Back at one turn, Headline Numbers deals with strong field

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Headline Numbers looked like a horse who would indeed garner headlines after winning her debut by 11 3/4 lengths last July 4 at Aqueduct.

It hasn’t quite worked out that way yet for the lightly raced daughter of Gun Runner who makes her fourth career start in a competitive second-level allowance/optional $62,500 claiming race going seven furlongs that serves as the feature on Aqueduct’s eight-race Sunday program.

Headline Numbers was the only first-time starter in a field of seven when she rallied to win her debut going a one-turn mile here in July. Seven weeks later, facing winners and going 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga, Headline Numbers crossed the finish line second behind Camera, but was elevated to first after the stewards deemed Camera had interfered with third-place finisher Whocouldaskformo.

Headline Numbers didn’t run again until Oct. 26 in the Grade 2 Mother Goose Stakes at Aqueduct, where she finished last of five, though beaten only 1 3/4 lengths.

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“It was a weirdly run race,” trainer Chad Brown said of the Mother Goose. “Initially I was disappointed, but then I thought it wasn’t quite that bad. Getting her back to one turn is probably the thing to do.”

Pretty Ana, a stablemate of Headline Numbers, finished third in the Mother Goose and came back to win the Grade 3 Comely in her next start.

In a bulky 10-horse field, Headline Numbers, with Manny Franco up, should benefit from an expected strong pace.

Patricia Ann is likely to be part of that pace. On Nov. 29, Patricia Ann came off a six-month layoff to win a first-level allowance race, dueling for the lead. The rail draw is likely going to force jockey Jose Gomez to use Patricia Ann’s speed.

“She showed good speed last time. Hopefully he gets her out of there and is able to get to a comfortable spot,” trainer Carlos Martin said. “She’s going to have to run an improved race as good as the field is, but I’m excited to see her run.”

Both trainer Linda Rice and Rick Dutrow have an uncoupled entry in this field.

Rice, who won four races Thursday, has Golden Degree and Equus. Golden Degree won a first-level allowance going six furlongs by five lengths on Oct. 4 before finishing second to the promising Julia Shining going a one-turn mile here on Dec. 1.

“She’s probably better shorter,” Rice said of Golden Degree. “I thought she ran very well considering she got beat by a very nice horse.”

Rice is starting Equus for the first time since he she claimed her for $50,000 for Roddy Valente on Nov. 14 at Churchill.

Dutrow sends out the pair of Kid’s Last Laugh and Proud Foot. Kid’s Last Laugh finished third behind Golden Degree, then came back to romp by 9 1/4 lengths in a first-level allowance going 6 1/2 furlongs on Nov. 17. Proud Foot, coming off a four-month layoff, finished in a dead-heat for second at this level when she and Shesalittle Edgy were beaten a nose by Willow Bend.

I’m Buzzy, Goodnightgodbless, Khali Magic, and Courbe complete the field.

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