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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK NOVEMBER 10, 2011 by John Mucciolo A trio of graded races headlined the opening weekend at Aqueduct. Red Smith H. (G2): Phipps Stables' homebred BOISTEROUS took command inside the final furlong and inched clear to a two-length win in here for conditioner Shug McGaughey. The talented four-year-old colt stopped the teletimer in 2:20 1/5 for 1 3/8 miles under Alan Garcia. Turnback the Alarm S. (G3): Carolyn Wilson's ARENA ELVIRA pressed the early pace, moved to the front approaching the final turn and cruised home a convincing 6 3/4-length winner of this one under Junior Alvarado. The four-year-old Bill Mott trainee endured nine panels on the main oval in 1:51 2/5 over a fast oval. Bold Ruler S. (G3): Mike Repole's CALIBRACHOA continued his fine run on this oval with a commanding 2 3/4-length score in here for trainer Todd Pletcher. The four-year-old colt sped seven panels on the fast main strip in 1:21 1/5 while under the guidance of Jose Lezcano. Track Stats A total of 25 races were held over the Jamaica, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 32 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 64 percent of the wins during the opening weekend. From 15 races on the main oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (33 percent), and no runner led at every call on the lawn from 10 races. Early speed ruled on the main oval in our estimation, with five wire-to-wire winners and many others pressing the pace in second or third in the early stages. The opposite was true on the lawn, with nearly all of the winners settling closer to the back than the front this weekend. While it is too early in the meet to make any claims about biased ovals, we will not take these observations for granted. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Friday (11/4) 7TH -- The seven-year-old PREMIUM WINE was disqualified from this win but lost nothing in our eyes in a strong effort for conditioner Tony Dutrow. The bay continues to hold good form despite his age. 8TH -- UNBRIDLED COMMAND made pretty easy work of this bulky field for trainer Tom Bush, striding home a 5 1/4-length maiden winner. The juvenile colt didn't beat much but did it the right way, and could be a good one going forward. Saturday (11/5) 4TH -- FRAZIL continues to shine against starter foes for owner/trainer Linda Rice, this time powering home in a smart 1:10 2/5 en route to a win. The gelded five-year-old is very versatile and is always going to be a major player in these ranks. 7TH -- DISCREET CODE made up a good amount of ground in finishing third at first asking in here for trainer Bruce Levine, and this one should move up for a barn much better with second-time starters. We'll tab the gelding for a win next time. Sunday (11/6) 6TH -- Team Valor's MASTER SHADE took over nearing the sixteenth-pole and was confidently handled to the wire in posting a 1 1/4-length win in this one under Garcia. The Graham Motion charge appeared to have a lot left late and wouldn't surprise with a repeat showing. A Look Ahead The Grade 3, $150,000 Long Island Handicap on Saturday is the lone graded race to be held here this weekend.
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