AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 17, 2013
by John Mucciolo
There were no graded events over the weekend at the Big A.
Track Stats
A total of 45 races were held over the Jamaica, New York, venue,
with favorites winning at a 42 percent rate and the top two betting choices
combining for 67 percent of the wins during the week. From 45 races on the main
oval, 13 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (29 percent), while there was no
turf racing.
Early pace was not as dominant as it was a week ago,
especially later in the week when we saw more closers have success. Being in the
top three is still pretty crucial in finding the best path to the winner’s
circle on this surface.
Outside posts also had more success as the week progressed,
with one winner breaking outside of post 6 winning from 18 races on Wednesday
and Thursday, but eight with the same starting spot coming through over the
weekend.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 405 | |
| DIRT: | 350 | |
| TURF: | 55 | |
| FAVORITES: | 149 (37 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 87 (21 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 10 (18 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 94 (27 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (1/9)
7TH — GREAT GRACIE DANE (Royal Academy) could turn out to
be a fine claim for conditioner Steve Asmussen, who got this one coming off her
9 1/4-length romp from off the pace in here. The six-year-old mare cruised home against
the pronounced bias and should be tough right back, even with a rise in class.
Thursday (1/10)
4TH — THE TRUTH AND K G (Successful Appeal) overtook the
early leader approaching the turn for home and powered clear to a 6 3/4-length
victory for conditioner Rudy Rodriguez. The sophomore colt came home fast after
being part of a moderate pace, and he could possibly stretch out with success
with a step forward from here.
7TH — READTHEPROSPECTUS (Read the Footnotes) was all heart
in this one under Ramon Dominguez, wearing down a clear leader late to get up on
the line and win this race for trainer Chad Brown. We’ll keep an eye on this
gelding in his subsequent outing.
8TH — HE’S SO CHIC (Jump Start) had a lot to do turning for
home but finished with big energy to be a fine second behind a sharp winner in
this spot for conditioner David Jacobson. Mitchell Friedman claimed this one out
of the race, and we’ll still consider him a viable player coming back.
Friday (1/11)
1ST — I’M STOKED (Hook and Ladder) overcame the tricky rail
post and a slightly slow start at first asking to win like a good thing for
conditioner Michael Hushion. The Empire State-bred sophomore colt could be a
nice one.
2ND — CITIZEN WELLS (Proud Citizen) put in a solid late run
in his first start since the summer to be second on this occasion. The George
Weaver-trained gelding had no chance with the winner but was clearly second best
and should be tough second time off the layoff.
3RD — Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin might have gotten away with
one, as S’MAVERLOUS (Tiz Wonderful) put in a huge winning effort at first asking
in this maiden claiming spot. The three-year-old won by 7 1/4 lengths in a strong
final time, coming home in a swift :23 3/5. The colt will not be in for a tag
next time.
Saturday (1/12)
4TH — ELNAAWI (Street Sense) returns to this list after a
powerful win in his route debut here, drawing off late in a mostly easy score.
The Kiaran McLaughlin charge could be a solid sophomore with steady improvement as
he’s bred to run long.
Sunday (1/13)
5TH — ROCK N COZY (Rockport Harbor) ran as well as one
could without winning in this race and should be a very viable option in her
comeback race for conditioner Carl Domino.
A LOOK AHEAD
There are no graded races this week at Aqueduct.