Mor Chances brings streak

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Mor Chances, untouchable in his last three starts, will be a deservedly short-priced favorite Sunday in the $65,000 Kim's Chance Stakes for New York-breds at Aqueduct.

A $50,000 claim by trainer Rick Dutrow last September at Belmont Park, Mor Chances has captured three consecutive stakes - two for statebreds and a New York stallion stakes - since the barn change. And he seems to be getting better with each start, as evidenced by ascending Beyer Speed Figures that hit a career-best 102 last time out in the Hollie Hughes Stakes at Aqueduct on Feb. 19.

Mor Chances and regular rider Richard Migliore will face only four rivals in the six-furlong Kim's Chance. Of that quartet, Executive Search could be the one who finally closes the gap.

After a two-month freshening by owner-trainer David Jacobson, Executive Search won a statebred claiming race here Feb. 13 while carrying a $14,000 claiming price. It was the first victory for the 6-year-old since Jacobson claimed him on March 28 of last year for $50,000.

"He ran a couple of good races when we claimed him," Jacobson said. "Then he seemed to tail off, and we gave him some time. He's coming back pretty strong."

Following that victory, Jacobson wheeled Executive Search back six days later to finish second to Mor Chances in the Hollie Hughes at 39-1.

"He came out of the claimer really sharp," Jacobson said. "The stakes was there with a short field, so we decided to take a shot. We're very happy with how it turned out and the way he ran. Now he's turning into the kind of horse we hoped he would be, and hopefully he'll continue to do so."

Perhaps Executive Search is now ready to give Mor Chances a serious run for the money.

Mor Chances, who has shown the ability to set the pace or rally from far back, has the outside post, while Executive Search has the rail with Eddie Castro set to ride.

"I don't see too much speed in there, so we'll have to keep him close," Jacobson said. "We're on the improve and we expect him to run better."

Platinum Couple also ran well in his comeback, winning a statebred allowance race with an optional claiming price of $25,000 at Aqueduct on Feb. 25, his first start since Jan. 27, 2008. Jorge Chavez has the return call.

Be Bullish and Little Wise Guy complete the field.