A thrilling finish marked the first turf race
of 2012 at Aqueduct Racetrack, with favored Bobs Pinup Girl getting up in the
final jump to edge 38-1 In Her Hey Day by a head.
While turf racing usually resumes at the Big A in early April, the mild
winter allowed the course to open in March for the first time in memory. The
turf course had been closed for the season since December 4.
“The turf course felt good, really,” said winning jockey
Mike Luzzi. “It looks real good. It’s something new, something
different, something to look forward to.”
Bobs Pinup Girl, a 7-year-old mare trained by Rick Dutrow, Jr.,
completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:47.06 over a course rated “firm” and
earned her first victory since taking a one-mile grass event at Belmont Park
last October. Sent off as the 6-5 favorite in the field of nine fillies and
mares, she returned $4.60 for a $2 win bet.
Next Saturday, April 7, will be the biggest day of racing during
Aqueduct’s spring meet with the 88th running of the Grade 1,
$1 million Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial for 3-year-olds.
The 1 1/8-mile Wood, New York’s stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, is
the centerpiece of an 11-race card that also includes the Grade 1, $400,000 Carter
Handicap for older horses, the Grade 3, $250,000 Bay Shore for 3-year-old
sprinters, and the Grade 3, $250,000 Comely for 3-year-old fillies.