Aqueduct 12 December 2010
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WINNING TOKEN was doing all his best work in the closing stages when fourth over 7f here last time and could take all the beating stepped back up in trip. Artie's Chapter drops in grade and rates the biggest threat along with Bruce Brown's colt, Gerard Loves Beer.
GOLD RAPTOR built on a pleasing debut performance when runner-up over track and trip last month and, with further improvement expected, he can make it third time lucky. Final Vow was only one length behind the selection that day (finishing third) and should go close once again, while Dragon Fighter is a respected newcomer.
It's worth giving one more chance to GIN CAT, who has been well held in her five starts but faces her easiest task to date here. Third over 6f here in a $50k maiden claimer last time, she can get her head in front in this grade. The danger could prove to be the unraced Carmella Cee, who has been impressing in her work, but fellow newcomers Charlie N Alex and Honeywantshermoney could also run well.
It's hard to see beyond BACKSLASH for the answer to this. He was a good third in a better race over five and a half furlongs on his debut at Belmont and is entitled to improve for the experience. Newcomer R Holiday Mood has been impressing at home and might be the one for the exacta while Latin Rocks ran well enough on his debut in this grade here and should be thereabouts.
QUIET GIANT sets a stiff standard following her fine second in a good quality affair at Delaware Park last time, recording a decent speed figure in the process, and a repeat performance should make her hard to beat. Indian Burn looks the most likely danger on form with Hatheer rating best of the rest.
Redwood Fever comes into this in fine form and seems sure to make his presence felt again but ROTTEN TO THE CORE just held sway over 7f here last time and should mount a bold follow up bid. Of the others, the eased in grade Coljak makes most appeal.
D'BIGCAT went close in a slightly stronger race over this trip at Mountaineer last month and the manner in which he stuck to his guns in defeat augers well for his chances tonight. Deputy Daney has a good strike-rate and looks a bigger threat than Not Macho Any More.
MAMBO FEVER hasn't been sighted since March but she wasn't beaten far in Grade 2 company that day and looks to have been found a nice confidence-booster here. Speightful Affair and Frivolous Buck could give the selection most to worry about.
LAST EPISODE hasn't raced since her debut at Belmont in October but that was a very pleasing performance and natural improvement should see her getting off the mark at the second time of asking. Turf And Roses looks to have been set her easiest task to date and could figure, along with course third Prospectors Girl.
