AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
FEBRUARY 1, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
BISHOP COURT HILL (Holy Bull) once again demonstrated how dangerous he is
with an uncontested early lead when wiring Saturday’s Paumonok H. With jockey
Jose Santos in the irons, the Todd Pletcher trained runner was sent to the front
shortly after the start and never looked back, emerging victorious by a length
over Spooky Mulder (Brunswick). The runner-up chased the winner virtually very
step of the way and held gamely in the stretch to outfinish Wild Jam (Forest
Wildcat), the 9-5 favorite, by three parts of a length for the place.
On Sunday, GOLD AND ROSES (Gold Token) shot to the lead upon entering the
stretch, and then had enough gas left in the tank to withstand a belated rally
from Carminooch (Tomorrows Cat) to annex the Mellow Roll S. The winner stalked
the pace down the backstretch, prior to opening up an insurmountable daylight
advantage at the furlong marker. He was reminded of the task at hand by leading
rider Eibar Coa as Carminooch came running late. The runner-up closed from last
to get the place. Everythings Groovy (Western Expression) secured a position off
the early pace and subsequently lacked the necessary response when called upon
to improve his position in the stretch.
Coa, who piloted five winners last Wednesday, enjoys a 10-victory edge over
Mike Luzzi in the jockey standings. Kyle Kaenel, Ramon Dominguez and Norberto
Arroyo Jr. round out the top five.
Gary Contessa also kicked into overdrive last week, unseating Todd Pletcher
from the top spot in the trainer standings. Contessa leads Pletcher by 15 wins,
with Richard Dutrow Jr. and Bruce Levine tied for third place.
The track favored early speed runners for the majority of the week, with the
lone exception being Thursday, when the course appeared to play uniformly.
Horses racing toward the inside part of the track fared well on Wednesday and
Thursday.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (1/25)
5TH – FINNEGANS IN AGAIN (Gold Token) finished a much-improved second off the
layoff. Finished with good energy late to claim the place despite a modest pace
and a speed-biased track. Likes Aqueduct and a track containing moisture.
8TH – LIQUID ROMANCE (Rob ‘N Gin) appeared to regress badly off a career best
effort in his previous start. Was forced to chase an extremely fast pace and
subsequently gave way readily in the stretch. Has demonstrated in the past that
he can rate from off the pace, but first, he will obviously need some time to
regroup.
Thursday (1/26)
4TH – NORBROOK (Montbrook) turned in a much improved effort in first start
for trainer Scott Lake. Won the pace battle, but lost the war to a perfect
stalking trip winner. Fits well at the $25K maiden claiming level and has room
to move forward in second start off the layoff.
8TH – GREELEY’S LEGACY (Mr. Greeley) regressed in his first race vs. winners.
Raced lethargically behind a tepid pace and failed to respond when called upon.
Appears to be at his best racing on or very near the early lead.
Friday (1/27)
1ST – DUAL JEWELS (Jules) wound up a decent third in his first effort over
the inner track. Finished with interest late over a speed biased track in a race
that was fast throughout. Should benefit from this effort and a class drop.
4TH – CLEAR THE WAY (Littlebitlively) moved forward in his first start for a
selling price. Chased a very lively pace and continued on well to the finish.
Fits well at his current class level and has room for further improvement.
8TH – TWIST AND POP (Oliver’s Twist) turned in a creditable effort off the
shelf while finishing third. Continued on gamely to just miss the place tracking
a loose wire-to-wire winner who benefited from moderate fractions and a speed
conducive course. Should have derived beneficial conditioning from this race.
Saturday (1/28)
1ST – UNBRIDLED SUNSHINE (Untuttable) was clearly a tad short off the layoff.
Gave way badly late after chasing a loose front runner over a speed-favoring
track in a swiftly run race. Will obviously be much fitter in her second start
off the shelf.
6TH – TASTEYVILLE (With Approval) finished a creditable third returning from
a freshening. Failed to sustain his rally late in a much need effort for a
low-percentage trainer. Should have gained valuable conditioning from this race
and needs to be closer to the front end to be at his best.
Sunday (1/29)
3RD – VASA (City Zip), a New York-bred runner, was a game second vs. open
company rivals. Held well dictating the pace in a race that finished up well
late. Remains eligible for a state-bred allowance contest.
8TH – Carminooch had to be pushed along early and then raced wide, closing
for the place over a speed conducive track while toting a hefty 124-pound
package. Has room to improve off this effort.