The BreezeFigs filly we thought would slow down certainly did last week but not before she fried our two more viable Pix resulting in a lost pre-Christmas Eve. Bah, humbug! But after Christmas the BreezeFigs gifts overflowed. There were 18 BreezeFigs maidens which won last week, including nine (yes, nine!) at Gulfstream (one of which was a BreezeFigs exacta).
Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 3:50 EST | Go To The TimeformUS PPs
TimeformUS Aqueduct Horses in Focus for Friday, December 30, 2016
Race 1:
Bank Elaboration (#9)
Was racing on a dead rail for her entire trip Dec. 7.
Hung in gamely until the last few strides last time, just missing second place.
Can take this field wire to wire under an aggressive Kendrick Carmouche.
5-1 on ML
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The stand-in Weekend Warrior is fresh and feeling ready to fire after a vacation. Now I hope two of my selections in stakes Saturday, both of whom are returning from time away, are feeling the same.
American Oaks
The American Oaks, which has recently fallen on the weaker end of Grade 1 races, was positioned late in the calendar year in an effort to draw a more talented cast. But that didn’t happen, as most of the leading 3-year-old filly turf runners are sitting this one out after long campaigns.
EXCILLY
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Last race: Dec. 17, 10th
Finish: 3rd by 3/4
Beyer: 87
Got trapped behind a wall of horses while seemingly full of run turning for home in the South Beach, and had plenty of run once she found a clear path. May have been best with cleaner sailing.
DABSTER
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Dec. 26, 3rd
Finish: 1st by head (DQ’d to 4th)
Beyer: 72
A first-time starter by Curlin, this million-dollar colt showed speed in a sprint, shook loose into the lane, started goofing around, drifted out, caused interference, and was disqualified. Top prospect is likely to stretch to a maiden route for second start late January.
Jus Kevin
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last race: Dec. 23, 2nd
Finish: 3rd, beaten 1 1/4
Beyer: 68
Guess things even out since filly who had perfect trip in a comeback win found no luck in running stepping up the Louisiana-bred turf allowance class ladder. Argument could easily be made she was best on the day. Formidable back at same class level.
Proud and Fearless
Race 6
Mastic (#4)
Gets a subtle trainer upgrade to Mitch Friedman.
Was pinned down inside on the worst part of the track in the stretch last time.
Has run plenty of speed figures that would make her competitive here.
8-1 on the morning line
:: Get TimeformUS PPs for these races at Aqueduct
Race 7
Cumberland River (#1)
Each week, TimeformUS Chief Figure Maker Craig Milkowski takes a look back at the weekend’s graded stakes and releases the TimeformUS Speed Figures for these races.
Stakes races for two weeks ending Dec. 26, 2016
Santa Anita
Grade 1 Malibu
1/4 – 117
1/2 – 128
Fin – 124
Top 3: Mind Your Biscuits 123, Sharp Azteca 125, Ten Blessings 118
