Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 7, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Racing returned to the inner dirt track last week without incident, and will

remain on that surface until the end of March. Ongoing problems with the

Aqueduct main track, in addition to insufficient funds to correct those problems,

have forced NYRA management to extend the inner dirt season.

Turf racing made its return as well last Wednesday, albeit brief in nature.

Only one race was run over the grass course before a "closed for the season"

sign appeared. As a result, winter racing in New York has officially begun.

Saturday's feature race was the Garland of Roses H. for fillies and mares at

six furlongs. MAGNOLIA JACKSON (Cape Canaveral) and Stormy Kiss (Arg)

(Bernstein), both of whom were sent off at odds of even-money, battled for the

lead from the opening bell.

The Gary Contessa-trained Magnolia Jackson proceeded to get the best of her

pace nemesis around the far turn, eventually turning into the stretch with a

daylight advantage. She was never seriously threatened thereafter, and continued

on resolutely to the finish to triumph by two comfortable lengths. Pleasant

Laughter (Coronado's Quest) offered a good late rally to finish second, with

Stormy Kiss, who was returning from a 2 1/2-month layoff, tiring to finish

third. Notimetoquit (Toolightoquit), who was victimized by a stumbling start,

finished fourth. She raced well behind the dueling leaders, but lacked a

response when called upon to improve her position. Getcozywithkaylee (Zafarrancho

[Arg]) was late scratch when one of her stifles locked up in the paddock.

New York-bred juvenile fillies were in the spotlight on Sunday, as they took

to the track to contest the East View S. at 1 1/16 miles. Contessa recorded his

third stakes triumph of the weekend when MY KITTY (Catienus) closed determinedly

to come away with a head victory.

Ridden John Velazquez, My Kitty settled well off of the early fractions

carved out by Visual Candy (Woodman) down the backstretch. Visual Candy and

Laurentide Ice (Intidab) rallied in tandem around the far turn, with Twistaway (Wheelaway),

the 8-5 betting favorite, giving ground willingly. The aforementioned trio of

runners fought it out gamely virtually the entire length of the stretch, with My

Kitty able to eke out a well-deserved victory. Laurentide Ice finished second by

a scant nose over Visual Candy in a race which didn't deserve a loser. Twistaway

finished last in a disappointing effort.

Early speed fared extremely well when racing returned to the inner dirt last

Wednesday. An intense speed bias was in effect on Friday, but the track appeared

to play evenly throughout the weekend. The inside paths were preferable on

Wednesday, and again on Friday.

Grass racing made a comeback on Wednesday, with no perceivable bias. However,

it was the final day of turf racing in New York for 2006.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (11/29)

2ND - BOXIN BOB (Jump Start) showed dramatic improvement switching to a fast

main track. Closed gamely over a speed biased track to finish second behind an

odds-on perfect trip winner. Appears to have found her niche in maiden claimers

over the inner dirt.

7TH - ELKHORN (Cryptoclearance) was clearly a tad short returning to a dirt

sprint off the layoff. Had to be pushed along to keep pace while chasing fast

fractions. Did well to get the show in a race she obviously needed. Lone winning

effort was at one mile.

Thursday (11/30)

6TH - MAKIN ME FAMOUS (Precise End) turned in a huge effort off a prolonged

layoff over the inner dirt. Carried his speed much farther off the shelf, and

definitely would have been much closer at the finish to the odds-on favorite if

not for "lugging in" badly during the stretch run. Might need some time to

regroup from what was clearly a lifetime best effort.

9TH - ED MIRACLE (Wild Rush) closed with interest to get the show on the drop

and turning back to a sprint. Offered a much improved effort in a race that

quickened noticeably late.

Friday (12/1)

6TH - PROM DANCE (Citidancer) was extremely well meant in her career debut.

An eventful start immediately cost her several lengths. She raced at the back of

the pack before dispensing a sustained rally to gain the place despite a

speed-oriented track. Has room to improve off this effort with a clean getaway

for a trainer that does not excel with first timers.

8TH - GOLD LIKE U (Gold Token) improved with a third on the drop. Made a

strong middle move while racing in the deeper part of the track to challenge for

the lead and subsequently tired. This runner loves six furlongs over the

Aqueduct inner dirt track, and appears poised for a top effort in her next

start.

Saturday (12/2)

1ST - RUN RED RUN (Afternoon Deelites) recorded a very game third-place

finish in an entry-level allowance contest. After being forced to set an

extremely quick and pressured pace, he gave ground grudgingly late in a sharp

effort.

4TH - CHIEF TALKEETNA (Chief Seattle) offered a creditable effort to finish

third in his unveiling. He was compromised by a wide trip over an inside speed

favoring track. Did well get the show in a swiftly run abbreviated sprint

Sunday (12/3)

4TH - LAUREN'S MUSIC (Prospector's Music) registered a creditable third-place

finish despite breaking slowly from the rail in her career debut. Closed gamely

to nearly get the place, overcoming a wide trip in a race that was quick

throughout. Should have gained useful conditioning and experience from this

race.

5TH - CONGRESSIONAL RUN (Cherokee Run) appears to be slowly rounding back

into form. Was hard used dictating a fast and pressured pace and understandably

gave way late. Has won without the lead in the past, and it seems that he would

fit best at the 16,000 claiming level going forward.