–The Mother Goose Grade2 $300.000
Aqueduct Racetrack
South Ozone Park, Queens, NY

El Grande Latte from Black N Gold Stables drops back to three-year-olds only competition in The Mother Goose Stakes. “Gold” found her elders a bit too tough in the The Empire Distaff and was unable to impact them late for a piece of the pie. Today she faces her own age group and should be more comfortable, and her late kick should be more powerful. Tab for marked improvement. Soviet Shadow from Mb Stables also took on her elders last time and had to settle for fourth place in The Spinster. “Shadow” should also feel more at home and should be the one to beat when they turn into the stretch drive. Another Mb Stables production is No Ones Comparing. She should be placed in front of “Latte” and behind “Shadow” when the real running begins. She might be the horse to beat, but she has the tendency to get there when not expected and to not get there when she looks in the perfect spot. Small at only 15.2 hands and still maturing, I might be being a bit harsh on her analysis, but my gut tells me she will complete the exotics today, not start them. I could easily be wrong.

Of the rest:

Anoushka On Tap from Winning Link Stables is solid and will have a say in the outcome here. “Tap” appears to want 1 1/8 and tries it for the first time today. She also fits on class and has enough gas early to get position wherever her jockey decides is best for the unfolding pace scenario. Hard to ignore here.

Black Regazze from Nakamura Stables got the worst of the draw but has enough zip to possibly make use of the outside seat. “Regazze” has won at 1 1/16th and with her last two runs being at seven furlongs I would expect her to gun. This track is well known for big outside pushes. Also interesting is that the conformation also points favorably to the added real estate. Crafty veteran trainer makes it hard to just toss her out.

Lifes Good from DJC Racing Stables comes back to dirt after a couple turf runs. In decent enough form, however her best performance to date was over a muddy main track in The Monomoy Girl. Might need rain for her best.

Valkyria from Alydar Stables drew the rail and has been in seven straight graded races since her win in the ungraded Silverbulletday Stakes, a two-length romp following her maiden win. She will certainly appreciate the slight class drop. Expect her to drop back, save all the ground and come late if she fires here. She will need everything to fall just right to get it done today, however.

Vavoom from Twin Towers Racing broke her maiden at Fort Erie and then shipped out west to Santa Anita where she blasted an unsuspecting small field of high-priced optional claimers by two open lengths. She will again need to improve further to get any part of this. Speed figures say no way, Jose.

-Trackman

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES