AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
MARCH 1, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
Only four runners suited up to compete in the Rare Treat H. for fillies and
mares at nine furlongs on Saturday. BOHEMIAN LADY (Carson City) once again
demonstrated her affinity for the Aqueduct inner dirt track by humbling the
opposition to score by 8 3/4 widening lengths with regular jockey Jose Santos in
the irons.
Bohemian Lady was permitted to stalk the early pace prior to assuming command
around the far turn. She subsequently drew away to an insurmountable lead in the
stretch, reporting home a convincing winner while being reminded of the task at
hand by Santos in deep stretch. India Halo (Arg) (Halo Sunshine) sat a perfect
trip behind the pacesetters down the backstretch and rallied to be a distant
second, while finishing well clear of an overmatched Game Card (Wagon Limit).
Trainer Todd Pletcher, who is enjoying a stellar meet, having won with better
than one-third of his starters, saddled the winner.
A resolute REGAL ENGAGEMENT (Cat Thief) closed determinedly to get up by a
neck deep stretch, and then had to withstand a foul claim before being
officially awarded the victory in the Busher S. at Aqueduct on Sunday. Rating
behind what turned out to be a very modest pace, Regal Engagement began reducing
her deficit around the far turn. She sustained her rally into the stretch while
splitting rivals, and then closed gamely late to eke out a hard earned neck
victory. Trendy Lady (Unbridled’s Song) dictated a slow and uncontested pace,
amassing a daylight lead in midstretch, but just failed to last. Daytime Promise
(Five Star Day) rated behind slow fractions, and then was forced to check in the
stretch run while racing along the rail when she was outmoved by the winner.
She
eventually found her best stride to finish a close up third in an effort that
was better than it looks on paper. Last Romance (Wild Rush) sat a good stalking
trip, but lacked the necessary response when called upon and finished fourth. A
claim of foul was lodged by Norberto Arroyo Jr. aboard Daytime Promise against
the winner, alleging interference in the stretch. However, after further review,
the stewards allowed the original order of finish to stand.
Eibar Coa continues to leader all riders, with Ramon Dominguez moving into
second-place in the standings. Mike Luzzi, Kyle Kaenel and Arroyo
complete the top five.
Gary Contessa maintains a commanding lead in the trainer standings, with Pletcher, Bruce Levine and Richard Dutrow Jr. continuing their heated battle for
second place on the list.
Early speed held an edge in sprints with racing returning on Thursday. The
track played more evenly on Friday, but on Saturday, a pronounced speed bias was
evident. Sunday’s track played more uniformly, with off-the-pace runners doing
well in route contests.
There did not appear to be a path bias all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (2/23)
4TH – CROSSING VERRAZANO (Tactical Advantage) showed a creditable effort off the
shelf, making his first start for a selling price. Exhibited improved speed to
chase a fast pace in a swiftly run race. Has room for further progress if kept
at current class level.
5TH – A PRIME SPECIMEN (Prime Timber) finished with interest to get the place
over a speed-conducive track in a much need effort. This was probably a prep off
the layoff for a horse that appears to want more distance.
Friday (2/24)
1ST – MY NAMES NICOLE (Charismatic) was a much improved second on the
drop. Made a strong middle move to challenge for the lead and continued on well
late. Fits nicely at the $14,000 claiming level and likes the Aqueduct inner and
main track.
2ND – WATCHTHEATLANTIC (Stormy Atlantic) came home a strong third stepping up to tackle
older runners in his first attempt around two turns. Stalked the pace racing
three-wide throughout. Held well to take down the show in a race that finished
up well late. Would obviously benefit from a return to straight three-year-olds
at the $16k claiming level.
Saturday (2/25)
1ST – BOOMING ECONOMY (Line In The Sand) closed gamely to get the place over
a speed biased course in an abbreviated sprint. Goes from a low percentage barn
to leading trainer Gary Contessa off the claim and can continue forward level of
progression if kept at current claiming level.
4TH – MAKE US HAPPY (Austinpower [Jpn]) was saddled with a disadvantageous post
chasing a loose wire-to-wire winner who simply freaked in a race that was
extremely quick for the class level. Should be much fitter in second start off
the layoff.
7TH – STELLIANOS (Belong to Me) was a much improved third cutting back in distance.
Rallied nicely against the grain of a speed conducive track.
Appears primed for another top effort, especially if returned to the claiming
ranks.
Sunday (2/26)
3RD – ROYAL GOOD (Royal Academy) obviously regressed in her second career start.
Disputed a lively pace to midstretch before giving way. May prefer to sit and
make one run.
8TH – Daytime Promise was allowed to race too far off a
pedestrian pace down the backstretch. Began her rally leaving the far turn and
was forced to check when a hole closed in the stretch run. Finished with good
energy late to grab the show.