Conditions favorable for Storm Cell in mile feature
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Speed, the rail, and the prospect of a wet track all could play in favor of Storm Cell when she meets winners for the first time in a one-mile, $57,000, entry-level allowance for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies that serves as the Thursday feature on Aqueduct’s nine-race card.
Storm Cell, a daughter of Haynesfield, finished fifth in her debut sprinting Dec. 20. Three weeks later on Jan. 10, when stretched out around two turns, Storm Cell used her speed and the inside post to beat four opponents, drawing off in the final furlong to win by 4 1/4 lengths. She is one of five next-out winners from that Dec. 20 sprint race.
On Thursday, conditions could be similar to Jan. 10 as there was heavy rain forecast for Wednesday that could linger into Thursday. Also, Storm Cell breaks from the rail and could be the controlling speed under Kendrick Carmouche.
“She’s the kind of horse I think will keep improving for us,” said Carlos Martin, who trains Storm Cell for owner Matthew Schera. “She’s one of those no matter what you do with her as far as training-wise, she’s going to carry a lot of flesh. I’m optimistic because I think she’s going to take another step forward.”
There are several sprinters stretching out who could apply pressure on Storm Cell early. If that happens, then Here Comes Rosie or Surprise Cameo, second and third in this same condition Dec. 18, could pick up the pieces.
KEY CONTENDERS
Storm Cell, by Haynesfield (Last 2 Beyers: 48-50)
◗ She was a bit late switching leads but drew clear once she did and delivered as the 1-2 favorite in the slop Jan. 10. She has since come back with two solid half-mile breezes over the Belmont Park training track.
Here Comes Rosie, by Congaree (Last 3 Beyers: 50-32-67)
◗ She raced wide throughout but persevered to finish second behind loose-on-the-lead winner Singsong when trying two turns for the first time Dec. 18. Five of the nine winners on that Dec. 18 card won in gate-to-wire fashion.
“She might have been against the grain of the track that day,” trainer Jeremiah Englehart said.
Surprise Cameo, by Giant Surprise (Last 3 Beyers: 46-50-51)
◗ She saved ground the entire way but still finished 2 1/4 lengths behind Here Comes Rosie when third in the aforementioned Dec. 18 race.
◗ She is coupled with Taken by Surprise, who chased the pace before tiring to fifth in this condition Jan. 8.
◗ Both Surprise Cameo and Taken by Surprise are being offered for the optional claiming price of $75,000.