Robb plot full of 'Sopranos' twists

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - A well-connected uncle seeks revenge on his niece's family after they stole fame and fortune from him in New York. Sounds like a plot for an upcoming episode of "The Sopranos."

Well, it sort of is. It is also the storyline for Sunday's $65,000 Alex M. Robb Handicap at Aqueduct, where Carminooch seeks to avenge a one-length loss to Accountforthegold in last month's Grade 3 Stuyvesant Handicap.

Carminooch is owned by Three Amigos Stable, which consists of three friends of actor Tony Sirico, who portrays Paulie Walnuts on "The Sopranos." Accountforthegold is owned by Stephen Sigler's Winning Move Stable. Sigler is the father of actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who portrays Meadow Soprano on the hit HBO television show.

Last month Sirico, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and several other actors from the show attended the races, and all gathered for a group photo in the winner's circle following Accountforthegold's victory.

This time, however, there is reason to believe that Sirico and his group could be smiling widest at the end of the day.

In the Stuyvesant, Accountforthegold got loose on an uncontested lead under Ramon Dominguez while Carminooch made a belated bid after receiving a ground-saving trip under John Velazquez.

Sunday, Accountforthegold may get some early pressure from either Indian Hawke, Starcastic, or Who What Win, which could certainly help Carminooch.

"We're hoping for a little more pace this time where someone can challenge Accountforthegold up front and we can be in a little bit better spot to make our late run,'' said Seth Benzel, who will saddle Carminooch for his suspended boss, trainer Todd Pletcher. Prior to the Stuyvesant, Carminooch finished a good second to Organzier in the Empire Classic, his first start since winning the Ave's Flag Stakes over this track in February.

Prior to winning the Stuyvesant, Accountforthegold won a third-level allowance race in gate-to-wire fashion, earning a 109 Beyer Speed Figure. Since the Stuyvesant, Accountforthegold has worked well twice, including a best-of-22 five-furlong move timed in 59.45 seconds on Dec. 24.

Naughty New Yorker is in a pattern where he follows a bad race with a good one. He enters the Robb off a 26 1/4-length loss in the Queens County Handicap, which followed a victory in the off-the-turf Red Smith Handicap.

Starcastic won his first three starts before a troubled start doomed him in the Don Rickles Stakes here on Dec. 8. Indian Hawke won the Albany at Saratoga. Who What Win and Shuffling Maddnes both come off second-level allowance wins in restricted company.