Aqueduct

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A well-matched field of eight will contest the $100,000 Aqueduct H. (G3) over

the inner track, and MAYAN KING (Stephen Got Even) will be looking for his first

graded win in the 1 1/16-mile event. Trained by Gary Contessa, the five-year-old

horse turned in three strong performances early last year against

allowance/optional claiming rivals, recording two wins and a second while

earning BRIS Speed ratings of 109, 101 and 100. However, he never got the

opportunity to showcase his skills in a graded event, suffering an injury next

time out in early July. Sidelined for six months, the chestnut returned to the

races with a good second at Laurel Park on New Year's Day, registering a 103

Speed rating last time. Mayan King is eligible to take a big step forward while

returning to the inner track, where he's two for two in his career.

LIQUOR CABINET (Ire) (Hennessy) is obviously a top threat for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., with century-topping Speed ratings in each of his last five outings,

including a sharp score over the inner track last out. The six-year-old owns

excellent tactical speed and will probably loom large at the top of the stretch

under Ramon Dominguez.

NAUGHTY NEW YORKER (Quiet American) recorded a 2 3/4-length win in the Alex

M. Robb H. last out and owns a commendable 7-2-3-1 mark over the inner oval. The

Pat Kelly trainee will likely be forwardly placed from his inside post, and he

relishes the 8 1/2-furlong distance (8-2-3-2). Naughty New Yorker appears quite

capable of challenging for it all.

ANGLIANA (Giant's Causeway) recorded a solid second in the 1 5/8-mile Gallant

Fox H. last time and has fared well at 1 1/16 miles in the past. The Kiaran

McLaughlin charge has the speed to be a factor from the start under Jose Santos,

and we wouldn't be surprised to see him hold for a top three placing.

SILVER PROSPECTOR (Silver Deputy) will show speed from the start but faces a

class hike in this spot. The uncoupled Contessa runner does appear to be getting

better, so we can't dismiss him from exotics consideration. WHO WHAT WIN

(Dance Brightly) likes the inner track (6-1-5-0), but his Speed ratings are a

little low.

NEW YORK HERO (Partner's Hero) will be making his first start since a

last-place finish in the Met Mile (G1) and would probably need a much easier

spot to be a factor. SHUFFLING MADDNES (Real Quiet) has been competing against

mostly New York-bred rivals, and he didn't fare particularly well when taking on

open rivals last time in an entry level allowance.