AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 21, 2007
by Bernard T. Moore
The yearly Holiday break for New York racing commenced a day earlier than
originally planned when NYRA cancelled Sunday’s racecard due to an impending
winter storm. The Gravesend H. (G3), intended to be run on Sunday, will now be
run on December 29. Last Thursday, a combination of snow, sleet and freezing
rain led to the suspension of that card as well. Racing is scheduled to return
at Aqueduct on Wednesday, December 26. First post remains at 12:30 p.m. (EST).
Canadian shippers finished 1-2 in the Ladies H. on Saturday, with WOW ME FREE
(Menifee) closing resolutely in deep stretch to post a dramatic neck victory. A
compact field of six runners went to the post, with Cryptoquip (Cryptoclearance)
and Tap Gold (Pleasant Tap) battling for early supremacy. The latter secured a
two-length lead after a half-mile had been run, but was once again joined on the
front end by Cryptoquip at the six furlong mark, with Wow Me Free biding her
time in last under jockey Alan Garcia. The eventual second-place finisher
spurted away to a daylight lead around the far turn, and looked home free in
midstretch, boasting a 2 1/2-length advantage. Unfortunately for Cryptoquip, Wow
Me Free was able to sustain a determined late bid, running her down in the final
yards to prove narrowly best in a thrilling finish. It was another 2 3/4 lengths
farther back to Borrowing Base (Personal Flag), who made a failed run at the
leader at the one mile mark prior to weakening under pressure in the stretch.
Inda (A.P. Indy), the tepid 5-2 betting favorite, chased the early pace and then
gave way badly late. Tap Gold tired noticeably once displaced on the lead and
was a well-beaten fifth.
The main track was speed-oriented to varying degrees all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/12)
2ND — HOOSICK FALLS (Precise End) set an extremely strong pace returning to
dirt. Gradually weakened in the stretch, but managed to save the place. Last
three wins have come sprinting, and would obviously benefit from a cutback in
distance.
8TH — RED REEF (Red Bullet) closed with good energy to take down the show in
a race that finished up well late. Gives every impression he will be at his best
over a distance of ground vs. preliminary allowance runners.
Friday (12/14)
3RD — SIR WHIMSEY (Jump Start) turned in a decent effort to finish second
behind modest fractions while stretching out. Has been compromised by
unflattering pace scenarios in both starts off the layoff. Would obviously
benefit from a class drop/livelier fractions in the future.
7TH — TWO TURN HALO (Southern Halo) was hard used to set a quick and
pressured pace off a brief freshening. Won the pace battle/but lost the war in a
much-needed effort. Loves it wet. However, her lone dry track score came over
the inner dirt.
Saturday (12/15)
2ND — MORE THAN COOLIN (More Than Ready) exhibited surprise early speed to
dispute a fast early pace. Held on reasonably well to finish fourth in a swiftly
run contest behind a dominant winner. Should move forward in his second New York
start for trainer Bruce Levine.
7TH — MOR CHANCES (American Chance) was compromised by a bumping incident at
the break over a speed-favoring track. Finished with good energy for second
despite cutting back in distance. Would benefit from added ground in his second
inner dirt start.