Sharp maiden winner Intoxicologist returns in allowance

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – There weren’t too many horses at this meet who were successful making the move Intoxicologist did to win her career debut two months ago at Aqueduct.

Fifth of six and seemingly resenting slop being kicked back at her, Intoxicologist was eight lengths back as the field of New York-bred maiden fillies turned into the stretch. Guided off the rail and into the six path in upper stretch by Manny Franco, Intoxicologist splashed by the favored Delta Gamma late and won the one-mile race by a length.

On Friday, Intoxicologist will face winners for the first time when she meets six rivals in a New York-bred first-level allowance race that serves as the feature on Aqueduct’s eight-race card.

Trainer Michelle Nevin will be adding blinkers to Intoxicologist’s equipment, perhaps hoping to get her a little more motivated early on.

Leading rider Franco will be back aboard Friday, and they will break from post 2.

Trainer David Donk sends out the uncoupled entry of Elegant Zip and Orbilicious in this spot. Elegant Zip has competed in four consecutive New York-bred stakes races, most recently running third in the East View on Dec. 29. She was scratched from the Busanda Stakes due to a foot bruise discovered a few days before the Feb. 3 race.

“She’s had a couple of good breezes since then. This looks like a good spot,” Donk said. “She’s perfectly fine. I didn’t lose that much with her.”

Orbilicious will be stretching out from a nose victory in a maiden $50,000 claimer going 5 1/2 furlongs.

Linda Rice sends out Countable, who enters off a victory in a key maiden race here Jan. 11. Diamond N Simon, second to repeat winner Fournineteen; Shak’s Hidden Gem, and Abraxan complete the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Intoxicologist, by Central Banker
Last Beyer: 55

◗ Appeared to be stalled in neutral down the backstretch and going in reverse around the turn before kicking it into gear in the lane to win at first asking.

Elegant Zip, by Run Away and Hide
Last 3 Beyers: 72-56-72

◗ Her two highest Beyer Speed Figures were attained in one-turn-mile races such as this.

◗ In the East View, she was beaten a head for second by Shelley Ann, who came back to win an allowance race in her next start.

◗ With regular rider Franco staying on Intoxicologist, Dylan Davis has picked up the mount.

Countable, by Into Mischief
Last 2 Beyers: 60-55

◗ After finishing third to subsequent stakes winner Stonesintheroad first time out, she won a maiden race that produced three next-out winners, including Wadadli Princess, who most recently finished second in the Franklin Square.

◗ Over the last three years, Rice is 26 for 84 with horses going from sprints to routes at Aqueduct, according to DRF Formulator.