Racing Front News Archives - Apr. 2001

(4/29) Return winner
HAGGS CASTLE raced seven times as a two year-old finishing second beaten less than a length on the grass in his last outing on November 9th. Freshened up for his three year-old campaign, the three year-old bay colt started the year off in fine fashion with a victory in a state-bred maiden race over the turf course at Aqueduct.
Ridden by Robbie Davis, Haggs Castle was sitting well off the pace but moved into contention quickly when Davis sensed the dawdling pace being set by longshot No White Flags. The easy fractions of 24.4, 50.3 and 1:15 for six furlongs kept No White Flags strong for the stretch run in the one and one-eighth affair which forced Davis to work all the more to catch the front runner, which he did in the shadow of the wire by a neck.
Trained by James Jerkens and owned by John Comfort and Albert Weiss, Haggs Castle was bred by the partnership of Frankie O'Connor, Patricia Calandro and Howard Kaskel. The dam, Final Accord has been very prolific as a broodmare having produced multiple stakes winner Try N Sue (Sir Harry Lewis) and stakes winner Winter Dreams (Distinctive Pro). Haggs Castle was sold as a yearling at the 1999 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred yearling sale for $55,000 and has now earned $53,720 with a Lifetime Record: 8-1-2-1.

(4/29) Impressive debut
TOUCH'A CLASS, a three year-old colt made his first lifetime race a winning one and did it with a flair. Racing against state-bred maidens over the Aqueduct turf course, jockey Joe Bravo wrangled the anxious colt back after the break saving ground along the rail while sitting next to last.
Under a snug hold up the backstretch of the one and one-sixteenth affair, Touch'a Class steadily advanced and was in behind horses as the field straightened for home. Bravo made the right decision by ducking back in along the rail and the talented colt responded by powering by the field and danced off to a three and one-half length score.
Owned by Team Canonie, Inc., Touch'a Class was bred by Berkshire Stud and Oak Cliff Stable. Trained by Michael Dickinson, Touch'a Class is by Skywalker, out of the Halo mare, Merion Miss.

(4/29) Colonel Rodney closes to victory
Taking advantage of a suicide duel between Louie The Jet and Tequestas, COLONEL RODNEY closed strongly down along the rail of the six furlong state-bred allowance race to win by two comfortable lengths. Trained by Robert Reinacher, Colonel Rodney was ridden to victory by jockey Robbie Davis.
Owned by John Cummings and bred by the parnership of Frank Assuma and Karen Kaczmar, Colonel Rodney is by Go and Go, out of Granma Angie, by Hold Your Piece.
A full brother to Stong Guy a winner of $134,362, the four year-old Colonel Rodney was sold at the 1998 Fasig Tipton December mixed sale in Timonium for only $4,500.

(4/28) Split Decision
Jockey Norberto Arroyo had to make a quick decision approaching the eighth pole, either swing wide losing valuable ground or split horses in the race to the wire. Taking the latter course, NO BAD HABITS, exploded once through the narrow opening and drew off to a three length score over open allowance company in a non-winners of 2X other than maiden, claiming, starter or restricted conditions.
Claimed by owner Barbara Davis for $35,000 back on March 1st the seven year-old New York-bred campaigner has never missed a check in five starts including a third place finish in the Kings Point Handicap.
Trained by Gasper Moschera, No Bad Habits was bred by Margaret Carrothers and is by Roanoke, out of the Crafty Prospector mare, Meg's Habit, who produced Blazing Saddle who won on the turf this past Thursday. No Bad Habits has now banked $299,138 with a Lifetime Record: 42-6-7-12.
The owner, Ms. Davis, will collect an open owner's award check from the New York Breeding and Racing Program of $2,760 for today's effort which is 10% of the winner's purse money. The breeder, Ms. Carrothers will collect a similar amount. All part of the incentives provided for New York-breds in the most lucrative state breeding program in the country.

(4/28) Reluctant Groom is more than willing
Donald Flanagan's RELUCTANT GROOM, a $115,000 purchase at the 2000 OBS March two year-olds in training sale, started out his three year-old campaign with an impressive six length victory over the turf course at Aqueduct Racetrack. Ridden cleverly by jockey Jose Espinoza, the three year-old gray colt, saved ground around both turns of the one and one-sixteenth mile state-bred allowance race for non-winners of 1X. As the field straightened for home, Espinoza moved off the rail and blew by front runner Final Dream, while opening up a huge lead under a hand ride to the wire.
Trained by Patrick Kelly, the talented colt was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Neilsen at their Sunnyfield Farm in Westchester County and is by Runaway Groom, out of Just Flirting, by Green Dancer.

(4/28) Bicentennial returns a winner
After breaking his maiden last November 24th on the main track at Aqueduct, trainer Christophe Clement gave BICENTENNIAL, a respite in the warm climes of Florida. Freshened up and racing over the turf for the first time against state-bred allowance company of non-winners of 1X, Bicentennial was rated well back of the early speed in the one and one-sixteenth mile race by jockey Aaron Gryder. Around the last turn, Gryder was poised behind a wall of horses before ducking down along the rail and charged to the lead a two length winner.
Owned by December Hill Farm and bred by Snowberry Farm in Hudson, New York, Bicentennial is a three year-old dark bay colt by Dynaformer, out of the Olden Times mare, Cardonessa, who's a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Lilly's Moment (Timeless Moment).
Bicentennial was purchased by December Hill Farm at the 1999 Keeneland September yearling sale for $130,000.

(4/28) Excelsior Recap - Cat's At Home Foils Top Official's Upset Bid By Francis Labelle Jr.
Edward P. Evans' Cat's At Home collared upset-minded Top Official in deep stretch Saturday afternoon, and stayed on for a half-length victory in the 89th running of the Grade 3, $200,000 Excelsior Breeders' Cup Handicap before a crowd of 6,788.
Trained by Mark Hennig, Cat's At Home won for the second time in as many starts at Aqueduct this year since shipping north from Gulfstream Park. Winless in Florida, the 4-year-old son of 1994 Belmont Stakes winner Tabasco Cat is now a two-time graded-stakes winner at Aqueduct, having win the Grade 3, one-mile Westchester Handicap in his previous start.
"Filiberto (Leon) has been riding very well," Hennig said after Cat's At Home returned $15.40 to win. "He followed my instructions to a `T.' He made a big move on the turn. So, I can't emphasize enough how important he was. "This is a son of Tabasco Cat, so he came along a little slowly with time. He's finicky. He looks the part and he trains the part. I knew he would have his best years as he got older. We have a lot of options with him, but nothing specific with him at the moment."
The victory spoiled the intentions of trainer Leah Gyamarti, whose 35-1 Top Official tried mightily to spoil the day for everyone under jockey Diane Nelson.
The drama unfolded as Top Official, Turnofthecentury and Nite Dreamer pushed for the lead, setting fractions of :23 2/5; :46 3/5 and 1:11 1/5. At the quarter-pole, Top Official held a clear lead and appeared destined for his sixth win in 31 starts.
Cat's at Home, however, had rated along inside, then angled out for a four-wide run on the second turn. That gear kicked in, and he pushed by the stubborn leader for the victory, covering the nine furlongs in 1:48 4/5. "I wanted to keep him outside of horses," Leon said. "He put in a real explosive kick around the far turn. He had to work real hard to get to Top Official. He surged ahead of him, and it was a big effort from my horse." It was the seventh win in 16 tries for Cat's At Home, who surpassed the $300,000 mark in career earnings.
Boston Party was third, followed by Windrush, Turnofthecentury, favored Ground Storm, American Halo and Nite Dreamer.

(4/27) Turf Debut winner
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Neilsen's homebred, ALONG CAME MARY, stormed through the stretch to overtake the front running Sky Mist, to beat state-bred allowance fillies and mares in her first attempt over the turf. The three year-old filly had raced three times as a two year-old breaking her maiden in her first start by three and three-quarter lengths and finished sixth in her next outing in the $100,000 Maid of the Mist on Showcase Day at Belmont.
Trainer H. James Bond 'wintered' the talented filly at Payson Park in Florida and has her sharp for her three year-old campaign. Along Came Mary is by Citidancer, out of the Stage Door Johnny mare, Sistermarymargaret, who won on the grass and is a half-sister to graded stakes winner Pay The Butler (Val De L'orne) and European stakes winner River God (Val De L'orne).

(4/26) Blazing Saddle wins on turf
BLAZING SADDLE ridden by jockey Jean Luc Samyn returned to the winner's circle after a two year hiatus for owners Margaret Carrothers and Patricia Parker. Racing over the Aqueduct turf course, which is in excellent condition, Samyn had to work diligently to hold off a fast closing Platinum Setting in the final few yards of the one and one-eight mile event.
Bred by Margaret Carrothers and trained by John Hertler, Blazing Saddle is by Go and Go, out of the Crafty Prospector mare, Meg's Habit, who also produced the stakes placed winner No Bad Habits(Roanoke), an earner of $239,728. Blazing Saddle has now banked $130,020 with a Lifetime Record: 28-3-4-1.

ROBIN'S GEMME on the inside.

(4/26) Robin's Gemme leads the way
Jockey Javier Castellano riding ROBIN'S GEMME for the first time took command from the outset of the six furlong state-bred allowance race and battled relentlessly to the wire to win by a neck in the sixth race at Aqueduct. Trained by Juan Ortiz and owned by the partnership of J and Vee Stables, Robin's Gemme was bred by the late John Valentino.
Robin's Gemme is a three year-old bay filly by Robin des Pins, out of the Apalachee mare, Moonstone Gem.

(4/25) New York-bred exacta in Big A Feature
New York-breds LOVELY AMANDA and Intransigence battled from gate to wire in the featured 8th race today at Aqueduct Racetrack. The $45,000 open allowance for non-winners of 2 races other than maiden, claiming, starter or restricted condition was run at a distance of six furlongs.
Jockey John Velazquez aboard Lovely Amanda and jockey Joe Bravo aboard Intransigence were both intent on the lead and dueled to the eighth pole before Lovely Amanda drew clear to win by three lengths.
Bred by Robert Pierz and owned by Pierz and Peter McCann, Lovely Amanda is a four year-old chestnut mare by Belong to Me, out of Love Alleged, by Alleged.
Lovely Amanda was second in the Perfect Arc Stake last year and has now banked $167,149 with a Lifetime Record: 12-5-2-1.
The New York Breeding and Racing Program will pay an owners' award for the open company score to the owners of the first and second place finishers. For Lovely Amanda's connections, they will receive a check for $5,400 and Mr. John Rotella, owner of Intransigence, will receive $1,800. The breeders, Mr. Pierz and Mr. Gerald Neilsen, breeder of Intransigence, will receive identical amounts.

(4/25) Al Dor Rob wins at Aqueduct
It took twenty attempts, but Hemlock Hills Farm's AL DOR ROB finally visited the winners circle at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. Rested since October 9th, 2000, jockey John Velazquez had the five year-old Distinctive Pro-Cassette Tape, by Talc, colt in tight as the field turned for home and then powered to the lead, drawing off to a two length win.
Bred by Frances A. H. Leidy, Al Dor Rob was racing for the first time for trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr.

(4/22) New York Stallion Stakes - Velazquez Registers 2,000th Victory by David M. Curcio (Courtesy NYRA)
The Sunday afternoon card at Aqueduct featured two divisions of the New York Stallion Stakes - one for three-year-old colts and geldings and the other for three-year-old fillies. These one-mile events, which each carried a guaranteed purse of $100,000 are restricted to the progeny of stallions who have stood in the Empire State.

In the Times Square Division for colts and geldings, Herbert and Carol Schwartz's TOM'S THUNDER stalked the pace before taking over at the head of the stretch en route to a 3 1/2-length victory under jockey John Velazquez. The victory was especially significant for the 29-year-old Velazquez as it marked his 2,000th career win as a jockey.
"This is a great milestone for me," said Velazquez. "I'm still young and I've improved my game a lot over the last few years. I still have a long time to ride and I think I'll only get better." A native of Puerto Rico, Velazquez entered jockey school in 1988 and began riding in his native country within a year and a half. Shortly after riding his first career winner, at Puerto Rico's El Comandante in 1990, Velazquez ventured to New York under the guidance of Hall of Famer Angel Cordero Jr., who now handles his book as his agent. He has finished among the top 10 riders in New York for each of the past 10 years.
"Tom's Thunder had a lot of experience coming into this race," said Velazquez with respect to his winning mount. "We were on the pace the entire time before I asked him to take off. He had a lot left."
"His main problem has been changing leads," said winning trainer Scott Schwartz. "He likes to hang on to his inside lead, but today he did that fine. I think he's a better horse on turf than he is on dirt. I'm hoping he'll improve on the turf. He was the most experienced horse in this race, which didn't hurt. It was his third start going a mile and he had a good post. He had a lot in his favor today. "I'd like to be able to give every jockey their 2,000th winner," added Schwartz. "I'm very glad for John. His riding record speaks for itself. He wins about every kind of stakes race there is. He's on the verge of becoming a top-echelon rider if he isn't there already. He's young and he's got a great future ahead of him."
Tom's Thunder (No. 6), a New York-bred gelded son of Thunder Puddles, returned $5.60, $2.10. and $2.10. Deputy Shaker (No. 1), who actually led halfway through the race, finished second and returned $2.10 and $2.10. Redding Woods (No. 1a) was coupled in the wagering with Deputy Shaker and finished third. The final time for the mile was 1:36 2/5.
Two races later, three-year-old fillies competed in the Park Avenue Division of the New York Stallion Stakes with the victory going to Leonard Liberto's

LADY KATIE, a New York-bred daughter of Belong to Me. Lady Katie stalked the pace and made a three-wide move at the top of the lane before drawing off to a 2 1/2-length victory with jockey Edgar Prado aboard. Lady Katie kept her undefeated record in tact, as she is now 4-for-4 lifetime. "She broke great and relaxed perfectly," said winning jockey Edgar Prado. "I showed her the stick on the turn and she took off. She's done everything they've asked of her so far." "She continues to improve," added Armand Correnti, son of and assistant to winning trainer Anthony Correnti. "We've been pointing for this race since she broke her maiden. Edgar rode a great race. He was sitting on her and when he hit her, she took off. When she got the lead, she wouldn't let anyone by her. We might try open company next with her." Lady Katie (No. 6) returned $6.00, $2.30, and $2.10. Runner-up and 3-5 post-time favorite Bon Fearless (No. 5) returned $2.20 and $2.10. Beijio (No. 1) finished third and returned $2.10. The final time for the mile was 1:36 1/5.

(4/21) Repatriot score
BUJONES, a six year-old son of Kingmambo,out of Morning Games, had never raced in New York until Nick Laneve of Syracuse, New York claimed him for $20,000 at Santa Anita on March 18th. Laneve, knowing the rich incentive benefits of racing New York-breds in New York State quickly shipped him back to the barn of trainer Richard Dutrow.
Having two more state-bred conditions to benefit from, Bujones paid off dividends with a rousing eight length score in his first outing to close out the Saturday racing card at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Bred by Gallagher's Stud of Ghent, New York, Bujones has now earned $116,240 with a Lifetime Record: 18-5-1-1.

(4/21) Karakorum's Lisa breaks maiden
After having hit the board in five of her first six lifetime starts, KARAKORUM'S LISA finally got the job done today at Aqueduct Racetrack under jockey Richard Migliore. Purchased for $25,000 at the 1999 Saratoga Preferred Yearling Sale by the Karakorum Stable, the Belong to Me filly has always shown alot of promise under trainer Jeff Odintz care. Today, Odintz stretched the filly out to one mile one-turn distance and she responded with a three length victory.
Bred by Philip Dukes and David Blethem, Karakorum's Lisa is out of the Bold Josh mare, Joey's Pleasure. The three year-old filly has now earned $55,440 with a Lifetime Record: 7-1-2-3.

(4/21) Critical Eye outfinished in Bed O' Roses
New York-bred Critical Eye gamely finished second to Country Hideaway in the Grade III Bed O' Roses today at Aqueduct Racetrack. Tracking the field, while racing on the outside, the 2000 three year-old New York Divisional winner just failed to get up in the final few yards of the one-turn event.

LONGINGTOBEME winning at Belmont in May, 2000.

(4/20) Longingtobeme wins on the turf
Today marked the unofficial start of spring as New York-breds raced over the grass for the first time in 2001. LONGINGTOBEME, ridden smartly by jockey Herbert Castillo, Jr., hugged the rail in the state-bred allowance field for non-winners of 2X condition race at one mile, saving ground until the top of the stretch. As the field straightened for home, Castillo moved Longingtobeme wide for the stretch drive and the four year-old filly drew off of an easy two and one-half length victory.
Bred by the Very Un Stable and owned in partnership with Very Un Stable, Monosson and Daniel and Jeffrey Tucker, Longingtobeme is by Belong To Me, out of the I Enclose mare, I'm So Agreeable, and is trained by John Morrison.

SHARELYN'S GOLD on the outside

(4/19) Sharelyn's Gold wins in final strid
Dave Anderson's SHARELYN'S GOLD ridden by jockey Joe Bravo gamely ran down Backstretch and Brocco Bob in the final stages to beat state-bred allowance horses by a head. Trained by last year's national leading trainer Scott Lake, Sharelyn's Gold won her second race in five lifetime starts at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Bred by Gregory Equine and My Jo Lee Stables, Sharelyn's Gold is by Gold Fever, out of Turn East, by Far Out East. Sold originally for $37,000 as a yearling, the talented colt was later resold at a two year-old in training sale for $45,000.

SEEKING IT ALL on the inside in Black and White colors

(4/19) Seeking It All breaks maiden
Barry K. Schwartz' well regarded New York-bred, SEEKING IT ALL, making her three year-old seasonal debut just managed to prevail by a nose today over state-bred maiden fillies and mares at Aqueduct Racetrack. Breaking slowy in the nine horse field going six furlongs, jockey Aaron Gryder, gradually raced into contention by the half-way point but incurred some stiff competition from Must Be Me and the two battled to the wire in a roughly run stretch drive.
As a two year-old, Seeking It All, was second in the Grade II Schuylerville and third in the Grade I Spinaway at Saratoga Race Course.
Bred by Schwartz' Stonewall Farm in Granite Springs, New York, Seeking It All is by A. P. Indy, out of the Seeking the Gold mare, Seeking Regina, winner of the 1994 Grade II Adirondack Stake and a full sister to stakes placed winners Oxford Scholar, and half-sister to stakes placed winners Liberty School (Pine Bluff) and Tutorial (Forty Niner).

(4/18) Amarettitorumble wins again
AMARETTITORUMBLE won a second consecutive race for the Gumpster Stable-Scott Lake Stable today on the Aqueduct Racetrack. Coming off of a win in his last effort, Amarettitorumble had to battle for the lead up the backstretch of the one and one-eighth mile event with an equally game Sparky's Mission, ridden by apprentice jockey Carlo Castillo. As the contentious duel headed for the top of the stretch it was still a nip and tuck battle, before Amarettitorumble drove to the lead under jockey Joe Bravo and held off a late closing Golden Foil in the late stages to win by a length.
Amerettitorumble was bred by SHHS Partnership and is by Thunder Rumble-Victoria Landing, by Instrument Landing and has now banked $96,800 in just six lifetime starts. His Lifetime Record is an impressive: 6-3-2-0.

(4/18) Coast to Coast gamely prevails
Gumpster Stable's COAST TO COAST battled gamely with first time starter Ambitious Pro to to the top of the stretch of the six furlong state-bred maiden race over Aqueduct Racetrack. As the two exchanged leads up the backstetch Coast to Coast showed alot of grit by coming back to take command in the last turn and drew away from Ambitious Pro, who was making his first lifetime start, by the eighth pole. Coast to Coast won by three and a quarter length for the combination of trainer Scott Lake and jockey C.C. Lopez, who was winning their second consecutive race on the card.
Bred by George I. Boychuk, Coast to Coast was making his fourteenth lifetime strart and if apparently trainer Lake, who only took over the training duties two races back figured out the correct training regimen to get the four year-old gelding to the winner's circle.

(4/18) Blinkers assist J S Mosby
Trainer John DeStefano, Jr. made a minor change of equipment for today's state-bred maiden race at Aqueduct Racetrack and it paid dividends as J S MOSBY surged to the lead under the urging of jockey Edgar Prado and drew off to a commanding length score. Raced at the distance of one mile in a one turn affair, Prado had J S Mosby poised throughout but waited until the last turn before asking his charge for more run which he readily received. This was J S Mosby's fourth attempt, all of which he hit the board, but DeStefano decided one final ingredient was missing(blinkers) and obviously he was correct.
Owned by Ernest Frohboese and bred by Robert Creighton the four year-old chestnut gelding is by Lord Avie, out of Saint Catherine, by Gregorian. Purchased out of the 1998 Saratoga Preferred sale for $20,000, J S Mosby has now earned $42,420.

SAY FLORIDA SANDY winning in January

(4/14) 'Sandy' Shows Grit in Bold Ruler
Aqueduct's live stakes action Saturday afternoon began in the eighth race with the 26th running of the Grade 3, $109,200 Bold Ruler Handicap for three-year-olds and up at six furlongs.
John Rotella's SAY FLORIDA SANDY got a clean trip and a strong pace up front to outlast troubled favorite Delaware Township and post a 1 1/2 -length victory.
Delaware Township and jockey Rick Wilson opted to save ground early, as stablemate Max's Pal and Lake Pontchartrain battled through an opening quarter of :21 4/5 and :45.
As the field hit the quarter-pole, Say Florida Sandy had already launched a wide bid under jockey Joe Bravo, while Delaware Townhsip and Wilson tried for a hole between horses. Instead, that door was slammed by Shadow Caster and jockey Richard Migliore. Delware Township was bumped hard and forced to come back around three horses. It was a game effort to be second, but the win went to Say Florida Sandy in 1:08 3/5.
The win halted a two-race losing streak for Say Florida Sandy, a 7-year-old, New York-bred son of Personal Flag who improved his record to 25-12-8 in 70 starts. Bred by Sanford Bacon, Say Florida Sandy earned $65,520 to increase his career earnings to $1,3347,926.
"I think we made a mistake with him last time (Westchester Handicap, April 7th, fifth-place)," said trainer Juan Serey, who was honored earlier as New York's leading trainer of 2000 with 80 wins and the leading trainer of Aqueduct's 2001 winter meet with 36 victories. "He doesn't like to be held back too much; he just wants to go, go go. I was surprised by the big price he paid."
Say Florida Sandy returned $10.40.
Impressive in defeat was Delaware Township, whose troubled trip makes him a strong play next time.
"It was rough out there," Wilson said. "(Delaware Township) finished up good and probably should have won the race. I saw a hole and went for it, but it closed up. That's race riding."
Lake Pontchartrain, Kashatreya, Max's Pal, Shadow Caster and Prince Monty completed the order of finish. Stalwart Member scratched.

(4/14) Le Grande Danseur continues his winning ways
After finishing second in his 2001 debut, LE GRANDE DANSEUR rebounded to beat an open allowance field at Aqueduct Racetrack. The winner of his first three lifetime starts as a two year-old was bumped coming out of the gate and was forced to race wide. Stalking the early speed up the backstretch of the six furlong race jockey Richard Migliore moved four wide in the last turn. As the field straightened for home, the talented three year-old dark bay colt drew clear of the field and won by two comfortable lengths.
Owned by Team Valor and Team Five Star Stables, the multiple stakes winning colt was bred by the partnership of Harry Landry, Dr. David Doane and Dr. Michael Scotti, and is trained by Dominic Galluscio. By Citidancer, out of the Mr. Justice mare, Grand Marais, who produced multiple graded stakes winner Grand Appeal (Valid Appeal). Le Grande Danseur has a Lifetime Record: 5-4-1-0, with earnings of $168,410.

(4/13) Broadway Miss Takes 2001 Opener In Photo Finish
FARMINGTON, N.Y. _ A photo finish in the first race marked the beginning of the 40th racing meet at Finger Lakes Race Track. BROADWAY MISS, a 3 year-old filly in her first ever start at Finger Lakes, held off Stacy Brook by a head after dueling down the stretch. Jockey Pedro Castillo picked up his first victory of the season aboard Broadway Miss, which is trained by David Nunn.
Broadway Miss paid $11.60, $5.70 and $2.90. Stacy Brook returned $8.20 and $3.10, while Sheers Sandy finished third and paid $2.40. The 5-1 exacta of Broadway Miss and Stacy Brook returned $83.00, while the trifecta of 5-1-2 paid $167.00
Jockey John Grabowski, who was honored for his all-time record of 233 wins at Finger Lakes in 2000, picked up his first win of the 2001 season aboard Enough Music in the fifth race. Enough Music also gave M. Anthony Ferraro his first win at Finger Lakes this season. M.A. Ferraro tied with his father, Michael S. Ferraro, for most victories by a trainer at Finger Lakes in 2000 with 88 each
Racing resumes tomorrow at 12:50 p.m., with all fans 18 and over through the gates before 2 p.m. receiving one guaranteed winning mystery voucher worth anywhere from $2 to $1000. After tomorrow, Finger Lakes is closed on Easter Sunday, with live racing at 12:50 p.m. on April 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 30.
Simulcast wagering with free admission and on track payoffs will be available on all dark days at Finger Lakes throughout April, except Easter Sunday.
For more information call 716-420-4242 or visit fingerlakesracetrack.com.

(4/13) Light Craft wins allowance
John D. Murphy's LIGHT CRAFT defeated state-bred allowance company for non-winners of 2X condition today at Aqueduct Racetrack in 1:23.1. Trained by Michael Gorham and ridden by jockey John Velazquez, the four year-old colt broke alertly and battled with Well Fancied up the backstetch. Velazquez took hold of the colt to the top of the stretch and then fought his way to the lead past the eighth pole and held on to win by three-quarters of a lenght over the fast closing Lyre.
Bred by Harry L. Landry of Saratoga Springs, New York, Light Craft is by Carr de Naskra, out of the Phone Trick mare, Reverse the Call, who also produced stakes winner Long Distance(Expensive Decision). Light Craft was sold at the 1999 Fasig-Tipton two year-old in training sale for $75,000 and has now banked $96,536 with a Lifetime Record: 12-3-2-1.

MONETARY JUSTICE on outside.

(4/13) Monetary Justice pulls off upset
Bagwandeen Stable's MONETARY JUSTICE narrowly defeated race time favorite Mike the Greek by a nose to capture a state-bred allowance race for non-winners of 2X condition at Aqueduct Racetrack. Racing over a muddy surface, apprentice jockey Jorge Duarte, Jr., sat off the early duel between Mike the Greek and Kirtons before moving four wide in the last turn and engaged Mike the Greek at the top of the stretch. A heated battle ensued to the wire with Monetary Justice winning the head bob under the wire at 22-1.
Trained by Sandino Hernandez, Jr., and bred by Dermott Meere, Monetary Justice is by Academy Award, out of Dawn of Life, by Life Cycle. The five year-old bay horse has now earned $118,000 with a Lifetime Record: 21-3-2-1.

(4/13) Homecooking
STATEMENT raced for the first time in New York today after a coast to coast tour that saw him race at Delmar in California, Turfway Park and Churchill Downs in Kentucky and the Fair Grounds in Louisiana - all to no avail. The New York-bred finally returned home today to race against state-bred maidens and was promptly bet down to the odds-on favorite. Ridden by Richard Migliore, Statement moved strongly around the last turn of the one mile one-turn affair at Aqueduct Racetrack and romped home a four length winner while in hand.
The regally bred colt was sold at the 1999 July Keeneland Yearling Sale for $900,000. Owned by Ahmed bin Salman and bred by Jerry Brody's Gallagher's Stud in Ghent, New York, Statement is by Seattle Slew, out of the Lyheor mare, Appealing Missy, who was a multiple graded stakes winner both hear and in Europe and earned $410,130.

(4/12) Hometown Girl
ISLANDER BLUES, who has been racing in Virginia and Maryland the last couple of years returned to New York's Aqueduct Racetrack and promptly posted a victory against state-bred allowance company in a non-winners of 1X condition. Owner Thomas Baldwin claimed the six year-old daughter of Cure the Blues-Prissy Wicks for $14,500 and trainer Linda Albert has raced her in seven allowance races where she has never been off the board. Ridden by C.C. Lopez, Islander Blues tracked the early leaders up the backstretch of the six furlong race before swinging wide to take command of the race, drawing off to win by five lengths. 
Bred by William Entenmann's Timber Bay Farm, Islander Blues' dam, Prissy Wicks, has also produced Reel Talc (Talc) a winner of $186,178 and Island Skater (Overskate) a winner of $124,079.

(4/12) Escorp scores by five
Susan Gottlieb's homebred, ESCORP, swept the field around the last turn and drew off to an easy victory against state-bred maiden fillies and mares at Aqueduct Racetrack. Travelling around two turns for the first time, jockey Jose Espinoza placed Escorp just behind the front running Key Situation before making his move in the one and one-eighth mile on the main track which was listed as sloppy.
Trained by Richard DeStasio, Escorp, a four year-old chestnut filly, is by Corporate Report, out of the Carr de Naskra mare, Escarrgot, who's a half-sister to European graded stakes winner Canango (Caro).

(4/11) Consigliore takes open allowance
New York-bred CONSIGLIORE taking advantage of a 'favorable' race condition beat fellow New York-bred Hearts at Risk by a head in a non-winners of 2X other than a maiden, claiming, starter or 'restricted' open allowance race for three year-olds and up. Racing over the main track at Aqueduct Racetrack, Jockey Aaron Gryder positioned Consigliore just behind the front runners and stalked the early pace up the backstretch of the one mile one-turn event. Approaching the far turn, Gryder moved his mount to the outside and assumed the lead as the field straightened for home.
Owned by the Carron Stable and bred by Ronald Davis, Consigliore is by Southern Halo out of the Grey Dawn II mare, Heavenly Quest and has now banked $153,820 with a Lifetime Record: 13-5-1-3. The Carron Stable will earn an open owners award of $2,760 for today's effort and the breeder, Mr. Davis, will earn a similar amount - all part of the New York Breeding and Racing Program.

(4/11) Louie the Jet flies home
Gatsas Stables' LOUIE THE JET set blistering fractions to break his maiden in his first start at Aqueduct Racetrack. Ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, Louie the Jet broke from post position nine and set fractions of 21.4, 44.3 and finished the six furlong race in an impressive 1:10.1.
Trained by John Terranova II, and bred by John Hettinger at his Akindale Farm in Pawling, New York, Louie the Jet is by A. P Jet, out of the D'Accord mare, Mithrandir.

(4/7) Dat You Miz Blue wins Broadway Hdcp. by Fran LaBelle, Jr.
Cynthia Knight's DAT YOU MIZ BLUE outclassed five rivals and lead all the way for 7 1/2-length victory in the 22nd running of the $81,125 Broadway Handicap for New York-bred fillies and mares at seven furlongs. Confidently ridden by Aaron Gryder, the four-year-old Cure the Blues filly cruised up to set a pace of :22 3/5; :45 and 1:08. Without any serious challenge, she responded to Gryder's hand ride to win in 1:21. It was her second victory in as many starts this year and she returned $2.70 as the crowd's overwhelming choice. She created a minus show pool of $34,542.43.
"She's been doing good so far this year," said winning trainer Jimmy Jerkens. "She's stayed sound. She had a stifle that was bugging her last year and we had to stop on her. That seems to be the only thing that helps.
The stifle has been fine so far. I'm going to take it one race at a time with her. We'll see how she comes out of this one, and start looking for a spot. I would think about stretching her out, especially since she hasn't had a knockdown, tough race yet this year. Winning this way keeps her confidence up and keeps her sound."
Bred by Landon Knight, Dat You Miz Blue is by Cure the Blues, out of Emma Loves Marie, by Wild Again, and has now earned $320,430 with a remarkable Lifetime Record: 13-6-5-0.
Bonneville got up for second, followed by Pearly White, Fickle Fanny, Stylish Mission and It's A Lark. Broomesse scratched earlier in the day.
Aqueduct is closed on Sunday for Palm Sunday and Passover. Racing resumes at the Big A on Wednesday, April 11th. Post time is 1 p.m. Eastern.

MADDIE MAY winning in March.

(4/7) Maddie May wins open allowance
Away from the races for all of year 2000, four year-old MADDIE MAY continues to make amends by capturing her second consecutive race at Aqueduct Racetrack. Racing against open allowance company in a non-winners of 1X condition, Maddie May was sent off as the odds-on favorite. The field was decimated by five scratches leaving only four horses going to post.
Ridden once again by jockey Aaron Gryder, Maddie May eased away from the gate and into position up the backstretch of the six furlong affair. As the front runners approached the far turn Maddie May cruised into contention and overtook the lead without any objection. Hand ridden through the stretch Maddie May won easily by two and one-half lengths.
Bred by Roger Toffolon, Maddie May is by Not For Love, out of Lady by Design, by Fast Play. Purchased at the 1999 OBS March sale of two year-olds in training for $47,000, the talented filly has now banked $143,940 with an impressive Lifetime Record: 6-4-0-0.
For today's effort, So Madcapt Stable will collect an open owner's award of $2,580 and the breeder, Mr. Toffolon will collect a similar amount - all part of the rich New York Breeding and Racing Program.

BELONGS TO J D winning in March.

(4/7) Belongs to J D scores for new connections
Claimed out of her last race for $25,000, BELONGS TO J D beat three year-old state-bred fillies in a non-winners of 1X condition allowance race. Racing over a fast surface at Aqueduct Racetrack, jockey Shaun Bridgmohan hustled the the dark bay filly to the front and dictated all the fractions while drawing off to win by three lengths.
Owned by Edition Farm and trained by Michael Daggett, Belongs to J D was bred by Skytop Farm and Quarter Keg Stable and is by Belong to Me, out of the Afleet mare, Trysail, who's a half-sister to Stark Ridge(Lyphard's Ridge). With the winner's share coming to $25,800, it brings the filly's earnings to $65,100 in eight lifetime starts.

(4/6) Getting to be a habit
The last time REIGN OR SHINE won a race (Jan. 19th,2001) it was raining and she had post position six and jockey Jose Espinoza was the jockey. All of the above were in place for today's state-bred allowance race with only a trainer change from James A. Jerkens to his father, Hall of Fame trainer H. Allen Jerkens and a surface change from the inner-track to the main track at Aqueduct Racetrack. The outcome was the same.
Breaking from the middle of the field jockey Jose Espinoza quickly hustled the three year-old dark bay filly to the front setting easy fractions. Prelone pressured from the outside but when they straightened out for home in the one mile one-turn race, Reign or Shine drew off to an easy score.
Bred and owned by Howard T. Whitbred, Reign Or Shine is by Majesty's Time, out of the Val de l'Orne(Fr) mare, Val de Ra, and has now earned $105,900 with a Lifetime Record: 8-3-2-2.

(4/6) Jazpiano breaks maiden
Dr. Gregory Goldman's JAZPIANO split horses at the eighth pole and drove to victory today against state-bred maiden fillies and mares at Aqueduct Racetrack. Ridden by jockey C.C. Lopez, the three year-old dark bay filly was racing over the main track after five attempts over the winterized inner-track. Breaking from the rail position, Lopez kept the filly down on the rail to the top of the stretch before splitting rivals and dropped down along the rail again where she found racing room and drove to victory and a one and three-quarter length winning margin over Oola Boola.
Bred by the partnership of Dr. Goldman and Sugar Maple Farm, Jazpiano is by Distinctive Pro, out of the Conquistador Cielo mare, Cielo Oro. The filly is trained by Ramon Martin.

(4/6) New York Jet at first asking
Regent Farm's homebred, NEW YORK JET, broke her maiden in her first lifetime start at Aqueduct Racetrack. Breaking from post position seven, jockey Aaron Gryder nursed the three year-old bay filly to the lead just before the last turn of the six furlong race. As the field straightened for home, New York Jet increased her lead and drew off to a five length score.
Trained by Mike Hushion, New York Jet is by A. P Jet, out of the Personal Flag mare, New York Flag. New York Jet is the first foal out of the mare, who won $163,387 in a thirty-two race career.

HOME ON THE HILL (inside) winning in March.

(4/5) New York-breds make up feature exacta
New York-breds HOME ON THE HILL and Blue Holiday battled gamely to the wire in today's 8th race feature, an open allowance race for fillies and mares at Aqueduct Racetrack, with Home On the Hill emerging with the narrow victory. Ridden by apprentice jockey Carlos Castillo, Home On the Hill went to the front in the seven furlong race and set the pace to the top of the stretch. Hooked by Blue Holiday as they straightened for home, the two New York-breds danced away from the field with Blue Holiday taking the lead at the eighth pole, however Home On the Hill was not finished coming back again in the final few yards, sticking her head in front as they crossed the wire.
Bred by Ju-Ju-Gen Stables and owned by Gladstone Riley, Home On the Hill is trained by Errol Mattis who claimed the filly for Ms. Riley back on January 11th for $18,000. The filly has now banked $57,530 for Ms. Riley in just four races(3 victories) and another $11,506 in open owners awards!
The breeders, Ju-Ju-Gen Stables has collected close to $28,000 in breeder's awards during Home On the Hill's racing career and the stallion owner, Mr. Michael T. Martin, has collected $13,299 - all a part of the lucrative New York Breeding and Racing Program! Home On the Hill is by Scarlet Ibis, out of Dancing Incognito, by Masked Dancer.

(4/5) Compelling World wins again
Claimed out of his last race for $75,000 on September 22nd, 2000, COMPELLING WORLD returned to the races for his new connections to capture a state-bred allowance race for non-winners of 1X condition. Ridden by jockey John Velazquez, Compelling World raced from off the pace and didn't fire until the eighth pole, running down the field on the far outside for his second career victory.
Owned by Edwin Wachtel and trained by John DeStefano, Jr., the three year-old dark bay gelding by Compelling World was bred by Elaine Peck and Peter Trapp at Ms. Peck's Rapsody Farm in Plymouth, New York. By Compelling Sound, out of the Carr de Naskra mare, Another World, Compelling World was originally sold as a yearling for $15,000.

(4/5) Dolfmeister sharp on main track
Last time DOLFMEISTER won it was over the main track at Aqueduct Racetrack on December 1st, 2000 when the gelded son of Scarlet Ibis beat open allowance company. Racing in an open claimer today for a price tag of $40,000 Dolfmeister led every step of the seven furlong race winning by almost eight lengths after going a half in a quick 44.4.
Owned by the Four Drake Stable and bred by Eric Myer, Dolfmeister has now banked $153,560 with a Lifetime Record: 17-5-2-2. Dolfmeister is out of the Misty Flight mare, Roseville, a half-sister to Landing Plot (Instrument Landing) who earned $666,484 while winning several stakes race including the Swift Stake a Grade III.
The Four Drake Stable will earn an open owner's award of $3,900 and the breeder, Mr. Myer, will earn a breeder's award of $3,900, which are some of the incentives from the lucrative New York Breeding and Racing Program.

(4/5) Final Dream breaks maiden
Chester and Mary Broman's homebred, FINAL DREAM, away from the races since last June, was sent off as the favorite in a state-bred maiden race today at Aqueduct Racetrack. With temperatures hovering around 60 degrees in the metropolitan area of New York, jockey Richard Migliore aboard Final Dream, battled with a game Coast to Coast from gate to midstretch of the seven furlong affair before drawing off to a one and three-quarter length winning margin.
Final Dream is a four year-old chestnut colt by Ends Well, out of Dom's Pleasure, by Noholme II, and was making only his third lifetime start. Final Dream was bred at the Broman's Chestertown Farm in Chestertown, New York.

(4/4) Affair In The Air returns a winner
Seymour Cohn's homebred, AFFAIR IN THE AIR, scored easily today against state-bred allowance three year-olds in a non-winners of 1X condition. Away from the races since October 21, 2000, the three year-old chestnut gelding was ridden to victory by jockey John Velazquez who had four winners on the day. Saving ground along the rail in the seven furlong race over the main track at Aqueduct, Affair In The Air picked off horses around the last turn and then stormed by Just Justin in midstretch to win easily while in hand.
By A. P Jet, out of the Deputy Minister mare, Open Marriage, Affair In The Air is a half brother to multiple stakes winner's Pentelis (Pentelicus) and Chasin' Wimmin. Trained by John Herler, the promising three year-old has a Lifetime Record: 8-2-1, with earnings of $63,590.

PLEADING WISH (inside) outfinishes Loreny Benny.

(4/4) Pleading Wish breaks her maiden
After hitting the board in eight of her fifteen previous starts against state-bred maiden company, PLEADING WISH, finally found the winning formula, finishing first across the finish line at Aqueduct Racetrack. Owned by Flying Zee Stable and trained by Gregory Martin, Pleading Wish split horses in the later stages of the one mile one-turn race to score by a half-length over Loreny Benny.
Bred by Flying Zee Stable at Highcliff Farm in Delanson, New York, the four year bay filly is by Tank's Number, out of the Noble Nashua mare, Noblesfinalappeal, and has now earned $79,900.

(4/1) Toddler and John Paul Too hook up in Kings Point thriller
The two front-running four-year-olds had never faced each other before -- even though they once ran in separate races at Belmont on the same day -- but on Sunday in Aqueduct's $82,625 Kings Point Handicap, Gabrielle Farm's and Nickolas Laneve's TODDLER and Caesar Kimmel's and Philip Solondz's John Paul Too finally met. The result was an eyeball-to-eyeball duel that went all the way to the wire, with top-weighted Toddler (122 pounds) prevailing by a neck on the outside after sometimes falling slightly behind the 1.05-to-1 favorite John Paul Too, whose lead was a half-length at the three-eighths pole. Time for the 1 1/8-mile event for eight New York-breds on a muddy track under cool cloudy skies was 1:50.10. It was the first stakes outing for both colts, with each coming off open Aqueduct allowance wins by substantial margins within the last five weeks.
The 2.15-to-1 second choice under jockey John Velazquez despite four open NYRA allowance wins in his last five starts -- all under Velazquez, whose seven rides on the colt have resulted in six victories -- Toddler earned $49,575 in purse money plus a $4,957.50 breeder's award for Partnerville Stable Inc. The Richard Dutrow Jr.-trained colt has now earned $250,995 in purses in 17 starts, with seven wins, two seconds, and three thirds. He is three-for-three (his last three starts) in the mud at Aqueduct.
By Polish Numbers, Toddler is the third winner produced by Am Wonderful, a winning Icecapade mare whose full sisters are Grade 2 Del Mar Debutante winner Rue de Palm and NYRA multiple graded winner Am Capable ($410,733).

(4/1) Comet Crossing breaks maiden in 3rd start
In her first two starts in March, Chester Broman's homebred three-year-old, COMET CROSSING, ran greenly and was no factor, but in Aqueduct's ninth race on Sunday, a $41,000 seven-furlong maiden special for nine New York-bred three-year-old fillies, she seemed to come into her own. The 19.40-to-1 seventh choice, she was allowed to relax on the rail by jockey Aaron Gryder, then charged through the mud on the inside past three fillies in the final furlong, winning by three-quarters of a length over Jezabel Cant Spell, who lugged in before switching leads late. Favorite Karakorum's Lisa (2.20-to-1), who had been beaten by only a neck in her last previous start, finished third.
Trained by Ramon Hernandez, Comet Crossing earned $24,600 for her victory, which came in her first racing experience over an off track. The daughter of Comet Shine - Final Crossing, by Ends Well, also picked up a $4,920 breeder's award for Broman and his wife Mary, plus a $1,722 stallion award for the owners of Comet Shine when that stallion stood in New York at the time of Comet Crossing's conception. Comet Crossing is a half-sister to 1998 New York Derby winner Iron Cop, and her stakes-placed New York-bred dam is a half-sister to 1985 Albany Handicap winner Poniard.