Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

MARCH 1, 2007

by Bernard T. Moore

Filling race cards at Aqueduct will be a little tougher from here on as NYRA has elected to prohibit horses shipping in from Delaware, Maryland,

Virginia and West Virginia. The reason for the ban is a concern that

these horses could possibly have been exposed to equine herpesvirus, a highly

contagious neurological disease. This is a preventive measure for the time

being, and no timetable has been set as to when the ban will be lifted.

Once DINA (Dynaformer) was able to make the lead and carve out a rather tepid

pace, she made winning the Rare Treat H. on Saturday look rather effortless.

With A Bit of Pressure (High Yield) tracking her every move down the

backstretch, the pair had distanced themselves from the rest of the field as

they made their way around the far turn. When jockey Eibar Coa let out a notch

on Dina shortly after entering the stretch, she responded willingly, drawing out

to a daylight advantage. She was never seriously threatened

thereafter, triumphing by a comfortable 4 1/4 lengths. Daytime Promise (Five

Star Day) raced near the back of the pack for much of the race, and then closed

belatedly to take the place over a spent A Bit of Pressure, who managed to

salvage the show.

The Busher S. on Sunday generated yet another unlikely front-running winner

when OLIVINE (Royal Academy) made every pole a winning one en route to a five-length upset. She was sent immediately to the lead by jockey C.C. Lopez

and received only token pressure from Margie's Smile (Wheelaway). Trained by

David Donk, Olivine stole away to a commanding five-length advantage at the six-furlong mark and maintained

her lead to the finish. Sagamoon (Malibu

Moon) raced evenly throughout and finished second, with Bare Dancer (Cherokee

Run) outgaming entrymate My Kitty (Catienus) for the show. Although she did

stumble at the start, Margie's Smile was a major disappointment as the 8-5

favorite. She raced lethargically early on, permitting the winner to get away

with an uncontested lead, and was finished approaching the far turn, steadily

continuing her backward descent to wind up last.

The inner dirt track played uniformly when racing resumed on Thursday and

continued that way over the weekend. There was no path bias all week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (2/22)

8TH - RING TRUE (Is It True) was compromised by a slow start and a

subsequent wide trip. Offered only a mild rally around the far turn, and could

not improve her position when called upon. Needs only a clean getaway and a fast

track to show improvement going forward.

9TH - WHO'S YO GRANDADDY (American Chance) suffered a brutal trip on the

drop, steadying several times when pinned down along the inside down the

backstretch. Appeared to dislike a sealed wet track as well and was bounced

around while attempting to rally in the stretch. Ran creditably, all things

considered, and deserves a long look in her next start, especially if she gets a

"bone dry" track.

Friday (2/23)

2ND - CHIEF SPEED (Chief Seattle), after being steadied frequently during the early

portions of the race and down the backstretch as well, eventually improved his

position, but began dropping back approaching the far turn and finished last.

This race is a throwout, and he will probably reunite with either Mike Luzzi or Coa

in his next start.

6TH - SUM WISH (Rizzi) was hard used setting a quick and pressured pace in

her second lifetime start. Gave ground grudgingly in deep stretch in a strong

showing. Needs only a softer pace scenario to handle state-bred maiden claimers

going forward.

Saturday (2/24)

1ST - HOUSTON REQUEST (Take Me Out) held well chasing a superior pace rival

throughout. Fits extremely well at the 15,000 claiming level for limited

winners, and both of his two career wins came over the inner dirt track.

8TH - A Bit of Pressure wanted no part of nine furlongs

stepping up and stretching out. Stalked a very deliberate pace and weakened

under pressure. Adores the inner track and a mile appears to be her best distance.

Sunday (2/25)

3RD - WOLF TRAP (Brahms) has run well in both starts over the inner track,

encountering less than perfect setups. Compromised by a modest pace here, he was unable to reduce his deficit while racing wide in a

race that quickened noticeably late. Would obviously benefit from a livelier

pace scenario and more aggressive handling.

6TH - SUN SHOWER (Thunder Gulch) offered a beneficial comeback effort off a prolonged

layoff. Finished with good energy for the place while chasing home an impressive

winning favorite. Should have derived beneficial conditioning from this effort,

and probably would profit from more distance.