Musical America well-rested; Servis horses will be scratched

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – After a tumultuous week in the sport, racing will resume Friday at Aqueduct with a nine-race card topped by a pair of optional-claiming events.

The card will be impacted by the events of Monday when trainer Jason Servis was one of 27 individuals indicted by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in a scheme to administer, distribute, and misbrand illegal drugs to horses. Servis, who on Tuesday had his license suspended by the New York State Gaming Commission, did have three horses entered on Friday’s card at Aqueduct, including top contenders in both allowance co-features. Grumps Little Tots (race 7) and Fair Regis (races 8) as well as Deputy Flag (race 6) will be scratched.

In race 7, a third-level race for 4-year-olds and up going a mile, that leaves a field of five. Trainer Rob Atras has a solid uncoupled entry of Musical America and Roaming Union.

Musical America is one of three horses that were entered for this same race on Feb. 27, a card that was lost to high winds. Musical America won his first two starts for Atras in a span of 14 days before finishing second on Jan. 31 behind Sir Winston, last year’s Belmont Stakes winner.

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“I don’t think that was his best race,” Atras said. “It was a good race but I still think he can run better.”

With the cancellation of the Feb. 27 card, Musical America will have six weeks between starts.

“It’s the first time since we’ve had him where he’s had a little space between his races,” Atras said. “He’s had a little time, he’s had a few works. I’m hoping he produces a top effort.”

Atras claimed Roaming Union for $62,500 on behalf of Larry Roman on March 1. Though Roaming Union is coming back on short notice, Atras said he told Roman: “The horse is doing good. We can take a shot.”

Payne, a winner of two straight, both for Chad Brown, and Han Sense, fourth going two turns in this condition on Jan. 31 at Laurel, are the main competition. Felix In Fabula completes the field.

In race 8, a second-level race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, Hay Field is back in for a claiming price ($62,500) after running third in the Broadway Stakes. That was her first start off the claim for Antonia Arriaga, who took her for $40,000 on Feb. 2. Hay Field, a 7-year-old daughter of Haynesfield, has been claimed the last five times she’s been offered for a tag.

Honey I’m Good, who has been second or third in three tries in this condition, and Slimey, a solid second in this condition on Feb. 20, look to be contenders as well.

First post for the Friday card is 1:30 p.m.