Aqueduct Notebook

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

FEBRUARY 26, 2010

by Albie Johnson

Despite snow all around here, we were able to run five scheduled cards last

week without interruption, and it won't be long until March 6 when the Gotham

(G3) and Toboggan (G3) will both be contested.

The previous week was highlighted by the Rare Treat S. with yet another small

field (five) that entered the starting gate. The 1 1/8-mile contest for older

fillies and mares looked like a two-horse race on paper and that's the way it

played-out on the track. The well-traveled LIFE AT TEN (Malibu Moon) went

favored in this spot and the mare won this one early as she sprinted clear from

main foe Starship Angel (Running Stag) heading into the first turn and increased

her margin at every pole to win by 5 1/4 lengths over the same rival, who never

stopped trying but proved no match while finishing 16 lengths in front of

Pumpkin Shell (Lion Heart).

The winner continued a strong run for the barn of Todd Pletcher on this and

all fronts on which he is racing. Chestnut mare ran her record on conventional

dirt to 5-3-2-0 after spending the first part of her career racing over

synthetic surfaces in California.

Statistics

A pair of familiar names are on top of the trainer and jockey standings with

Gary Contessa holding a 21-to-15 lead over Richard Dutrow and Pletcher, both of

whom have started about 40 percent fewer horses than the leading man.

Ramon Dominguez is once again firmly in hold of the rider standings with a

67-to-40 lead over his nearest pursuer, David Cohen, who has impressed in his

first winter in New York. Dominguez, the reigning champ at the Big A, became the

first jockey to win five straight races at Aqueduct when capturing races 1-5 on

Wednesday, another fine display of his immense talent.

Track conditions

Fast on all five cards with a noticeable inside bias on Saturday, but it had

totally disappeared by the time the 1ST race was run on Sunday, which favored

late runners who all raced well out in the track.

Post Positions

Previous trends over this meet continued with a good mix from all posts

winning both in sprints and two-turn contests.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (2/17)

2ND -- After being bumped at the start, CALVELLO (Tapit) was forced into a

wide trip that led his rider into a bit of a premature move to the front. After

opening a clear advantage, he was run down late. Next time.

5TH -- WICKED DIVA (Jump Start), who had finished second in her debut, raced

in this spot with "blinkers on" and was very impressive in winning. The $125,000

Spa yearling purchase rated early and exploded when ready, drawing away to a 5

1/2-length score. Owned and trained by Mike Hushion, she may go right into a

state-bred stakes.

Thursday (2/18)

2ND -- Making her second start back off a 5 1/2-month layoff, FAIR LADY

OLIVIA (Desert Warrior) sprinted clear early and still held the lead at the

sixteenth pole, but was worn down late by a good-looking filly who was making

her debut. She won't be a maiden for long.

9TH -- Trainer Cody Autry had PRINCE OF IRON (Menifee) ready off a six-month

absence as he battled early with the eventual winner before weakening in the

last sixteenth to finish third. Normal improvement in his second back should

result in him getting his picture taken.

Saturday (2/20)

2ND -- COMICAL (Ghostzapper) chased while wide in this spot and that was not

the place to be on this speed-favoring day. The $200,000 yearling did well to

finish second to the wire-to-wire winner while 10 lengths clear of the third.

His day will come soon.

10TH -- Dropped into a maiden-claimer for the first time, TOM KITTEN

(Kitten's Joy) raced very wide the whole race and after making a strong bid

turning for home he tired late to finish third. He may appreciate two turns next

out.

Sunday (2/21)

7TH -- On a day when the speed didn't hold, LADY LIMIT (Limit Out) stayed in

front until midstretch where she tired to finish fifth of nine. Filly was

recently re-claimed by Cody Autry, who had success with her last spring and

summer at Delaware Park. She looks on the verge of a winning effort.

Upcoming stakes

No graded events are scheduled until March 6.

Have a nice week and THINK SPRING!