AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 10, 2011
by John Mucciolo
A trio of graded races headlined the opening weekend at Aqueduct.
Red Smith H. (G2): Phipps Stables’ homebred BOISTEROUS took command
inside the final furlong and inched clear to a two-length win in here for
conditioner Shug McGaughey. The talented four-year-old colt stopped the
teletimer in 2:20 1/5 for 1 3/8 miles under Alan Garcia.
Turnback the Alarm S. (G3): Carolyn Wilson’s ARENA ELVIRA pressed the
early pace, moved to the front approaching the final turn and cruised home a
convincing 6 3/4-length winner of this one under Junior Alvarado. The
four-year-old Bill Mott trainee endured nine panels on the main oval in 1:51 2/5
over a fast oval.
Bold Ruler S. (G3): Mike Repole’s CALIBRACHOA continued his fine run
on this oval with a commanding 2 3/4-length score in here for trainer Todd
Pletcher. The four-year-old colt sped seven panels on the fast main strip in
1:21 1/5 while under the guidance of Jose Lezcano.
Track Stats
A total of 25 races were held over the Jamaica, New York, venue, with
favorites winning at a 32 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining
for 64 percent of the wins during the opening weekend. From 15 races on the main
oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (33 percent), and no runner led
at every call on the lawn from 10 races.
Early speed ruled on the main oval in our estimation, with five wire-to-wire
winners and many others pressing the pace in second or third in the early
stages. The opposite was true on the lawn, with nearly all of the winners
settling closer to the back than the front this weekend.
While it is too early in the meet to make any claims about biased ovals, we
will not take these observations for granted.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 25 | |
| DIRT: | 15 | |
| TURF: | 10 | |
| FAVORITES: | 8 (32 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 8 (32 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 0 (0 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 5 (33 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Friday (11/4)
7TH — The seven-year-old PREMIUM WINE was disqualified from this win but
lost nothing in our eyes in a strong effort for conditioner Tony Dutrow. The bay
continues to hold good form despite his age.
8TH — UNBRIDLED COMMAND made pretty easy work of this bulky field for
trainer Tom Bush, striding home a 5 1/4-length maiden winner. The juvenile colt
didn’t beat much but did it the right way, and could be a good one going
forward.
Saturday (11/5)
4TH — FRAZIL continues to shine against starter foes for owner/trainer Linda
Rice, this time powering home in a smart 1:10 2/5 en route to a win. The gelded
five-year-old is very versatile and is always going to be a major player in
these ranks.
7TH — DISCREET CODE made up a good amount of ground in finishing third at
first asking in here for trainer Bruce Levine, and this one should move up for a
barn much better with second-time starters. We’ll tab the gelding for a win next
time.
Sunday (11/6)
6TH — Team Valor’s MASTER SHADE took over nearing the sixteenth-pole and was
confidently handled to the wire in posting a 1 1/4-length win in this one under
Garcia. The Graham Motion charge appeared to have a lot left late and wouldn’t
surprise with a repeat showing.
A Look Ahead
The Grade 3, $150,000 Long Island Handicap on Saturday is the lone graded
race to be held here this weekend.