AQUEDUCT
NOTEBOOK
November 17
by Bernard T. Moore
The first stakes race of the week at the “Big A”
took place on Thursday’s Veteran’s Day program. That contest was
the $61,000 Soaring Softly S. at one mile on the turf for three-year-old
fillies. Top honors went to RIGHT THIS WAY (West By West) who
outgamed five other rivals in a blanket finish to post a well-deserved
three-quarter-of-a-length victory. A prominent factor from the
outset, Right This Way was ridden by top grass jockey Edgar
Prado, who engaged the leaders on the far turn while racing
outside of rivals.
When the Barclay Tagg-trained filly was set down in earnest in
the stretch drive, she responded willingly by edging away late
from her opposition over a grass course listed as good.
Humoristic (Sefapiano) rallied belatedly to gain the place,
winning a tight photo over Tuesday Prayer (Holy Bull), who gave
ground grudgingly in the stretch after attending the early pace.
On Saturday, CLASSIC ENDEAVOR (Silver Buck) was sent
immediately to the lead from his inside post and never
surrendered his advantage, annexing the Stuyvesant H. (G3).
Trained by Richard Dutrow Jr., the six-year-old relaxed nicely on
the front end for Prado while dictating modest fractions. Classic
Endeavor was well within himself as he held off a final bid by
Colita (Grindstone) before eventually posting a decisive 1 1/2-length
victory over a good main track. Country Be Gold (Summer Squall)
finished evenly late for third.
This was Classic Endeavor’s second victory since Dutrow
claimed him for $50,000 in August at Saratoga, and his first
stakes victory for his new connections. Powerful Touch (Touch
Gold), the 3-2 favorite in the Stuyvesant, raced within striking
position throughout, but came up empty in the stretch when called
upon and finished next to last.
The final stakes race of the week on Sunday saw nine evenly
matched juveniles enter the starting gate in the six-furlong
Huntington. MAGOO’S MAGIC (Awesome Again) bounded away from the
gate to secure an early lead, and he would maintain that position
en route to a 3 1/2-length victory. Conditioned by Hall of Fame
trainer Allen Jerkens, Magoo’s Magic rated kindly for rider
Javier Castellano on the lead before stealing away to an
insurmountable lead in the stretch, outrunning his eight rivals
as a double-digit odd longshot in the Huntington. Storm Creek
Rising (Storm Creek) gave resolute chase to the winner
throughout, and held well for second, finishing a length ahead of
Tani Maru (Cherokee Run), who closed for third. The 2-1 race
favorite, Malheur (Saint Ballado), was never a serious threat,
and crossed the finish line a well-beaten fifth.
Aqueduct’s main track favored Early types to begin the week.
That advantage seemed to disappear with a wet track on Friday and
Saturday, before eventually returning on Sunday as the course
dried out. On the days that there was grass racing, no pronounced
bias was evident. The outside paths held a significant edge on
Friday and Saturday, while the inside was definitely the place to
be on Sunday.
Handicappers Note: When handicapping distance races at
Aqueduct (one mile or longer), consider this: post positions 10
thru 12 have produced just one winner from 26 starts, less than 4
percent. Definitely food for thought.
It should come as no surprise that Dutrow tops the trainer’s
standings. He saddled four winners last week, two of which came
off layoffs to bring his total for the meet to 14. James Jerkens
has six winners, good enough for second, only one ahead of five
trainers who are tied for third with five wins each. Jennifer
Pedersen is among that group, and her stable seems to have come
alive since racing switched to Aqueduct, where her horses are
usually stabled.
Prado holds a three-win lead over Pablo Fragoso Jr. in the
jockey’s standings. Prado had two stakes victories last week,
including one for Dutrow, who is one of his main clients.
Castellano, Cornelio Velasquez and Norberto Arroyo Jr. round out
the top five.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (11/10)
4TH – MISS LAKEFIELD (Meadowlake) was a sharp-looking debut
winner from Gary Contessa, who is not known for winning with
first timers. The juvenile miss relaxed nicely off a sizzling
quarter mile before inhaling the pacesetter shortly after
entering the stretch under a rating hold while drawing off to a
daylight lead. Continued to finish strongly once switching to her
proper lead, and galloped out well after the wire.
5TH – SMOKIEISABANDIT (Smoke Glacken) appreciated the class
relief dropping down to the $16,000 level and switching to
Aqueduct. Held gamely setting a quick pressured pace in a much-improved
effort. Does not like to yield when making the lead. Awarded the
victory via a steward’s disqualification.
Thursday (11/11)
4TH – RAF AND READY (Raffie’s Majesty) turned in a dramatic
form reversal in second career start at long odds. Showcased
newfound early speed to chase a lively pace while stretching-out
and adding Lasix. Finished with good energy racing between
runners in the stretch under modest encouragement despite her
rider losing the whip in a race that finished up well late.
7TH – MAHZOUZ (Charismatic) has fallen victim to unflattering
pace scenarios in most recent starts. Clearly second-best here
while chasing a wire-to-wire winner who benefited by setting an
unchallenged pedestrian pace over a speed conducive course.
Sophomore needs a little help on the front end to show his best.
Friday (11/12)
4TH – PRETTY PARTISAN (Badge) finished a sharp second in well
meant debut. Missed the break and then veered sharply towards the
rail from post 1, immediately costing him a couple of lengths.
Forced to steady a bit racing down the backstretch as well.
Continued to race along the deeper inside on the turn, and into
the stretch before settling suddenly while continuing along the
rail. Made up considerable ground late to an odds-on favorite who
benefited from a perfect stalking trip. Bred on both sides of her
pedigree to relish a route of ground.
9TH – STORM THIEF (Cat Thief) was the second choice in the
wagering in her unveiling to a solid dropdown favorite. Became
embroiled in a four-horse battle for the lead while racing along
the deeper inside. Won the pace battle, but eventually lost the
war to a decisive winner who took the overland route to score.
Clearly not abused in the stretch while easily second best and is
a strong candidate to graduate soon.
Saturday (11/13)
4TH – STORM STRIP (Comic Strip) wound up an unlucky third in
her second career start. Leapt into the air at the break, costing
her several lengths, and was then hustled into contention to
stalk the pace along the deeper inside down the backstretch.
Could not get off a dead rail on the turn and into the stretch,
and finished with interest late. Without question, she would have
been second with a better trip, and might have won if able to
maneuver into the better going.
6TH – WING MAN (A.P Jet) was checked shortly after the break
in his well bet/well meant return. Recovered to race behind
horses down the backstretch, which he did not appreciate as he
seemed to shy away from dirt being kicked into his face. Guided
to the extreme outside by Santos, the two-year-old proceeded to
level off nicely, making a bold wide run into the stretch. Failed
to sustain that rally as his rustiness became apparent late. We
should eventually see him stretched out to two turns as his Grade
1-winning dam (Clabber Girl) has produced four route winners and
was at her best at longer distances (finished second in 1 1/4-mile
Breeders’ Cup Distaff [G1] in 1987).
Sunday (11/14)
3RD – SHOP AGAIN (Wild Again) finished a much-improved second
switching to Aqueduct and turning back to a sprint. Forced to
chase modest fractions while racing three-wide virtually the
entire way. Closed resolutely in the stretch in a sharp effort.
6TH – SUNRISE AT SIX (Salt Lake) gave an encouraging effort in
her career debut for top trainer Dutrow. Forced to rally outside
of runners vs. an inside speed favoring course, the juvenile
filly closed well late for the place in a swiftly run race. Raced
a bit greenly behind a well bet/well meant debut winner, who
coincidentally was piloted by Dutrow’s “go to” rider (Prado).
Sunrise at Six may appreciate more ground.