Aqueduct: Nicole H targets Barbara Fritchie

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Nicole H came out of her victory in Sunday’s $75,000 Interborough Stakes at Aqueduct in good order, according to trainer Mike Hushion, and will be pointed to the Grade 2 Barbara Fritchie Handicap, a seven-furlong race expected to be run on Feb. 18 at Laurel Park. Laurel has not yet officially announced its 2012 stakes schedule.

Nicole H had to work harder than expected to win the Interborough by a neck over Winning Image. She appeared to pull herself up after making the lead.

“It looked she was wanting lay on that horse a little bit,” Hushion said Monday. “She held up pretty good the last few jumps. She came back very fresh and cooled out very well, like there was more in the tank.”

Nicole H, who hadn’t run in 10 weeks, ran six furlongs in 1:10.99 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 89.

CC’s Pal, who won Sunday’s Ladies Handicap by 2 3/4 lengths, earned an 86 Beyer Speed Figure. She will be considered for the Sunshine Millions Distaff on Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park.