Aqueduct: Palace tries to start new winning streak in Gold and Roses

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – After having his three-race winning streak snapped when beaten by Grade 1 winner Strapping Groom last out, Palace returns to New York-bred company looking to start a new one in Thursday’s $75,000 Gold and Roses Stakes at Aqueduct.

A field of six was entered in the six-furlong event, which is carded as the third race on the nine-race program.

Palace, trained by Linda Rice, has won his last five races restricted to New York-breds – a streak that started the day he was claimed for $20,000 on Oct. 6, 2012. The streak also includes stakes wins in the Chowder’s First at Saratoga and the Hudson Handicap at Belmont.

Palace defeated Strapping Groom in the Grade 3 Fall Highweight at Aqueduct on Nov. 28 before Strapping Groom – the winner of the Grade 1 Forego at Saratoga in August – stormed to a 6 1/2-length victory over Palace in the Gravesend Handicap on Dec. 21.

It seemed the two were headed for a third straight meeting in the Grade 3, $150,000 Toboggan on Feb. 1 before Rice found this spot.

“Frankly, I’d rather run against New York-breds for $75,000 than run against Strapping Groom for [$150.000],” Rice said. “He was much the best last time.”

In the Gravesend, Rice used a pacesetter, or rabbit, to try to keep Strapping Groom from getting an easy lead. Strapping Groom didn’t get or need the lead while cruising to victory.

On Thursday, Rice also has Bug Juice entered, a horse who has some speed, if Rice elects to use it. Bug Juice, who won an allowance race over the inner track in December 2011, will be ridden by C.C. Lopez.

The horse for Palace to fear is Moonlight Song, a 7-year-old making just the 13th start of his career. Moonlight Song has recorded all five of his wins at distances beyond six furlongs, but trainer Charlton Baker believes sprinting is what this gelding wants to do.

“No question about it,” Baker said. “He’s fast, and I just think he’s more comfortable going short than he is going long.”

Moonlight Song won a second-level allowance going seven furlongs Dec. 8 while coming off a 50-day layoff. He will have had 39 days between starts this time.

“He came out of that race great,” Baker said. “I’ve been spacing his races out because it works out pretty good. Coming back in six weeks, I think he should be okay.”

Jose Ortiz will ride Moonlight Song from the outside post.

Trainer Gary Contessa sends out the uncoupled entry of Night Maneuver and Dan’s Gold. Uncle T Seven completes the field.