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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK NOVEMBER 28, 2009 by Albie Johnson As this short main-track meets winds down heading into the big Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, just a single, but very interesting graded stakes was on the menu last week. A small field of five faced the starter in one of the oldest stakes run on this circuit, the Discovery H. (G3) for sophomores at a distance of 1 1/8 miles. The deserving favorite was Gone Astray (Dixie Union), who had won the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) and Ohio Derby (G2) in his previous two starts, and HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown), who was coming off a win in the state-bred Empire Classic at Belmont in October, was the second choice. Throw in recent allowance winner Birdrun ( Birdstone), who had set a track record in his previous start, and you had the ingredients of a fine late season stakes. The complexion of the contest changed dramatically at the start when Birdrun went to his knees and was eliminated from the pace picture of which he was projected to be an important player. That left Gone Astray in a poor spot as the pace was extremely slow for the level, hurting his chances of a big finish. The major beneficiary of the incident at the start was Haynesfield as he prompted the pace of longshot Redding Colliery (Mineshaft) took over when asked and drew clear for an easy 4 1/2-length win over Bad Action (Brahms), who passed Gone Astray in the last few strides to neck him out of the place spot. The winner had recently returned from a lengthy layoff after showing a lot of promise around here last winter for trainer Steve Asmussen. Chestnut colt looks bigger and better since his return and will be a force wherever his connections choose to take him for the winter. Earlier in the week HONOUR DEVIL (Arg) (Honour and Glory), who as a three-year-old captured the 2008 U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2), won his first race in North America by going wire to wire in a high-priced allowance/optional claiming event, holding of Suburban (G2) winner Dry Martini (Slew Gin Fizz) in the process. He's been lightly campaigned the past 18 months and it's good to see Honour Devil stringing starts together. He'd be a nice addition to the older ranks around here this winter if his connections go that "route" with him. TRACK CONDITIONS The main track was fast for all five programs and the turf was "good" on Wednesday and Thursday, and "soft" on Saturday and Sunday with no grass racing conducted on Friday. Speed, or those racing near the front, was the predominant factor in winning on the dirt with no bias evident as to the paths taken. The few turf races run favored no particular style. STATS In the trainer's race, Todd Pletcher has a five-win margin (12 to seven) over a quartet of pursuers : Gary Contessa, Dave Jacobson, Mike Hushion and Mark Hennig. The jockeys' standings continue to be headed by Ramon Dominguez, who has an insurmountable margin (35 to 19) over John Velazquez. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (11/18) 4TH -- Making his first start since last winter at the Fair Grounds, HAWSER (Hussonet) finished a troubled second in this spot, beaten just a neck. With the late Bob Frankel earlier in this season, the four-year-old started here for Kim Boniface, who dropped him into a claimer for the first time. He had some major traffic woes when they straightened away and was probably best. 8TH -- Making her third start in North America after racing in France earlier in her career, DENOMINATION (Smart Strike) ran a strong second in this small overnight stakes. She pressed the lightly raced but impressive winner, West Ocean (Elusive Quality), and never stopped trying, forcing that filly to give 100 percent as Denomination fell a neck shy. Trainer Chris Clement will probably ship her to Florida soon. Thursday (11/19) 1ST -- Running for the first time in just under two months, RAPID MON (Maria's Mon) went head and head with the eventual winner from start to finish, only to give it up in the last sixteenth.Should win next out at this same $25K tag. 4TH -- Excellent debut for GLORY IN MOTION (Pollard's Vision) as the juvenile filly started from a tough outside post (10 of 10) and ran first out at the tough distance of 1 1/16 miles on the turf. State-bred broke well, attended the early pace, bid to the front in midstretch, and was out-finished late by a half-length. Big effort for a first time starter. Friday (11/20) 3RD -- ANOTHER SUCCESS (Successful Appeal) ran hard every step and finished a length shy of an impressive runner from the Pletcher barn . Effort was strong under the circumstances and he should win soon. 4TH -- Racing for the first time in seven weeks and for new trainer Bruce Levine, DESTINY ROAD (Heckle) just failed to get up, losing by a neck after a furious late charge. Barn has this one sitting on her maiden win next out. Saturday (11/21) 1ST -- The lightly raced CIRES (Teton Forest) ran a winning race on any other day at this $25K level, but had the misfortune to run into a runner who is razor sharp at this point. Gelding will find a field soon that he can dominate. Sunday (11/22) 4TH -- Useful debut by ALYS (Dixie Union) as the juvenile filly chased the pace while wide, attempted to bid turning for home, and held her position late while no match for the top pair. The $275,000 yearling purchase should be a win factor next out with any move forward. Upcoming Stakes Sat: Cigar Mile H. (G1), three & up, one mile Have a Nice Week!!
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