AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
MARCH 27, 2009
by Albie Johnson
A small field, but one high on quality, faced the starter in the Distaff H.
(G2) as the long winter meet on the inner track begins to wind down, and New
Orleans invader SECRET GYPSY (Sea of Secrets) proved a deserving favorite in
picking up her first graded stakes victory. Chestnut filly broke running, was
chased by recent Barbara Fritchie H. (G2) winner Royale Michelle (Elusive
Quality), put away a mild bid by that rival and proved best under confident
handling by Robby Albarado. Trained by Midwest regular Ronny Werner, lightly
raced miss picked up the winner’s share of the $157,300 purse and stopped the
clock in a respectable 1:10.01. Belief here is that seven furlongs or a one-turn
mile may be within her range.
Race was marred by the breakdown at the half-mile pole of the second choice
in the wagering, Zada Belle (Indian Charlie).
Sunday’s card was highlighted by the successful return to action of INDIAN
WAY (Indian Charlie). Very lightly raced filly (three starts) was returning to
action off a July layoff in which she had finished third in the Prioress (G1) at
Belmont. Bay filly proved too much for this modest gathering as her presumed two
most dangerous rivals were late scratches. Four-year-old broke on top and never
faced a serious challenge as she went wire to wire, covering the six panels in a
modest 1:11.49 while reporting home by five lengths under light encouragement.
She may have a bright future if she’s able to stay in training without another
layoff.
Track Conditions
Fast on all days but Thursday when all nine races were conducted on a surface
labeled “good.” Track favored speed runners on that particular day, but the
other four cards did not show any favoritism as toward style.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/18)
3RD — PRINCE OF IRON (Menifee) put in a strong effort, giving Reptilian
Smarts (Include) all he could handle before losing a “head” bob to his rival,
who was winning his fifth th in a row and who would be voted “Horse of the Meet”
if such an award existed. Prince of Iron should win next out.
6TH — Projected to be part of the speed in this maiden claimer, WINITBACK
(Buddha) broke a bit sluggishly and rallied late to finish a distant fourth. He
had the rail and had to move out of the gate to be effective, and a seven-
furlong contest on the main track should help him be more competitive.
9TH — HOOKED UP (Hook and Ladder) ran a fine race, saving ground on the rail
while 3-4 lengths from the top, swung out approaching the lane and although no
match for the heavily favored gate-to-wire winner, clearly finished second best.
He shouldn’t be a maiden for long.
Thursday (3/19)
5TH — After being shuffled to the rear heading into the first turn THUNDER
MINISTER (Service Stripe) saved ground until the far turn, commenced an inside
rally and after swinging out turning for home, he angled back in and finished
strongly for the place. Nice effort.
9TH — CITY IN THE CLOUDS (Good and Tough) chased returnee and eventual
winner Demaliat (Demaloot Demashoot) from start to finish, and while no match
for that rival, she held down the place spot by 6 1/2 lengths. Next time.
Friday (3/20)
7TH — Old-timer INDIAN HAWKE (Indian Charlie) cut out the pace (as usual),
was challenged approaching the half, put away that rival on the turn then held
gamely for the place after a stretch long battle with the winner. He loves the
Aqueduct main track, and that’s where his next effort should be.
9TH — “There off you lose” was never more appropriate than here, as heavy
favorite ALPHA DANCER (Alphabet Soup) broke far behind the field after a stumble
and hard bump at the start. He basically just “ran around the track” after that
and should be given every chance next out to redeem himself. State-bred was
making his first start off a five- month layoff and dropping into a claimer for
the first time.
Saturday (3/21)
1ST — In late January, trainer Steve Asmussen signed the claim slip for
BULLARA (Holy Bull) with the price being $30,000. New connections gave him a
seven-week freshening and ran him back for $25K. He finished a solid
pace-pressing third, but will make his next start for Gary Sciacca who reached
in at the reduced price tag. Runner appear to be nearing his best and a quick
turnaround would be a positive sign.
Sunday (3/22)
2ND — Sophomore filly CREMA D’ORO (Megdalia d’Oro) had a tough task chasing
West Coast invader and heavy favorite Solo Piano (Empire Maker). She did her
best forcing that rival into solid splits, but after making a bid approaching
the three-eighths pole she flattened out late to finish fourth. Margin of defeat
should guarantee a square price next out.
Upcoming Events
The $100,000 Next Move (G3), for fillies and mares, will be held Saturday
over 1 1/8 miles.
Have a Nice Week!!