AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
APRIL 16, 2015
by John Mucciolo
A single graded stakes race headlined the week of racing at Aqueduct.
Top Flight H. (G2): Joseph V Shields’ HOUSE RULES (Distorted Humor)
wore down the pair up front to make good on her favored status, scoring by a
half-length beneath Junior Alvarado. The Jimmy Jerkens trainee clocked nine
panels on the fast main oval in 1:52 2/5.
Track Stats
A total of 43 races were held on the inner strip at the Long Island, New York
venue, with favorites winning at a 37 percent rate and the top two betting
choices combining for 53 percent of the wins during the week. Twelve races were
won in wire-to-wire fashion (28 percent). Turf racing returns this week.
The main oval appeared to change some to us during the week. We thought
Wednesday played fairest of all. The first four races were taken in wire-to-wire
fashion on Thursday, but then we didn’t see another of its kind until Saturday.
The weekend produced seven wire jobs from 18 races. Overall, five of the
winners who led throughout came in route races, while seven came in sprint runs.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 544 | |
| DIRT: | 544 | |
| FAVORITES: | 208 (38 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 114 (21 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 125 (23 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (4/8)
4TH — STAR GRAZING (Sky Mesa) couldn’t reel in the very sharp winner, but
the four-year-old filly made a nice run to be a clear second in her first outing
since September. The Jimmy Jerkens trainee should be very tough right back if in
a similar spot.
5TH — ALEANDER (Smart Strike) was not as powerful of a winner as we
suspected entering the race, but the five-year-old was wide and behind a slow
pace and still scored comfortably. The Kentucky-bred went to Garry Gullo off the
claim and looms a big chance in his first with winners next time.
Thursday (4/9)
2ND — We really liked the maiden win by DELIGHTFUL ERIN (Rock Hard Ten) and
she came back to reward us with a nice tally at nearly 9-1. The sophomore has
captured two in a row since joining the Abigail Adsit barn, winning in different
fashions, proving she is going so well right now.
3RD — DAMAGE CONTROL (Hard Spun) might have burned a slew of money in this
allowance test but ran a big one and is surely going in the right direction for
trainer John Kimmel. The sophomore colt was always close to a very fast pace and
nearly held on, falling just a nose shy under the wire.
6TH — COMING ATTRACTION (Tapit) couldn’t get it done at a short price second
time out, but we still like the Shug McGaughey trainee and expect her to be a
good one down the road.
BEAR IT (Majesticperfection) was a solid third in this dash in her career
debut when taking a lot of money and we think this is another who will turn out
to be a useful runner.
Friday (4/10)
4TH — Tampa import GOOD PICK NICK (Tapit) put in a strong late run to leave
foes in his wake, breaking his maiden for conditioner Kiaran McLaughlin. The
well-bred sophomore came home in a swift :24 1/5 and looks like a horse with a
high ceiling.
Saturday (4/11)
9TH — JC’S SHOOTING STAR (Miracle Man) moved into contention approaching the
turn for home and made the winner work in finishing more than five lengths clear
of third. We thought this was an outstanding debut showing for conditioner David
Donk, who rarely has them cranked up for the initial outing.
Sunday (4/12)
6TH — In one of the sharper performances of the week, the Michelle Nevin-trained
VICTORY IS SWEET (Congrats) sped to the front and never looked back in posting a
superb eight-length maiden win under Jose Ortiz. The three-year-old colt went
six furlongs in 1:09 3/5 and posted a healthy 102 BRIS Speed number for the
powerful performance.
A Look Ahead
Saturday will play host to the $200,000 Distaff Handicap (G2).