Aqueduct: Chilly Rooster pulls upset

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Overlooked in the betting at 32-1, Chilly Rooster gamely fought off a challenge in the stretch from Union Place, who was 50-1, to win the $111,400 .

Ridden by seven-pound apprentice Shannon Uske, Chilly Rooster became a stakes winner in the Grade 3 Fort Marcy with his half-length victory over Union Place. It was another length back to Slew Valley in third. Remind, the 6-5 favorite, was never in the hunt and finished fifth in the eight-horse field.

Uske saved ground aboard Chilly Rooster, who was never far off the pace, which was set by Rogue Agent. At the top of the stretch in the 1 1/16-mile race, Chilly Rooster split horses and gained a short lead. Union Place came head to head with Chilly Rooster in midstretch, but couldn't get by the winner.

The exacta, combining Chilly Rooster and Union Place, the two biggest prices in the field, returned $1,109 for a $2 bet.

Chilly Rooster ($66.50) covered the distance in 1:42.47 over a firm course

Chilly Rooster is trained by Allen Jerkens, who won the Fort Marcy for the fourth time. Chilly Rooster had lost three previous tries on the turf before the Fort Marcy.

Jerkens, who regularly rides the 18-year-old Uske, said, "I told her to be decisive. I almost scratched him, but [Uske] told me, 'We'll pick up a check, Chief.' "

The Fort Marcy was Uske's second stakes win. She won last year's Cowdin at Belmont Park aboard Smokume.

"I couldn't believe how great it was setting up," Uske said. "I knew I had the horse; that's why I sent him through there. I didn't want to get stuck in traffic. I love this horse. I've been getting on him since January of 2003."