Algiers to race in Woodbine stakes after scratching from Woodward
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OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Algiers, the Dubai World Cup runner-up, scratched from Sunday’s Grade 2, $400,000 Woodward Stakes at Aqueduct and has been re-routed to Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Durham Cup at Woodbine.
Ed Crisford, assistant trainer to his father, Simon, said the combination of the uncertainty over Aqueduct’s main track following 8.65 inches of rain and the inability to train several mornings leading up to the race were the reasons for the scratch. The plan was to run in the Woodward to find out how Algiers handled the North American dirt tracks for a potential start in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.
Heavy rains hit the New York area beginning Friday, making for a wet track Friday morning and no training on Saturday morning. Aqueduct’s main track was listed as good for Sunday’s first race but upgraded to fast by the second race.
“We didn’t think the track was going to be suitable for our particular horse,” Crisford said. “I thought he would have run a big race. He can run at Woodbine and get a race under his belt, and we can take it from there.”
Martinez out two weeks
Jockey Joey Martinez will miss at least two weeks of action due to a sprained left ankle that was the result of a freak incident prior to the start of Sunday’s ninth race at Aqueduct.
Martinez was aboard Rally Squirrel, who was walking up the ramp from the paddock to the track when, after having his halter removed, he flipped, unseating Martinez, who landed on his ankle. The start of the race was delayed several minutes while both horse and jockey were being evaluated.
Rally Squirrel came out of the incident uninjured, according to his trainer, Chandrabat Goberdahn.
Martinez, who sprung a 96-1 upset aboard Giramonte here Sept. 17, is planning to ride at Aqueduct this winter.
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