Aqueduct notes: Risky Rachel targets Broadway

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Risky Rachel, who returned from a 15-month layoff to win two stakes at Tampa Bay Downs this winter, has returned to New York, where she will take aim at next Saturday’s Broadway Stakes at Aqueduct, a race she won in 2012.

Risky Rachel, a 7-year-old daughter of Limehouse owned and bred by Sanford Bacon, suffered a tendon injury when finishing fifth in the Iroquois Stakes at Belmont in October 2012, according to her trainer, Juan Coronel.

Coronel said Risky Rachel was on a farm in Ocala, Fla., for more than a year before she returned to him at Gulfstream late last year.

“She came to me at Gulfstream like a million dollars; she came to me tight, fit,” Coronel said.

Coronel said he decided to run her in the Minaret Stakes at Tampa on Jan. 11 for her return because it was an easier spot than races being offered at Gulfstream.

“And she won easy,” Coronel said.

Risky Rachel again was being considered for a $75,000 overnight stakes at Gulfstream but went back to Tampa, where she won the Manatee Stakes on Feb. 8 by 3 3/4 lengths.

On Friday, Risky Rachel worked five furlongs in 1:03 over the Belmont training track.

“She did it really, really good,” Coronel said. “She came out of it perfect. We’re looking forward to that race.”

The field for the Broadway could come up solid, led by Sunny Desert, who won last year’s Broadway but hasn’t run since winning an overnight stakes at Aqueduct in April.

Others pointing to the Broadway include Ave’s Halo, Cape Cod Carol, Here’s Zealicious, Hot Rendezvous, Make the Moment, and Vicki’s Dancer.

◗ The New York Racing Association and the American Red Cross are partnering to host a blood drive at Aqueduct next Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern. The blood drive will take place on the fourth floor of the clubhouse in the lobby of the Aqueduct Room. All donors will receive a Red Cross tote bag and donor decal sticker and will be entered to win a $50 gift card.