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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 28, 2013 by John Mucciolo There were no graded events over the weekend at the Big A. Track Stats A total of 37 races were held on the Jamaica, New York inner track, with favorites winning at a 38 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 62 percent of the wins during the week. Thirteen races were won in wire-to-wire fashion (35 percent). We thought the track played mostly consistent for the duration of the week, with speed having an edge throughout. For the past six or more weeks, speed on the rail has been mostly deadly. For reasons we're not sure of, 23 of the 37 winners (62 percent) this week broke from posts four-to-six. We didn't think the oval was unfair, but it's a stat to keep an eye on, nonetheless. Saturday saw seven of the nine winners break from one of those post slots. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (2/21) 6TH -- The Nicholas Esler-trained SINGLE FOREVER (Eddington) made a nice run approaching the final turn and held a stern challenger at bay late in an impressive debut score in this one. The sophomore filly raced wide every step of the way on a speed-favoring oval, and could be very live in her next outing. SATURDAY NTHE PARK (Any Given Saturday) ran as well as one can without winning in here for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, finishing more than nine lengths clear of third in a big runner-up showing. This one shouldn't be a maiden for much longer. 8TH -- KENTUCKY PIE (Stormy Atlantic) made a sweeping move to the front in early stretch and come home well to post a 3 1/4-length allowance tally in this one, and the Kelly Breen trainee could try stakes foes soon after a career-best effort. . Friday (2/22) 3RD -- VEXOR (Wildcat Heir) made nice improvement off of his 2013 debut with a nice second in here, falling to a wire-to-wire winner, and the capable four-year-old colt could put it all together next time. 5TH -- Trainer Rudy Rodriguez might have gotten away with one in sending DADS CAPS (Discreet Cat) out for a maiden claiming run at first asking, as the sophomore colt was tons the best against these in a powerful display. Well backed in this one, the Kentucky-bred went in a solid 1:10 for six panels and could be any kind after coming home in a hand ride. Saturday (2/23) 7TH -- RISK MANAGEMENT (Unbridled's Song) didn't fire that cleanly but did put in a nice late run to be a clear second behind a sharp winner in this one for trainer Richard Violette. The three-year-old colt will be very tough with improvement for a trainer fine with second-time starters. Sunday (2/24) 2ND -- LENDEROFLASTRESORT (Yes It's True) gave Violette his second sharp sophomore performance of the weekend when this sophomore filly tracked a moderate pace and came home fast in a decisive score. The improving filly was professional in topping what we thought were a pair of solid fillies, and she could be of value in her debut with winners next time out. 7TH -- GREELEY PACK (Greeley's Galaxy) made a spirited late run and just missed from graduating in this one for conditioner Kathleen Feron, but the gelded four-year-old was tons clear of second and surely looms large with a similar showing in his comeback assignment. A Look Ahead A trio of graded races on Saturday headline the weekend at Aqueduct. The Grade 3, $400,000 Gotham Stakes is the top draw for sophomores with hopes of progressing on the Triple Crown Trail. Also on Saturday is the Grade 2, $200,000 Top Flight Handicap and the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap.
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