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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 26, 2010 by Albie Johnson Despite snow all around here, we were able to run five scheduled cards last week without interruption, and it won't be long until March 6 when the Gotham (G3) and Toboggan (G3) will both be contested. The previous week was highlighted by the Rare Treat S. with yet another small field (five) that entered the starting gate. The 1 1/8-mile contest for older fillies and mares looked like a two-horse race on paper and that's the way it played-out on the track. The well-traveled LIFE AT TEN (Malibu Moon) went favored in this spot and the mare won this one early as she sprinted clear from main foe Starship Angel (Running Stag) heading into the first turn and increased her margin at every pole to win by 5 1/4 lengths over the same rival, who never stopped trying but proved no match while finishing 16 lengths in front of Pumpkin Shell (Lion Heart). The winner continued a strong run for the barn of Todd Pletcher on this and all fronts on which he is racing. Chestnut mare ran her record on conventional dirt to 5-3-2-0 after spending the first part of her career racing over synthetic surfaces in California. Statistics A pair of familiar names are on top of the trainer and jockey standings with Gary Contessa holding a 21-to-15 lead over Richard Dutrow and Pletcher, both of whom have started about 40 percent fewer horses than the leading man. Ramon Dominguez is once again firmly in hold of the rider standings with a 67-to-40 lead over his nearest pursuer, David Cohen, who has impressed in his first winter in New York. Dominguez, the reigning champ at the Big A, became the first jockey to win five straight races at Aqueduct when capturing races 1-5 on Wednesday, another fine display of his immense talent. Track conditions Fast on all five cards with a noticeable inside bias on Saturday, but it had totally disappeared by the time the 1ST race was run on Sunday, which favored late runners who all raced well out in the track. Post Positions Previous trends over this meet continued with a good mix from all posts winning both in sprints and two-turn contests. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (2/17) 2ND -- After being bumped at the start, CALVELLO (Tapit) was forced into a wide trip that led his rider into a bit of a premature move to the front. After opening a clear advantage, he was run down late. Next time. 5TH -- WICKED DIVA (Jump Start), who had finished second in her debut, raced in this spot with "blinkers on" and was very impressive in winning. The $125,000 Spa yearling purchase rated early and exploded when ready, drawing away to a 5 1/2-length score. Owned and trained by Mike Hushion, she may go right into a state-bred stakes. Thursday (2/18) 2ND -- Making her second start back off a 5 1/2-month layoff, FAIR LADY OLIVIA (Desert Warrior) sprinted clear early and still held the lead at the sixteenth pole, but was worn down late by a good-looking filly who was making her debut. She won't be a maiden for long. 9TH -- Trainer Cody Autry had PRINCE OF IRON (Menifee) ready off a six-month absence as he battled early with the eventual winner before weakening in the last sixteenth to finish third. Normal improvement in his second back should result in him getting his picture taken. Saturday (2/20) 2ND -- COMICAL (Ghostzapper) chased while wide in this spot and that was not the place to be on this speed-favoring day. The $200,000 yearling did well to finish second to the wire-to-wire winner while 10 lengths clear of the third. His day will come soon. 10TH -- Dropped into a maiden-claimer for the first time, TOM KITTEN (Kitten’s Joy) raced very wide the whole race and after making a strong bid turning for home he tired late to finish third. He may appreciate two turns next out. Sunday (2/21) 7TH -- On a day when the speed didn't hold, LADY LIMIT (Limit Out) stayed in front until midstretch where she tired to finish fifth of nine. Filly was recently re-claimed by Cody Autry, who had success with her last spring and summer at Delaware Park. She looks on the verge of a winning effort. Upcoming stakes No graded events are scheduled until March 6. Have a nice week and THINK SPRING!
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