Beer: Aqueduct horses to watch for week of Feb. 12

BALLARD HIGH
Trainer: Linda Rice
Last race: Feb. 10, 3rd
Finish: 5th by 8 1/2
Beyer: 53
First-time starter was away from the gate very poorly and acting green early while facing several experienced rivals, but he raced on all through the stretch for a trainer who tends to get significant improvement out of young horses after a start.

POP THE HOOD
Trainer: Rodrigo Ubillo
Last race: Feb. 11, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 84
Caught a sloppy track for his return from a six-month layoff and he was forced to contest the pace while pinned to the rail all the way. Was still in contention down to deep stretch before weakening in the late stages.