Big A delays track switch

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Poor weather conditions will delay the opening of Aqueduct's main track until March 14, two days later than originally planned. During the delay, racing will be conducted on the inner track.

Management said the postponement will provide Jerry Porcelli, the New York Racing Association's track superintendent, and his crew with additional time to work on the main track, which has been encrusted in ice for most of the winter.

The $200,000 Gotham, a one-turn mile prep on the Triple Crown trail, is scheduled for March 16. If the main track opening is delayed further, the Grade 3 Gotham would have to be run on the inner track around two turns.

As scheduled, first race post time will change to 1 p.m. on March 12.