AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
On paper, the Fred “Cappy” Capossela S. at Aqueduct on Saturday appeared to
set up perfectly for an off-the-pace runner. The most likely beneficiary of the
projected speed duel seemed to be Sunshine Alpine (Gold Case), who was unbeaten
in both career starts, posting decisive come-from-behind victories on each
occasion. However, when the starting gates opened, it was quite a different
story on the track.
LIKE NOW (Jules) sprinted to the lead from his inside post
and school was basically out, as he received only token pressure while dictating
a modest pace. The frontrunner was never seriously challenged on the lead, thus
enabling him to register a 2 3/4-length victory under modest encouragement in
deep stretch. The speed jam on the front end simply failed to materialize, and
as a result, Sunshine Alpine was left with to much to do in the stretch, as the
winner had amassed an insurmountable lead by the time the second-place finisher
had kicked into gear. Strummer (Phone Trick) was gathered back after an alert
beginning to stalk the early pace, and then lacked the necessary response when
called upon in the stretch and subsequently finished a well-beaten third.
BIG APPLE DADDY (Precise End) notched the biggest win of his career on Sunday
when he emerged victorious in the Hollie Hughes H. Saddled by Bruce Levine, the
four-old-colt raced toward the back of the pack before finding his best stride
leaving the far turn. Under jockey Orlando Mojica, Big Apple Daddy improved his
position upon entering the stretch, reeled the leader and eventually won drawing
clear by 2 1/4 lengths. What made this victory even more impressive was the
extremely speed-biased nature of the track. Introspect (In Case), the second
place finisher, had stolen away to a 3 1/2 length lead in midstretch, but was
unable to match strides with the winner late and had to settle for second,
finishing a head in front of a rallying Melodeeman (Wheaton).
When Silvestris (Forest Wildcat), the 1-2 favorite in the Dearly Precious S.,
the Presidents’ Day feature at Aqueduct on Monday, broke lethargically from the
rail, the entire complexion of the race changed. Taking full advantage of the
situation was RING TRUE (Is It True), who emerged victorious yet again to
earn a hard fought half-length win despite only one prior start under her belt.
Trained by James Jerkens, the winner stalked the early pace carved out by Pure
Disco (Disco Rico) and eventually dueled that rival into defeat in the stretch.
She then held gamely, withstanding a late rally from Vasa (City Zip), who
finished strongly while clearly second best, with the pacesetting Pure Disco
fading to third. As previously mentioned, Silvestris was hustled along after a
slow start to chase the early pace down the backstretch. Nevertheless, she
failed to improve her position leaving the far turn and finished a well-beaten
fourth.
Eibar Coa maintained his double-digit lead in the jockey standings, with Mike
Luzzi, Ramon Dominguez, Kyle Kaenel, and Norberto Arroyo Jr. rounding out the
top five.
Gary Contessa continues to dominate the trainer standings, with a real
horse race for place between Todd Pletcher, Richard Dutrow Jr. and Bruce Levine.
Early speed dominated the results on Wednesday and Thursday. That bias was
more prevalent in sprints than in route contests. The track played more
uniformly on Friday and Saturday, with a distinct speed bias returning for
Sunday’s card. The track continued to play to speed in sprints on the Monday
holiday as well.
There inside part of the track appeared to be best to begin the week, and
seemed that way on Sunday as well.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (2/15)
1ST – BOARDWALK BABE (Salt Lake) failed miserably versus older runners. She
was forced to chase a multi-level class dropper dictating a hot pace. Would
probably be more at home at the $14,000 claiming level.
2ND – BETTER GET BUSY (Dixieland Band) showed a good effort off a prolonged
layoff. Was clearly second best chasing home a wire-to-wire winner in a race
that finished up well late over a speed biased track.
3RD – BAILERO (Arg) (Roy) did not respond well to rating tactics returning to
New York. Suffered a bit of a wide trip versus a slow early pace and failed to
kick it in late. Clearly is at his best setting or forcing the early pace.
Thursday (2/16)
7TH – PRECISE STRIKE (Precise End) finished a creditable third off a long
layoff. Was pushed along to keep pace while racing a bit wide down the
backstretch and finished with interest late. Appears to be better suited to
longer sprint distances.
Friday (2/17)
1ST – AMERICANI (American Chance) had a much improved third-place finish
dropping and stretching-out in distance. Finished with good energy to just miss
the place. Can move forward off this effort, especially if he remains at current
class level/distance.
9TH – MORE HECK (Mt. Livermore) exits an encouraging effort off the shelf
dropping down to a more competitive level. Finished well late to get the show.
Best races to date have come from on/near the early pace.
Saturday (2/18)
4TH – NELSON ST. SWING (Dixieland Band) comes off a useful effort in his
well-bet debut. Finished with some interest to take fourth in a race that was
quick throughout. Should have gained beneficial experience/conditioning and
hails from a good win-early sire.
6TH – RAFF AND TUMBLE (Raffie’s Majesty) was much improved over a dry track.
Finished strong to get the place behind a perfect stalking trip winner as the
race quickened. Should continue to show progress with more distance.
Sunday (2/19)
4TH – SALTY PRINCESS (Salt Lake) showed a much better effort in her second
career start. Improved her position late, closing to get the show behind a
dominant winner in a swiftly run race. Appears ready to deliver a career best
effort in her next start.
6TH – TOUGH TO FOLLOW (Good and Tough) finished good second in his
well-bet/well meant career debut. Was forced to chase a quick pace carved out by
a more seasoned wire-to-wire winner. Should have derived beneficial experience
and conditioning for future efforts.
Monday (2/20)
4TH – FINAL PERFORMANCE (Performing Magic) outran her 29-1 post-time odds
turning back to a sprint off a brief rest. Chased a fast pace set by the odds-on
winning favorite and continued on well to the finish, which was easily her best
effort to date. Appears well suited to a basement level maiden claiming sprint.
7TH – SPUN SILK (A.P. Indy) finished well rating from just off the early
pace. Continued on well to the wire in a race that quickened late. Bears
watching, especially if she can the clear the field early.