AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
MARCH 13, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
A reminder to all, post time for the first race has been moved back to 1 p.m.
(ET). Also, March 29 has been set as the target date for racing to return to
the main track. Can turf racing be far off?
KAZOO (Tabasco Cat), reuniting with jockey Richard Migliore, pulled off a
mild upset with a front-running victory in the Toboggan H. (G3) on
Saturday. Claimed by his current connections last spring for $75,000, the
Richard Dutrow Jr.-trained runner was immediately sent to the lead from his rail
post. He relaxed nicely for Migliore and stole away to a
daylight advantage in midstretch, before ultimately reporting a comfortable
four-length winner. Bishop Court Hill (Holy Bull) gave futile chase to Kazoo
throughout, and then held gamely to save the place by a nose over Wild Jam
(Forest Wildcat). High Blitz (Lucky Lionel), the 2-1 betting choice, had his
chances compromised by an awkward start. As a result, he trailed the field early
before improving his position toward the inside. He
finished with interest in the stretch, but was never a serious threat while
settling for fourth money.
MAGNOLIA JACKSON (Cape Canaveral), who is unbeaten over Aqueduct’s inner dirt
track, kept that streak intact with a 1 1/4-length score in the Broadway H. on
Sunday. With jockey Ramon Dominguez in the irons, the pair raced within
striking distance of the pacesetting Sweet Sweet (Honour and Glory) down the
backstretch. Magnolia Jackson went after the front runner in earnest in
midstretch, eventually wearing that rival down and slowly edging away in deep
stretch. Sweet Sweet continued on well to be second, finishing two lengths clear
of Fighting Speedy (Senor Speedy), who was a non threatening third. Speed Bag (Abaginone),
sent off as the 5-2 second choice in the field of seven, attended the early pace
to and then tired to finish fourth.
Eibar Coa’s lead in the jockey standings shrank a bit last week, thanks in
part to a five-win day by Dominguez last Thursday. Coa leads Dominguez by six
victories, with Mike Luzzi, Kyle Kaenel and Norberto Arroyo Jr. rounding out the
top five.
Gary Contessa continues his domination of the trainer standings, with Bruce
Levine maintaining his hold on second-place. Todd Pletcher, Dutrow and Kiaran McLaughlin are third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
The lone bias on the inner track occurred on Sunday, when a wet track
produced a speed conducive course.
There did not appear to be any path bias all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/8)
2ND – CHICAGO NATE (Exploit) was a sharp second in his return for a low
percentage layoff trainer. Held extremely well chasing a fast pace in a swiftly
run race. Should not be long in breaking his maiden if kept sprinting at current
class level.
5TH – PSYCHOTIC LADY (Trippi) came home an mproved third chasing a very fast
pace on the drop. Continued on well in the stretch, yielding the place late to a
fresh closer. Prefers to be on the lead and would benefit from a drop to
basement level three-year-old fillies.
Thursday (3/9)
6TH – ELKHORN (Cryptoclearance) was ambitiously spotted in her second career
start off a freshening. Dispensed an even effort chasing a modest pace in her
two-turn debut while stepping up in class. Bred on both sides of her pedigree
for a route of ground, but maybe not at such an elevated claiming price.
8TH – VICTORY POOL (Victory Gallop) had a creditable effort off a break to
finish a strong second, keeping her winless record over the inner dirt intact.
Continued on well late but could not match strides with a repeat winner who
adores the Aqueduct winter course. A flat mile over the main track should suit
her well.
Friday (3/10)
2ND – DUAL JEWELS (Jules) showed an improved third-place effort tackling
older/multiple winners off a freshening. Finished with good energy chasing home
a daylight winner in a race that quickened late. Prefers to sit closer to front
end and would benefit from some class relief going forward.
4TH – VOTECATCHER (Indian Charlie) comes off an encouraging second-place
finish off a prolonged layoff. Clearly second best chasing a well meant first
timer who simply “freaked” in a race that was quick from beginning to end.
Should have derived beneficial conditioning from this effort.
Saturday (3/11)
4TH – SANTA’S SPECIAL (Marquetry) showed a game effort around two turns.
Moved to challenge for the lead around the far turn and continued on gamely
late. Was clearly second best in a race the finished up well late.
5TH – ONE TOUGH DUDE (Rubiyat) regressed carving out an ambitious pace while
taking a step up in class. Understandably tired late and needs careful rating to
be at his best.
Sunday (3/12)
4TH – KOTUKU (GB) (A.P. Indy) displayed dramatic improvement in her second
career start. Finished strongly late for the place despite a slow pace over a
speed favoring track. Should only get better with age and experience. She is
bred on both sides of her pedigree to handle grass.
6TH – WIRED DEVIL (Catienus) clearly needed his debut effort. Chased a more
experienced, fitter and quicker pace rival who set a lively pace. Understandably
tired late, but gained beneficial experience and conditioning from this effort.
Hails from a potent win early sire and trainer.