AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 7, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
Racing returned to the inner dirt track last week without incident, and will
remain on that surface until the end of March. Ongoing problems with the
Aqueduct main track, in addition to insufficient funds to correct those problems,
have forced NYRA management to extend the inner dirt season.
Turf racing made its return as well last Wednesday, albeit brief in nature.
Only one race was run over the grass course before a “closed for the season”
sign appeared. As a result, winter racing in New York has officially begun.
Saturday’s feature race was the Garland of Roses H. for fillies and mares at
six furlongs. MAGNOLIA JACKSON (Cape Canaveral) and Stormy Kiss (Arg)
(Bernstein), both of whom were sent off at odds of even-money, battled for the
lead from the opening bell.
The Gary Contessa-trained Magnolia Jackson proceeded to get the best of her
pace nemesis around the far turn, eventually turning into the stretch with a
daylight advantage. She was never seriously threatened thereafter, and continued
on resolutely to the finish to triumph by two comfortable lengths. Pleasant
Laughter (Coronado’s Quest) offered a good late rally to finish second, with
Stormy Kiss, who was returning from a 2 1/2-month layoff, tiring to finish
third. Notimetoquit (Toolightoquit), who was victimized by a stumbling start,
finished fourth. She raced well behind the dueling leaders, but lacked a
response when called upon to improve her position. Getcozywithkaylee (Zafarrancho
[Arg]) was late scratch when one of her stifles locked up in the paddock.
New York-bred juvenile fillies were in the spotlight on Sunday, as they took
to the track to contest the East View S. at 1 1/16 miles. Contessa recorded his
third stakes triumph of the weekend when MY KITTY (Catienus) closed determinedly
to come away with a head victory.
Ridden John Velazquez, My Kitty settled well off of the early fractions
carved out by Visual Candy (Woodman) down the backstretch. Visual Candy and
Laurentide Ice (Intidab) rallied in tandem around the far turn, with Twistaway (Wheelaway),
the 8-5 betting favorite, giving ground willingly. The aforementioned trio of
runners fought it out gamely virtually the entire length of the stretch, with My
Kitty able to eke out a well-deserved victory. Laurentide Ice finished second by
a scant nose over Visual Candy in a race which didn’t deserve a loser. Twistaway
finished last in a disappointing effort.
Early speed fared extremely well when racing returned to the inner dirt last
Wednesday. An intense speed bias was in effect on Friday, but the track appeared
to play evenly throughout the weekend. The inside paths were preferable on
Wednesday, and again on Friday.
Grass racing made a comeback on Wednesday, with no perceivable bias. However,
it was the final day of turf racing in New York for 2006.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (11/29)
2ND – BOXIN BOB (Jump Start) showed dramatic improvement switching to a fast
main track. Closed gamely over a speed biased track to finish second behind an
odds-on perfect trip winner. Appears to have found her niche in maiden claimers
over the inner dirt.
7TH – ELKHORN (Cryptoclearance) was clearly a tad short returning to a dirt
sprint off the layoff. Had to be pushed along to keep pace while chasing fast
fractions. Did well to get the show in a race she obviously needed. Lone winning
effort was at one mile.
Thursday (11/30)
6TH – MAKIN ME FAMOUS (Precise End) turned in a huge effort off a prolonged
layoff over the inner dirt. Carried his speed much farther off the shelf, and
definitely would have been much closer at the finish to the odds-on favorite if
not for “lugging in” badly during the stretch run. Might need some time to
regroup from what was clearly a lifetime best effort.
9TH – ED MIRACLE (Wild Rush) closed with interest to get the show on the drop
and turning back to a sprint. Offered a much improved effort in a race that
quickened noticeably late.
Friday (12/1)
6TH – PROM DANCE (Citidancer) was extremely well meant in her career debut.
An eventful start immediately cost her several lengths. She raced at the back of
the pack before dispensing a sustained rally to gain the place despite a
speed-oriented track. Has room to improve off this effort with a clean getaway
for a trainer that does not excel with first timers.
8TH – GOLD LIKE U (Gold Token) improved with a third on the drop. Made a
strong middle move while racing in the deeper part of the track to challenge for
the lead and subsequently tired. This runner loves six furlongs over the
Aqueduct inner dirt track, and appears poised for a top effort in her next
start.
Saturday (12/2)
1ST – RUN RED RUN (Afternoon Deelites) recorded a very game third-place
finish in an entry-level allowance contest. After being forced to set an
extremely quick and pressured pace, he gave ground grudgingly late in a sharp
effort.
4TH – CHIEF TALKEETNA (Chief Seattle) offered a creditable effort to finish
third in his unveiling. He was compromised by a wide trip over an inside speed
favoring track. Did well get the show in a swiftly run abbreviated sprint
Sunday (12/3)
4TH – LAUREN’S MUSIC (Prospector’s Music) registered a creditable third-place
finish despite breaking slowly from the rail in her career debut. Closed gamely
to nearly get the place, overcoming a wide trip in a race that was quick
throughout. Should have gained useful conditioning and experience from this
race.
5TH – CONGRESSIONAL RUN (Cherokee Run) appears to be slowly rounding back
into form. Was hard used dictating a fast and pressured pace and understandably
gave way late. Has won without the lead in the past, and it seems that he would
fit best at the 16,000 claiming level going forward.