AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
FEBRUARY 28, 2008
by Bernard T. Moore
There was no racing on Wednesday last week due to the traditional Presidents’
Day card which was held on Monday. Another unexpected day off came about when
Friday’s races were canceled due to a winter rain/snow event in the New York
area. In case anyone is wondering, about five weeks of racing remain on the
inner track before a return to the Aqueduct main track occurs, a telltale sign
that spring is around the corner. Grass racing will then make its 2008 debut in
short order, with the opening of Belmont Park slated for April 30.
RUNWAY ROSIE (Include) parlayed a perfect ground-saving trip under jockey
Rajiv Maragh to eke out a hard-fought victory in the Rare Treat H. on Saturday.
The winner, saddled by leading trainer Gary Contessa, sat behind the early
leaders racing down the backstretch. Once Wild Hoots (Unbridled’s Song) disposed
of Aliysa (Brz) (Music Prospector) on the front end, Maragh went after the
leader in earnest in the stretch. Despite a strong bid by Runway Rosie, Wild
Hoots held on grimly to the lead, ultimately giving ground grudgingly in the
final yards to lose by only a head in a sharp effort. Stage Luck (Unbridled’s
Song), the 9-5 favorite in the wagering, raced within striking position from the
outset. She failed to quicken when called upon and finished a distant third as a
result. Aliysa gave way readily once displaced on the front end and checked in
fifth.
In the Busher S. on Sunday, LITTLE BELLE (A.P. Indy), fresh off an impressive
score vs. straight maidens, disputed the early fractions and then subsequently
drove clear in the stretch en route to a decisive 2 3/4-length triumph. Bred by
owner Darley Stable, Little Belle dueled Love Co (Not for Love) into defeat
around the far turn, and then proceeded to edge away turning into the stretch.
She then continued to pad her lead with every step under jockey Maragh, while
turning back a bid from eventual second-place finisher Sweet Vendetta (Stephen
Got Even). Darling Monique (El Corredor) outlasted a fatigued Love Co to take
down the show.
The inner dirt track was speed-oriented on Thursday, and then was bias-free
the rest of the week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (2/21)
3RD – IRISH MAJESTY (Arch) was compromised by a bit of a wide trip stretching
out to nine furlongs. He failed to sustain a stretch bid in a race that finished
up well late. The gelding appears best at shorter distances while racing closer
to the front end.
9TH – HAWKWOOD (Louis Quatorze) put forth an encouraging fourth-place finish
in his initial start around two turns. He held reasonably well after setting a
quick and pressured pace, and should have derived beneficial
conditioning/experience from this effort.
Saturday (2/23)
6TH – END OF AN ERA (Malibu Moon) appeared to be tad short off the layoff.
The bay stole away to a daylight lead in midstretch only to weaken late under
pressure. He should definitely be much fitter in his next start.
8TH – HOMERETTE (Grand Slam) has been winless a long time, but continues to
race over her head. A New York-bred runner, she was not disgraced with a
fourth-place finish vs. open company rivals in a race that was fast throughout.
She can move forward off this race with some much-needed class relief. Both of
her dirt wins have come over the inner track.
Sunday (2/24)
5TH – BAILERO (ARG) (Roy) was compromised by a pedestrian pace returning from
a freshening. The dark bay did well to finish third, following home a
multi-level class-dropper who easily wired the field. He is clearly at his best
at one mile over the Aqueduct main track, the distance/track of his three
victories in 2007.
7TH – HEAVENLY BALLAD (Two Punch) ran creditably to finish third chasing
extremely quick fractions. The filly obviously requires a softer pace scenario
to produce a top effort to register her initial win over the inner.