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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK NOVEMBER 20, 2008 by Albie Johnson For the second week in a row, rain was the order of the day at Aqueduct, with Wednesday the lone racing day that had a fast track and turf racing was conducted. The only graded event was the Stuyvesant H. (G3) and the race was run over a very muddy, track that had been sealed before the start of the card. DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz), a confirmed deep-closer, received an ideal pace set-up as the contest had fast interior fractions for the conditions. That scenario in the small field of six allowed him to trail early and launch a rally at the three-eighths pole. He carried his momentum to the lead in midstretch and eventually drew off to win going away by 3 1/4 lengths. Dry Martini, who was transferred this year to the barn of Billy Turner, picked up the lion's share of the $110,500 purse and boosted his career earnings to just over the half-million dollar mark. Channing Hill was aboard for the well-timed ride, and the final clocking for 1 1/8 miles was 1:51.18. Thursday's feature was won by the promising TAR HEEL MOM (Flatter), a lightly raced three-year-old filly who has exhibited ability since coming to this circuit. She has won races from on the front end and also from a stalking position, but in this contest run on the sloppy, sealed main track, she was rated in last before launching a four-wide rally that she used to propel herself to the win. In the fine barn of veteran Stanley Hough, who likes to take his main stable to Gulfstream, Tar Heel Mom will be a force wherever she races over the winter. Track Stats As mentioned above, heavy rains played havoc with the racing schedule on Wednesday, the only one run under ideal weather. The main track was fast and played fairly, while the grass course (the sole day it was in use) showed no favoritism. Thursday's card began with a sealed and good dirt surface that was changed to muddy after the 3RD race. Outside posts and paths dominated the action with inside runners trying desperately to vacate their position as soon as the gate opened. A sloppy, sealed track began the card on Friday, but was changed to muddy by the start of the 5TH race. A mixed bag of speed and closers prevailed with the inside being much better than the previous day. Saturday's action was conducted on a muddy, sealed track with the inside paths being very poor throughout the entire day. On Sunday, strong winds and sunshine helped turn the main track to good, which it remained for the whole card. A nice mix of speed, stalkers, and deep closers made it an even-playing day for all concerned. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (11/12) 2ND -- GIVE NO GROUND (Parade Ground) had a rather difficult trip, as she raced between horses almost the entire 1 1/16 miles while being rated, and could only muster a mild rally when set down. She may come back quickly for trainer Tony Dutrow as the turf season in the Northeast is nearing its end. 3RD -- WEATHERED (Key Contender) ran very well in her first race since finishing fifth in the Delaware Oaks (G2) in mid-July. The dual stakes winner tracked the pace in this mile overnight stakes and gave futile chase to a heavy favorite, who went wire-to-wire, while easily holding down the place. The New York-bred could have a very lucrative winter against fellow state-breds and open foes. Thursday (11/13) 9TH -- ROUTINE ADDENDUM (Read the Footnotes) looked like a horse who will be headed into state-bred stakes after this impressive maiden win. The two-year-old broke running, set swift fractions and drew off when set down turning into the stretch. It's difficult to say what was behind him, but he did things the right way. Friday (11/14) 6TH -- SAN NAA (Vindication) was an expensive yearling purchase ($350,000) and he ran here for a $35,000 claiming price in his second lifetime start. It was a much-improved race following his career debut on the grass as he chased the pace and held well for the place while stuck inside of other runners most of the race. It shouldn't be long before he wins. 8TH -- GRAND TREASURE (Grand Slam) ran a very competitive race when dropped into a claimer for the first time. The New York-bred made a strong wide sweep on the far turn and secured the place late. He should win soon if he runs back at the same tag. Saturday (11/15) 3RD -- CAPTIVATING CAT (Storm Cat) deserved to win this contest. He bobbled at the break, quickly assumed command and fought it out from the top of the stretch to the wire with a rival who was in the better part of the track, coming up a nose shy. This race was his first against winners and it was an impressive one. The four-year-old is stringing starts together for trainer Bill Mott. 5TH -- M V P GRAND (Grand Slam) had good position for the second straight race and came up empty in late stretch. The dark bay recently returned from a 2 1/2-month layoff and trainer Pat Reynolds may be racing him back into shape. 9TH -- MASALA (Lion Heart) showed some run in his debut sprinting on the turf and trainer Todd Pletcher elected to keep him in this when the race was moved to the main track. The bay colt tracked the pace, bid turning for home and drew off impressively to post a final time in the mile contest of 1:37.29. He may have a bright future. Sunday (11/16) 3RD -- BEBOB (Snow Ridge) may have been best in this small field. He had no obvious excuse, but I believe he was over-confidently ridden in this mile event. The jockey, who elected to try a close up the inside, had a lot of horse and could have easily eased out on the turn, but waited a bit too long and was out-moved by the eventual winner. Next time. Take care, and we'll next report to you on Thanksgiving Eve.
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