AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 24, 2008
by Bernard T. Moore
ANGLIANA (Giant’s Causeway), who had been winless since October of 2006,
finally got back on the winning track with a hard-fought one-length victory in
the Aqueduct H. on Saturday. The primary beneficiary of a spirited speed duel
between Judiths Wild Rush (Wild Rush) and Pink Viper (Smoke Glacken), the Kiaran
McLaughlin-trained six-year-old raced in the second-flight of runners down the
backstretch before moving to challenge for the lead around the far turn. He
eventually wrestled the lead away from a game Judiths Wild Rush past midstretch,
and then slowly edged away late as he recorded his initial stakes triumph.
Evening Attire (Black Tie Affair [Ire]), at 10-years young, still demonstrated
that he can run, finishing with good energy in the final furlong to take down
the place by a slim nose over Judiths Wild Rush, who gave ground grudgingly in a
sharp effort. Pink Viper tired badly and wound up last in the field of seven.
In the Jimmy Winkfield S. on the Monday holiday card, GO GO SHOOT
(Songandaprayer) took full advantage of a speed-biased track to register his
initial victory against winners, which surprisingly came in a stakes contest.
Dispatched at 9-1 odds, the James Ryerson trained-sophomore grabbed the early
lead immediately after the start under jockey Alan Garcia. Go Go Shoot was never
seriously while setting the pace, eventually winning by 3 1/2 comfortable
lengths. Law N Dora (Silver Deputy), within striking distance of the lead from
the outset, failed to improve his position in the stretch as the 8-5 betting
favorite. Accredit (E Dubai) outlasted the others to get the show.
There was no real discernible biases when racing returned on Wednesday.
Inside speed dominated the results on Thursday, and the track remained that way
thru Monday.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (1/16)
2ND – PENSIVENESS (Songandaprayer) put forth a much improved effort in his
second career start on the drop. The dark bay gave futile chase to a superior
speed runner, and then finished willingly late. He fits well at his current
class level.
3RD – MOST CHARMING (Lit de Justice) put forth a creditable showing off the
Bruce Levine claim. The gray lass understandably tired late after disputing a
lively pace into the stretch. She prefers to sit and make one run.
Thursday (1/17)
3RD – CASH MCCOOL (Pure Prize) obviously prefers a fast track. The chestnut
gelding was clearly second best chasing home a dominant daylight winner in a
quick time. He has room to move forward off this effort, but definitely wants a
‘dry’ surface.
4TH – KING DAVID J (Precise End) simply ‘whistled’ in his second career
start. The sophomore immediately gained the early lead and was never seriously
challenged thereafter. He appears ready to tackle winners in his next effort.
Friday (1/18)
2ND – AL THE USHER (Honour and Glory) put forth a creditable effort to begin
his career. The dark bay raced wide against the grain of an inside
speed-favoring track. He finished well for second in a valuable ‘educational
effort.’
3RD – CITY BY SEA (City Zip) set a lively pace stepping up/stretching out off
a maiden-claiming victory. The bay filly tired noticeably late, barely managing
to save the place, and appears as if she will be most effective sprinting. She
is eligible to compete against limited winners.
Saturday (1/19)
4TH – TSUNAMIC (Include) put forth a strong effort returning to dirt for a
new barn off a layoff. The bay raced in the second flight of runners, and
subsequently finished willingly to get fourth. He should have gained valuable
conditioning from this effort.
8TH – Evening Attire almost overcame a speed-bias while shortening up in
distance to score. The veteran campaigner closed belatedly to finish second at 1
1/16 miles, which is a tad short for him. He is at his best at nine furlongs and
beyond.
Sunday (1/20)
4TH – AMBIDAXTROUS (Deputy Commander) closed gamely in deep stretch to just
miss overhauling a perfect stalking trip winner over a speed-favoring track. She
should continue her forward level of progression off this race.
9TH – ACE OF HEARTS (American Chance) exhibited much improved early foot on a
dry track, chasing a superior speed rival who wired the field. She has dangerous
tactical speed, especially over a fast track.
Monday (1/21)
2ND – GIMMEAROUTINE (Eltish) showed vastly-improved early speed to argue fast
fractions while re-equipped with blinkers on the stretch-out. The sophomore
understandably tired in the stretch in a good showing. He has a pedigree to
handle a middle distance, especially if facing limited winners for a claiming
tag.
8TH – HOLIDAZE (Harlan’s Holiday) was hindered by a speed-biased track while
stepping up into a stakes contest. He finished willingly late to nearly get
third money, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sent around two turns vs.
preliminary allowance runners in his next start.