Aqueduct: Correction 1-2 going separate ways

Tom Keyser

Cluster of Stars (right) bested Nicole H by a head in the $100,000 Correction Stakes at Aqueduct.

Cluster of Stars and Nicole H, separated by a head in Saturday’s $100,000 Correction Stakes, are likely headed in different directions for their next starts.

Nicole H, who suffered her first loss in six starts on the inner track – all stakes – will make a quick turnaround and run next in the Grade 2, $250,000 Barbara Fritchie Handicap at Laurel Park on Feb. 16.

Mike Hushion, trainer of Nicole H, said Daniel Centeno will ride Nicole H in the Barbara Fritchie, replacing Channing Hill. Centeno won stakes aboard Nicole H at Penn National and Delaware Park last fall. Hushion said he also plans to run My Wandy’s Girl in the Barbara Fritchie, with Irad Ortiz Jr. up.

There is no decision yet on where Cluster of Stars will make her next start, according to assistant trainer Toby Sheets. In winning the Correction, Cluster of Stars was running back three weeks after winning a first-level allowance race. That win came 11 months after she won her maiden last February.

Sheets, the assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, said Cluster of Stars came out of the race in good shape. Cluster of Stars galloped out very well and hinted at wanting more ground than six furlongs.

Asked if a stretch-out in distance is possible, Sheets said, “if necessary, she could. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. We’re just going to enjoy this one.”

Cluster of Stars and Nicole H were each assigned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure in the Correction.