Arindel’s Chipotle is coming off a 100 SRF number that he earned in a disappointing neck lost in this seasons $150 West Point over at Saratoga. The four year old is one of two entered for this affair with three victories this season, along with Sunday Phunnies ( Nakamura Stables ), the lone sophomore today.

• The Knickerbocker Handicap ( Gr. II ) Purse- $200.000
• Aqueduct Racetrack – For Three Years old and Up
• One Mile and one eighth- Inner turf course
• October 14th, 2019

Weight for this Handicap event should not play a factor on the day. With the field split evenly between 119 and 120 pounds, the advantage will come from the individual talents of the horse and rider.

Changes: None

1 Chipotle ( Arindel ) Rider- Ortiz I Jr– Won a OpClm80 non winners of four race two starts ago over the inner turf at the Spa, then stayed put for a tight runner-up effort in his most recent. Jockey has returned now for number three event and that is always a plus. Likes to run in inner post races, and the rail will definitely help. Like his chances.

2 Battle Of Midway ( Spankys Barn ) Rider- Cohen D- Closed out last season with a marginal win against Alw62/NIX when going a mile on the grass. This will be his first return effort over the sod, and his recent bullet work at SA on the 27th of last month out of 74 runners that day says he could be ready. SRF numbers in most recent may have a few reserved to back him.

3 Lets Do It Big Boy ( RNP Stables ) Rider- Lezcano J– Jockey has taken third other entries here to victories over the grass, and has made the move to this entry. Surprising being that this five year old has had eleven starts this season, no wins and just two show efforts. Did score a 100 SRF in this seasons Gr. I Manhattan, and will need that kind of effort here. Tough with no wins.

4 Controlled Power ( Spankys Barn ) Rider- Franco M – Another runner in this field who has not found the winner’s enclosure in six starts this year. Franco does like to run on late and he will need that push today. Liked the inner turf at Saratoga two starts ago in the Gr. I Fourstardave Handicap earning BC points for the Mile with his runner-up effort. Will need to take advantage with this lighter weight.

5 Penitentiary ( D J C Racing Stables ) Rider- Alvarado J- This grey five year old has just one win in seven starts, but his earnings are higher then last season. Has been a constant runner against Graded company in his last six starts, taking home the Gr. III FG Handicap back in February. Has been racing longer and that may help his stamina for this slightly shorter event. Probably stalk the pace today.

6 Gallant Man ( TwinTowersRacing ) Rider- Luzzi M J- Is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma. Rider is zero for twenty four starts this season, and this will be the first time going longer then a mile in his career. Did finish in a time of 1:33 and one at PIM in mid May at a mile and was closing late for that event. May be the sleeper of the group with no longer races to his credit, and just one Graded company race where he finished two shy.

7 General Patton ( Threshold ) Rider- Hernandez Be– Has a record of 6 ( 1-1-1 ) this season with his victory finally coming in his most recent Alw53 affair. Also as a positive for this five year old and that is in his last four races, his SRF numbers have gone from an 87 up to a 95 in his most recent. Up swings in this department have led to winners in the racing history of the game. Hopefully his race pattern doesn’t continue here as he is on his off cycle for this event.

8 Sunday Phunnies ( Nakamura Stables ) Rider-Maragh Ro– Three for seven in the win column for this lone sophomore. While he may be against oldeer, there is something I like about his chances for this race. While he is still in search of that first Graded company title, he will be in the mix down the stretch and if it all goes well, may just get up in time for top honors. Definitely bet him for a price!

9 Capo Twisted ( Hawaiian Shirt Guy ) Rider- Cancel E- Was claimed by this trainer back in mid June and has been looking for the right place and time to strike. While he yet to take on any stakes runners in his career, he has been able to maintain a record of ( 3-2-1) in his past six starts, and that merits consideration. His two runner-up effort were out by just a nose and a neck, so he could have been five out of six for victories. Consistency breeds consistency so should be in the mix once again.

10 Kandy Stripe ( Maxmillion Farm ) Rider- Davis D– After winning two allowance company affairs, he has been taking home shares in two recent Graded company races. Can close up in the late charges of a race and that should be a plus for the likes of these. SRF numbers have been consistently in the mid ninties. Recent six furlong work should have him ready to fire. Place in your exotics.

Duffer

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES