Impressionist using allowance to work his way into stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – It is due more to a lack of conditioning than a lack of confidence that Impressionist wound up going six furlongs in a New York-bred first-level allowance race on Friday at Aqueduct rather than the one-mile $100,000 Gander Stakes on Saturday.

Impressionist, in his second start, was an 8 1/2-length winner of a six-furlong maiden race on New Year’s Day, earning an 82 Beyer Speed Figure. While trainer Rob Atras had mentioned running Impressionist back in the Gander as a possibility, the inclement weather that forced the cancellation of five racing days from Jan. 7-30 as well as several mornings of training impacted Impressionist.

“I think the biggest factor was missing training here and there and not being able to put enough training in him to stretch him out,” Atras said Wednesday. “I wasn’t sure the allowance was going to go. Luckily, it did. I am hoping to eventually step him up into stakes company, but I think this is a better spot for him.”

Impressionist, a son of Mission Impazible owned and bred by Twin Creeks Racing, ran well in both of his starts. In his debut on Dec. 5, Impressionist was bumped at the break and was last of 12 early. He rallied from 10 lengths back to finish third, four lengths behind winner Agility. Agility came back to run second to Barese in the Rego Park Stakes on Jan. 9, while Bossmakinbossmoves, fifth in that Dec. 5 race, came back to win maiden race going a mile by 9 3/4 lengths.

Speaking of Impressionist’s debut, Atras said: “He showed he’s versatile. He doesn’t need the front. He can close. So that was impressive.”

Impressionist’s maiden win came over a sloppy, speed-favoring surface after he broke from the rail.

Kendrick Carmouche will be aboard Impressionist from post 2 on Friday.

Daufuskie Island won his debut at odds of 12-1 at Saratoga and has since lost in five consecutive stakes. He twice finished third behind Senbei – a three-time New York-bred stakes winner in 2020 – and comes out of a third-place finish behind Barese and Agility in the Rego Park.

Despite the depth of this field, trainer Kelly Breen still believes it is an easier spot than the Gander for Daufuskie Island.

“We finally have the spot that looks enticing and hope for a good performance,” Breen said.

Hot-riding apprentice Jose Gomez has the call from post 5.

Ava K’s Boy won his maiden Sept. 2 at Saratoga, and came out of the race a bit muscle sore, trainer Carlos Martin said. A decision was made to stop on the horse, and this is his return spot.

Rotknee, a son of Runhappy, has not run since winning his maiden by 1 1/2 lengths on Aug. 1 at Saratoga. His trainer, Mike Maker, won the Rego Park Stakes with Barese, who hadn’t started since the previous May.

Mister Larry took advantage of a strong pace to win his debut Jan. 22 by five lengths, earning a 77 Beyer Speed Figure. Open Til Midnight and Bali’s Shade complete the field.