Grade 1 star FABULOUS STRIKE (Smart Strike) is the top draw in an exceptional
renewal of Saturday’s $100,000
Gravesend H. (G3) at Aqueduct. Named in honor of the Coney Island track that
became defunct in 1910, the six-furlong contest on the inner dirt has also lured
such accomplished sprinters as LUCKY ISLAND (Arg) (Lucky Roberto) and SONGSTER (Songandaprayer),
as well as the improving three-year-old TRUE QUALITY (Elusive Quality).
Fabulous Strike, who romped by 5 3/4 lengths in the 2007 Vosburgh S. (G1),
came within a head of defending his title at Belmont Park in September, just
yielding late after a terrific stretch drive. Fifth when failing to thrive on
the synthetic Pro-Ride in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita, the Todd
Beattie charge rebounded in style in the Fall Highweight H. last time out.
Despite shouldering the massive impost of 136 pounds, Fabulous Strike took
command early and never looked back en route to a convincing 1 1/2-length score
on Aqueduct’s main oval. On Saturday, the dark bay gelding drops down to 126
pounds, but he will still spot his rivals between five and 12 pounds. Regular
rider Ramon Dominguez will be back aboard as Fabulous Strike breaks from post 2.
The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Lucky Island compiled a four-race winning
streak earlier this season, culminating in impressive victories in the Bold
Ruler H. (G3) and Tom Fool H. (G2). The Shadwell colorbearer has not performed
up to expectations, however, in his two subsequent outings. Lucky Island never
recovered from a troubled start when sixth in the Forego S. (G1) at Saratoga,
and in the Vosburgh, he wound up a steadily retreating sixth, beaten more than
20 lengths on the sloppy track. The four-year-old colt has been working well in
advance of the Gravesend, and his ability to rally from just off the pace could
serve him well in this speed-laden field of eight. Alan Garcia will guide Lucky
Island, who will carry 121 pounds.
Songster was one of the elite sprint sophomores of 2006, capturing the Woody
Stephens S. (G2) and Hirsch Jacobs S. (G3), and he was a good-looking winner of
the Bold Ruler in his only start of 2007. Retired to stud thereafter, the black
stallion experienced fertility issues and returned to training this spring. The
Tom Albertrani pupil made an encouraging reappearance from his nearly 18-month
vacation in a November 6 allowance/optional claimer here on the main track,
where he dueled for the lead through fast fractions before tiring late for third
to GRAND CHAMPION (Two Punch). Songster promises to move forward off that effort
with his 117-pound impost, including new rider Rajiv Maragh.
True Quality placed third in the Woody Stephens and the Adjudicating S., but
after enjoying a six-month layoff, he came back with a huge performance at this
track and trip on December 7. Making his first start for John Campo Jr., the
Paraneck Stables colt wired allowance/optional claiming rivals by 8 3/4 lengths.
Chuck Lopez has the return call on True Quality, who gets in with a mere 115
pounds.