Grumps Little Tots the standout in allowance feature

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Grumps Little Tots should reap the benefits of remaining in New York this winter when he heads a six-horse field entered in Thursday’s second-level allowance/optional $62,500 claiming feature at Aqueduct.

The last time Grumps Little Tots competed in this condition was Sept. 29 at Belmont Park when he finished second to Performer, beaten only 1 3/4 lengths. Grumps Little Tots actually got in front of Performer in upper stretch only to be turned back in the lane. Grumps Little Tots took on Performer again in the Grade 3 Discovery going 1 1/8 miles and finished third behind that horse and Tax, beaten 10 1/2 lengths.

Performer and Tax are both in Florida and no such accomplished rival exists Thursday for the Jason Servis-trained Grumps Little Tots, who gets the services of the white-hot Jose Lezcano. Over the last five Aqueduct cards, Lezcano has won 13 races from 30 mounts with four consecutive multiple-win days.

Grumps Little Tots is 2 for 9 with both wins coming in one-turn, middle-distance races.

“I think he should be better one turn,” said Henry Argueta, assistant to Servis.

Playthatfunnymusic enters Thursday’s race on a four-race winning streak. While Playthatfunnymusic is nominated to Saturday’s $100,000 Say Florida Sandy Stakes for New York-breds, trainer Michael Tannuzzo didn’t want to cut him back run seven furlongs against My Boy Tate. Instead, he is hoping to use this open allowance as a springboard to the Haynesfield Stakes going a mile on Feb. 22.

“He’s doing really good. I’d like to have a different post than the rail. The track has not been favorable to speed and inside, but I expect him to run good,” Tannuzzo said.

Tannuzzo said Playthatfunnymusic had a history of being a nervous horse but, as a trainer with a small number of horses, Tannuzzo said he’s been able to give the horse more time on the track in the mornings.

“Sometimes he’ll stand there for 15 minutes before he gallops,” Tannuzzo said.

Grumps Little Tots does face two familiar rivals in Majid, who beat him in the Easy Goer on Belmont Stakes Day, and Felix in Fabula, whom Grumps Little Tots beat in August at Saratoga.

Since the Easy Goer, Majid was soundly beaten in two graded stakes. Most recently, Majid faded to fifth of six in a starter allowance going 1 1/8-miles around two turns on Dec. 15. Cutting back to a one-turn mile should help.

Majid is being offered for the $62,500 claiming tag.

After finishing third to Grumps Little Tots in August, Felix in Fabula won his first-level allowance condition by four lengths here on Dec. 6. He came back nine days later in a starter allowance and was third, beaten three-quarters of a length.

Proscehma, fifth in this condition last out at Churchill, and Musical America, a winner in an optional claimer on Dec. 27 at Laurel, complete the field.

There are eight races on Thursday’s Aqueduct card, which begins at 12:50 p.m.