AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
APRIL 5, 2007
by Bernard T. Moore
Just a reminder to everyone that Aqueduct will be closed this Sunday because
of the Easter holiday.
INDIAN VALE (A.P. Indy) made a triumphant return to competition on Saturday
for trainer Todd Pletcher, registering a front-running victory in the Next Move
H. (G3). Breaking from the rail with jockey Mike Luzzi aboard, the 1-2 favorite dictated a comfortable pace down the backstretch under a rating hold. A
True Pussycat (Yes It’s True) made a run at the leader around the far turn, but
Indian Vale responded willingly when asked to pick up the pace by Luzzi. She
spurted clear in the stretch en route to a decisive 5 1/2-length victory and was
never asked for her best at any time.
A True Pussycat remained well clear of
third-place finisher Daytime Promise (Five Star Day), who simply outlasted Dina
(Dynaformer) and Lexi Star (Crypto Star), who finished fourth and fifth,
respectively.
The track appeared to play fair all week. There did not appear to be any
discernible path bias.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/28)
3RD – HE’S A PIONEER (Pioneering) was a creditable third off a
prolonged layoff while being hampered by a stumbling start and a deliberate
pace. The dark bay gelding finished with interest in a race that quickened noticeably late
and should
have derived beneficial conditioning from this effort. He might be stretched out
in distance in subsequent starts.
7TH – CITY IN THE CLOUDS (Good and Tough) closed well from
off the pace in a swiftly run contest. The sophomore miss was second best chasing home a daylight
winner and appears ready for a top effort in her next start if properly spotted.
Thursday (3/29)
3RD – PASQUALINA (Orientate) did well to finish third despite a slow pace
while facing multiple winners off a maiden claiming victory, outrunning her 31-1 post time odds.
She would obviously fare better if competing against limited winners
for a claiming tag in her next start.
Friday (3/30)
3RD – BRUSH ON BY (Artax) was clearly second best chasing home an impressive
daylight winner in a fast time. The dark bay colt would definitely appreciate more distance as his
lone win came at one mile.
5TH – WAKEUP WITH MAKEUP (Gulch) put forth an improved effort despite arguing a fast
pace from an outside post. The bay filly held well late to finish third and still remains
eligible to run against limited winners.
Saturday (3/31)
3RD – BEKAGI (Mr. Greeley) was a sharp second in her well bet/well meant career
debut for trainer Tony Dutrow. She carved out a lively pace and then gave ground
grudgingly late to the odds-on winning favorite.