Flexibility impresses in Jerome; bettors adjust to varying conditions at Aqueduct

AQUEDUCT NOTEBOOK

There was a single graded race for newly-turned sophomores last week at Aqueduct.

Jerome S. (G3): Klaravich and Lawrence’s FLEXIBILITY (Bluegrass Cat) lived up to his favored billing with a facile 4 ¼-length romp for trainer Chad Brown. The talented three-year-old colt stopped the teletimer in 1:42 4/5 for the one-mile and 70-yard event with Irad Ortiz in the silks.

Track Stats

A total of 45 races were held over the inner strip at the Long Island, New York venue, with favorites winning at a 53 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 67 percent of the wins during the week. Ten races were won in wire-to-wire fashion (20 percent).

Early speed had little impact during the first three days of the racing week, with just a single runner leading at every call from 27 races. That all changed, however, as nine of the next 18 races (50 percent) over Saturday and Sunday were won by the early pacesetter.

While we do acknowledge that trend, it must be pointed out favorites had a very successful week, so kudos to the bettors for picking up on the differences on the oval. We will keep an eye upon how horses saving ground fare early in the week.

Meet Totals

Races:		152
Dirt:		152
Favorites:		55 (36%)
2nd Choices:		26 (17%)
Dirt Wire:		46 (30%)

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (12/30)

4^TH – The Linda Rice-trained R F BURTON (Congrats) dueled the entire way with the eventual winner and was a bit unlucky to be second in this maiden spot. The juvenile colt will be graduating soon with any type of improvement off this run.

6^TH – JUST AFLEET (Northern Afleet) was passed early on but never gave in and held for a solid third for conditioner Jeremiah Englehart. We think this is another who should be graduating before long.

Thursday (12/31)

3RD – Bruce Brown’s ARCTIC KING (Zensational) took command at the top of the lane and left no doubt in posting a runaway 16-length tally under Jose Ortiz. We have no idea what the gelding beat in this field, but he likely will not be in for a tag next time.

6^TH – TOUCHING MY TOES (Wild Desert) broke slow and traveled wide throughout, but the David Jacobson trainee still ran huge and fell just a few head bobs short in a very solid effort. The in-form filly will be a player in her subsequent try and will surely benefit from a better trip, too.

Friday (1/1)

6^TH – SHE’S SO FINE (Haynesfield) had little early speed but put in a solid late run to be third in the two-turn debut and the Mike Maker-trained filly should only benefit from having a start under her belt. Tab this one as a contender in her next try with a trip closer to the rail.

Saturday (1/2)

1ST – DRUM ROLL (Majestic Warrior) left little doubt versus starter foes, posting a powerful wire-to-wire tally under Angel Arroyo. The six-year-old is too good for this level when on his game and came home in a swift :24 under little urging for conditioner Chris Englehart.

7^TH – Trainer David Jacobson has the once-promising DAY OF FURY (Street Sense) going quite well in a sharp form cycle, evidenced by his strong allowance tally in this big field. We will continue to ride this five-year-old while he’s hot.

Sunday (1/3)

2ND – EGYPTIAN ROSE (Eskendereya) had little chance with the favored winner on a speed-favoring oval but finished a clear second in a good showing, and she could pay instant dividends off the claim for conditioner Robert Falcone.

A Look Ahead

There is no graded action this week at Aqueduct. The $100,000 Interborough S. tops the Saturday action, while Sunday plays host to the $100,000 Ladies H.