Aqueduct will be open for racing tomorrow to make up for one of the lost days of racing last weekend. There will be free general parking and free general admission.
Originally, Aqueduct was to be closed today and tomorrow. But with snow wiping out the cards on Saturday and Sunday, NYRA officials decided to open tomorrow with a nine-race card that will begin at 12:30.
Tomorrow was to begin dark-day simulcasting at Aqueduct. The simulcast schedule tomorrow, in addition to the live racing, will feature full cards from Laurel (12:40 p.m. first-race post) and opening day at Gulfstream (1:05 p.m.); Santa Anita (races 2-7) and Golden Gate Fields (races 2-8).
1st RACE – Despite over a foot of snow that fell over the weekend, Don Orlando’s crew did a magnificent job of preparing the inner track for racing. There was no snow on the inner track and it was listed as fast. Danny Lopez is a master of the claiming game and he did it again with Three Sevens. Despite dropping in class for the third consecutive start, Three Sevens made it three wins in a row as he set the pace and coasted for the victory. He was not claimed and the veteran was guided to victory by C.C. Lopez, taking over for the injured Shaun Bridgmohan. Go Chandler was caught wide and finished well to get the place spot.
2nd RACE – New Year’s Day fireworks went off as first time starter Beau’s Fantasy stalked the pace and then drew away to win at 69-1. The state-bred colt had been prepping for his debut at Calder and then shipped up in mid-December for John DeStefano. The Calder shipper angle has always been a strong one at Aqueduct and despite being a first- time starter, Beau’s Fantasy fits into that category.
4th RACE – Switching to Ariel Smith was what Deputy’s Delight needed as she stalked the pace and then drew off to finally break her maiden. It was the first victory for Smith in New York since returning from Calder. Secret Breeze finished well and caught pacesetting 43-1 All I Need for the place spot. Secret Breeze has now finished second in her last three starts. Princess Dayjur was scratched at the gate on the advice of the track veterinarian.
5th RACE – Stakes winning state-bred Cedar Knolls took advantage of the restricted clause in the conditions and won her return to allowance at a generous 6-1. Favored Molly’s Le Mot was far back early and tried to make a run in the stretch, but could only get up for third. Inner- track-loving Intransigence lost all chance when she bobbled at the start.
10th RACE – Royal Ruby was far back early but then started to make a strong move to the front on the turn while saving ground. At the top of the stretch he got caught in traffic and had to weave through horses to get up for fourth. The state-bred should improve next out with a better trip, especially since he got claimed by Dutrow from this race and he is eligible for the non-winners of one other than condition if the restricted clause is included. Shananie’s Finale saved ground early and then angled out slightly to race between horses while stalking the pace. He had dead aim on Clud Club in the stretch drive but could not get up in time to get the victory.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIMS
10th RACE – Royal Ruby ($30,000) by Richard Dutrow Jr.; Las Vegas Ernie ($30,000) by Juan Serey.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 11-8-5-1-8-1
1 winner receives $28,908.00
28 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $344.00
No carryover