Turf race sets up for Aquaphobia
ELMONT, N.Y. – After winning with 10 of 26 starters at Santa Anita during the winter and spring, trainer Robert Falcone Jr. has returned to the East Coast where he has split his 14-horse stable between New York and South Florida.
Among the eight horses he has brought back to New York is Aquaphobia, who could get a nice setup in Friday’s $85,000 third-level allowance feature, scheduled for a mile over the Belmont Park turf course.
Falcone claimed Aquaphobia for $25,000 out of a win going 1 1/4 miles here last September. Following a second-place finish in an allowance last November at Aqueduct, Falcone brought Aquaphobia out West where he won 2 of 3 starts, including the Super Bowl Handicap in February and an optional-claiming race on April 14 in which he was offered for the $62,500 tag. Corey Nakatani rode him in all three races.
“He did it easy,” Falcone said. “Corey didn’t uncock the stick. He shook loose and drew away.”
Prior to that race, Aquaphobia had finished sixth in the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Stakes.
“He was way too sharp and went to the front,” Falcone said. “No horse going long at Santa Anita won on the lead. He’s training real good. He came off the plane real sharp. Hopefully he behaves himself in the paddock.”
With run-off horses such as Black Tide and Saratoga Jack certain to be on the lead, Aquaphobia could fall into a good trip under Irad Ortiz Jr.
Others who could benefit from a swift pace include Inspector Lynley, third, beaten just a half-length in an allowance race at Keeneland, and Made You Look, a multiple stakes winner for Todd Pletcher who is now in the barn of Chad Brown for his first start in 10 months.
Dowse’s Beach, who won twice sprinting at Belmont last summer, Giant Run, and John Jones complete the field.
KEY CONTENDERS
Aquaphobia, by Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 93-91-93
◗ Fires his best when able to come from off the pace, and that shouldn’t be a problem in this spot given the presence of Black Tide and Saratoga Jack.
◗ Gets a rider change to Ortiz, who is 2 for 5 on Falcone’s horses over the last 17 months.
Inspector Lynley, by Lemon Drop Kid
Last 3 Beyers: 97-94-93
◗ Was closing well and fell just a half-length shy of Offering Plan in a high-class allowance at Keeneland on April 8, his first start in nine months.
◗ The two-time graded stakes winner is 0 for 5 at Belmont.
Made You Look, by More Than Ready
Last 3 Beyers: 77-71-32
◗ Comes off a 10-month layoff and is now with trainer Chad Brown after going 3 for 9 with two stakes wins for Todd Pletcher.
◗ Has run well sprinting over this course, but both of his stakes wins came around two turns.
