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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK APRIL 17, 2010 by Albie Johnson Beautiful summer-like weather was the order of the day last week as the short meet on the main-track already is beginning to wind down. Belmont Park opens up on Friday, April 30. A light stakes schedule is on tap until then and last week's only graded event, the Comely (G3) for three-year-old fillies, proved to be an exciting one. Race was run at a "flat" mile and attracted a field of eight sophomores with the crowd settling on the unbeaten She'll Be Doggone (Gone West) as the heavy post-time favorite. Pace was set by Anchorage (Tapit), who although not in contention at the finish still had a major say in the outcome as she bumped with the favorite twice in the early going and again in midstretch, stopping She'll Be Doggone cold by shutting her off at a time when she was about to make a strong run. Meanwhile, the two outside runners in the gate, TOUCHING BEAUTY (Tapit) and Speightful Affair (Speightstown), were able to avoid all the traffic problems that were taking place and finished in that order. "Beauty" raced close-up throughout, bidding in early stretch to reach the front, and she held a fast-closing "Speightful" safe by a half-length, with C C's Pal (Alex's Pal) another half-length back in third. Bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. and Winchell Thoroughbreds, the winning filly is still owned by the former in partnership with Joseph M. Cornacchia. Jimmy Jerkens brought the winner north for this after she won a first-level allowance at Gulfstream on March 14, and "Beauty" hinted at some quality last year when finishing second in the Matron S.(G2) during the fall meet at Belmont. Track conditions Fast and firm on all days but Friday, when fast and good were in order. Main-track has favored those running near the top in most cases and the turf has played fairly in the small number of races that have been run on the surface. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (4/7) 2ND -- The field's only debuting filly, GRACILIA (Mr. Greeley), took some late money but was forced to check at the break and then was rushed up into heavy traffic before tiring badly during the stretch run, while not under any pressure. Home-bred should run much better for a trainer (Bruce Levine) who's one of the strongest on the circuit second time out. 3RD -- After breaking his maiden racing for $10,000 in his first start off a trainer switch to Steve Asmussen, SAINTS ALIVE (E Dubai) won his fourth in a row in this first level allowance and did so stopping the clock in 1:10.92 for six panels. The $325,000 two-year-old purchase may be stakes-bound soon. 4TH -- Making her first start on the grass, SIWANOY LILA (Indian Charlie) was forced to steady sharply in midstretch of this $25K-maiden claimer and was beaten only a neck once clear. She should win next out at the same level. Thursday (4/8) 4TH -- GATA PERRA (Catienus), who had shown good speed in her debut, lost all chance in this spot when she stumbled at the break. The sophomore worked her way up into contention and flattened out in the last eighth. Filly deserves another chance. 9TH -- Bred for the turf, PONTE VECCHIO (Regal Classic) took to the surface immediately, finishing a strong second in this state-bred maiden special weight contest. He shouldn't be long in visiting the winner's circle. Friday (4/9) 7TH -- Very impressive maiden win by IN YOUR DREAMS (Freud) as filly was making only her second start, as well as her turf debut, off a two-month freshening. She stalked early, bid when asked, and drew away to a 7 3/4-length victory. State-bred looks to have a bright future. Saturday (4/10) 5TH -- Switched to the turf for his second start by trainer Graham Motion, CHINGACHGOOK (Empire Maker) showed tremendous improvement over his debut as he rated early and made a strong run beginning on the far turn that carried him to a second-place finish.. Looks all set for the big sweeping turns at Belmont. Sunday (4/11) 6TH -- Prepared at Palm Meadows for her debut by trainer Jimmy Jerkens, COILED SPRING (More Than Ready) was involved in a spirited speed duel with another first-timer and tired just after turning for home to finish sixth of seven. Barn almost always runs them without Lasix first out (like this filly) and is very strong second time out with the addition of the drug. 7TH -- CAP THE THUNDER (Thunder Gulch) finished a rallying third in this first level state-bred allowance on the grass. Effort was her first on the grass since October 12 and reaffirmed her liking for the surface. She should improve next out. Upcoming stakes This Saturday is the Distaff (G2) for three & up fillies and mares at seven furlongs. Have a nice week!!
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