Crimson Frost returns to her element

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Crimson Frost returns from a 7 1/2-month layoff at her favorite track and preferred distance when she competes in a second-level/optional $62,500 claimer for fillies and mares that serves as the feature on Friday’s nine-race Aqueduct card.

Nine were entered in the one-mile race, but it appears there will be at least two defections. Linda Rice, the trainer of Crimson Frost, said Wednesday her other entrant in the race, D J’s Favorite, will likely scratch. Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said Full House is going to scratch as plans call for her to be sold next month.

Crimson Frost has a 2-1-0 record from four starts at Aqueduct. Her lone out-of-the-money finish here came when she finished fourth in the Top Flight Invitational here last April at 1 1/8 miles, a distance likely beyond her scope.

At Aqueduct, Crimson Frost won twice at a mile and was second to Divine Miss Grey in this same caliber of race. Divine Miss Grey has gone on to win multiple stakes.

Crimson Frost, who is being offered for the $62,500 tag, won this race in the slop in February when running for the allowance condition.

Crimson Frost hasn’t run since finishing third behind the 2017 champion 2-year-old filly Caledonia Road at Belmont on April 29. Following that race, she was given time off.

Crimson Frost shows only three workouts for her return.

“She could be a little short, but we’ll get a race into her,” Rice said.

Piedi Bianchi cuts back to a one-turn mile after winning the Frances Slocum Stakes at Indiana Grand on Nov. 6. Sunset Ridge, second in this condition coming off a 15-month layoff in her first try against open competition, is another major contender.

Jump Ruler and Tanya’s Gem look like the primary speed. Annie Rocks and Tale of Promise complete the field.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Crimson Frost, by Stormy Atlantic

Last 3 Beyers: 79-71-78

◗ Has run in the top three in 7 of 8 tries going one mile on dirt.

◗ Career-best Beyer came one year ago in this condition when second to Divine Miss Grey.

◗ Loses Manny Franco to Sunset Ridge, but picks up Junior Alvarado.

Sunset Ridge, by Algorithms

Last 3 Beyers: 78-73-99

◗ Suffered first loss on Nov. 17, her first start in 15 months and first against open company, when beaten 1 3/4 lengths by Satisfy.

◗ Prior to a lengthy layoff, she had gone 4 for 4, all versus New York-bred company, including an 8 1/4-length victory in a one-turn mile allowance at Belmont.

Piedi Bianchi, by Overanalyze

Last 3 Beyers: 74-81-55

◗ Overcame a wide trip with long, sustained rally to win an Indiana-bred stakes on Nov. 6 going two turns.

◗ Seemed to improve with the removal of blinkers two starts back.

Jump Ruler, by Roman Ruler

Last 3 Beyers: 64-64-82

◗ She is a two-time winner against lesser company in one-turn mile races at Aqueduct.