Aqueduct December 14

Looks like a competitive day with lots of potential prices.

Race 1      5-1-4

Oh Poggibonsi has the fastest last race figure and should be in front down the backstretch. Mr Amos is the better of the entry, Scattered Dreams ran some quick races two months ago and beat a weak $40K maiden field last out.

Race 2      7-6-2

Kibble has spent most of her career on the turf despite being much better bred for the dirt. I’d like to have seen a workout in the last two weeks but he should have no problems with the distance. Fiery Cat comes in from Churchill where he finished up the track after a troubled start. Before that she ran a good second at this level at KEE. Blinkers go on today for McLaughlin. Black Corona improved remarkedly when moved to the dirt.

Race 3      4-6-3

The East View for two year old state-bred fillies is today’s third race. I’m giving the nod to Freudie Anne. After getting trounced along with everyone else in the Gimma Stakes she came back with a powerful win in an OC $75K. She should be tracking My Super Nova and gets first run in the stretch. Building Permit ran behind Freudie Anne in her last and is another with stretch running chances. My Super Nova is the speed but looks to have better sprint breeding.

Race 4      3-12-10-1

Perchance has been working lights out for McLaughlin and is well bred for the sprint distance. Fortress is the other McLaughlin trainee. She has a long set of works culminating with a quick 4F two weeks ago. The combination with Dylan Davis hasn’t produced a win yet, but she has outs in this field. Lil Lady Big Purse is by Indian Charlie, a horse that is noted for siring sprinters. Shettino is 15% with first starters and Franco is a good choice for the ride. Yes for Success goes first time for Kimmel off a good set of breezes at BEL.

Race 5      3-8-9

North Ocean is by far the best speed and if the track is fair he has a chance to wire the field. State Flag is well hidden given his 12-1 ML He was claimed last out by Danny Gargan who is 20% first off the claim. I never feel giddy over plodders, but he should have some pace to run at. Rap d’Oro is another longshot that interests me. Hes been closing well regularly and that’s enough to give him some outs.

Race 6      5-1-6

Moldavite should have the lead here, but is not a need to lead sort. She’s dropping from MSW and speed with a class drop is always a dangerous angle. Southern Sunshine is listed as the favorite but with 11 starts so far I’m going to be a little wary about backing her for the win. Agate is another dropping to the MCL ranks after being off for almost 7 months. Works are nothing special but Donk is 29% off the long layoff.

Race 7      2-5-8

Saythreehailmary’s has two good figures in a row and a nice pressing style. She’s doe fine at the one turn mile but this will be her first two turn race. We’ll see if she handles it well. Storied Lady has been racing well with state bred stakes runners all year and is 2 for 4 on the AQU inner. Canal Six might be a step below some in here, but has the numbers to compete.

Race 8      6-9-12

In this very competitive Damon Runyon, I’m going to take a flyer with Possilicious. He wired a field a little over three weeks ago but steps up today to the mile seventy distance. His breeding suggests the longer race is within his ability but he may have a future more as a sprinter. He gets a shot today. Bullhead Boy has been in nothing but state bred stakes since breaking his maiden at SAR. Given Pletcher is the trainer, you have to extend respect, although you have to wonder if the horse had a high level future if he wouldn’t be in Florida. Still he’s a state bred and this may be where he needs to stay. Good Luck Gus has been running well but not really good enough to beat the big boys. Still he has plenty of experience and RuRod on his side.

Race 9      5-4-10

Discreet Force is as the right level today after failing to bust into the top three in his last. Still she’s got good numbers and a nice tracking style. Mama Zee is the ML fav off a nice last race run. She’s got two seconds in three starts on the inner. R Girl She Gone has a second on the inner in her last out. The Persaud/Mangalee combo is hitting at 30%.