Aqueduct horses to watch: Week of Jan. 18

TUG OF WAR
Trainer: Michelle Nevin
Last race: Jan. 9, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 8
Beyer: 66
He raced wide against the grain of a gold rail first time off a claim by a sharp outfit, while perhaps finding the six-furlong distance a bit too short. The New York-bred won big when sent two turns at the 2012-13 winter stand.

CITY GONE WILD
Trainer: Nicholas Esler
Last race: Jan. 9, 8th
Finish: 5th by 14 1/4
Beyer: 60
This filly chased three wide throughout behind a runaway winner, and missed the runner-up spot by only three lengths despite racing over the worst part of the track. Sharp try when claimed for $16,000 two starts back; handles any footing.

BARATTI
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Last race: Jan. 10, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 6
Beyer: 92
Stretched out to a more suitable distance with Lasix added second time out, and ran up the score through the lane with something in reserve. “That was a ‘wow’ race for us,” said his trainer, who is considering either the Withers (Feb. 1) or Gotham (March 1) for the colt’s next start.

TAPITATION
Trainer: Eddie Kenneally
Last race: Jan. 13, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 7 1/2
Beyer: 64
Although a bit green through the early going, this $330,000 Tapit filly finished willingly behind favored The Rhythmisright to clearly best the remainder in a promising first try; ample room for improvement.