AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
FEBRUARY 28, 2013
by John Mucciolo
There were no graded events over the weekend at the Big A.
Track Stats
A total of 37 races were held on the Jamaica, New York inner track, with
favorites winning at a 38 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining
for 62 percent of the wins during the week. Thirteen races were won in
wire-to-wire fashion (35 percent).
We thought the track played mostly consistent for the duration of the week,
with speed having an edge throughout. For the past six or more weeks, speed on
the rail has been mostly deadly.
For reasons we’re not sure of, 23 of the 37 winners (62 percent) this week
broke from posts four-to-six. We didn’t think the oval was unfair, but it’s a
stat to keep an eye on, nonetheless. Saturday saw seven of the nine winners
break from one of those post slots.
Meet Totals
RACES: | 618 | |
DIRT: | 563 | |
TURF: | 55 | |
FAVORITES: | 232 (38 percent) | |
2ND CHOICES: | 139 (22 percent) | |
TURF WIRE: | 10 (18 percent) | |
DIRT WIRE: | 167 (27 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (2/21)
6TH — The Nicholas Esler-trained SINGLE FOREVER (Eddington) made a nice run
approaching the final turn and held a stern challenger at bay late in an
impressive debut score in this one. The sophomore filly raced wide every step of
the way on a speed-favoring oval, and could be very live in her next outing.
SATURDAY NTHE PARK (Any Given Saturday) ran as well as one can without
winning in here for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, finishing more than nine lengths
clear of third in a big runner-up showing. This one shouldn’t be a maiden for
much longer.
8TH — KENTUCKY PIE (Stormy Atlantic) made a sweeping move to the front in
early stretch and come home well to post a 3 1/4-length allowance tally in this
one, and the Kelly Breen trainee could try stakes foes soon after a career-best
effort. .
Friday (2/22)
3RD — VEXOR (Wildcat Heir) made nice improvement off of his 2013 debut with
a nice second in here, falling to a wire-to-wire winner, and the capable
four-year-old colt could put it all together next time.
5TH — Trainer Rudy Rodriguez might have gotten away with one in sending DADS
CAPS (Discreet Cat) out for a maiden claiming run at first asking, as the
sophomore colt was tons the best against these in a powerful display. Well
backed in this one, the Kentucky-bred went in a solid 1:10 for six panels and
could be any kind after coming home in a hand ride.
Saturday (2/23)
7TH — RISK MANAGEMENT (Unbridled’s Song) didn’t fire that cleanly but did
put in a nice late run to be a clear second behind a sharp winner in this one
for trainer Richard Violette. The three-year-old colt will be very tough with
improvement for a trainer fine with second-time starters.
Sunday (2/24)
2ND — LENDEROFLASTRESORT (Yes It’s True) gave Violette his second sharp
sophomore performance of the weekend when this sophomore filly tracked a
moderate pace and came home fast in a decisive score. The improving filly was
professional in topping what we thought were a pair of solid fillies, and she
could be of value in her debut with winners next time out.
7TH — GREELEY PACK (Greeley’s Galaxy) made a spirited late run and just
missed from graduating in this one for conditioner Kathleen Feron, but the
gelded four-year-old was tons clear of second and surely looms large with a
similar showing in his comeback assignment.
A Look Ahead
A trio of graded races on Saturday headline the weekend at Aqueduct. The
Grade 3, $400,000 Gotham Stakes is the top draw for sophomores with hopes of
progressing on the Triple Crown Trail. Also on Saturday is the Grade 2, $200,000
Top Flight Handicap and the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap.