Race 6 at Aqueduct today is a Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-old NY Breds going 6 furlongs on the inner. I like to stick with 2-year-old maidens, but here is an exception. The 1 horse Chicktowaga debuts and will break from the rail. The rail is not always the best place for a firster to break, but this one will get the benefit of the doubt.
Chicktowaga sports a very sharp 59 flat handily work from the gate on 12/5 and two nice breezes prior to that. His sire is Candy Ride, and is out of a Langfuhr mare. Candy Ride has been a successful first time sire. He is a little late to the races, but today he makes his first start. The two favorites in the race — Regal Coyote and Mr. Grievance will be making their first starts off layoffs of more then a year. And the other ones who have ran, have not had much success. Nearly There makes his second start after checking at the start in his debut. Toss first race, eligible t o improve.
There are two other first time starters in the race – Fishing With Lance and Explosive Rocket. Explosive Rocket had a nice gate work on 11/28. Gold for Peace who has speed, looked to go to the lead, but has been scratched. Chicktowaga will try to break on top and take them all the way over a sloppy track. He is also bread well for an off track. This is not one of the strongest fields for a NY State bred maiden. If he has some ability, he is a threat here. He looks ready to go from the rail. Morning line of 15/1 and Fragoso gets the mount.
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***Chicktowaga Raced Uneasily Up Into Contention Running Right Behind Mr. Gievence To The Half Way Point In 47.29 Who Eventually Drew Off To Win By 17 Lengths…Chicktowaga Who Never Settled Eventually Dropped Back To Finish 5th After Breaking OK But Off A Tad Slow – All Things Considered He Ran Well In His First Start***
