|
|
AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK APRIL 11, 2013 by John Mucciolo Five graded races topped a monster Saturday card at Aqueduct. Wood Memorial (G1): Let's Go Stable et al's VERRAZANO (More Than Ready) kept his perfect record intact with a measured, three-quarters of a length score with John Velazquez in the irons. The Todd Pletcher charge finished up 1 1/8 miles on the main oval in 1:50 1/5 to solidify his status as the early Kentucky Derby favorite. Carter H. (G1): Silverton Hill's SWAGGER JACK (Smart Strike) made a big move from well off the early pace to strike the front and held off a late scare in posting a 15-1 upset in this race for trainer Marty Wolfson. The five-year-old earned his first Grade 1 win by smoking seven furlongs on the fast main strip in 1:21 2/5 beneath Irad Ortiz Jr. Ruffian H. (G2): David Belthen's homebred WITHGREATPLEASURE (Hold That Tiger) took a short lead at the top of the lane and gamely drove home a three-quarters of a length winner in this affair under Velazquez. The David Nunn trainee finished off the mile on the fast main oval in 1:36 2/5. Gazelle S. (G2): Juddmonte Farms' CLOSE HATCHES (First Defence) took the lead right out of the gate and held off a stubborn foe en route to a 3 1/4-length tally for conditioner Bill Mott. The sophomore miss went nine furlongs on the main strip in 1:50 2/5 under the guidance of Joel Rosario. Bay Shore S. (G3): Lucky Shamrock Stables' homebred DECLAN'S WARRIOR (Majestic Warrior) was near the back turning for home but powered gamely in the lane and got up late in a superb effort under Jose Lezcano. The three-year-old colt, who was a head clear under the line, zipped seven panels in 1:22 for conditioner Nick Zito. Track Stats A total of 48 races were held at the Jamaica, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 44 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 58 percent of the wins during the week. From 34 races on the main oval, 10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (29 percent), while a pair of runners led at every call from 14 turf outings (14 percent). On the main oval, we thought the oval played mostly consistent for the duration of the week. Forwardly placed runners did well, but closers had their chance, too. This oval is often fair to all types. Both wire jobs on the lawn came in route tries, and we also liked the fairness of the grass oval during its first week with turf racing. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (4/4) 1ST -- MUCH STRONGER (Brother Derek) took the lead out of the gate and never looked back en route to a powerful 3 1/4-length score for trainer David Jacobson. The sophomore colt showed no signs of tiring and should be capable of going two turns next out if that's where they opt to go. 3RD -- The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained TRANSPARENT (Bernardini) showed off his ability in this event with a powerhouse score under Ortiz. The three-year-old colt, who faced elders in here, blew past his foes approaching the turn for home and poured it on late while crossing the wire 10 3/4 lengths in front. The well-bred sort will surely be stakes bound off of this performance. Friday (4/5) 4TH -- Jacobson may have made a wise claim of the winner in here, as ABRA (Elusive Quality) rolled home a fine maiden winner in a sharp time, while being eased down late. The five-year-old should be a player if properly placed right back. 8TH -- TALK THERAPY (Freud) did everything right but win this allowance race, finishing more than four lengths clear of third in a fine try. The seven-year-old gelding still has plenty of run left in him for conditioner Chris Englehart. 9TH -- STOCK FUND (Stonesider) ran like a horse possibly needing a race in her first outing since the Saratoga meeting, but the four-year-old filly still ran well enough to win while runner-up in this affair. Expect the Carlos Martin pupil to move forward in her second run of 2013. Saturday (4/6) 2ND -- MIDNIGHT TABOO (Langfuhr) looked very well in his sophomore debut for Pletcher, tracking the pace, taking over at the top of the lane and inching clear to a decisive tally in this spot. The colt is bred to run longer and potentially on the lawn, and he should have a lot of options going forward. 7TH -- The 10-year-old GIMME CREDIT (Artax) welcomed a return to New York racing in a big way, when dominating this field by more than five lengths for Martin. The ageless gelding has always run well with this type, but he even surprised us with the ease of which he won this race. Trainer Jacobson looks to have made another shrewd claim. 11TH -- VYJACK (Into Mischief) suffered his first defeat in this race, but the Rudy Rodriguez trainee ran well to be a close third and we wouldn't take him lightly going forward. The colt has good tactical speed and is outrunning his pedigree. Sunday (4/7) 5TH -- PRINCESS ASH (Indian Charlie) finally graduated in her debut for Rodriguez after shipping in from the Golden State, but we've never been high on the four-year-old and consider her a bet against in her first with winners next out. 8TH -- Jacobson yet again looks to have acquired a good one via claim, this time grabbing race winner ROAD AGENT (Rock Hard Ten) out of here. The three-year-old colt won this race by 10 3/4 lengths in a strong closing time with little urging, and we'll be backing him right back if properly placed. A Look Ahead Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Distaff Handicap is the lone graded attraction this coming weekend.
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
