Life in Shambles headlines Gravesend
of seconds.
The ultra- consistent bay will be cutting back a panel from seven furlongs for the first time since June of 2017 at Finger Lakes when he finished second by a head in the Ontario County.
“He ran a big race last time and he’s come back and trained great coming into this race,” said Baker. “We’re hoping he can do the same here. Seven furlongs might be his best distance, but he’s training well and loves Aqueduct, so we’ll take our shot in here.”
Gold for the King will depart from post 5 with Joel Rosario in the irons.
Looking to rebound off a fifth- place finish in the Fall Highweight is Runaway Lute for trainer Gary Contessa and owners Harold Lerner and Nehoc Stables.
A 4-year- old New Yorkbred son of Midnight Lute, the dark bay colt has collected two wins from four starts this year, including a 4 ¼-length win on July 4 at Belmont Park in which he recorded a 104 Beyer Speed Figure.
Prior to running in the Fall Highweight, he captured the Hudson on October 20 at Belmont.
“He didn’t run his race last time at all in the Fall Highweight, so were going to put a line through that race,” said Contessa. “He ran his race in the paddock getting all worked up. This time around we’ve brought him over to Aqueduct from Belmont for the week to get him more acquainted to his surroundings so we’re hoping for him run to his ability.”
Runaway Lute will leave from post 3 with Junior Alvarado.