Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

FEBRUARY 15, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

After ACHILLES OF TROY's (Notebook) victory in the Count Fleet S. on January

7, I wrote that his facile score certainly stamped him as one of the leading

three-year-olds in New York. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to make a

statement like that, especially considering the rather weak sophomore crop in

action at Aqueduct this winter.

In fact, the biggest obstacle facing Achilles of Troy in Saturday's Whirlaway S. wasn't

his six rivals, but the approaching

winter storm which was scheduled to hit the Northeast with blizzard-like

conditions at some point on Saturday. As it turns out, neither the snowflakes that

fell at Aqueduct nor the opposition prohibited the Paraneck Stable runner from

proving to be a punctual winning favorite, as he easily annexed his second

successive stakes contest.

In the Whirlaway, One Way Flight (Precise End) set the pace with Achilles of

Troy racing on his outside while under cruise control with jockey Ramon

Dominguez in the irons. Dominguez bided his time, before eventually displacing

the frontrunner on the lead at will. He drew away from the runner-up in the

stretch and was never asked for his best at any point, crossing the wire 4 3/4

lengths in front. One Way Flight was

easily second best with Rob'em Blind (Robyn Dancer) finishing a distant third.

After the race, owner Ernie Paragallo laid out some rather ambitious plans

for his prized three-year-old, which included sending him to Florida for the

Fountain of Youth S. (G2) on March 4.

NYRA wasted little time canceling Sunday's racecard, with heavy snow

predicted to fall in the area from Saturday and continue on into Sunday. Factor

in the prospect of gusty winds and whiteout conditions, and the decision to

postpone a definite no-brainer.

Eibar Coa continues to lead all riders, with Mike Luzzi remaining in

second-place. They are followed by Ramon Dominguez, Kyle Kaenel, and Norberto

Arroyo Jr.

Gary Contessa maintained his huge lead in the trainer standings last week,

with Todd Pletcher taking over the second spot. Richard Dutrow Jr., Bruce Levine

and Scott Lake complete the top five.

The main track favored speed runners on Thursday, with the course playing

uniformly the other days.

There was no path bias all week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (2/8)

1ST – EVENING EDITION (Diligence) ran a sneaky good third while stretching

out/dropping. Chased a very fast pace and continued on well to the finish.

Appears to be better suited to a sprint and a track containing the slightest

hint of moisture.

4TH – PRINCE OF PEACE (Regal Classic) was hard-used disputing a lively pace.

Prefers to sit and make one run. Could improve in a change of race.

Thursday (2/9)

1ST – MAYBRY'S BOY (Broad Brush) was put in a wrong set-up while being hiked

in class off a losing effort. He was forced to chase a superior pace rival

setting modest fractions over a speed favoring track. Needs a livelier pace

scenario to be at his best and seems to favor rating tactics as well.

9TH – STOLEN STAR (Cat Thief) came home a decent third versus winners for the

first time. Finished with interest late, employing rating tactics over a speed

biased course. Might prefer to be on or closer to the early pace.

Friday (2/10)

4TH – SHAMROCK TRICK (Phone Trick) improved to third in his second career

start. Chased an extremely fast pace dictated by a loose wire-to-wire winner and

continued on well in the stretch. Appears set for a break out effort in his next

career start.

7TH – FIREMIST (Flame Thrower) may have regressed a bit in his initial effort

versus. winners. Failed to kick it in when called upon in the stretch and was

second-best behind an impressive daylight winner.

Saturday (2/11)

7TH – MANCHURIAN (Deputy Minister ) was a strong second returning from a

brief rest. Held gamely setting a pressured pace and finished with interest

late. May be better suited to rating tactics in the future.

8TH – One Way Flight was clearly second-best to a impressive winner in the

Whirlaway versus open company rivals in a race that was fast throughout. He was

well clear off the third-place finisher in his first effort around two turns.

Remains eligible for much softer competition.