Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

JANUARY 11, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

The first Triple Crown Prep race in New York was run last Saturday over the

inner dirt. ACHILLES OF TROY (Notebook), who displaced the early pacesetters on

the lead before six furlongs had been completed, proceeded to run away and hide

from the competition while scoring a lopsided 14-length victory in the Count

Fleet S. Owned by the Paraneck Stable, Achilles of Troy is unbeaten since adding

Lasix on December 29, and his impressive outing in race that was just

four-fifths of a second off the track record, stamping him as the leading

three-year-old training in New York. Extra Bend (Twining) closed to get second,

finishing 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Platinum Couple (Tale of the Cat), who rallied

from off the pace as well to take down the show.

It was called the Brutally Frank S., but if I'm being brutally honest,

Sunday's six furlong feature race at Aqueduct was nothing more than a classified

allowance contest. WILD JAM (Forest Wildcat), exiting a optional claiming

contest victory at Laurel Park, make a successful return to competition, closing

from off the pace to score by 1 1/4 lengths. The Maryland invader found his best

stride leaving the far turn, and then sustained his rally into the stretch,

blowing past the beleaguered leaders to win going away under jockey Ramon

Dominguez. Spooky Mulder (Brunswick), a forward factor from the start, gained a

short lived lead in midstretch, but ultimately could not to fend off a late

challenge from the winner and settled for the place. Exciting Metro (Carson

City) bounded away from the gate to dictate a comfortable pace on the from end,

and then held well to the finish while salvaging the show. The Richard Dutrow

Jr.-trained entry of Golden Man (Suave Prospect) and Byanosejoe (Cherokee Run)

never made their presence felt despite being sent off as the 3-2 favorite in the

race.

Mike Luzzi sits atop the jockey standings, with Eibar Coa just two victories

behind in second. Channing Hill continues to hold on third with John Velasquez

in fourth and Kyle Kaenel in fifth.

Todd Pletcher continues lead all trainers. There is a three-way battle for

second place between Dutrow, Bruce Levine and Mike Hushion.

There was no visible bias on Thursday, but speed runners dominated the

results on Friday and Saturday. The track played uniformly on Sunday.

There did not appear to be any discernible path bias all week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (1/5)

4TH – SATIN END (Precise End) turned in a sharp effort setting a quick and

pressured pace off a brief rest. Clearly second best behind a daylight winner.

Appears poised for a career best effort, especially if she can get a clear lead.

Friday (1/6)

2ND – MAKE US HAPPY (Austinpower [Jpn]) displayed a much-improved effort in

her second career start. Exhibited new found speed to contest an honest pace

with an odds-on favorite, and held extremely well while second best. Should

continue to move forward with age and experience.

5TH – THIRTEEN MIL (Millions) gave a good showing on the drop while facing

limited winners. Closed with good energy to finish second from near the back of

the pack over a speed-biased track in a race that finished up well late. Appears

to have found a home over the inner dirt.

7TH – NO SLEEP (Robyn Dancer) finished a creditable fourth while stepping

up/stretching out and tacking older rivals off the layoff. Dispensed a good

middle move into a strong pace to reach contention and continued on well late.

Best efforts since shipping to New York have been in sprints vs. claimers.

Saturday (1/7)

4TH – PARADE GIRL (Parade Ground) was a good runner-up off the Steve Klesaris

claim. Held gamely while disputing the lead in race that was quick throughout.

Should derive beneficial conditioning and experience from her initial inner dirt

effort off the layoff.

6TH – THEIR HE GOES (Silver Deputy) gave an encouraging effort in his well

bet/well meant career debut. Finished with good energy for the place vs. a

dominant wire-to-wire winner over a speed-biased track. Hails from a sire and

trainer that usually fare well with young runners.

Sunday (1/8)

3RD – FIERY PURSUIT (Carson City) turned in an improved showing in her second

lifetime start. Held well chasing the early pace to finish third in a race that

finished up well late. Appears to have room to progress off this effort.

4TH – ALL BETS DOWN (Carson City) was a strong second in her career debut.

Set a very lively pace on the front end before giving ground grudgingly to a

perfect trip winning favorite. Should have achieved valuable experience and

conditioning from this effort. She is bred for a sprint and to win early in her

career.