Aqueduct: Full of Gut returns with new trainer

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – A pair of optional claiming races with first-level allowance conditions share top billing Sunday.

Eight fillies and mares go six furlongs for a $62,000 pot in race 4. Full of Gut, a six-time winner on the circuit last year, makes her seasonal bow off a claim by Brad Baker in mid-December and heads the field.

Full of Gut will likely be favored over Winnie Dixie, a $400,000 filly who was recently a good second in her U.S. debut for Kiaran McLaughlin; and Myprincessallyson, a shipper from Parx Racing coming off a career-best race to beat starter allowance sprinters for John Tammaro III.

Cody Samora, a two-time winner on the inner dirt by more than 19 lengths last winter, makes her first start since July for John Morrison and first at a distance shorter than seven furlongs.

Giant Sensation, Media Starlett, and Shocking Behavior also turn back in distance.

Pure Strike completes the field.

Seven older males entered race 8, a $56,000 two-turner at a mile and 70 yards with a $56,000 purse.

Take a Walk and Iron Lou are two of the four New York-breds in the lineup. Both 4-year-old geldings are currently in the best form of their lives.

Take a Walk has picked up a check in five of six starts, including two wins, since claimed by Chris Englehart, who entered Friday’s card tied for third at the meet with 14 wins.

Iron Lou has finished in the money in all but one of a dozen dirt starts. He goes second time off a claim by Dale Romans.

Artie Luvsto Party, Cinnamon Beach, My Man Marty, Winaholic, and With a Cape also entered.