Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Amani’s Eagle stretches out in solid form

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 3:12 p.m. (ET)

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I’m not trying to beat Amani’s Eagle (#4) as he stretches out in this $14k conditioned claimer. This is just the right level for a horse who has some back class but went off form this summer. It took him a start to get things back on track after getting claimed by Tom Morley, but his last couple of efforts have been a step in the right direction. He fought on gamely two back going six furlongs, which is probably on the short side for him, earning a solid 95 TimeformUS Speed Figure. His figure regressed a bit last time, but that was a pretty tough spot for this level, certainly a stronger race than he encounters here. The sprints at this level generally come up stronger than the routes, and the TimeformUS Race Ratings illustrate that. His last two races were rated 101 and 103, whereas this spot gets a preliminary Race Rating of 97.

The TimeformUS Pace Projector is predicting a fast pace, but I’m not that concerned about it since Amani’s Eagle has shown the ability to rate. A quick pace would aid his main rival Union Lights (#5), but this horse just seems content to settle for minor awards. He’s finished second in each of his last two starts at this level, albeit behind superior rivals to those he meets today. I expect him to run well, but he’s just not the most reliable win candidate.

If the pace really comes apart, it could work in the favor of Delaware shipper Grandpa’s Kid (#3). He has been facing weaker company out of town, but he’s only a 3-year-old who appears to be coming into better form. He’s had limited opportunities on dirt during his career, but has generally run well on this surface. He picks up a live rider in Kendrick Carmouche and should be running on late.