Optional claimer could be battle of entries

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Aqueduct’s inner track doesn’t open until next week, but Thursday’s nine-race card is certainly a harbinger of the winter meet.

With wet weather forecast Tuesday and Wednesday, the racing office did not card any turf races for Thursday, electing to hold off until the weekend. Thus, Thursday’s card consists of nine dirt races – all around one turn – with relatively short fields.

The nominal feature is a New York-bred second-level/optional $40,000 claimer with seven horses, five betting interests, and five of the runners being offered for the claiming tag.

Trainer David Jacobson, who figures to vie for leading trainer honors during the winter season, sends out the coupled entry of Saratoga Heater and Steve’s Image in the 6 1/2-furlong race. Saratoga Heater won at this condition when not offered for the claiming tag in an off-the-turf race run over a “good” Saratoga main track in August. Steve’s Image makes his first start for Jacobson, who claimed him out of a win for $25,000 at Belmont on Oct. 30.

Owner Ben Mondello has an entry of John’s Island, trained by Steve Asmussen, and Hurry Up Alan, recently claimed by trainer David Cannizzo for $25,000.

The only two horses not offered for the claiming price are True Bet and Celtic Chaos, who finished second and fourth at this same condition going 6 1/2 furlongs on Nov. 5.

Frisky Warrior, who has won 20 of 54 starts, mostly at Finger Lakes, completes the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

John’s Island, by Posse

Last 3 Beyers: 85-87-83

◗ Finished a hard-charging third when beaten a half-length at this condition first off the claim for Asmussen last out.

◗ Finished third behind Curious Cal and Comandante the day he was claimed for $25,000 at Belmont. Both those horses came back to win.

◗ He has lost 12 straight races since winning an open-company, second-level allowance over the inner track, beating a group that included stakes winners Green Gratto, Loki’s Vengeance, and Maleeh.

◗ Won a maiden race by 7 1/4 lengths over a “good” main track in April 2014.

Saratoga Heater, by Temple City

Last 3 Beyers: 85-81-78

◗ Returns from a three-month freshening after winning his last two starts, both over wet tracks.

◗ He is 4 for 7 over wet tracks, including a victory in the Bertram F. Bongard in September 2014.

◗ Manny Franco, tied for second in the Aqueduct jockey standings, has the call.

True Bet, by Yes It’s True

Last 3 Beyers: 86-81-23

◗ Has been mired at this condition for 13 months but comes off a career-best Beyer Speed Figure, setting the pace and fighting to the wire before yielding to Curious Cal, who has won his last four starts.

◗ Will be the horse to catch again under Rajiv Maragh.