AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 8, 2009
by Albie Johnson
Racing resumed full-time after an abbreviated week that followed the
Christmas Holiday. There were no graded events, but four stakes were run
covering distances from six furlongs to 1 5/8 miles, and the weather allowed for
all of them to be run on a fast track that played fairly all week.
On New Year’s Eve, DELOSVIENTOS (Siphon [Brz]) again showed his liking for a
long distance when he took command early and galloped the field into defeat in
the 13-furlong, $84,050 Gallant Fox H. One gets the feeling that this runner
could deliver :24 quarter-miles all day long without ever taking a deep breath.
The winner of last year’s Brooklyn (G2) increased his margin at every point of
call and eventually reported home by 11 1/4 lengths. Gelding is owned and
trained by Giuseppe Iadisernia and was ridden by Eddie Castro, who is spending
the winter here for the first time.
On the first day of 2009, the once prestigious Interborough H. for fillies
and mares traveling six furlongs was contested, and ZADA BELLE (Indian Charlie)
proved a prompt and deserving favorite. Bay mare rated just off the early lead,
quickly assumed command when asked by Ramon Dominguez, and drew off to a 4 1/4-length score over an overmatched group. Winning filly is owned by the Darley
Stable and is trained by Tom Albertrani.
The Count Fleet S. topped Saturday’s card , and the impressive looking
chestnut colt HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown) won his second stakes of the winter here
and did so showing a new dimension. The Steve Asmussen-trained runner had
previously won in “gate-to-wire fashion,” but rated off the lead here before swinging out
around the far turn and drawing away to a 3 1/2-length score under Ramon
Dominguez in the mile and
70-yard contest. Not sure if he’ll remain here and point his
way toward the Wood Memorial (G1), or try tougher competition out of town to see
just what he has. Haynesfield won in nice style, but what was behind him wasn’t much.
Sunday featured three-year-old fillies sprinting in the Ruthless S., and JUSTWHISTLEDDIXIE (Dixie Union) had no trouble as the heavy favorite in the
six-furlong event. Bay filly tracked early, bid late on the turn when asked by Rajiv
Maragh, and drew off to win her second consecutive stakes. Trainer Kiaran
McLaughlin may elect to send her a distance soon as she appears to be the type
to handle added yardage.
Track Conditions
Week can be best described by fine weather, fast tracks on
all five days, and no discernible bias present, which made for a fair playing
field for all involved.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/31)
2ND — GATTO NERO (Western Expression) broke from the widest post (10) in
this state-bred maiden claimer ($50,000), chased the eventual winner all the
way, and while no match, she gamely hung on to the place spot. Won’t be a maiden
for long.
5TH — Cutting back in distance, the reliable COACH BUTTS (Officer) rallied
strongly into a contested pace and just failed to get up. Very sharp at present
and believe trainer Tom Bush will send him two-turns off of this six-furlong
effort.
Thursday (1/1)
5TH — After being on the sidelines since April, SANTA’S GOLD (Trippi) ran
strongly off the long layoff. He raced far back early in the six-furlong sprint,
began to pick off horses around the turn and got up for the place while racing
six to seven wide from the half-home. Any move forward off of it should get his
picture taken next time.
9TH — Trainer Mike Maker, who had a breakout year in 2008, has found tough-going
this meet since sending a string here, as he’s gone winless so far on the
inner dirt. Most have been over-bet including MR. SERIOUS (Stormin Fever), who
set the early pace, dug in briefly when challenged and folded from the
three-sixteenths pole to the wire. He’ll make his next start for trainer Gary Contessa, who claimed him for the $15,000 tag. Watch for a quick turnaround.
Friday (1/2)
2ND — Making her first start in two months, CHIT CHAT CAT (Cat Thief) ran too
good to lose in this contest. She bobbled at the start, quickly recovered to
press the pace, continued to try hard every step and lost by a neck to the
wire-to-wire winner. Next time at this $20K price tag.
6TH — PRECURSOR (A.P. Indy) was probably a workout away from getting the
job done here. Darley/Albertrani runner was making his first start in two months
and maybe was just a bit short. Set all the pace, dug in when challenged, and
fought it out from the eighth-pole to the finish, coming up a neck shy.
9TH — After over a year on the shelf, HELSINKI (Distorted Humor) ran a very
strong second in his second back off the long break. He’s always had some
ability, but was racing over his head for most of the 2007 season, while holding
his own in some difficult spots. He should move forward off this race and a tip
of the hat goes to trainer John Terranova in being patient with this runner who
should win soon.
Saturday(1/3)
6TH — In a very good maiden event for this time of year, HAITIAN SENSATION
(Petionville) and TOULOUSE LAUTREC (More Than Ready), hooked up down the
backside and continued all the way to the wire in a very exciting battle with
the former getting the nod over his rival, though they were both passed by
another who came from far back. Both runners should not be maidens for long.
9TH — First-time starter FOR LOVE ALONE (Not For Love) who had an extensive
work tab showing for Tom Bush, including some of the fast variety, was bumped
and shuffled back at the start and raced midpack thereafter while not being
pushed too hard. Deserves another chance.
Sunday (1/4)
5TH — ELIZA’S GREY (Halos and Horns) was tentatively ridden while “down
inside” most of the race and had to steady several times. Raced well when clear
and finished second to a “perfect-trip” winner. As long as she faces similar, she
should win soon.
9TH — HOLLY GO LIVELY (Lite the Fuse) raced well in this sprint despite
having to steady while between runners on the turn and eventually finished a
non-threatening third . Effort was her first on this circuit and first for the Contessa barn after spending her entire career in Florida.
Have a nice week!