Litfin's preview: Scarly Charly takes on youngsters

Since relocating to New York from Southern California, Scarly Charly has run four times, all for Mike Hushion, and he has posted Beyer Figures of 96 or 97 on three occasions.

The 5-year-old gelding drops from a respectable fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Kelso Handicap for Friday’s featured seventh race, a $69,000 optional claimer with second-level allowance conditions at a mile out of the Big A chute.

Scarly Charly’s chief opposition comes from a trio of 3-year-olds, Misconnect, Mosler and Vinceremos.

Misconnect, whose only loss in a non-stakes race was a runner-up finish at Saratoga against Honor Code, makes his first start since running fifth in the Long Branch as the 17-10 favorite back on July 5.

Mosler, purchased as a yearling for just over $1 million, earned a new Beyer top of 91 earlier this month, when second to Bay of Plenty, the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Discovery Handicap.

Vinceremos was just over a length behind Mosler on Oct. 8, and should benefit from what was his first start since the Kentucky Derby.

DOUBLE CARRYOVER IN PICK SIX

Two days in at Aqueduct, nobody has hit the pick six. As a result, there is a $45,105 double carryover into Friday.

With a nine-race card on tap, the pick six starts with race 4 at 2:37 p.m. Eastern.

LESSER-OF-EVILS NIGHTCAP

Based on race 9, the prospects for high-quality dirt racing over the six-month stretch at Aqueduct are grim.

The $25,000 maiden claimer for New York-breds is headed by No Nukes and Campion Lane, a pair of professional maidens who are collectively 0 for 35, and yet the first two choices on the morning line at 8-5 and 5-2, respectively.

HORSES TO WATCH

YES I’M TRUE

Trainer: Naipaul Chatterpaul
Last race: Oct. 29, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 9 1/4
Beyer: 36

Steadied and altered course behind a tiring opponent in the stretch, moved back to the rail, and finished willingly. Galloped out with good energy past the wire as a 57-1 shot in a $30,000 maiden claimer.