Vazquez, Friedman early leaders in trainer race

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Juan Vazquez and Mitch Friedman aren’t names typically seen atop the trainer standings at a New York Racing Association meet. But through the first week of Aqueduct’s four-month winter session, Vazquez is the leader with four wins followed by Friedman with three.

All four of Vazquez’s wins came last Friday with Cazilda Fortytales ($8), and favorites My Roxy Girl ($4.90), Repo Rocks ($7.20) and El Mayor ($7).

:: Join DRF Bets and play the races with a $250 First Deposit Bonus. Click to learn more.

Unfortunately for Vazquez, his next three entrants all were scratched, leading to social media speculation that something nefarious was going on. In reality, Vazquez’s entrants all had legitimate reasons for having to be scratched. On Saturday, jockey Ruben Silvera didn’t like the way Run White Rabbit was warming up, and conveyed his concerns to the veterinarian at the gate, who then recommended the scratch to the stewards. Vazquez’s other entrant Saturday, Shining Colors, was scratched early in the morning due to a leg infection.

Vazquez’s only entrant on Sunday’s card, El Samuro, was scratched due to a bowed tendon that Vazquez believes came as a result of training over a wet track Friday and Saturday, after entries were taken.

Meanwhile, Friedman, who had won just four races from 92 starts in 2021 prior to last week, sent out three winners from four starters in the meet’s opening week. Last Thursday, Friedman won the opener with Caragate ($4.90) and the finale with Chasing Cara ($7.90). His third winner came Sunday with Captivating Cara ($5.80). Friedman’s other starter, Caramocha, was beaten a head in her second-place finish behind Amityville on Friday.

◗ Favorites won at a whopping 50 percent (17 for 34) during opening week of the winter meet.