Contention runs deep in Hollie Hughes Stakes
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – An extremely contentious renewal of the $100,000 Hollie Hughes Stakes is on tap for Monday’s Presidents Day card at Aqueduct, where even determining the race favorite isn’t an easy task.
Eleven horses were entered in the six-furlong race for New York-breds, including two runners – Ostrolenka and West Hills Giant – who were scheduled to run in the $100,000 Haynesfield Stakes, a race that was postponed when Saturday’s card was canceled due to extreme cold.
Bettors likely will focus on Marriedtothemusic, Eye Luv Lulu, and Bond Vigilante, who were separated by 1 1/4 lengths in a New York-bred allowance race Jan. 2. In that race, Marriedtothemusic was making his first start in nearly six months but was able to clear the field early and hold off Eye Luv Lulu by a nose, with a slow-starting Bond Vigilante finishing third.
Linda Rice, the trainer of 2014 Hollie Hughes runner-up Marriedtothemusic, said the gelded son of Disco Rico needed time off for “various different issues,” but she also targeted the inner-track meet for him because of his speed.
“We thought he was better suited to the inner track with his speed, so we kind of waited on that,” Rice said. “I’m hoping he can put together two in a row.”
Bond Vigilante was off slowly in that allowance race and found himself chasing the pace as opposed to pressing it. Breaking from the rail Monday, he likely will be sent by Irad Ortiz Jr., who inherits the mount as Kendrick Carmouche is in Maryland.
The Hollie Hughes will go as race 8 on a nine-race card that begins at 12:50 p.m. Eastern. Following Monday’s card, Aqueduct will be dark until Friday.
KEY CONTENDERS
Marriedtothemusic, by Disco RicoLast 3 Beyers: 88-89-86
◗ Despite bobbling at the break, he came off a 170-day layoff to win a stakes-caliber allowance race here Jan. 2 to improve his inner-track record to 3-1-1 from five starts.
“He has a history of having gate issues here and there,” Rice said. “It’s not uncommon for him to do it again.”
Bond Vigilante, by Salute the Sarge Last 3 Beyers: 85-99-85
◗ He was claimed for $40,000 on Oct. 21 and two months later won a high-priced optional claimer by 2 3/4 lengths over the inner track before finishing third behind Marriedtothemusic on Jan. 2.
“He broke flatfooted, and I also came back quick with him, 12 days off a big effort,” trainer John Toscano said.
Eye Luv Lulu, by Pollard’s Vision Last 3 Beyers: 88-90-90
◗ Finished fourth behind Bond Vigilante on Dec. 20 and then came back 12 days later to fall just a nose short to Marriedtothemusic.
◗ David Jacobson, the trainer and owner of Eye Luv Lulu, has won two of the last three runnings of this race with Be Bullish (2014) and Saginaw (2013).
◗ Aaron Gryder replaces Irad Ortiz Jr., who is on Bond Vigilante.
Between the Lines, by Read the Footnotes Last 3 Beyers: 89-91-92
◗ Looks to rebound from a disappointing fourth-place finish against open-company allowance runners last out.
◗ Has finished first or second in five of seven inner-track starts.
◗ Jose Ortiz, the meet’s leading rider, replaces apprentice Harry Hernandez.