Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

MARCH 9, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

The groans and moans heard nationwide this past week came from horseplayers

learning of NYRA's announcement that racing will continue over the inner

track for at least another week. Handicappers had been hoping for a reprieve

from what has seemed like an endless winter in the Northeast.

Racing over the

main track at Aqueduct is exactly what the doctor ordered to alleviate the

winter doldrums that regularly engulf punters who follow New York racing. Races

on the 1 1/8-mile main oval continually provide handicappers with a different

set of challenges, with the addition of seven-furlong and one-turn, one-mile

races. Shippers also begin to arrive from across the country from their winter

havens, making the handicapping puzzle much tougher.

At least we're nearing the finish line that will bring down the

final curtain of winter racing at Aqueduct for yet another season.

While the racing world focused on the Santa Anita H. (G1) and Triple Crown

prep races over the weekend, Aqueduct once again presented the Stymie Handicap

for three-year-olds and up at nine furlongs. While the Stymie lacked the glitz

and glamour of a marquee event, it nevertheless generated an exciting result as

HYDROGEN (Pleasant Colony), the beneficiary of a sparkling ride by Richard Migliore, rallied from just off the pace to post a nose decision over 4-5 race

favorite Aggadan (Carnivalay).

Trained Bruce Levine, the winner sat a perfect

trip toward the inside while stalking a lackluster pace on the front end.

Hydrogen would cut the corner turning into the stretch and waited for a seam to

appear for him to launch a late rally. Finally, in midstretch, a hole opened up

and Migliore deftly maneuvered him between rivals to gain a tenuous lead. He

grimly held the small advantage and withstood a resolute Aggadan to come out

on top by a scant nose. The runner-up, who suffered a heartbreaking defeat, was arguably best.

Aggadan lost valuable ground throughout the race while spotting the winner eight

pounds, but the six-year-old still finished strongly to come out on the short end of a tight

photo. Song of the Sword (Unbridled's Song), who stalked the leisurely pace,

weakened to finish third.

The main track played favorably to speed near the inside to begin and end the

week. Otherwise, it was bias free the remainder of the time.

Richard Dutrow Jr. widened his lead in the trainer's standings, and now leads

both Gary Contessa and Scott Lake by four victories. Bruce Levine and Mike

Hushion round out the top five.

It was status quo in the race for top jock last week as Rafael Bejarano

maintained a 16-win edge over Norberto Arroyo Jr. Shaun Bridgmohan remains

steadfast in third with Mike Luzzi and Migliore tied for fourth.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (3/2)

3RD – LIEUTENANT DANZ (Gold Fever) had a sharp effort on the drop in his second

attempt around two turns. He set a very lively pace and held well while clearly

second best to an odds-on winning favorite.

8TH – ROYAL FUDGE (Carson City) was a useful third after shipping up from

Florida. She closed with interest off a prolonged layoff in a race that finished up

well late.

Thursday (3/3)

2ND - FLOWER FLAG (Dance Floor) was a much improved second making her first start for

trainer Michael Brice. She finished well in a race that was faster than par for

the class level.

8TH – LASIK (Mazel Trick) gave futile chase to a loose on the lead Gulfstream

Park shipper while returning to a sprint off a layoff. The filly should have gained much

needed conditioning from this outing and has the ability to either set or stalk the

pace.

Friday (3/4)

1ST – MINOR'S GOLD (Miner's Mark) was hard used and set enterprising

fractions around two turns. She would definitely benefit if returned to sprints.

4TH – CAT DANCE (Storm Cat) outran her double digit odds in career

debut for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. She stalked, then set a very lively pace, yielding only to a ground

saving odds-on winning favorite who shipped up from Florida. Cat Dance is bred for either

turf or dirt and has a full sister and full brother who both won on the grass.

Saturday (3/5)

1ST – FIVE STAR GOLD (Goldminers Gold) regressed badly after chasing a fast pace

off a career best effort. He held his position until the far turn before

retreating and would benefit by a cutback into distance and a brief freshening.

3RD – I LIVE FOR THIS (Devil's Bag) was severely impeded by a riderless horse

when carried wide heading into the clubhouse turn. The sophomore colt continued to lose ground

throughout, but still managed to rally for the place in a race that finished up

well.

Sunday (3/5)

4TH – ATTILA'S STORM (Forest Wildcat) decisively defeated multiple stakes

winning rivals in good

time in his second start over the inner track. Can win right back if properly

spotted in next start vs. winners.

9TH – CITY NEWS (Carson City) held gamely for the place, setting a fast and

pressured pace on the turnback to a sprint. The gelding showed a much improved effort over the

inner course that may have been to his disliking.