Aqueduct | Race 4 | Post Time 1:40 p.m. (ET)
DIVIN PROPOS
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Nov. 29, 7th
Finish: 5th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 92
Another bad trip by turf-marathon gelding in Grade 2. Blocked through far turn and into lane, full of run, nowhere to go, stalled, finished evenly. He is due for better luck.
PARADE DOWN BROAD
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: Nov. 22, 5th
Finish: 4th by 8 1/2
Beyer: 50
Maiden-claiming filly hopped at start to get away last, waited behind rivals on turn, finished evenly, galloped out in front. This was a solid comeback, her first race in eight months.
Aqueduct | Race 9 | Post Time 4:07 p.m. (ET)
There is very little dirt form to dissect in this maiden claiming finale at Aqueduct. The horse with the largest recent body of work on dirt is Big Ego (#8), but he’s awfully tough to trust after disappointing at short prices in most of his recent starts. He just has problems finishing off his races and his recent form appears to be heading in the wrong direction.
The annual post-Breeders’ Cup lull has descended over the North American racing landscape. Yet the winners still pay the same as we await more important stakes racing over the next couple off weeks in Kentucky and New York.
Native Diver
Who ranks as the best older dirt horse with considerable racing experience still eligible for a first-level allowance? Skinner comes to mind.
TAMARA
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Nov. 15, 7th
Finish: 2nd by nose
Beyer: 82
Grade 1 winner ran well making first in a year. Off slow from rail, zoomed inside, in tight, battled, missed. Can improve Dec. 26 in loaded Grade 1 La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita.