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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK DECEMBER 15, 2011 by John Mucciolo There were no graded races this weekend at Aqueduct. Track Stats A total of 45 races were held over Jamaica, New York, venue with favorites winning at a 40 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 62 percent of the wins during the week. From 45 races on the main oval, 18 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (40 percent). There was no turf races held this past week. Speed horses had an excellent week, with front runners winning at a 40 percent rate. We don't think it was a very pronounced bias -- more of a combination of the rail being good, small fields and a lot of favorites coming through. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (12/7) 3RD -- WELL KEPT ran too good to lose in here and loses no luster after this narrow loss for trainer Leah Gyarmati. The fleet Henny Hughes filly showed a lot of fight in this dash. 4TH -- BETTER LUCKY, a two-year-old Ghostzapper filly, took advantage of a speed duel to draw off in the lane and the Tom Albertrani pupil could turn into a stakes player in 2012. 9TH -- LUNAR VICTORY put forth a nice effort in his U.S. debut under the care of conditioner Bill Mott and the four-year-old could make some noise leading into the new year. Thursday (12/8) 3RD -- FILE GUMBO rebounded from a subpar showing to graduate in here, drawing off to win for fun for trainer Christophe Clement. The sophomore Afleet Alex miss is bred to run all day and should be able to handle any surface. 5TH -- OPUS A never stopped fighting in finishing a clear second in this one after setting the pace. We'll tab the Richard Violette trainee for a win next time. Saturday (12/10) 2ND -- RACONTEUR was easily second best behind a loose on the lead winner in this one and the Todd Pletcher charge would be no surprise in his subsequent outing. 7TH -- MASTER SPLASH (Smokin Mel) had no chance with the top pair, but rallied well to be third in this spot and could benefit from a class drop soon for Chris Englehart. 8TH -- RON THE GREEK showed a new dimension while flashing early zip today and the improving colt was too tough to run down under Junior Alvarado. The Mott charge could be a useful handicap horse in 2012. Sunday (12/11) 3RD -- CROSSBOW won the battle but lost the war in here, settling for second in a solid outing for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The sophomore Bernardini colt is racing back into shape and always looms a danger in sprint events. A Look Ahead There are no graded stakes this week at The Big A.
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