Saturday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Took Charge dangerous in return from layoff

Aqueduct | Race 3 | Post Time 1:20 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

The two horses drawn toward the outside figure to attract the bulk of support, but they have very different profiles. Instinctive Rhythm (#5) will attempt to win his first start against winners after finally breaking his maiden in his fifth try last time out. While it did take him a while to get that diploma, he’s run relatively fast speed figures in all of his starts, and may not need to improve much on his victory against maiden company last time to have a major say in the outcome here.

Money Ride (#6) will attempt to rebound from a sixth-place finish last time out at this level, but he had a major excuse that day. He got bumped around when sandwiched between rivals at the start, ultimately steadying out to last in the early going. For a horse who does his best running on or near the lead, he made a strong late rally past half the field, albeit in a race that featured a quick pace. I think both of these runners are dangerous, but I’m very intrigued by a new face.

TOOK CHARGE (#1) showed real talent early on in his career, defeating the stakes-placed Three Technique in his career debut while earning an impressive 99 TimeformUS Speed Figure. He was off for a long time after that, but returned in strong form here last winter. Pressed through some very fast early fractions by today’s rival Money Ride, he put that one away before he was overhauled late. Given the amount of speed he displayed, it was odd that his connections decided to stretch him out in the Private Terms, and he predictably folded after running off early. Now he again returns from a lengthy break, but he’s posted some quick workouts and could play out as the controlling speed from the rail.

THE PLAY

Win: 1

Exacta Key Box: 1 with 5,6

Trifecta: 1,6 with 1,6 with ALL