She's So Fine aims to rebound in optional claimer

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Friday’s second-level allowance/optional $62,500 claiming feature at Aqueduct lost its favorite when Just Got Out won Sunday’s Ladies Handicap, thus making her ineligible for this race.

What remains is an evenly matched group of five fillies and mares, many seeking to return to a race in their past form that would make them winners in this one-mile heat.

In 2017, She’s So Fine won 5 of 7 starts and finished second in another. However, in her most recent race she finished last, beaten 18 1/4 lengths in an optional $80,000 claimer going seven furlongs Dec. 22 at Aqueduct.

John Toscano III, an assistant to his father John Toscano Jr., said they figured She’s So Fine might be in need of a race that day, considering she hadn’t run since May. Still, they were expecting a little bit better performance than she put forth.

She would benefit significantly from a pace battle. Felini and Flick of an Eye look like the potential speed of the race.

Felini, a half-sister to the multiple Grade 1 winner It’s Tricky, comes out of a third-place finish in this condition, finishing 10 3/4 lengths behind Divine Miss Grey here Dec. 10. Divine Miss Grey came back to win the Interborough Stakes in her next start.

Joe Lee, assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, said he would like to see his mare on or close to the lead in the early stages Friday.

“She likes it on the lead herself, she usually runs well,” Lee said. “If we make the lead and we’re ticking along, I think we’ll be okay.”

Felini will break from post 5 under Martin Garcia.

Flick of an Eye, who won a $25,000 claimer in her most recent start Dec. 3, breaks from the outside post under Kendrick Carmouche. Flick of an Eye was entered in a $25,000 claiming race Thursday, but will have to scratch from that spot to run in this race.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Felini, by Bernardini
Last 3 Beyers: 79-83-80

◗ While she has toiled in this condition for the last half of the year, she has faced better competition than she appears to meet in this spot. Was beaten by next-out stakes winner Divine Miss Grey in a spot like this Dec. 10.

◗ A quick break from the gate under Garcia could put her on the lead, which is where she does her best running.

She’s So Fine, by Haynesfield
Last 3 Beyers: 57-70-78

◗ If you’re inclined to forgive her last race – and that’s a big if – her previous six races put her in the mix.

◗ Picks up Trevor McCarthy who is starting to get going after shaking off the rust from a seven-month layoff.

Truth in the Lies, by Hold Me Back
Last 3 Beyers: 79-84-81

◗ Trainer Jason Servis has some gaudy stats going turf to dirt, and stretching out from a sprint to a route.

◗ Last won on dirt nearly three years ago.