AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
APRIL 6, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
Racing returned to the main track at Aqueduct last week and was well received
as expected. One should keep in mind that all races at a mile or less are
contested around one turn, with nine-furlong events beginning directly in front
of the grandstand.
Mike Smith and Kent Desormeaux have begun riding in New York on a full time
basis after plying their trade in Southern California. Chuck Lopez is also a
recent returnee after being sidelined for much of the winter due to injury.
The Excelsior Breeders’ Cup H. (G3) on Saturday also marked the return of
Funny Cide (Distorted Humor) to New York. However, his homecoming was spoiled
when WEST VIRGINIA (Tomorrows Cat) rallied smartly from off the pace to win by 1
3/4 lengths. Trained by Todd Pletcher, West Virginia relaxed nicely off a
sprightly early pace dictated by the aforementioned Funny Cide. With jockey
Norberto Arroyo Jr. aboard, he found his best stride leaving the far turn,
seized command nearing the furlong grounds and then maintained a safe margin to
the wire. The former Kentucky Derby (G1) winner held on gamely to finish second,
reporting home 1 1/4 lengths in front of Colita (Grindstone), who was dispatched
as the 5-2 favorite in the wagering. A New York homebred, West Virginia raced
nine furlongs in a snappy 1:48.28.
The Fickle Fanny S. on Sunday produced a formful result when Storm Minstrel
(Storm Cat) was finally able to knife her way between horses in the stretch and
win going away under jockey Ramon Dominguez. Sitting a ground-saving trip from
the outset, the 3-2 betting choice was bottled up as she raced toward the inside
down the backstretch and around the far turn. Even as the field straightened for
home, she remained trapped behind the pacesetting Slew Motion (Slew Gin Fizz)
before being maneuvered between rivals. She then kicked into gear upon securing
running room and was under modest encouragement late. Slew Motion was clearly
second best to complete the Richard Dutrow Jr. exacta, with Sweet Sweet (Honour
and Glory) three lengths farther back in third. Tiffany Touch (Deputy Minister)
raced one-paced throughout and finished evenly for fourth.
Alan Garcia and Ramon Dominguez are tied for top honors in the trainer
standings, with Eibar Coa and Norberto Arroyo Jr. in a deadheat for the third at
the new meet.
Jimmy Jerkens is off to a fast start over the main track and tops the trainer
standings. H. James Bond has received a much needed wakeup call with the change
in surfaces, and he is among four trainers tied for second in the standings.
The main track opened with the track playing uniformly on Wednesday, Thursday
and Saturday. Speed did extremely well on Friday and Sunday. There was no discernible path bias all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/29)
1ST – BOLD LOVE (Not for Love) finished an improved second while returning to
a route of ground. Finished with interest late to be second best in a race that
was fast throughout. May finally be ready to register that elusive first career
victory.
6TH – QUILLEN’S POINT (Hennessy) displayed a dramatic form reversal in her
second career start. Made a good middle move into a lively pace and then
continued on well late. May have found a home in statebred maiden claimers.
Thursday (3/30)
2ND – CROSSING VERRAZANO (Tactical Advantage) showed signs of life switching
to the main track. Closed with interest late as the race quickened to nearly get
the place in an improved effort. May ultimately want more distance.
7TH – REMORSE (Regal Classic) was clearly a tad short in his first race since
January. Was hard used arguing a quick early pace and subsequently tired in a
much needed effort. Remains eligible to face New York-breds in an entry level
allowance contest.
Friday (3/31)
1ST – ROUGH HOUSER (Wild Gold) turned in an improved showing off the Gary
Contessa claim in his second career start. He was forced to rally against the
grain of a speed biased course and nearly captured the place.
7TH – SNOWS GONE (Gone for Real) recorded an impressive second-place finish
off a prolonged absence. Gave futile chase to the odds-on winning favorite in a
race that was fast for the class level.
Saturday (4/1)
4TH – THAT’S A GIVEN (Point Given), who shipped up from Florida, was
compromised by a wide trip disputing the pace from his outside post. Continued
with good courage in the stretch and understandably tired from his early
exploits. Should improve with experience and distance.
5TH – TIDAL WAVE (Stormy Atlantic) Obviously overmatched setting a quick and
pressured pace in Starter Hdcp. company at nine furlongs. Would benefit from a
cutback in distance and probably some class relief as well.
Sunday (4/2)
5TH – THE MIDNIGHT SKIER (Appealing Skier) proved to be a dominant winner in
very fast time. Gained the lead around the far turn and then ran away and hid.
Probably could handle a significant class hike for new connections if properly
spotted.