Saluda could be main speed in claiming feature

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Without the use of the turf course and with a depleted horse population, New York Racing Association officials carded only eight races each for Thursday and Friday at Aqueduct.

Thursday’s card has one $70,000 maiden special weight race for fillies and mares at a mile; otherwise, the richest race on the program is for $40,000 claimers running for a pot of $55,000.

Saluda, trained by Abigail Adsit, and Patria Querida, trained by Diane Balsamo, are the only multiple winners in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies scheduled to run six furlongs.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Saluda (Last 3 Beyers: 64-49-55)

◗ She received a perfect trip in winning a $32,000 claimer March 8 over the inner track in the mud, conditions that might be in play Thursday if the forecast is correct.

◗ Omagoddonna, who finished second to Saluda in that March 8 race, came back to win a $40,000 claiming race by 3 1/2 lengths March 26.

◗ Saluda could play out as the primary speed in this field.

◗ Though Junior Alvarado won on the filly last out, Fernando Jara rides Thursday. Alvarado was initially scheduled to be at Keeneland on Thursday before those plans changed late, according to his agent.

Chickaletta (Last 3 Beyers: 52-26-46)

◗ She found the class drop into maiden $30,000 claimers to her liking last out as she rolled to a two-length victory over next-out winner Gabby’s Brown. Trainer Jeremiah Englehart removed blinkers from Chicaletta’s equipment that day.

◗ She had been keeping top company in maiden special weight races, facing the likes of Paulassilverlining, Jacaranda, and Consumer Credit, all of whom went on to win stakes races.

◗ Luis Saez picks up the mount for Angel Arroyo, who is on She’s Marvy.

She’s Marvy (Last 3 Beyers: 61-54-64)

◗ She drops to the level at which she was claimed last November, a race in which she defeated the aforementioned Saluda by a nose. She also finished ahead of Saluda when the two ran second and third in a maiden $40,000 claiming sprint last October.

◗ She’s Marvy, trained by Steve Klesaris, has not run since finishing second to Slam Chowder on Jan. 1. Slam Chowder is 2 for 2 but has not run or worked since that race.

◗ Arroyo rides, though he is winless in his last 29 mounts at Aqueduct, including an 0-for-20 skid to begin the main-track meet.

Majestic Jessica (Last 3 Beyers: 16-50-61)

◗ She is the only member of this field to have won against maiden special weight company, that win coming three starts back Dec. 31.

◗ This is the lowest level at which she has run in eight career starts.