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AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK APRIL 25, 2013 by John Mucciolo There were no graded races during the final week of racing at Aqueduct. Track Stats A total of 46 races were held over the Jamaica, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 30 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 52 percent of the wins during the week. From 29 races on the main oval, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while four runners led at every call from 17 turf outings (24 percent). The inner posts were fairly dominant earlier in the week, when we saw seven horses win while breaking from the rail in 11 dirt outings, but just two winners broke from the rail and won from the remaining 18 dirt runs. All four winners on the lawn that led at every call came in turf races, but we still believe that it's better to race from off the pace on this turf oval. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (4/17) 6TH -- The well-bred CHAMOIS (Smart Strike) topped a pair of Gulfstream imports in his first run since December for conditioner Christophe Clement. The talented sophomore colt displayed a nice turn of foot in getting up by a half-length in here and looks more than capable of getting more ground in the future. 7TH -- The Bill Mott-conditioned PINBALL (Unbridled's Song) rallied into a slow pace and pulled away late in a fine display in this one, winning by 3 1/2 lengths under the wire. The four-year-old colt has now won three in succession in 2013 and looks more than ready to face open foes or state-bred stakes foes next time. Friday (4/19) 6TH -- HARDENED WILDCAT (Hard Spun) came back in his first start of 2013 in this one, and was very game in getting up late for trainer Chad Brown. The gelded four-year-old is a hard-knocking little sprinter who seemingly always fires, and we envision him having a productive 2013. 8TH -- STUNNING LADY (Indian Charlie) had no chance in reeling in the sharp winner in this dash, but the Mark Hennig pupil made a nice late rally to be a clear second and should be very live with any type of improvement next time. Saturday (4/20) 5TH -- ASSET INFLATION (Greeley's Galaxy) took a short lead in the lane and stayed on very well in a very nice runner-up showing at first asking in here for Brown, staying more than four lengths clear of third. Expect this one to be a huge factor in his second lifetime outing. 8TH -- We have a hunch trainer David Jacobson made a nice claim of SURE ROUTE (Ishiguru) out of this, as the five-year-old mare was a big second to a nice one in here. The lass handled the good turf with ease and seems like a player on nearly any type of turf. 10TH -- HOBSON'S CHOICE (Perfect Soul) couldn't match the top pair in this finale, but the sophomore gelding ran a big third at first asking in here for trainer Jimmy Toner, who rarely has his youngsters cranked up for success. Tab this New York-bred for a big one next time out. Sunday (4/21) 8TH -- The classy KAUAI KATIE (Malibu Moon) was allowed to lead on a moderate early pace and the Todd Pletcher filly gave the field little chance with a great closing kick in this listed race. The speedy sophomore impressed a lot by getting her final three furlongs in a swift :35 3/5. A Look Ahead The racing action shifts to Belmont Park this week.
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