Blinkers off for Looky Here

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Sometimes little things can make a big difference.

Trainer Mike Rogers hopes that proves true Monday when he sends out Looky Here in a second-level optional $32,000 claimer for fillies and mares going five furlongs on the Meadowlands turf.

Rogers is removing the blinkers from Looky Here, a 3-year-old who is winless in eight tries this season.

Her last two starts have been grass sprints. In both instances, Looky Here finished third, beaten a half- length and 1 1/4 lengths.

Rogers hopes the equipment change can narrow the short gap.

"I just thought she hung her last two starts," Rogers said. "I honestly thought she was the best horse."

That's especially true in her most recent race at Philadelphia Park on Oct. 11.

"She ran right to those horses and hung," Rogers said. "We're just trying something that will work, hopefully."

Rogers first added the blinkers prior to the Malvern Rose Stakes for Pennsylvania-breds at Presque Isle Downs in June.

"She got beat only a half-length and she has never run back to that race," Rogers said.

With the hood on, Looky Here has been right in the early mix in the last two races. Rogers would like to see Looky Here rate off the early fractions.

"She is a better horse closing," Rogers said.

Daniel Centeno picks up the mount from post 2 in a nine-horse field.

Quebrada Shiner will look to extend her winning streak to three. After beating this same class last time out at Monmouth Park in August, she gets another shot by running for the $32,000 tag.

Artic Rain, the other horse in the field entered for the claiming price, is coming off a win here on Oct. 6 against first-level runners. Artic Rain missed by a neck in her previous race.