Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Strapped improving for Rice

Aqueduct | Race 4 | Post Time 1:46 p.m. (ET)

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Linda Rice sends out two runners, including the likely heavy favorite in this starter-allowance affair. Brooklyn Diamonds (#3) appears to fit this spot pretty well, having just missed at the same level three weeks ago. He has really transformed under Rice’s care, winning his first two starts off the claim before a narrow loss last time. It’s also been encouraging to see him display improved tactical speed in his recent starts. However, that may not be such a benefit this time, as there appears to be a fair amount of speed signed on.

I prefer the other Rice runner Strapped (#1). He lacks the flashy speed figures of his stablemate, but I think he’s been displaying subtle improvement in each start for his new barn. He ran deceptively well first off the claim in September against a tough maiden field, racing somewhat against the track while wide all the way. He dropped into a maiden claimer to graduate two back, and then improved upon that effort when he stepped up against winners last time. That Oct. 7 starter allowance was dominated on the front end, and he was the only horse to make a significant closing rally. The winner, Mama’s Gold, returned to win his next start, improving his TimeformUS Speed Figure by 9 points.

The only other horse I want to consider is Anthracite (#4). He displayed good form at Tampa and Monmouth earlier this year, and has been a little disappointing since coming to New York. Yet he was catching a tough rival in a conditioned claimer last time, and never had great position. He wants to be more forwardly placed than that, and would benefit from a more aggressive ride here. He’s capable on his best day, and should be used with the top pick.