Maker seeks to continue roll with claims

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Since Sept. 27, trainer Mike Maker has gone 4 for 7 at Aqueduct with horses making their first start after being claimed. Friday, he looks to continue that run when he sends out Systemic Change in a starter allowance that serves as the feature on an eight-race card.

Maker claimed Systemic Change for $32,000 on Nov. 13. That day, the 6-year-old gelding split horses at the top of the lane and drew off to win by 3 1/2 lengths as the 3-5 favorite in the mile-long race, one in which he was geared down late by Manny Franco for owner-trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci. Overall, it was the ninth win from 25 starts and fourth from 10 races at Aqueduct for Systemic Change.

Friday, Systemic Change will break from the rail under Flavien Prat. Systemic Change, who rallied from last in that Nov. 13 race, should get some pace in which to close with Love Me Not, shipping up from Parx Racing for trainer Jamie Ness, and Sagamore Mischief, trained by Gustavo Rodriguez, in the field.

Refuah, coming out of a New York-bred second-level allowance win for trainer Joe Sharp, fits snugly into this condition and has won two of his last three starts after winning just three of his first 41.

Power Seeker, Brew Pub, and Skylander complete the field.

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