Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

APRIL 30, 2015

by John Mucciolo

A single graded stakes race headlined the week of racing at Aqueduct.

Excelsior S. (G3): Tri-Bone Stables' EFFINEX (Mineshaft) got near the leader

approaching the turn for home and gradually wore that one down in securing a

three-parts of a length tally for conditioner Jimmy Jerkens. The four-year-old

New York-bred stopped the teletimer in 2:02 for ten panels on the fast main oval

under Angel Arroyo.

Track Stats

A total of 46 races were held over the main strip at the Long Island, New

York, venue, with favorites winning at a 41 percent rate and the top two betting

choices combining for 67 percent of the wins during the week. From 33 races on

the main oval, eight animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (24 percent), while two

of the 13 grassy races were taken all the way on the lead (15 percent).

We thought both ovals played mostly fair during this closing week. Both turf

runners led through moderate splits in route races and kicked home best, but

they didn't ride a bias of any sort.

Of the eight wire-to-winners on the dirt, seven came in sprint runs.

Meet Totals

RACES:		89
DIRT:		63
TURF:		26
FAVORITES:		43 (48 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		20 (22 percent)
DIRT WIRE:		7 (11 percent)
TURF WIRE:		10 (38 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (4/22)

2ND -- GLICKMAN (Trippi) proved that he is too much for this level with a

facile tally in a nice time under Eric Cancel. The seven-year-old was re-claimed

by David Jacobson out of this dash and will likely be a major player right back,

especially against similar company.

8TH -- COACH INGE (Big Brown) ran easily one of the best races of the week at

Aqueduct following this superb allowance romp for Todd Pletcher. The

four-year-old gelding led early and exploded when given his cue in the lane,

coming home in a swift :36 1/5 for his final three-eighths. He earned a lifetime

best 108 BRIS Speed rating and has to be stakes bound next time out.

Thursday (4/23)

8TH -- BAR OF GOLD (Medaglia d'Oro) left little doubt in this dash with a

powerful score in going away fashion under Junior Alvarado. The sophomore filly

beat her elders with ease and is now a sterling three-for-three lifetime with

improvement in each outing. The filly is a nice prospect who has every right to

improve as the distances increase.

Friday (4/24)

8TH -- MRS MCDOUGAL (Medaglia d'Oro) did get away with very soft early

fractions, but she still gave a fine impression of herself when dominating this

field in the lane for conditioner Chad Brown. The expensive sophomore appears to

have a very bright future.

Saturday (4/25)

2ND -- We really liked the performance put in by maiden graduate ZIPPA

TEQUILLA (City Zip) after she tracked a clear early leader, dispatched of that

one in early stretch and drove home a daylight winner for Jason Servis. Tab the

filly to do good things when facing winners going forward.

7TH -- MAJESTIC RAFFY (Raffie's Majesty) was never getting to the winner, but

ran a sneaky good one in third behind a very slow pace, with a wide trip to

boot. The Chris Englehart trainee also could have needed the outing in his first

since the fall -- which leads us to believe that he will be very tough next out.

8TH -- Even though 3-5 favorite WICKED STRONG (Hard Spun) only finished

third, we still like this colt a lot and won't think less of him after this

performance. The Grade 1 winner has a lot left in the tank in our view.

Sunday (4/26)

4TH -- COURAGEISAMAJORITY (Medaglia d'Oro) was last early but had a lot of

run in the lane and fell just short in a very good try under John Velazquez. The

Graham Motion pupil was making her first run since the fall and should use this

as a stepping stone to races upcoming in what could be a nice sophomore

campaign.

7TH -- WARRIOR'S CROWN (Majestic Warrior), making his first start in 11

months, moved outside for the stretch run and did the best late in posting a

game allowance tally in what was a fine comeback outing. The Bill Mott trainee

is lightly raced, first or second in each lifetime outing, and is also proven at

Belmont Park, where he will run next time in all likelihood.

A Look Ahead

A trio of graded races will take place on Saturday during the opening week of

racing at Belmont Park. The $200,000 Sheepshead Bay (G2), $150,000 Fort Marcy

(G3) and $150,000 Westchester (G3) will lead the way.