Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

January 26

by Bernard T. Moore

A major snowstorm blanketed the East Coast on Saturday, forcing the

cancellation of racing this past weekend at Aqueduct. Even before the first

snowflake had fallen to the ground, NYRA wisely elected to scrap both weekend

cards, as snow accumulations were predicted to reach in excess of 12 inches at

the Big A.

Unfortunately, cancellations because of bad weather go hand and hand with

racing during the winter months, and there will probably be more of them in the

future. On the bright side, Saratoga opens it doors in six months. It's good to

stay positive.

Saturday's feature race, the Aqueduct Handicap (G3), was rescheduled for this

Sunday, weather permitting. The race will be open to all of its original

nominees, and entries for the race will be drawn once again on Friday.

The main track played favorably to early speed in both sprints and routes,

but it was not a severe bias by any means. There did not appear to be any path

bias the entire week.

Rafael Bejarano continues to distance himself from the pack, leading Norberto

Arroyo Jr. by 13 wins. The real race is for third between Shaun Bridgmohan,

Aaron T. Gryder and Richard Migliore, as just three wins separates this trio of

riders.

Gary Contessa leapfrogged over Richard Dutrow Jr. and Scott Lake with four

winners on Friday to lead all trainers with 16 victories. He has one more win

than Dutrow, while Lake is two behind in third. Tom Bush and Mike Hushion

continue to hold the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (1/20)

7TH – CALCULATOR (Polish Numbers) finished a good third, indicating that he

needs a dry track to be at his best following three dull efforts over wet

tracks. Closed willingly to gain the show in a race that quickened late.

8TH – LAVENDER LASS (Skip Trial) was once again compromised by an

unflattering pace scenario on the front end. Gave resolute chase to a superior

speed who carved out pedestrian fractions. She is at her best when able to relax

early before making a well-timed late run.

Friday (1/21)

1ST – HONEY FRITTERS (Helmsman) was clearly second best chasing home a

daylight winner in a swiftly run race for the class level. Fits extremely well

at the $35K maiden claiming level.

8TH – LOVING (Brz) (Thundering Force) turned in a much improved effort in

second start off the Dominick Schettino claim and returning to a dry track.

Finished strongly despite a lackluster pace in a race that quickened noticeably.

Loves the inner track and has been able to string strong efforts together in the

past.