Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

APRIL 26, 2007

by Bernard T. Moore

A spirited speed duel between Magnolia Jackson (Cape Canaveral) and Any Limit

(Limit Out) developed in the Bed o' Roses Breeders' Cup H. (G2) on Saturday,

setting the table quite nicely for a come-from-behind runner. CARMANDIA (Wild

Rush) was only too happy to assume that role, closing stoutly in deep stretch to

gain the lead and eventually drawing clear to emerge victorious by two widening

lengths.

Saddled by trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., Carmandia trailed the field during the

early stages of the race as the two leaders were virtually inseparable down the

backstretch. The pacesetters began to pay the price for their early exploits

shortly after turning into the stretch, with Carmandia reducing her deficit with

every stride. She pulled alongside a softened up Magnolia Jackson and

subsequently edged away en route to a decisive victory. Magnolia Jackson held

remarkably well, all things considered, to save the place, fending off the

belated rally of Swap Fliparoo (Exchange Rate), who got the show. Any Limit

tired and finished fourth.

On Sunday, MIGHTY EROS (Freud) made short work of an overmatched field in the

Park Avenue Division of the New York Stallion S., proving best by a 6 1/2

lengths in a impressive daylight win. Ridden Norberto Arroyo Jr., Mighty Eros

was immediately sent to the lead and improved her position from there, never

seriously threatened in a facile score. City in the Clouds (Good and Tough) and

Margies Smile (Wheelaway) stalked the fractions laid down by the winner, with

City in the Clouds outlasting the latter by 2 1/4 lengths for second. Margies

Smile held for third with Twistaway (Wheelaway) running on late for fourth.

One race later on the Sunday card, BUSTIN STONES (City Zip) was front-running

winner as well, registering a 4 1/4-length victory in the Times Square Division

of the New York Stallion S. With Ramon Dominguez in the saddle, Bustin Stones

carved out a blazing pace along the inside with Market Psychology (Freud)

matching strides with him as they made their way down the backstretch. He dueled

his pace nemesis into defeat leaving the far turn, and proceeded to amass an

insurmountable six-length advantage passing the eighth pole, remaining

well-clear at the finish. Smash 'Em Sammy flashed good energy late to grab

second money, with Market Psychology weakening to finish third.

There were no running style or path biases on the main track last week. The

turf course played evenly when in use.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (4/18)

8TH - DOC CHENEY (Saint Ballado) put forth a much improved effort switching

back to the main track. The chestnut finished well to get fourth in a race that

was quick throughout. He has every right to continue his forward level of

progression, and has run well over the Belmont Park surface in the past.

9TH - REAL CASUAL (Real Quiet) ran "sneaky well" in her career debut. The

dark bay miss raced lethargically early on after a bit of a slow start, but

improved her position despite a wide trip in a race that quickened late. She

should have gained valuable experience from this effort and may need more

distance.

Thursday (4/19)

3RD - TASTEYVILLE (With Approval) was a good second in a swiftly run race.

The gray gelding battled heads apart for the lead and held well to the finish,

yielding only to a graded stakes winner late. He would definitely profit from a

switch in riders.

7TH - JACK ATAX (More Than Ready) tired slowly while setting a pressured pace

going a mile. He appears to be better suited to sprints over the Aqueduct main

track.

Friday (4/20)

8TH - BABY GRAY (Precise End) was compromised by weak handling and an

indecisive ride after switched to a five-pound apprentice. The gray miss raced

wide, attempted to rally and did well to nearly take down the place. She is

clearly at her best racing on the front end, and may reunite with jockey Eddie

Martin Jr. off this effort.

Saturday (4/21)

2ND - HOLY CANYON (Holy Bull) was an impressive daylight winner in his well

bet/well meant career debut. The bay quickly ran clear once seizing command in

the stretch with powerful strides, and looks like he should be able to handle

winners in his next start.

8TH - Any Limit was hard used disputing a very quick pace returning to New

York, holding well until midstretch before tiring. She has fine tactical speed

and seems better suited to shorter sprint distances.

Sunday (4/22)

4TH - SISTER DESIREE (Vision and Verse) put forth a strong third-place finish

switching to grass. She carved out a quick and pressured pace and then gave

ground grudgingly late. The sophomore lass may prefer a target to run at, and

has acquitted herself quite well on turf and dirt.

6TH - DYNAMIC DINO (Artax) easily handled a field of overmatched maiden

claimers off the shelf. He disposed of the early pace pressure around the far

turn and drew away to win with complete authority. The bay can win right back if

spotted against limited winners.