|
|
AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK APRIL 24, 2010 by Albie Johnson The short spring meet on the main track will come to an end this Sunday and Belmont, which traditionally opens on a Wednesday, will begin its lengthy spring-summer this year on Friday, April 30. We'll be dark for four days next week in anticipation of the return of many of the bigger outfits with the closing of Keeneland today. The previous week was highlighted by a single graded event, the $147,000 Distaff H.(G2) for older fillies and mares at seven furlongs. A contentious race on paper with four of the five starters at odds of 3-1 or less did not prove that way on the track as 9-5 favorite TAR HEEL MOM (Flatter) broke in stride and, after establishing a two-length lead early on over the muddy and sealed surface, was never seriously threatened, maintaining a clear advantage the entire race with the final margin coming in at 2 1/2 lengths over the lightly raced Hour Glass (Petionville), who in turn had two lengths on Florida regular Matchless Orinda (Sky Mesa), who proved to be the race's biggest disappointment when she was out-run early, never looked comfortable, and was not a factor at any point. The winning mare is a very consistent type who was picking-up her first graded stakes win after a trio of races at Gulfstream earlier this year in which she finished third in the Sugar Swirl (G3), and second in both the Hurricane Bertie (G3) and Inside Information (G2). Veteran Stanley Hough gave a leg up to Ramon Dominguez and it was nice to see this "honest" mare get a graded win. Track conditions Fast and firm on all days but Saturday when the main-track was muddy and sealed and the turf course was labeled "good." Speed was much more prevalent on both surfaces this past week. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (4/14) 6TH -- Running in a career-soft spot, MEDJOOL (Monarchos) lost all chance in this grass claimer when he "stumbled" at the start and also had to steady at that point. Former stakes performer did well under the circumstances to finish third and this effort is best viewed as excellent with what transpired. 7TH -- After a "troubled" debut when debuting at Gulfstream trainer Nick Zito, KHALIFA (Unbridled's Song) moved into a high-end maiden claimer and filly responded with an easy win. There were no takers at the claim box and this $130,000 yearling may not race again for a tag anytime soon. Thursday (4/15) 4TH -- Making his first start on the turf, GILT EDGED (Touch Gold) finished a solid second in this maiden claimer to a much-the-best winner. He should get his diploma soon facing similar. Friday (4/16) 6TH -- After racing evenly in his debut at Gulfstream, AL MUHTASIB (Distorted Humor) showed good early speed in this spot, survived a protracted duel and held well to finish third. Much improved run by this $520,000 yearling and Shadwell representative should win soon. 7TH -- Veteran turfer DISTANT STRIKE (Smart Strike) finished second in this spot and what he did isn't easy on this course -- a long drive while four-five wide from the half-mile pole to the wire. Excellent effort and he'll like it at Belmont. Saturday (4/17) 5TH -- Dropped down in this spot, BUDDY'S DREAM (Western Expression) finished second to a long gone wire-to-wire winner, but his solid late rally was a strong one as he had to swing widest turning for home and never stopped trying. Sunday (4/18) 5TH -- Making only his third start since coming back from a year's layoff, BREAKWATER EDISON (Lemon Drop Kid) was a game and determined winner of this allowance/optional claimer over a surface and distance that he was successful at when winning the Nashua (G3) back in 2008. He's stringing starts together and appears to be over whatever physical problems he had. 6TH -- Racing off a two-month layoff and with blinkers on, MUHAAWARA (Unbridled's Song) was a sharp-looking winner in this seven-furlong maiden contest and filly should do even better as they increase her in distance. Upcoming stakes Saturday is the Withers S. (G3) for three-year-olds going a mile, with a six-horse field headed by D'Funnybone (D'wildcat) and Ibboyee (Medallist).
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
