Jules N Rome figures prominently in allowance
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Danny Gargan has enjoyed a strong Aqueduct meet, and with the backing of Midwest Thoroughbreds, his success could stretch beyond the winter months. On Thursday, Gargan and Midwest have a strong entry of Jules N Rome and La Inesperada in the $69,000, second-level allowance feature going a mile over the inner track.
Thursday was initially scheduled as a dark day, but the New York Racing Association opted to add the day to the calendar after it was forced to cancel the Saturday and Sunday cards due to extreme cold. This allowance is one of five races brought back from Saturday’s card.
Gargan, who is 12 for 46 at the meet, said he plans to run Jules N Rome but is on the fence regarding La Inesperada.
Jules N Rome, a 4-year-old New York-bred daughter of Dunkirk, comes off an open-company, first-level allowance score on Jan. 7, her first start since being claimed for $40,000 out a second-place finish on Dec. 11. Jules N Rome won gate to wire that day, but Gargan is not convinced she’s one-dimensional.
“I just think we were on the front end because there was no speed in the race,” Gargan said. “I don’t think she has to have the lead. She’s actually pretty rateable, I think.”
Still, knowing the aggressive tendencies of Gargan and his rider, Kendrick Carmouche, Jules N Rome figures to be prominent from the outset.
“We’d like to have the lead at the quarter pole and see what happens from there,” Gargan said. “That’s where I’d like to have the lead every time I run.”
This field features several sprinters attempting to stretch out, including Mrs. Hudson for the red-hot Kiaran McLaughlin stable, Jubilant Vision, and Noble and a Beauty.
First post for Thursday’s card is 12:50 p.m. Eastern.
KEY CONTENDERS
Jules N Rome, by Dunkirk
Last 3 Beyers: 87-77-73
◗ Though she won on the front end last out, she has proven successful from just off the pace.
◗ She has finished worse than second only once in eight starts on fast dirt and has a 3-2-0 record from five inner-track starts.
Mrs. Hudson, by Street Cry
Last 3 Beyers: 80-87-63
◗ Attempts a mile and two turns for the first time in her seventh career start.
◗ Over the last three years, trainer McLaughlin is 16 for 44 at Aqueduct when going sprint to route, including 8 for 23 over the inner track.
Sara Louise, this filly’s dam, was a Grade 2 winner at up to a mile.
Agawa, by Curlin
Last 3 Beyers: 69-85-82
◗ Comes off a troubled-trip third at this level when finishing behind Perfect Freud and Storied Lady, who came back to win the Biogio’s Rose Stakes in her next start.
◗ Though winless in her last eight starts, she was beaten a nose at this condition and at this distance last February.