Aqueduct: Taylor Rice scores first four-bagger

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - She’s been riding here less than a month, but Taylor Rice is making quite the first impression.

On Monday at Aqueduct, Rice recorded a personal-best four wins on one card, going 4 for 7, including a sweep of the late double with Abra ($2.90) and Executive Office ($10.60), both trained by her aunt Linda Rice.

In addition to winning the last two races on the card, Rice won the second aboard Julesco ($9.70) for trainer David Jacobson and the fourth on Jewel of the Sky ($7.20) for Dominic Galluscio.

“It’s awesome, it’s such a blessing, I can’t ask for better,” said Rice, who is a five-pound apprentice. “Get to [win] two for my aunt, obviously get to do one for Jacobson - that’s a big one - and one for Dominic Galluscio. He’s supported me all along. Definitely, it’s awesome.”

Rice had been riding in Chicago until late December. On Dec. 29, her last day at Hawthorne, she won three races, the fourth three-win day of her career. Rice started riding at Aqueduct on Dec. 31 and has a record of 12 wins, 6 seconds and 5 thirds from 46 mounts. She is tied for eighth in the jockey standings with C.C. Lopez.

A few weeks ago, Rice said that she was going to see how she fared in New York before deciding whether to stay or return to Chicago. Now, it appears her bags are unpacked for good.

“I don’t see running out of here too soon,” Rice said.

Three of Rice’s 12 wins have come for Linda Rice, with whom she is residing while riding in New York.

Said Linda Rice: “She hasn’t even been here for a month, so to have a four-bagger and only been in town less than 30 days, I’m thrilled and very excited for her."

Taylor Rice has won two races from three rides for Jacobson, the leading trainer in New York.

“Getting my toes in the door there,” Rice said. “I’m trying hard. I hope it shows and that people take notice of that and put me on some more.”