Life in Shambles back on main track, which he likes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Backers of Life in Shambles may be ready to jump ship after the 6-year-old gelding’s last two performances. But that might be a bit premature.

Life in Shambles is simply ineffective over Aqueduct’s inner track – he’s 0 for 7 with not even a top-three finish. On Thursday, he returns to Aqueduct’s main track in a multiconditioned allowance/optional $100,000 claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs that is the feature on the eight-race program.

Life in Shambles is one of just five runners in the field. The last time he raced over the main track, he beat three of the same opponents he faces in this race. Overall, Life in Shambles is 2-1-0 from four starts over the main track, with his lone off-the-board finish coming in a claiming stakes, where he broke poorly.

Life in Shambles has the outside draw in this compact field, and Kendrick Carmouche will be able to play the break and see if Big Guy Ian, Classy Class, or Alex the Terror show initiative.

Alex the Terror, a 5-year-old son of Mineshaft, is 3 for 4 over Aqueduct’s main track, including a half-length victory in the Caixa Eletronica Stakes on April 1.

“That’s a little concern – it’s kind of quick back off a tough race,” said trainer John Toscano Jr., who also sends out Big Guy Ian.

Eighty Three and Classy Class, first and third in a similar spot March 18, round out the competitive quintet.

KEY CONTENDERS

Eighty Three, by Harlan’s Holiday
Last 3 Beyers: 95-91-92

◗ Took advantage of a contested pace between Classy Class and Life in Shambles to narrowly win a race similar going six furlongs. This will be his third start off a layoff.

“I expect him to run the same race,” trainer David Jacobson said. “He should be improving a little bit now [that] he’s getting in the groove.”

Life in Shambles, by Broken Vow
Last 3 Beyers: 88-86-97

◗ Finally gets off the inner track and back on a surface over which he has been successful.

◗ Beat three of these opponents in a similarly conditioned race last Nov. 23.

Classy Class, by Discreetly Mine
Last 3 Beyers: 93-99-96

◗ Got involved in speed duel and ran on gamely before giving way late to Eighty Three on March 18.

“Last time, we probably made a mistake by rushing him,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “Maybe we don’t rush him this time.”

Alex the Terror, by Mineshaft
Last 3 Beyers: 85-88-83

◗ His only loss in four main-track starts came last November off a six-month layoff and when he broke through the starting gate prior to the start of the race.