Litfin's review: Main track (very) fast

Sunday, June 1 review

MAIN TRACK STILL BLAZING FAST

The main track was in use for only three races to close out the week, and remained exceptionally quick, playing two full seconds faster than par. All three winners stalked the early pace, positioned anywhere from one to three lengths off the lead at the first call.

Three races on the Widener turf at distances from seven furlongs to a mile were won by mid-pack ralliers. With the temporary rails out at 35 feet on the inner course, all three races were run at “about” distances.

BIG TROUBLE WINS FIRST BABY RACE

Two years ago, eventual juvenile champion Shanghai Bobby won the first baby race of the New York season at Aqueduct’s spring meet during the third week of April.

This year, the first 2-year-olds didn’t hit the track until the June 1 opener, and the “smart money” sent it in on Big Trouble ($2.40), who had to face only four opponents – two of them fillies - after the scratches of Daredevil and Richie’s Trix.

On the souped-up surface, Big Trouble’s five furlongs in 59.01 seconds translated into a Beyer Speed Figure of 46.

LAYOFF TURF WINNERS SPUR PICK SIX CARRYOVER

Which Market (5th, $12.80) and Deep Speed (8th, $17.40) won fresh on the Widener turf, helping to trigger a pick six carryover.

Which Market, unraced since claimed out of the meet opener at Saratoga last year by Mike Hushion, came from seven lengths behind to score by a nose, as Jose Ortiz collected his fifth winner of the weekend.

Deep Speed, an Irish import making his United States debut and first start since running on the all-weather surface at Dundalk in January, ran by Majestic Jess and Adirondack Dancer in the final furlong beneath Joel Rosario, giving trainer Rick Mettee his first win of the year.

HORSES TO WATCH

AESTHETIQUE
Trainer: Bobby Ribaudo
Last race: June 1, 4th
Finish: 7th by 3 1/4
Beyer: 68

Unable to be set down fully through the lane while lacking room behind the leaders, and finished with interest in her seasonal bow at six furlongs. Maiden win last fall suggests she would prefer to be more involved early in a longer race.