AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK
MARCH 19, 2009
by Albie Johnson
Nice weather and a spring-like atmosphere has descended here the past couple
of weeks with the running of the Wood Memorial (G1) on April 4 on most people’s
minds. However, there are other important features “down the road,” and the
winner of last Saturday’s Cicada S. (G3) looks like a serious player in those
up-coming events. Trainer Steve Asmussen shipped up the lightly raced HEART
ASHLEY (Lion Heart) from the Fair Grounds for her stakes debut, and the
three-year-old did not disappoint her connections.
The chestnut filly had recently cleared entry-level allowance conditions in
New Orleans and brought her speed with her to the “Big Apple.” She out broke the
favored Dream Play (Hennessy), set fast fractions and turned back a mild bid by
that rival in midstretch to win by a well-measured 2 1/2 lengths. One of the
best speed riders on this circuit, C.C. Lopez, did a nice job in winging this
one out of the gate. Her connections have many ways they can go with her, but
the Comely(G2) at a flat mile on the main-track here on April 11 would seem a
likely spot to try and stretch her speed out.
The winter season and racing on the inner track will be coming to an end
soon, and the first of many of the regulars who spent the winter in warmer
climates will be shipping north at the end of March. Leading that group is
usually the stable of Hall of Famer H. Allen Jerkens, who also happens to
be the “senior” conditioner on this circuit. The barns of Todd Pletcher, Bill
Mott and Nick Zito, just to name a few, will follow suit.
A return to the main surface also means that seven furlong and “flat” mile
contests, along with grass racing, will be back on the menu soon.
Track Conditions
I’d have to check with old records, but the number of “fast” tracks the past
three months have probably exceeded anything around here for the past 10 years
for the first quarter of a year. Without any appreciable moisture, the surface
continues to play fairly both with running styles and post positions.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/11)
1ST — After chasing the pace while racing wide, MY FAIR EL (Three Wonders)
returned bleeding from the nostrils. Likely explanation for her backing up while
having a perfect position as they approached the head of the lane.
5TH — FLEET VALID (Montbrook) chased a very fast pace while racing three
deep and held his ground late. Lost more real estate than he was beaten (3 1/4
lengths). Slight price reduction from this $30,000 level would be beneficial.
6TH — Heavily favored VOLOS (Hennessy) was put in tight quarters as they hit
the turn by eventual wire-to-wire winner Double Or Nothing (Double Honor) and
forced to steady enough to make him take back off the rail and try outside
pursuit. May have been best and will run for a new trainer (Dave Jacobson) next
out off an $18,000 claim.
Thursday (3/12)
6TH — Trainer Todd Pletcher shipped TWISTED DREAM (Distorted Humor) north
after a failed try in his debut in late January on the Gulfstream turf. Colt was
off slowly that day and was racing here off a six-week freshening. Recent work
activity was sharp, but he had the misfortune of drawing a heavy favorite and
eventual winner in this, his dirt debut. He set a good pace, resisted briefly
when challenged, and held gamely for the place spot. Next time.
8TH — State-bred JOE CORRIGAN (Regal Classic) looked sharp in taking this
starter-allowance over “open” foes. Chestnut gelding has become a much better
animal the past two months and his breeding suggests that the turf course may
lie in his future.
Friday (3/13)
5TH — Friday the 13th was an unlucky day for those who bet LORD SNOWDON
(Seeking the Gold) down to favoritism. The late-running sprinter won the
Paumonock here last year and had been victorious in the Native Dancer at Laurel
earlier this season, but he lost this race at the start when he was away very
poorly. He saved ground while trailing, swung out entering the stretch, but
although closing fastest, he had to settle for a close-up third.
8TH — Lightly raced filly SHAFTER (Mineshaft) ran a pretty remarkable race
despite “hesitating” at the start. Sent off the favorite, she trailed early,
made a strong sustained run and loomed the possible winner as they hit the
sixteenth pole, but flattened just slightly to finish third. Impressive
performance by the Jimmy Jerkens-trained four-year-old.
Saturday (3/14)
1ST — MUCHO GUSTO (Forest Camp) broke slowly and had a slight “bobble” at
the start and was intelligently not rushed by his rider. He moved up willingly
while inside and gained the third spot after fruitlessly giving chase to the top
pair, who ran one-two the whole race. Deserves another chance.
7TH — After a sprint “prep,” trainer Charlton Baker stretched INHERIT THE
GOLD (Gold Token) out to two-turns and added Lasix to this gray colt. The result
was an impressive 4 1/2-length maiden win. Three-year-old state-bred may have
some serious ability.
Sunday (3/15)
7TH — PEWTER (Silver Deputy) was beaten here for the second straight time by
the good-looking Elusive Gift (Elusive Quality). That runner broke his maiden
when facing winners last out and was even sharper in this contest. Pewter chased
him from start to finish, and although beaten fairly, he was easily second best.
Next time.
Upcoming Stakes
Saturday will feature the Distaff H. (G2) over six furlongs for fillies and
mares.
Have a Nice Week!!