AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 24, 2013
by John Mucciolo
There was no graded racing over the weekend at Aqueduct.
Track Stats
A total of 45 races were held over the inner oval at the Jamaica, New York
venue, with favorites winning at a 51 percent rate and the top two betting
choices combining for 71 percent of the wins during the week. From 45 races on
the main oval, 10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (22 percent).
The handicappers were on this week with favorites coming through at a 51
winning rate, including a combined 14 for 18 on Thursday and Sunday (78
percent).
Speed was good on the main oval, especially earlier in the week. On a whole,
a good portion of the winners last week were in the top three early on.
Inner Meet Totals
| RACES: | 81 | |
| FAVORITES: | 36 (44 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 19 (23 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 18 (22 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/18)
3RD — SAMRAAT (Noble Causeway) led from gate to wire in this convincing
score for trainer Richard Violette, finishing 16 3/4 lengths clear at the wire
in a most facile stakes tally. The juvenile colt will surely get his chance with
open foes in the very near future, and he could quite simply be any kind with
further progression.
9TH — CHASINTHEBLUES (Hook and Ladder) led early, was passed approaching the
turn for home, and battled back gamely to be a nice second behind a winner he
had little chance with. The Willard Thompson charge could be a dangerous player
in his return, and also might appreciate a bit more ground to work with in the
future.
Thursday (12/19)
3RD — The David Donk-trained MASASI (More Than Ready) tracked in second
every step of the way in finishing a good second, following a nice score most
recently. The capable sophomore filly came home in a strong :24 2/5, and clearly
has ability.
8TH — JONATA (Proud Citizen) was last early but put in a fine late run to be
third, just three parts out of second, in a very good off-the-pace effort at a
price. The Michael Hushion pupil will be a player next time out with even slight
improvement off of this.
Friday (12/20)
9TH — ONCE A WEEK (Invasor) broke slow and had just one runner beaten early
on, but the first-time starter made gradual improvement into and through the
stretch to miss second by only a half-length in a promising debut try under Jose
Ortiz. Look for this sophomore filly to be a major player next time for Hushion.
Saturday (12/21)
4TH — The Bill Mott-conditioned HOWL (Arch) tracked the pace and led in late
stretch, only to be run down in what was still a nice runner-up showing beneath
Emmanuel Esquivel. The juvenile colt lost to a nice prospect and was well clear
of his nearest foe, so we assume he won’t be a maiden for long.
6TH — Trainer Todd Beattie unveiled a fine juvenile filly when TARIS
(Flatter) shot to the front and never looked back in posting a sensational 11
3/4-length drubbing of this field. The filly has been training very well at Penn
National and ran to her works, drawing off with ease under Clinton Potts.
8TH — Grade 1 hero STRAPPING GROOM (Johannesburg) tracked in second, took
command at the top of the lane and left no doubt in posting a 6 1/2-length score
beneath Junior Alvarado. The six-year-old sped six panels in a brisk 1:09 3/5,
which included a :23 4/5 final quarter-mile.
Sunday (12/22)
4TH — Darley’s BALLYLEE (Street Cry) was very professional in this winning
debut run and could be a very nice prospect going forward. The Tom Albertrani
charge tracked the pace, took the lead and stayed on strongly to win at two
turns, not an easy feat at first asking.
A Look Ahead
There are no graded stakes upcoming at Aqueduct.