Graceful Gal tough if Sunday feature remains on turf

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – After having to transfer 23 races from the turf to the dirt over the last two weeks – and 37 overall this fall at Aqueduct – New York Racing Association officials were hoping to get back on the grass this weekend, with three turf races scheduled for Saturday and three more Sunday.

Forecasted warmer temperatures opens the possibility for turf racing Sunday, when a full field of New York-bred fillies and mares attempts to clear the restricted first-level allowance condition in the nominal feature, which goes as race 2.

A dozen were entered to run if the race remains at 1 1/16 miles on turf, while four more were entered in hopes that the race is moved to the main track and run at one mile.

Sunday marks the final day of racing over the main track, as racing will move to the inner track beginning Wednesday. Turf races are in the condition book through next Sunday.

If it remains on turf, the top contenders in Sunday’s race are Graceful Gal, who defeated males over a firm Aqueduct turf course Oct. 29; Keen Katana, beaten a nose at this condition Oct. 19; and Aesthetique, a winner of an open claiming race 23 days ago.

If it is moved to dirt, Piccolo Flats looms as the horse to beat based on a solid maiden win last out.

KEY CONTENDERS

Graceful Gal (Last 3 Beyers: 52-80-66)

◗ The last time she raced on turf, Graceful Gal defeated males by 5 3/4 lengths in a statebred maiden affair.

“I honest to God think the boys are a little bit easier,” trainer Leo O’Brien said. “She won nicely.”

◗ Graceful Gal finished a well-beaten fourth in an off-the-turf allowance in her last start. O’Brien said jockey Jose Ortiz did not follow instructions to warm her up well before the race and have her get good early position.

◗ Graceful Gal will be ridden by Manuel Franco, aboard for the maiden win.

◗ She is unlikely to run if the race is moved to dirt.

Keen Katana (Last 3 Beyers: 29-74-66)

◗ She came from off the pace, made the lead, and appeared to wait on horses in her Oct. 19 loss, according to trainer Jimmy Toner.

“When she made the lead, she hesitated a bit,” Toner said. “I think she’s better when she’s tracking horses. It keeps her mind occupied.”

◗ She must overcome post 12, but Toner said post position is “immaterial as long as you get to run on the grass.”

Aesthetique (Last 3 Beyers: 76-62-70)

◗ Her best races have come going seven furlongs to a mile. Sunday’s 1 1/16-mile race will be the longest of her career.

◗ She won an open $35,000 claiming race going a mile in front-running fashion, beating Barrier to Entry, who is also in this field.

“I’d rather not see her on the lead,” trainer Robert Ribaudo said. “I’d prefer if she could just tuck in and get a trip.”