Texting a filly on the rise

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The addition of blinkers, jockey John Velazquez, and more distance have all seemed to agree with the 3-year-old filly Texting, who brings an improving résumé into Thursday’s second-level allowance feature at Aqueduct.

Texting has two wins, a second, and a third in four starts since trainer Chad Brown put blinkers on the daughter of Candy Ride and secured the services of Velazquez. All four races have been at 1 3/16 miles or farther, and Thursday’s race is at 1 3/8 miles, which will be the farthest Texting has run.

In her most recent start, Texting won a first-level allowance by a neck over Earring, who came back to run second, beaten a nose, in Sunday’s Grade 3 Long Island Handicap at Aqueduct.

Eight were entered in this three-turn marathon, but two – Puca and La Inesperada – would only run if the race is transferred to the dirt. There was an 80 percent chance of rain Wednesday, but conditions Thursday were predicted to be dry and clear.

Gotachancetodance, Bishop’s Pond, and Stay the Night finished fourth, fifth and sixth at this same condition going 1 1/4 miles at Belmont on Oct. 5. Evidently, the third-place finisher from that race, came back to win the Long Island.

First post for Thursday’s nine-race card is 12:20 p.m. Eastern.

KEY CONTENDERS

Texting, by Candy Ride

Last 3 Beyers: 79-83-79

◗ Had a wide trip and switched back to her incorrect lead in the stretch of a July allowance at Saratoga two starts back and was beaten a half-length. Three of the top four finishers have since come back to win.

◗ Handled “good” turf when second to Galileo’s Song at Belmont in May, her first start in 11 weeks.

Gotachancetodance, by English Channel

Last 3 Beyers: 86-86-85

◗ Chased the front-running winner, Daring Duchess, on Oct. 5 and lost third by a nose to Evidently.

◗ Could be the primary speed Thursday under Luis Saez.

Bishop’s Pond, by Curlin

Last 3 Beyers: 86-83-89

◗ Finished a half-length behind Gotachancetodance when fifth last out. Got pinched back to last at the break of that race, which was her 10th consecutive loss.

◗ Adds blinkers and switches to Irad Ortiz Jr., who was aboard for a nose loss to Long Island third-place finisher Desiree Cleary at this condition in July.

◗ Trainer Jason Servis said he is adding blinkers to Bishop’s Pond “just trying to make something happen.”