Baker has plenty of options with Twenty Four Mamba

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Charlton Baker has several options for Twenty Four Mamba following back-to-back allowance wins at Aqueduct in which he earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure each time.

Baker is considering another allowance spot for which Twenty Four Mamba is eligible at Aqueduct on Feb. 9; the Grade 3, $250,000 General George at Laurel Park on Feb. 19; or he could wait for the Grade 3, $175,000 Tom Fool Handicap at Aqueduct on March 2.

Baker claimed Twenty Four Mamba for $32,000 last May and the Classic Empire gelding has three wins from seven starts since. In two of his defeats, Twenty Four Mamba was beaten a half-length and a neck. There were two other races where Twenty Four Mamba was soundly beaten, but both came with excuses, according to Baker.

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Baker noted that on July 8, at Belmont Park, Twenty Four Mamba reared at the start and was 20 lengths out of it in a second-level allowance in which he finished last.

On Sept. 16, Twenty Four Mamba finished eighth in a second-level allowance at Aqueduct. A week before the race, Twenty Four Mamba worked a half-mile in 46.91 seconds.

“I told my rider to go in 50,” said Baker, adding on raceday Twenty Four Mamba “got to the paddock and started sweating and washing out.”

Baker said Twenty Four Mamba’s last two performances were more of what he’s been expecting from the gelding.

“He likes to compete,” Baker said, “and I think he’s got a little left in the tank, too.”

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