AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 31, 2013
by John Mucciolo
There were no graded events over the weekend at the Big A.
Track Stats
A total of 18 races were held over the weather-shortened
week at the Jamaica, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 28 percent rate
and the top two betting choices combining for 56 percent of the wins during the
week. From 18 races on the main oval, 10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (56
percent), while there was no turf racing.
Speed ruled once again here, especially on Sunday when six
of the nine races were taken in wire-to-wire fashion. Inside posts also
dominated on that day, with seven winners from nine contests.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 477 | |
| DIRT: | 422 | |
| TURF: | 55 | |
| FAVORITES: | 179 (38 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 101 (21 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 10 (18 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 121 (29 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Saturday (1/26)
1ST — GANADOR (Posse) got away with soft early splits in
this dash, but the Dominic Galluscio trainee came home fast in a powerful win to
kick off this card. The four-year-old colt ran a professional race while rating
on the front end, and we don’t think he needs the lead to be at his best.
4TH — D J’S HOPE (Hook and Ladder) put in a very nice run
to make the winner sweat some late in a fine debut showing for trainer Richard DeMola,
who is not known for his prowess with first-time starters. Expect this one to
be a big danger in his subsequent try, albeit not at 35-1 odds.
5TH — WILLY PAY (Broken Vow) didn’t have much of a chance
with this front-running winner in here, but the beaten favorite put in a solid
run in the lane to be a clear second, and should be tough right back while in
decent form.
Sunday (1/27)
2ND — SUNRISE LOVER (Here’s Zealous) had no chance with the
clear winner in here after a slow start, but the sophomore colt rallied well in
the stretch to be a clear second in this spot, and shouldn’t be a maiden for too
long.
7TH — COUSIN MICHAEL (Greeley’s Galaxy) made short work of
this field in a front-running tour de force, and especially caught the eye in
coming home in :23 4/5 for his final quarter under little encouragement. This
was a very nice showing for the four-year-old gelding, who could be a huge
factor in his comeback event for trainer Charlton Baker.
A Look Ahead
The Grade 3, $200,000 Withers Stakes and the Grade 3,
$150,000 Toboggan Stakes will be held on Saturday at The Big A.