Valley Stream

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A compact field of five will go postward in the $100,000 Valley Stream S.
(G3) at Aqueduct on Sunday. The six-furlong feature for two-year-old fillies is
led by the undefeated ALFONSINA (Grand Slam) from the barn of Nick Zito, and we
feel that she will be tough to upend in this spot. The bay is equipped with an
abundance of early speed, but has also employed rating tactics, making her very
tractable in this small group. Cornelio Velasquez will pilot the likely favorite
once again, and should find himself in the winner’s circle afterward.

America’s leading conditioner, Steve Asmussen, will saddle a pair in here,
led by the Empire State-bred MEGASCAPE (Cape Canaveral). The dark bay dazzled in
her debut at Saratoga and followed that one up with a facile score in the Joseph
A. Gimma S. two races following that. The OBS March purchase has drawn the rail
and is likely the speed of the speed, meaning you must catch her to win it. Top
jockey John Velazquez will ride the filly, who may get very brave if left alone
on the front.

MORE MOONLIGHT (More Than Ready), the second of the Asmussen trainees, reeled
off consecutive tallies at Meadowlands and comes into this affair razor sharp.
The bay was impressive in taking the Holly S. most recently, and a repeat of
that makes her very competitive in here. Stewart Elliott’s presence in the
saddle adds to the appeal.

WINSOME (War Chant) was a non-factor in the one-mile Tempted S. (G3) in her
latest, but should appreciate the cut back in distance with these. The Allen
Jerkens trainee could pick up some pieces with a quick pace, and should move up
on a wet surface, but would need a career best to take home the top prize.

GALACTIC CAT (Forest Wildcat) was third in the Holly S. last try, and is
likely facing a more difficult field in here, so we’re inclined to keep her on
the bottom of exotics.