Sunday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Barese should appreciate turnback in Thunder Rumble

Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 3:40 p.m. (ET)

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The Thunder Rumble division of the New York Stallion Series is topped by open stakes winner Today’s Flavor (#8). This gelding earned that premier victory in the off the turf Belmont Turf Sprint back in October, lead throughout as he fended off some seasoned rivals who can excel on either surface. He subsequently disappointed in the Hudson when dropped back in against New York-breds, but he was catching a very fast rival in Rotknee, who dueled him through some swift early fractions. Today’s flavor couldn’t withstand the pressure and faded badly. He faces other speed again here, but the difference today is that now he’s drawn outside of his pace rivals, so he should get a more comfortable trip. I still have some concerns about him seeing out 7 furlongs after getting early pressure, but he’s the horse to beat.

I prefer his main rival Barese (#5). This colt’s 4-year-old form looks inconsistent compared to prior seasons, but he’s been in some tough spots and now might be returning to the right distance. Even though he’s won around two turns, I’ve never loved him going 9 furlongs, so the Empire Classic was always going to be an ambitious spot for him. He also didn’t get the right trip that day, as he was hustled along early and made a premature move down the backstretch. He then got caught behind a tiring rival on the far turn and was shuffled out of position, costing him any chance. He had appeared to be getting back on track prior to that. Now he cuts back to a distance that should suit him, and he’s supposed to get a fair pace up front.

I also want to use some other horses who can rally from just off the pace. Callaloo (#2) found himself on the lead last time, but he doesn’t need to be that aggressive. He’s been steadily improving over the past year, and his recent TimeformUS Speed Figures suggest he’s capable of stepping up to this level.

General Banker (#3) is another who should be picking up pieces late, and he figures to be a square price in here off a set of modest speed figures. Yet he probably needed his return from the layoff last time and won anyway against a softer field. I expect him to move forward with that start under his best, and the 7-furlong distance is ideal for him.