Aqueduct Notes

In the third at the Big A on Friday, Meetmeatthechapel makes his debut for Kasey K. We claimed this three-year old son of Chapel Royal from Asmussen for 20K on Feb 16, when he was a disappointing third at odds of 3-4 (still can't get used to those prices). He's 5-1 in this five horse Starters Allowance field with a generous $44,000 purse, but he's actually second choice since Hatfield is listed at 2-5. I bet that horse when he debuted on Feb 1, after some top-heavy tote action. Jorge Chavez was looking around for competition after putting away Geno Green (who dropped from 40K to 16K when he graduated on Saturday) as he turned for home, going on to win by 10 with an 89 Beyer which is in a class of its own in this field. Hatfield was also trained by Asmussen, and was also claimed, he by Contessa.

Here's two prototypical handicapping questions at work - a horse facing winners for the first time, and attempting to stretch out to two turns. To me, the second of those is the key question, and makes this horse one that, in my opinion, one can not possibly play at the expected odds. At 2-5, you won't see a more classic application of Harvey Pack's advice to not take a short price on a horse doing it's never done before.

Hatfield should like the route. He's by Proud Citizen, out of a Bates Motel mare, has a high Tomlinson, a low dosage index; he's a half brother to the dam of Liquor Cabinet, his second dam is a half-sister to the Irish champion Ministrella (a half to the granddam of Saint Liam). But we won't really know until he tries it. I wouldn't want to find out at those odds. In fact, I think he'd be a good candidate to bet against.

But I prefer to recuse myself when Kasey K is involved. You do understand that sometimes I'm not at liberty to comment one way or another, so I figure I just shouldn't comment in any case. For example, some of the boys may be looking to make a score at the windows....and that's not (necessarily) due to any hush hush inside info. More likely it's just something that a sharp horseplayer might notice anyway, like a trip more troubled than indicated by the race chart, or an anticipated change in tactics hinted at by a rider, equipment, or distance change. Something they're hoping you don't notice, and they don't need me to point out.

Honestly, in this case, I've been too busy working and watching the Rangers lose to have spent too much time on the phone with Bob, and I honestly don't know a thing other than the horse was fine upon arrival. But, you don't need me to tell you that trainer Bruce Brown has a fine record first off the claim - 9 for 29 (31%), two in a row and three out of the last five. Or that the only win for Meetmeatthechapel was at this two-turn one mile distance. Or that he was a solid second in this class three races back. So you might conclude that he has a shot if the favorite isn't what he's supposed to be.

Asmussen has a claim of his own in Early Response (6-1), and Dominguez sticks despite the trainer change. Weekend Action (6-1) is an interesting case, moving up to face winners despite losing his last two against maidens. He was retroactively declared the winner of his Jan 9 effort when Wild Conga tested positive for excess carbon dioxide. Pretty interesting little race for such a short field and short-priced favorite.

- The Rangers suffered a loss which was as demoralizing and damaging as one can imagine, at least at this stage with still 19 games to play. The Broadway Blueshirts, more energized and aggressive on the forecheck in two games under their new coach, still cannot score; just two goals on some 73 shots for the two games, not to mention all the glorious chances which didn't even result in a shot on goal. They outshot the Panthers 41-22. They've fallen to last in the league in goals per game. In their last 12 losses, coming in the last 14 games, they've scored all of 15 goals. It's just unbelievable. I just can't accept that any professional hockey team not named the Islanders could be this pitiful offensively.

Still, coach John Tortorella remains upbeat. “I think we did some really good things. Our pressure was outstanding.....I think our weakest moment was our 5 on 3. Other than that, I think we played a hell of a game.” And I remain on board.