Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 13, 2007

by Bernard T. Moore

A reminder to all that Aqueduct will be closed for its annual Holiday break

from December 17-25. Racing will resume on Wednesday,

December 26.

It seems that there is still some run left in the ol' boy yet. EVENING ATTIRE

(Black Tie Affair [Ire]), who is nine years young, was able to overcome a

stutter-step start to post a desperate head victory in the Queens County H. (G3)

on Saturday. As usual, Evening Attire broke a bit clumsily, but then rapidly

gained position toward the inside under jockey Edgar Prado as the field made its

way down the backstretch. Barcola (Old Trieste) set a comfortable early pace as

Marital Asset (A.P. Indy), racing just outside of the front runner, watched his

every move. The Pat Kelly-trained Evening Attire began reducing his deficit

around the far turn, as Prado kept him in perfect position for a stretch bid.

Barcola held on grimly to the lead as he turned into the stretch, as Marital

Asset started weakening under pressure. However, Evening Attire was resolute in

his pursuit of the eventual second-place finisher, with Prado coaxing every last

bit of run out of the nine-year-old gelding, overhauling Barcola in deep

stretch.

While the connections of Evening Attire celebrated their runner's dramatic

victory, it was a gut-wrenching defeat for the Barcola camp. The runner-up was

masterfully rated on the lead by jockey Eibar Coa. Unfortunately, the wire did

not appear soon enough to save him and his connections from a heartbreaking

defeat. Hunting (Coronado's Quest), who was badly outrun early, made a

threatening move upon entering stretch. However, he was one-paced late and could

do no better than third with Martial Asset checking in fourth.

The Damon Runyon S. on Sunday for New York-bred juveniles was reduced to a

virtual match race between GIANT MOON (Giant's Causeway) and Spanky Fischbein

(Hook and Ladder), with the former coming away with a well-deserved, 1

3/4-length decision. There was little to choose between Giant Moon and Spanky

Fischbein as they raced heads apart down the backstretch. The two leaders

remained inseparable as they turned into the stretch, with Giant Moon slowly

asserting himself at the midstretch point. He continued to edge away from the

eventual second-place finisher under energetic handling by jockey Ramon

Dominguez, thus keeping his unblemished record (three-for-three now) intact.

Spanky Fischbein held well to finish second as Alexandros (Mayakovsky) took down

the show. Coastal Drive (Griffinite) reported home fourth in a dull showing as

the 2-1 third choice in the betting.

Early speed types were definitely advantaged on Thursday and Friday.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (12/5)

2ND -- LUTAY LOVE (Not for Love) registered a strong third-place effort

despite a difficult trip. She stumbled badly shortly after the break and lacked

clear sailing around the far turn and into the stretch, finishing a "close up"

third. Probably would have won with a clean trip.

4TH -- SARATOGA CHANCE (American Chance) turned in an improved showing while

dropping into a maiden claimer for the first time. Exhibited good speed to chase

a lively pace off a layoff. She subsequently tired in a race she desperately

needed.

Thursday (12/6)

2ND - PAY IN KIND (High Yield) suffered a troubled effort returning from a

freshening. "Whacked" at the gate at the break, he was trapped behind runners

toward the inside down the backstretch. Finished gamely for second despite

lacking clear sailing in the stretch to just miss.

8TH -- DILL OR NO DILL (Evansville Slew) posted a sharp second-place finish

off the bench. Held gamely setting a quick and pressured pace in her inner track

debut in a strong showing. Should have derived beneficial conditioning from this

effort.

Friday (12/7)

5TH -- AMERICAN DREAM'A (American Chance) finished a sharp second. She was

compromised by a wide trip while chasing home a loose wire-to-wire winner over a

speed-conducive track. Look for a rider change back to Eibar Coa or Alan Garcia

in her next start.

7TH -- TOP LEADER (Gold Token) did well to finish third in his two-turn

debut. Closed with good energy to nearly get the place behind slow fractions in

a race that quickened noticeably late. Should have derived beneficial

conditioning from his initial effort beyond six furlongs.

Saturday (12/8)

4TH -- KING DAVID J (Precise End) was hard used to set an enterprising pace

in his well bet/well meant career debut. Understandably gave way around the turn

in a much-needed effort. Will obviously be much fitter in his second career

start.

5TH -- SHOW OF COLORS (Carry My Colors) nearly pulled off a major upset at

odds of 26-1. Carved out sprightly fractions, and then gave ground grudgingly in

deep stretch to finish second in a sharp effort. He appears poised to register

his initial victory over the Inner Dirt track.

Sunday (12/9)

1ST -- BALLYMIST (Mt. Livermore) stole away to a huge daylight lead, carving

a an extremely fast pace while re-equipped with blinkers. Tired noticeably in

deep stretch to finish second. Should be much fitter in her second start for

trainer Greg DiPrima off the layoff.

3RD -- SERIOUS VOW (Broken Vow) lacked clear sailing while full of run as she

attempted to rally in the stretch. Probably would have won if able to secure

racing room in her initial effort beyond six furlongs. Her sire and dam were at

their best over a distance of ground.