Aqueduct handicapping roundup: Week of Nov. 23

Mr. November

It’s safe to say that Aqueduct-based trainer Rudy Rodriguez pointed toward the fall meet.

Rodriguez was beaten out for the 2012 fall meet title, 19-18, by David Jacobson, and those two are neck and neck once again. Jacobson jumped out to a quick lead, but Rodriguez caught him at the conclusion of last week’s action, and took a one-win advantage when Mr. Algebra ($14.20) demolished a field of restricted turf claimers Wednesday.

Mr. Algebra upped R-Rod’s record to 13-8-3 from 31 starters through Nov. 20, with more than $445,000 in purse earnings and a return on investment of $3.26.

Mr. Algebra had won just once from 25 prior outings, but his stretch-running style was a good fit to the prevailing course profile (see related item).

The barn is going so well, even the infamous Vee’s Accolade ($6.90) posted a rare victory Nov. 13. Going into that race, the 5-year-old Vee’s Accolade, who had just been reclaimed for the second time this year, had compiled a career slate of 1-9-10 from 33 trips.

Regardless, he was able to secure a good position within easy striking range, and blew by the pacesetter in deep stretch.

Vee’s Accolade was claimed, a further testament to how well Rodriguez is going.

Closers strike on dirt, turf

Early speed was a liability no matter which side of the rails the races were on during the week of Nov. 13-17.

Of 28 races on the main track during that stretch, the only horse able to lead past every call was Gloria Victoria, a 3-5 shot from Todd Pletcher in a maiden special at seven furlongs.

Seven dirt winners overcame deficits of at least five lengths, and 13 winners – nearly half – were positioned fifth or farther back early.

According to the Racing Flow Figures, which are statistically based numerical bias ratings where minus numbers indicate speed-favoring conditions and higher numbers are indicative of closing conditions, the 206 for Nov. 17 made it the best day for closers on the circuit since a Saratoga track that was rated at 205 Aug. 26.

Additionally, outside paths appeared to offer the best footing, with winner after winner rallying down the center of the strip.

None of the 17 winners on turf was able to lead throughout, but Chamois ($12.60) turned in a remarkable effort to capture the Duluth overnight stakes for Christophe Clement, upping his record over the course to a perfect 3 for 3. Chamois opened up a three-length lead early, but relinquished it through the second and third quarters, and then drew off after retaking command into the lane.

Other than Chamois, only one other grass winner last week was as close as third at the first call, and seven erased deficits ranging from seven to 12 lengths.

Through Wednesday, the meet’s only wire-to-wire turf winner was Inimitable Romanee at 28-1 in the Long Island Handicap.

I love New York-breds

Those thinking of getting into the game as an owner are nuts not to start with New York-breds. We literally throw money at them around here.

Recall that in addition to Empire Showcase Day on Oct. 19, with seven stakes races worth a collective $1.15 million, a second

“Showcase” was added to the schedule this past June that offered seven more lucrative races worth $850,000.

Not enough? Well, then Saturday’s four New York Stallion Series events pony up another $550,000.

The stakes quadruple-header kicks off with the Great White Way division, where six 2-year-olds will look around and be relieved to see Wired Bryan is nowhere to be found.

Along with a win in the Grade 2 Sanford, Wired Bryan was 3 for 3 in New York-bred company this year, including wins in the $237,000 New York Breeders’ Futurity and the $150,000 Bertram F. Bongard. His total haul from six starts at 2 was $537,474.

That is nice work, if you can get it.