Second in Command rocks 'em

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Second in Command was always in control and splashed to an 8 3/4-length win in the slop in Saturday's $82,800 at Aqueduct.

With Jean-Luc Samyn in the saddle, Second in Command jumped out to the early lead in the six-furlong Best Turn, which was run under rainy conditions.

Never seriously challenged, Second in Command drew away early in the stretch.

Super Fuse, the second choice in the field of eight 3-year-olds, finished second, a length in front of Mustbinthefrontrow.

Y.V. Five, Deadline, Alysweep, Formal Escape, and Desert Warrior completed the order of finish.

Alysweep, the 6-5 favorite, came up empty in the stretch after pressing Second in Command from the rail down the backstretch.

Richard Migliore, Alysweep's rider, said the combination of the track condition and racing on the inside, might have been enough to discourage Alysweep.

"It wasn't his 'A' race," Migliore said. "He didn't break exceptionally well and I had to chase to put him into position."

Second in Command ($40) covered the distance in 1:10.68 after fractions of 22.89 seconds, 46.18, and 58.12.

Trained by Linda Rice, Second in Command is owned by his breeder, Richard Golden.

Rice, who was in Florida on Saturday, said the $200,000 Gotham on March 16 is a good possibility for Second in Command's next race.

Samyn, who was riding Second in Command, for the first time said, "The owner told me if the horse breaks on the lead, go right ahead."

The Best Turn was Second in Command's first stakes win and his third career win in seven starts. Last year, the Silver Deputy colt won two races at The Meadowlands, including an allowance race in the slop.