Aqueduct 23 January 2016
Instructions
Please click on the “View Full Racecard & Odds” button to get the full racecard information.
BRANDED HAND has bounced right back to form of late and he was promoted to second last time out after Private Tale was demoted for causing interference. The selection had a nightmare trip that day as he was forced to challenge seven wide. Grandpa Len also features highly on the shortlist.
Most of these arrive here in good form but none more so than BOX OFFICE, who was an impressive winner on his last start in this grade. He never got into the race last time out after receiving a hefty bump at the start but can gain compensation today at the main expense of Marriage Fever and Winter Games.
This is not the strongest race for this grade and FLORA DORA can take full advantage, having run well when fourth in a Grade 2 here recently. Scatoosh has to be respected as she won her maiden very well last time and her yard are in good form, while Arch Or Nothing won by 18 lengths last time and could be anything.
The gelding operation has clearly helped YOU GOT IT, who has placed on both his starts since and appears to have leading claims in this contest. Only The Truth made a very encouraging debut here at the beginning of month and could emerge as the main danger, along with Rob The Weezer.
SOUND OF FREEDOM may have needed the outing last time, as it was his first start for this yard. It will be hard to keep Sunny Puzzle out of the frame, while Deputy Busterstone is also noted.
A few of these are closely matched on form and they are Blugrascat's Smile, Just Afleet and YUMMY BEAR. Preference is for the latter, who has been knocking on the door of late and he finished in front of Just Afleet last time.
Final Chapter won a better race than this two starts ago but that came in February last year and he hasn't been seen at all since April. The unexposed DOCTOR DEMPSEY should put his race fitness to good use, while True Bet appeals as an each-way alternative.
Grade dropper AFRICAN FIGHTER was given far too much to do in a $200,000 stakes race last time out. With a more positive ride today he should prove hard to beat, while the places can go the way of Lieutenant Seany O and Farhaan.
FAKEITTILUMAKEIT has had plenty of opportunities already but he arguably ran a career best last time and this is a very moderate contest. Laugh Love Live and Military Parade are two interesting debutants.