Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

MARCH 22, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

The Gotham S. (G3) last Saturday appeared to be a two-horse affair, at least

on paper. The race seemingly boiled down to the Gulfstream Park invader, Keyed

Entry (Honour and Glory), and the Aqueduct inner dirt champ, Achilles of Troy

(Notebook). However, that scenario never quite materialized once the latter

broke slowly leaving the gate and appear to suffered an injury, thus

compromising his chances of victory.

LIKE NOW (Jules), a 36-1 longshot, was hustled along leaving the gate to

assume the role as pacesetter, and never relinquished his lead as he held on

tenaciously to post a startling upset. Like Now was shadowed virtually the

entire way by Keyed Entry, with Sweetnorthernsaint (Sweetsouthernsaint) and

Greeley's Legacy (Mr. Greeley) also racing within shouting distance of the

leaders. Not much had changed as the field turned for home, with Like Now still

continuing to show the way into the stretch. Shortly thereafter, Keyed Entry was

put into an all out drive by jockey Edgar Prado as he attempted to overhaul the

front runner. However, his efforts were futile, as this implausible winner simply

to refused to yield the lead in the final yards, posting a dramatic victory by a

short neck.

Both Sweetnorthernsaint and Greeley's Legacy continued to finish with

interest late, with the former going just a tad better of the two while taking

down the show. As for the favored Achilles of Troy, he was a bit rank while

rating off the early pace around the first turn after his troubled start. He was

then guided to the outside of runners for clear sailing down the backstretch by

jockey Ramon Dominguez, and was asked in earnest for more run around the far

turn. He failed to offer any response, ultimately finishing fifth, and was

subsequently vanned off the track. He was reported to have suffered an injury to

his left front foreleg, but it may not be serious.

If racing in New York was conducted over the inner dirt track year round,

that would probably suit the connections of WILD GAMS (Forest Wildcat) just

fine. Their New Jersey homebred runner remained unbeaten over the Aqueduct

winter track when she annexed the Cicada S. (G3) by 3 1/2 decisive lengths.

Sitting a perfect stalking trip along the inside down the backstretch, Wild Gams

responded willingly when given her cue by jockey Eibar Coa in the stretch. She

split rivals to vie for command and then spurted away to a daylight lead while

winning as much the best. Celestial Legend (City Zip) broke like a shot to grab

the early lead, and maintained that advantage until midstretch. She held on well

to finish second once displaced on the front end by the winner, reporting home 2

1/2 lengths ahead of Oprah Winney (Royal Academy) who got third.

Ramon Dominguez continues to make up ground on Coa in the race for top

jockey. Coa now leads Dominguez by just two wins with just one week of racing

remaining on the inner dirt. Mike Luzzi, Kyle Kaenel and Norberto Arroyo Jr.

complete the top five.

Gary Contessa is the runaway leader in trainer standings. However, there is a

real battle for second place with Bruce Levine holding a two win lead over Todd

Pletcher and Richard Dutrow Jr., who are tied for third place.

There did not appear to be any running style or path bias last week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (3/15)

2ND – CALLMETONY (Runaway Groom) finished a good second despite having to

close into a modest pace. Will definitely appreciate a return to the Aqueduct

main track after pitching a shutout over the inner this winter.

8TH – TAKING THE REDEYE (Scarlet Ibis) suffered a heartbreaking second-place

finish disputing a fast pace in a swiftly run race. Just failed to withstand a

perfect trip/fresh closer late. Doesn't like to yield any kind of lead.

Thursday (3/16)

4TH – RAISE THE WEIGHT (Pentelicus) was a sharp second in her well meant

debut. Chased a lively early pace and nearly overhauled a loose wire-to-wire

winner. Only needs to recoup from this effort in order to break her maiden in

her second career start.

7TH – YOU WILLGO BROKE (Millions) came home a good third stretching out to a

flat mile. Held well setting a pressured pace before tiring. Appears as if he is

most effective sprinting, and would benefit from a class drop to the 25K

claiming level and a switch to the Aqueduct main track.

Friday (3/17)

2ND – ATLANTIC GALE (Stormy Atlantic) showed an improved effort while

ambitiously spotted off the Contessa claim. Finished with good energy to claim

the place in a race that quickened noticeably late.

7TH – ED MIRACLE (Wild Rush) was a sharp second returning to a sprint off a

layoff. Closed widest and best of all in the stretch in a race that finished up

well late. This was useful prep for a stretchout to a route of ground.

9TH - SHEER SILK (Western Expression) regressed chasing a superior speed

rival setting a very fast pace. Best efforts to date have come on the front end

against much softer competition.

Saturday (3/18)

2ND – BOND FIRE (Golden Missile) certainly outran his 34-1 posttime odds in

his career debut. Was compromised by a outside post/wide trip versus a fast

early pace. Finished with good energy for third. Looks as if he will get better

with experience and distance.

8TH – Celestial Legend finished a game second turning back to a sprint. Left

the gate in full stride to dictate the pace, but ultimately was no match for an

impressive daylight winner who excels over the Aqueduct winter track.

Sunday (3/19)

1ST – JUST GABI (Devil His Due) was a sharp second returning to the $10K

claiming level. Held extremely well setting a pressured pace, yielding only to a

fresh closer late. A six-furlong sprint at her current class level on a dry

track appears to fit her like the proverbial glove.

7TH – IMPEACHTHEPRO (Distinctive Pro) suffered a brutal trip off the Bruce

Levine claim. Broke a tad slowly and then lacked racing room when trapped along

the inside much of the way. His rider wrapped up on him in the stretch when

beaten in a race that is much better than it will appear on paper. He is

effective sprinting up to seven furlongs over the main track.