Top Flight

Multiple Grade 1 queen STELLAR JAYNE (Wild Rush) should prove hard to deny as
the probable odds-on favorite in Friday’s $150,000 Top Flight H. (G2) at Aqueduct. The
gray filly finished a close third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1)
then won her first two starts this season, one of which was a front-running
victory in the Ruffian H. (G1) on September 11 at Belmont Park. In this year’s
Distaff, Stellar Jayne forced the early issue before finishing a non-threatening
fourth to blow-out winner Pleasant Home (Seeking the Gold). Stellar Jayne is
drawn near the outside for a clear look-see trip and should prove too classy for
these. Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey will make a special appearance at the
Big A to pilot Stellar Jayne, who will be making her final career start.

From a handicapping point of view, the challenge will be to identify the
runner-up. Many of these look capable, but we’re going with ENDER’S SISTER (A.P.
Indy), who was brilliant winning a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race at Keeneland by a widening 19 lengths. The Rusty Arnold trainee drops 10 pounds off
that effort and broke her maiden by 10 1/4 lengths in her only start at
Aqueduct.

The Todd Pletcher-trained BOHEMIAN LADY (Carson City) will likely get sent
for the early lead from the rail and could hold on for a share. The bay filly
exits a runner-up effort in the Athenia H. at Belmont Park and captured the
seven-furlong Cicada S. (G3) over this track in 2004. She is a primary contender.

AREEK (Deputy Minister) has been knocking at the door at the graded level
recently and has won five of eight starts this year. A 6 1/4-length winner at
this distance and over the track earlier in her career, she brings good form
into this event and should be
included in the exotics. SEEKING THE ANTE (Seeking the Gold), who won Nassau
County Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) at Belmont Park in May, fits nicely with these. She
figures to come running late and may get a slice. Grade 2 winner LAST SONG (Unbridled’s
Song) captured the one-mile Ajina S. in her return to action and could factor
for a part with improvement.

Saratoga stakes winner CLOAKOF VAGUENESS (El Prado [Ire]) could be better on
the turf but likes to hit the board on the main track as well. She is worth a
second look at a price. A SONG IN A MINOR (Real Quiet) will likely add to the
early fractions, but probably needs lesser.