Litfin: Aqueduct horses to watch for week of Feb. 8
YEAGER
Trainer: Tom Morley
Last race: Feb. 6, 4th
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 77
Caught a wet track for the second time since coming over from Europe, trailed early and rallied steadily while four wide to just miss in a $35,000 restricted claiming route, improving on his previous Beyer Speed Figure substantially.
DAVES GONE BANANAS
Trainer: Rick Violette Jr.
Last race: Feb. 6, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 62
This 3-year-old colt by Summer Bird broke from post 9 for his initial attempt around two turns, won an early pace battle but lost the war to a late-rallying winner in a promising effort against New York-bred maidens.
OLIVER RUSH
Trainer: Gary Scaicca
Last race: Feb. 7, 7th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 55
Three wide on the turn, altered course in midstretch, and finished with interest to miss third in a photo against $14,000 restricted claiming sprinters; the deep closer will be third off the layoff next time and needs to catch a field with some early speed.