Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Charles J gets back on the right surface
Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 4:10 p.m. (ET)
Likely favorite Instamatic (#1) didn’t exactly live up to the hype last year, going off at short prices in all three starts and now still a maiden. He did have a legitimate excuse on debut when getting off to a poor start before making up mild late ground. He was more professional in his second start, but failed to seal the deal after forging to a slight lead before the line. He then tried to stretch out in November and showed speed while tracking wide every step of the way before getting overhauled late. That was probably his best effort, and it came going longer than this, so it’s interesting that he turns back off the layoff. Danny Gargan is 14 for 55 (25%, $2.24 ROI) off layoffs of 120 to 240 days over 5 years. He returns as a new gelding getting Lasix, and drew well. I just expect him to get overbet once again.
Art of Courage (#3) is the other horse with turf experience who figures to take money. He went off at a big price in his turf debut and led most of the way while cutting out taxing fractions, only to get nailed in the final strides by a closer. It’s not a great sign that he’s subsequently been off for 11 months, but he’s obviously a contender if he returns in top form.
Among the first time starters, Allofasuddenlee (#4) may be the most dangerous. He’s by low-profile sire Superestrella, who has had success with turf sprint progeny, most of which are trained by Rob Falcone. He’s training well for the debut and attracts Manny Franco for a trainer who can have them ready to fire first time out.
My top pick is a horse switching back over to turf. Charles J (#7) was ambitiously spotted against winners in an open company race on debut last year. He got into a good, ground-saving position from a wide draw, and just stayed on at one pace late. Yet he earned a solid speed figure and the winner Tocayo went on to win a stakes at Gulfstream, so it was a strong race. He has subsequently regressed in two dirt starts at this maiden level, but he ran better than the result might indicate last time. He had good forward position, but got shuffled back behind a tiring runner into the far turn before his rider just eased him late. He is obviously bred for turf, and should appreciate getting back on that surface here. It’s a good sign to see Dylan Davis take the mount, and he shows a lively worktab for the return.