Sunday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Capanaparo can rebound stretching out in distance

Aqueduct | Race 2 | Post Time 1:09 p.m. (ET)

This starter optional claimer didn't draw a very big field, but it's still a competitive race in which cases can be made for everyone. Southeastern (#1) may go favored for the powerful duo of Brad Cox and Flavien Prat. They teamed up for this gelding's maiden victory last time when he seemed to appreciate stretching out in distance, drawing off to win by over 7 lengths. A repeat of that 90 TimeformUS Speed Figure certainly puts him in the mix, but hardly makes him a standout in this field.

The fastest horse from a speed figure standpoint is Bala de Plata (#3), who has posted TimeformUS Speed Figures of 96 and 94 in his last couple of starts at Laurel. He's a proven router, having made four consecutive starts at distances of a mile or farther. He tired noticeably when finishing second last time, but he paid the price for setting a very fast pace. He will likely hook up with Southeastern early.

The Obliterator (#2) would benefit from any pace that develops as he makes his first start off the claim for Linda Rice. He was beating a weaker field when he finally broke his maiden last time, but Rice does have very strong statistics with horses coming into her barn off maiden victories.

My top pick is Capanaparo (#5), who returns from a minor layoff after disappointing when last seen at this level at Keeneland. He didn't get the most comfortable trip that day, stuck inside early and appearing to get discouraged while racing through kickback. He didn't have to encounter any kickback when he broke his maiden two back, perched wide outside of dueling leaders before taking over. He finished off that race like a horse who would appreciate added ground, and he's bred to go longer. I also like that he's drawn outside here, which should allow him to work out his preferred trip.