Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 21, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Once again, a reminder to all that Aqueduct is closed this week, and racing

will not be held at the track until December 27. Simulcasting is affected as

well.

On Saturday, VICTORY POOL (Victory Gallop), who had always run well over the

Aqueduct inner dirt track in the past, was finally able to register a win

over that surface, annexing the Gold Beauty S. by 1 1/2 lengths. With jockey Eibar Coa in the saddle, the chestnut miss wrestled the lead away from a

beleaguered Samsincharge (Dixie Brass) past the eighth pole, and subsequently

drew clear in deep stretch. Victory Pool recorded her initial stakes success for

owner New Farm. Dina (Dynaformer) rallied belatedly to get second, with

Samsincharge tiring to third. Pleasant Chimes (Pleasant Tap) was one-paced

throughout and finished fourth in another non-descript effort.

BISHOP COURT HILL (Holy Bull) left the gate on top in the Gravesend H. (G3),

and then proceeded to show his heels to the competition for the entire six

furlongs, taking the Sunday feature by one length. The Todd Pletcher-trained

runner was nursed along on the lead by stable rider John Velazquez down the

backstretch, and continued dictate the pace into the stretch. He responded

willingly when set down in the drive by Velazquez, fending off late bids by

Santana Strings (Wheaton) and Will He Shine (Silver Deputy). Santana Strings

saved ground while tracking the early pace and finished with interest to

garner the place. Will He Shine raced closest to the winner from the outset, but

lacked the necessary response to improve his position in the stretch. Judiths

Wild Rush (Wild Rush), the 9-2 third choice in the wagering, was without speed

and failed to make an impact.

The inner dirt track appeared to play quite evenly on Wednesday and Thursday.

However, a severe speed bias emerged on Friday, and the track was speed oriented

once again on Sunday. The inside paths were best on Friday and Sunday.

Horses to Watch

Wednesday (12/13)

2ND - ZEYARAAT (Gulch) was a much improved third making her second lifetime

start. The dark bay miss exhibited new-found early speed to chase a quick pace,

and then held reasonably well late. She appears to have room to show further

progress off this effort.

6TH - OLIVERS SUCCESS (Oliver's Twist) was a heartbreaking second  on

the drop. He was forced to change lanes attempting to rally in the stretch,

costing him valuable momentum as he finished gamely to lose by less than a

length. The five-year-old fits well at the $20,000 claiming level.

Thursday (12/14)

3RD - CASANOVA STORY (Stormin Fever) ran a good second returning to the inner

dirt track. The sophomore lass was hindered by a deliberate pace and lacked

clear sailing attempting to rally. She closed with interest to get the place in

a race that quickened late.

Friday (12/15)

7TH - DUKE'S CROSSING (Valley Crossing) was forced to race wide while

rallying against the grain of a inside speed biased track. He did well to get

the show and obviously needs a better setup going forward. The dark bay likes

this track and would benefit from a cutback in distance.

9TH - STELLIANOS (Belong To Me) put forth a much improved effort on the drop.

The gelding closed with good energy to nearly get the place over a very speed

conducive track. He adores the inner track and fits well vs. $16,000 restricted

claimers.

Saturday (12/16)

3RD - BIG BAD MONSTER (Meadow Monster) closed well late for third on the drop

and returning to a sprint. Off this much improved showing, the chestnut clearly

demonstrated that his best trip is six furlongs on a dry track.

4TH - CITIFEST (Citidancer) failed once more around turns on the main track.

The juvenile colt failed to 'kick in' in the stretch despite sitting a perfect

stalking trip. He obviously has distance limitations and might get back on track

in a sprint.

Sunday (12/17)

6TH - UPSCALE STORM (Storm Cat) had a beneficial education race in her

well-bet career debut. She chased a quick pace in a very swiftly run race and

tired. The chestnut lass should have derived beneficial conditioning/experience

from this effort.

8TH - Will He Shine put forth a fine effort stepping up off a more than

six-week freshening. He was clearly a tad short chasing a superior pace rival

who wired the field over a speed favoring track. The chestnut will obviously be

much fitter in his next start.