Full Field Set For Atlantic Beach S.

[Wandering Eyes]

Having drawn a full field of 12, in addition to a pair of also eligibles standing in the wings, Aqueduct’s Atlantic Beach S. has come up an ultra-competitive affair. Looking to step up from his latest start, NK Racing’s Freewheeler (City Zip) aired in his career debut for trainer Todd Pletcher while negotiating 5 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga Aug. 30 before having to settle for second in the Oct. 6 GIII Futurity S. behind Four Wheel Drive (American Pharoah), subsequent winner of the Nov. 1 GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Getting blinkers this time, the $430,000 FTFFMAR juvenile will be partnered by Irad Ortiz Jr, who was also aboard for the colt’s win. Pletcher also trains Mystic Lancelot (Into Mischief), a first out winner at Saratoga Aug. 15.

Mark Casse offers a three-pronged attack, led by Gary Barber’s Jack and Noah (Fr) (Bated Breath {GB}). A debut winner over this distance at Belmont Sept. 27, the gray weakened late to be fourth last time in the Futurity. He receives the services of Jose Ortiz for the first time here. Also representing Casse is Old Chestnut (Speightstown). Fifth in his unveiling in the Victoria S. going 5 1/2 furlongs over the Woodbine synthetic July 7, the chestnut broke through with a front-running score while trying the grass Aug. 9 before making it two straight in the five-furlong Ontario Racing S. Sept. 15. Changing venues for his latest, he was farther back than usual early in the Indian Summer S. at Keeneland Oct. 6 and faded to be sixth. Junior Alvarado picks up the mount on the son of Grade I-winning Pool Land (Silver Deputy). Also to be respected in this spot, Linda Rice offers up Turned Aside (American Pharoah). A Paul Pompa Jr. hombred, the bay hit the board at Belmont in his first two trips to post before breakign through with an impressive four-length score last time out at that venue Oct. 20.

 

The post Full Field Set For Atlantic Beach S. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article