Ring Knocker, Da Wildcat Girl closely matched in Wednesday allowance

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The improving Ring Knocker and the extremely consistent Da Wildcat Girl head a field of six entered in a second-level allowance/optional $62,500 claiming sprint that serves as the feature on Aqueduct’s eight-race card Wednesday.

The card, which begins at 1:20 p.m. Eastern and has three turf races, includes a pick-six carryover of $20,937 beginning with race 3.

Ring Knocker and Da Wildcat Girl ran in separate stakes on the April 1 New York Claiming Championship card. Ring Knocker, trained by Gary Gullo, won the Xtra Heat Stakes, while Da Wildcat Girl, conditioned by Ed Barker, finished second in the Videogenic.

Gullo said at entry time that Ring Knocker was only 50-50 to run in this spot, but after looking at the race, he said Monday that he is inclined to run.

“She is coming back a little quick, but she came out of it good,” Gullo said. “I think if I’m going to take a shot at a two-other-than, that’s the one to take a shot at.”

Two starts back, Da Wildcat Girl finished second to Anydayismyday at this condition over the inner track. Anydayismyday was winning for the second straight time, having defeated Ring Knocker in a first-level allowance Feb. 10.

Malibu Princess, who breaks from the rail, and Summer House, in post 5, look like the primary speed horses in the field. Milaya and Myfourchix complete the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Ring Knocker, by Birdstone

Last 3 Beyers: 79-72-72

◗ Since Gullo claimed her for $25,000 last Dec. 1, she has three wins, a second, and a third from five starts.

◗ The rider may have waited too long to make a move when she finished third behind Malibu Princess on Jan. 20.

Da Wildcat Girl, by Da Stoops

Last 3 Beyers: 74-79-70

◗ Beat Ring Knocker by three-quarters of a length when both were in for $20,000 claiming going 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track last November.

◗ She has finished first or second in 21 of 42 starts.

Summer House, by Tiznow

Last 3 Beyers: 76-71-68

◗ May have been used up in a pace duel when fourth behind Da Wildcat Girl (second) and Myfourchix (third).

◗ She has speed to be a forward factor under Cornelio Velasquez.

“If she’s on the lead and [Velasquez] can slow it down a little bit, great,” said trainer David Jacobson. “If somebody wants to wing-ding it, she can be in a stalking position.”

Malibu Princess, by Malibu Moon

Last 3 Beyers: 73-82-69

◗ Broke running, dropped back behind a three-ply speed duel, then retook the lead outside the quarter pole when a stubborn fourth, beaten a half-length, in an allowance/optional claimer at Laurel on March 10.

◗ May try to play “catch me if you can” after breaking from rail under Irad Ortiz Jr.