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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK MARCH 27, 2010 by Albie Johnson The long winter season is nearing an end, with racing returning to the main-track on Wednesday, March 31, just in time for a big weekend of stakes that is headed by the Wood Memorial (G1). Recapping the previous five days of racing, the Cicada (G3), which was postponed on March 13 due to heavy rains and wind, highlighted the action with a field of seven sophomore fillies facing the starter in the six-panel contest on Saturday's program. Heavy favorite was Bickersons (Silver Deputy), who headed a group of four fillies that had shipped up from Gulfstream. At the break, Southern Truth (Yes It's True) was hard-ridden to get the lead from her inside post and that put the "chalk" into a pressing position from which she was never able to get the lead. With the pace both fast and heated, it became clear that the back-markers would rule the day and LIAM'S DREAM (Saint Liam), who checked briefly at the start, rode the rail thereafter and surged late up the inside to win going away by 1 1/2 lengths. Romantic Hideaway (City Zip) also rallied after saving ground and proved a "much the best" second, 3 1/2 lengths clear of Indian Burn (Indian Charlie), who came from dead last to round out the trifecta. Winning filly impressed in two starts late in "09" and had finished third in the Forward Gal (G2) on January 31 when making her seasonal debut. Tony Dutrow saddled the Pennsylvania-bred and Annie Napravnik won the first graded event of her career with a patient ride following a poor getaway. Earlier on the card, ICABAD CRANE (Jump Start) posted a solid score in the Kings Point H., a 1 1/8-mile stakes for state-breds. Gelding hadn't won sine taking the Federico Tesio at Pimlico in April 2008 and had shown dull form until being brought back recently from a layoff by trainer Graham Motion. Veteran appears to have gotten over whatever problems were bothering him and if he stays sound, he'll be a welcome addition to the many upper bracket opportunities that are available for Empire State-breds. On Thursday, March 18, a nice group of six fillies and mares contested the Polite Rebuff S., a one-mile overnight feature for older distaffers. STARSHIP ANGEL (Running Stag), the second choice in the wagering, proved clearly best after rating just off the lead, awaiting room in early stretch, and quickly going by the leaders when clear to win by 5 3/4 lengths. Veteran All Night Labor (Double Honor) held gamely for the place spot, a half-length better than early pacesetter Poovey (Graeme Hall), who was denied in an attempt to win her fifth consecutive race. Kiaran McLaughlin saddled the winner and Napravnik also was aboard this bay filly. Meet statistics Both trainer Gary Contessa and jockey Ramon Dominguez will win their respective categories by wide margins. Dominguez continues his long run of winning titles at every meet on this circuit since Alan Garcia was the leading rider at Saratoga in 2008. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (3/17) 2ND -- Making only her second start back from a 13-month layoff, MISS HANKY PANKY (El Corredor) broke a step slow, quickly rushed-up to he involved in a pace duel and held well the whole race, eventually checking in third, beaten under a length. Lightly-raced filly should break her maiden soon. 3RD -- FRAMED (Tale of the Cat), who had been impressive breaking his maiden in his previous start, rallied strongly in this spot to just fail to get up in his first effort vs. winners. Sophomore colt should appreciate a "flat" mile or a 1 1/8-mile contest when racing shifts back to main-track next week. 9TH -- Showing much-improved speed, DESTINY ROAD (Heckle) chased the favorite every step and while no match to that impressive winner, the same effort by the Bruce Levine-trained sophomore filly should allow her to leave the maiden ranks soon. Friday (3/19) 2ND -- Making his second start off a Cody Autry claim, BOLD VINDICATION (Vindication) ran a winning race, competing hard every step from his inside draw. He was passed in the last 100 yards to eventually finish second, but he should love seven furlongs in the near future, a distance which can't be run on this inner surface. He'll make his next start for Gary Sciacca after being claimed for the bottom tag here ($7,500). 5TH -- B Z WARRIOR (Malibu Moon) was just a tad "short" in this spot as he led until deep stretch in his first ever in a claimer and first race in four months. Todd Pletcher-trained colt went un-claimed and should win soon. Saturday (3/20) 4TH -- The much improved MIGHTY MORRIS (Wheelaway) sprinted clear early, discouraged the other speed horse Manteca (Aptitude) and held until the last sixteenth when heavy favorite Icabad Crane drove clear late. Excellent effort in his first appearance in a stakes. Sunday (3/21) 9TH -- MY PAL TOM (Hook and Ladder) chased the paced from start-to-finish and held well for the place. Gelding was making only his third lifetime start and should win next out at this same $10K tag. Upcoming Stakes A week from Saturday, the Wood Memorial (G1), Carter H. (G1), Bay Shore S. (G3) and Excelsior S. (G3) are scheduled. Have a nice week!
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