AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 30, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
The final week of racing over the Aqueduct main track was completed last week
without incident, as the track once again presented its Festival of Racing over
the Thanksgiving holiday. Racing will now be conducted over the inner dirt track
until March 31, with the first post remaining at 12:30 p.m. (EST).
Also, John Imbriale will return to call the action beginning on January 4, as
Tom Durkin, NYRA’s regular track announcer, begins his winter vacation. Imbriale
assumed many roles at NYRA prior to his retirement in 2005, and he’ll call the
races through the end of March.
With Richard Migliore flying in from California for the ride, AFRASHAD (Smoke
Glacken) once again demonstrated his affinity for a sloppy track by registering
a well-deserved 1 1/4-length triumph in the Fall Highweight H. on Thanksgiving
Day. The even-money favorite quickly sprinted to a daylight lead despite his 132
lb. impost, and maintained a lead into the stretch. He responded willingly when
challenged by Introspect (In Case) at the eighth pole, and was able to turn away
that bid and edge away once again. Afrashad subsequently held on grimly in deep
stretch to win, with Sir Greeley (Mr. Greeley) closing belatedly to finish
second as Introspect tired and wound up finishing third.
Disappointment in Thoroughbred racing comes in many forms. One could almost
feel the pain experienced by the connections of Rahys’ Appeal (Rahy) last
Friday, when their runner was disqualified from first in the Top Flight H. (G2)
when jockey Alan Garcia unintentionally struck MALIBU MINT (Malibu Moon) with
the whip during the stretch run.
Rahys’ Appeal had rallied strongly from fifth position to challenge Malibu
Mint for the lead shortly after entering the stretch. As she was blowing the
past the leader, Garcia’s whip hit the ultimate winner as the 23-1 longshot
continued on to an apparent upset victory. However, the stewards launched an
inquiry into the stretch run, and jockey Eibar Coa claimed foul alleging
interference. Shortly thereafter, Rahys’ Appeal was placed second as Malibu Mint
was awarded the victory in what was truly a regrettable incident.
Miss Shop (Deputy Minister) ran on late to get the show, with Yolanda B. Too
(Two Punch), who showed the way for nearly six furlongs, tiring to finish
fourth. Mo Cuishle (Saint Ballado), the even-money favorite, stalked the early
pace and seemed uncomfortable over the track. She began dropping back
approaching the far turn after flashing early speed and wound up checking in
last.
DISCREET CAT (Forestry) kept his unblemished record intact with yet another
impressive victory, coming out on top by 3 1/4 lengths in the Cigar Mile H. (G1)
on Saturday. Ridden by jockey Garrett Gomez, Discreet Cat moved without urging
to dispute an extremely quick pace along with Sharp Humor (Distorted Humor) and
Silver Train (Old Trieste) down the backstretch. The overwhelming favorite was
on cruise control under Gomez until he was finally asked for more run in
midstretch. The response was immediate as Discreet Cat spurted away to a
daylight advantage, and then reported home a much-the-best winner under only
token encouragement. Badge of Silver (Silver Deputy) raced within striking
distance of the lead early on, and finished with interest to gain the place over
Silver Train. The third-place finisher held remarkably well despite dueling for
the lead, but was unable to match strides with the winner in the stretch and
settled for the show.
NOBIZ LIKE SHOBIZ (Albert the Great) bypassed the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile S.
(G1) to take a road less traveled, and found clear sailing as a result,
demolishing the opposition in the Remsen S. (G2) by 6 1/2 lengths. Trained by
Barclay Tagg, Nobiz Like Showbiz looked the part of a winner virtually every
step of the way as he tracked the pace carved out by Timber Reserve (Forest
Camp). He went after the front runner in earnest around the far turn, and
quickly displaced that rival on the lead upon entering stretch. Within a matter
of strides, the 2-5 favorite drew away, and amassed a seven-length lead by the
time he reached the furlong grounds despite running a bit “greenly.” Nobiz Like
Showbiz won off by himself in a performance which should stamp him as the winter
book favorite for the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Zanjero (Cherokee Run) closed belatedly for the place, with Kong the King
(Storm Boot) taking down the show. Timber Reserve tired to finish fourth, with
Sightseeing (Pulpit), who was forced to steady while attempting to improve his
position, checking in fifth.
BOCA GRANDE (A.P. Indy), bred by the Phipps Stable, continues to improve by
leaps and bounds. That fact was quite evident in her first start against
winners, as she annexed the Demoiselle S. (G2) by nearly four lengths. With
jockey Mike Smith aboard, Boca Grande enjoyed a beneficial inside trip while
settling behind very enterprising fractions. The Shug McGaughey-trained juvenile
rallied along the rail in the stretch to gain the lead, and continued on
strongly to post an authoritative victory. Get Ready Bertie (More Than Ready)
rallied and went after the pacesetting Successful Outlook (Orientate) on the far
turn. She sustained her rally in the stretch, but was clearly second best behind
an impressive winner. Successful Outlook, the 6-5 favorite in the wagering, had
the lead all to herself as she laid down sprightly fractions down the
backstretch. She gave way willingly when challenged for the lead in the stretch,
and outlasted longshot Grace Happens (Aptitude) for the show.
JUDY SODA (Personal Flag), who was allowed to carve out a very deliberate
pace in the Montauk H. on Sunday, used that to her advantage as she made every
pole a winning one by posting a 2 1/4-length victory. With Javier Castellano
aboard, the Tom Bush-trained runner relaxed nicely on the lead. She eventually
turned back a bid by Carlow (Forever Silver) around the far before securing a
daylight lead upon entering the stretch, and was not seriously challenged in
deep stretch. Shady Lane (Peaks and Valleys) showed brief early speed before
dropping back under Mike Smith. She then rerallied in the stretch and was
clearly second best. Fuego Grande (Adonis) closed belatedly to get the show. No
Reason (Precise End) stalked the slow pace, but lacked the necessary response
when called upon and wound up finishing fifth as the 4-5 odds-on favorite.
Coa led all riders over the main track, with Mike Luzzi finishing second and
Fernando Jara rounding out the top three.
Gary Contessa topped the trainer standings, with Richard E. Dutrow Jr., Todd
Pletcher and Kiaran McLaughlin finishing in a three-way dead-heat for second.
Speed did well in sprints all week, with early runners holding a distinct
edge in route contests on Thursday and again over the weekend.
The inside paths appeared best on Saturday and Sunday.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (11/22)
3RD – SEEKING THE GLORY (A.P. Indy) finished a game second off a layoff and
returning to dirt. Closed steadily in the stretch despite a modest pace and a
speed-favoring track. Fits well at the $35,000 claiming level, and his lone
victory in 2006 came over the inner track.
5TH – POLISHED ARROW (Gilded Arrow) ran “sneaky well” off a brief rest.
Showed good speed to chase a fast pace before retiring. Appears to be better
suited to six furlongs. Remains eligible to compete against limited winners.
Thursday (11/23)
1ST – PAIGE NICOLE (Lite the Fuse) recorded a sharp second-place finish
stepping up off the claim. Battled gamely disputing the pace virtually every
step of the way. Relishes a fight for the lead and a middle distance of ground.
8TH – SIR GREELEY (Mr. Greeley) did well to gain the place over a speed
biased track. Continues to improve since returning from a layoff, and seems to
be at his best at one mile or more.
Friday (11/24)
4TH – LOTTIE ZIP (City Zip) turned in a creditable fourth-place finish in her
well bet/well meant career debut. Was hounded every step of the way while
setting pace along the rail as the 2-1 second choice in the betting. Should have
gained beneficial conditioning and experience from this effort.
Saturday (11/25)
1ST – JACK ATAX (More Than Ready) was clearly not disgraced in his initial
effort vs. winners a brief freshening. Set a very quick and pressured pace and
held well to midstretch in a race that was fast for the class level off. Appears
poised to annex the NW1X Allowance condition soon.
4TH – SPORTS TOWN (Belong to Me) made an eye-catching turnaround in his
second career start, removing front bandages, blinkers and jockey Channing Hill.
Moved quickly to contest the lead around the far turn under Prado, and drew away
willingly in a swiftly run contest. Might be able to handle winners in his next
start.
6TH – Successful Outlook found 1 1/8 miles a bit beyond her scope while
stepping up. Dictated a very hot pace and tired. Probably will be most effective
over a middle distance of ground.
Sunday (11/26)
3RD – INDIAN HAWKE (Indian Charlie) finished a strong second off a brief
rest. Carried his speed much farther on the drop. Resisted gamely when
challenged in the stretch by the winner who boasts several graded stakes
placings. Dangerous speed if properly spotted going forward.
4TH – IMPRESSIONISM (Broad Brush) closed well for fourth in her career debut
despite a speed biased track. Looks as if she might be at her best over a middle
distance of ground.