Aqueduct: Comacina wires

Comacina, under Pablo Fragoso, assumed command soon after the start, turned back pace-prompter Welcome Home after a half-mile, and held off a hard-charging Fast Laner to win the $70,955 at Aqueduct by a half-length.

Bank Audit, the even-money favorite and winner of this race in 2005, finished a non-threatening fourth. Bank Audit's loss was the first of the day for jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr., who began the new year by winning the first four races on Sunday's card.

The victory by Comacina helped Carl Lizza's Flying Zee Stables pick up where it left off in 2005, when it led all New York Racing Association owners with 45 wins.

Comacina was making her first start for trainer Carlos Martin and first since injuring her ankle in the Raven Run at Keeneland on Oct. 22. The layoff proved no problem as she sprinted to the lead after a quarter in 22.56 seconds, turned back Welcome Home at the quarter pole and outlasted Fast Laner, who rallied strongly under Kyle Kaenel.

Comacina ($23) covered the six furlongs in 1:10.79 over the sealed muddy inner track.

"When she ran in the Raven Run, she got grabbed and got a big gash in her ankle,'' said Martin, who took over the training of Comacina from Patrick Biancone. "She had a hole the size of a half dollar in her leg. It took three weeks to heal up. I didn't think we were going to make this race, but she worked so good that she showed me she was ready.''

Martin said Comacina would be pointed to the $65,000 Correction Handicap on Feb. 4.