs. 50k OPC's with an 86 Beyer.

Saturday Nthe Park

Although she benefited from an ideal early pace scenario, her one start over turf was a winning performance, and she merits some respect against these based on that effort; she has some positonal speed and Ortiz is off to a good start at this meeting.

Dattts Da Boss

Street Boss has proven to be a strong influence as a turf sire and this filly seems to be getting better with each passing start; winner from latest won next out at Bel on 10/9 going 7f over turf vs. 50k OPC's with an 87 Beyer.

Allie Sweet

Have to respect the improvement she's shown since her career debut and she made it look very easy in an off-the-turf event in her latest outing; she'll have the look of a top contender in this spot if she gets to go.

Majestic Marquet

Multiple stakes placed filly is one of two signed on MTO in this spot for the Rodriguez barn and C.V. gets plenty of live calls from this outfit; she'll likely prove to be a good fit at this level of competition if she gets to go.

Classy Broad

She's shown a knack for recording runner-up finishes through her first 12 starts, but her best effort doesn't appear to be strong enough to keep up with the top contenders in this spot; she looks like more of an outsider.

Race 8

Haldane

A perfect trip seems in store being able to save ground behind a projected-hot pace then make one run after stalking the speed; main concern is being winless since Septemeber, 2012, where she put together a win streak but both triumphs occurred at 1F longer than this so getting up in time to win it all is the main concern.

Bird House

Been a much better runner since blinkers were added 3 races ago; lone AQU-Main start produced an exacta finish; has the right-closing style to do some damage here in an event top heavy with frontrunners; 2 of her 3 wins were at today's distance and hopes to get 1st run on Haldane.

Sentimental Lass

Displayed front wraps in latest when making her 1st start in 83 days then produced her lowest Beyer since October, 2011; her last 2 wins were over wet-main tracks and clearly is doing the rain dance in hopes of showing better form; off latest would be a shocker.

Hot Stones

Rock-solid form in 4 races and another who should benefit from rallying into a hot pace today; her 2-back show finish saw the runner-up Beyer 69 in a next-out win; in the 3-back maiden breaker at SAR defeated the runner-up a next-out 76 Beyer graduate.

Fiftyfour Forever

Claimed off a loss to Kitty Panda while today gives 3 extra pounds to that one; her career-best Beyer was on a wet-main track but the last time she caught a less-than-fast oval was a zero Beyer and last-place finish; last win was over today's AQU-Main track at longer while coming off her lowest speed figure since July does not add to the appeal.

Kitty Panda

Projects as one of the quickest runners from the gate with La Verdad and Newbie; figures to sit just off La Verdad like in her last win a greatly-improved effort 3rd time racing with blinkers on; 1st time on AQU dir today; What the Frost handled her 3-back when finishing far back in a key race.

La Bella Valeria

Deep closer is helped a lot here by a slew of frontrunners signed on; her AQU-2012 win was a last-to-1st rally and while she has broken better from the gate since then a patient-well-timed rally could pay off nicely here; to score the upset has to get past Haldane who beat her in last.

La Verdad

Projects as the one to catch from the gate but has Kitty Panda and Newbie to fend off early; exits a field-best Beyer when loose on an easy lead but that scenario does not play out well here; more than 6 months away off the wet-track romp; the debut runner-up finisher Beyered 58 then 62 in 2 next-out wins taking AQU-MSW and optional-claimers.

What the Frost

46-day absence since being outfinished by La Bella Valeria; her April-Mile narrow loss over today's oval looks a lot better since the winner repeated in a BEL-optional claimer with a 69 Beyer; her last win was on the lead but will likely have to revert back to her stalking style in a race loaded with other gate speed to see top form; the first 3 finishers from her July-SAR loss Beyered 75-70-63 in next-out SAR-optional-claiming wins.

Newbie

Projects to press Kitty Panda and La Verdad wide for the lead; exits a dull effort posting her lowest Beyer since January when fading; winless in 13 races since March, 2012, when taking an AQU-Main 1-Mile alw. event; needed last off the 64-day absence; view as a pace presence for part.

Miss Da Point

Could not outkick Haldane in the lane in last and comes back to AQU Main where her April loss here is the lowest Beyer of 2013 and 2nd lowest speed figure of her career; good-SAR show finish 2-back chasing the runner-up finisher who Beyered 77 in a next-out BEL-35K-claiming win.