2/25/23

   2   AQU   The Gander                       

     $100.000      3YO Foaled in NY    1m     Dirt        122lbs +penalties

AQU is the spot and we look at a field of NY-bred sophomores set to go a flat mile on the main track in The Gander.  I think Prince George could be a tough one in this race, making his second start for Mb Stables off of the private purchase.  He had the lead at SUN in that open stakes, and that may be good enough to get his picture taken.  Let’s go to the far outside and give the second sport to Long Capo.  He was third over this surface in the Jerome last out and if he can just do that again, he should be tough. 

Here’s The Field –

Broke maiden over this track facing NY-bred, so they try stakes company with the same finish in mind.  He was fifth in a $14.000 claimer at GP, so I think he’s going to need to fire his best shot to take down this group, but a minor share could be in the forecast. 

The Big Barn rolls in with a colt that never seems to run a bad race.  They picked this one up via Private Purchase and he led until deep stretch, to end up second in the Allison Derby at SUN.  He should fire back big for the connections and must be given a big look. 

Claimed for $14.000 but was close in a couple of NY bred races prior to the hostile takeover.  Low percentage barn, no percentage jock and probably no chance of being around when they hand out checks. 

Broke maiden at LS on the weeks and was close in a couple of big turf stakes before a series of less than thrilling finishes.  Now, those were vs. some of the best you could want to go up against, and this is shallower water, so maybe he bounces back in a big way and brings home a big check. 

Runner-up in the Sleepy Hollow over this course back in Oct but has a trio of less than great races since that run.  Fifth at WO vs graded horses, then only beating two in both a NY-bred stakes and likewise Alw race here at the Big-A.  He needs to find some old magic. 

Broke maiden here by a head facing NY-bed MSW types so they go right after the gusto… he was quick in that maiden win, so maybe he’s finding his best stride and knocks it out of the park today.  I have a feeling about this one. 

Broke maiden at FL vs Empire-state types, then was fifth up north vs. likewise Alw horses.  Won last out sprinting at PEN, so they come back to NY with dollar signs in their eyes.  I think he will need his best for a minor share. 

Only a maiden win but he’s been close in a number of other races including the Tin Cup at FL, facing similar.  He tired to be seventh in the KY Jock Club (GII) after setting the pace early, and another like that could be good enough to get the win.  I think it’s a good spot for him. 

Another that broke maiden at FL for a tag then just missed when third a neck back at GP, both of those races at a distance.  His line is first/second/third/forth in four starts, so maybe he runs right past this group. 

He’s been facing tougher, and although he hasn’t won since Aug, and both wins were at bullrings, he was third in the Jerome here last month, and a repeat of that race could be good enough to take home some serious cash.  I wouldn’t over-look him. 

COZMAN  2 / 10             Willie’s Green Card  2 / 8  

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded