Aqueduct Notes

Reptilian Smarts won the 3rd at the Big A on Friday; the 4th win in as many starts for this five-year old son of Include since he was claimed by Rick Dutrow for 15K last November. This one has moved up in class modestly since then, and has now found a home in the 16K Starter Handicaps and its winner's share of over $25,000. 123 pounds was no deterrent on this day, and he can run his little heart out at this level until the weight gets to be too much. This horse had some back class and some prior success on the inner track, so there are at least a couple of explanations for his improvement other than the usual suspicious ones. Each animal needs to be judged on its own circumstances.

Brother Chip Dutrow got into the act, with West Coast Flier ($9.50) taking the 7th, moving up a bit off the claim. This Dutrow is now two-for-two first off the claim, hello. And Anthony is 14 for his last 38 (37%). All in the family. Scott Lake took the winner for 30K, so a nice $26,000 profit for the owner between the purse and the profit from the claim. Bullara, dead last at 23-1, was claimed by Asmussen for owner Maggi Moss. This horse has some very nice grass form; in fact, he ran second in the Forerunner at Keeneland in 2007. So you gotta think that Asmussen has some greener pastures in mind for this one, and this could turn out to be an excellent claim.

Pick six carryover today, thanks in part to jockey Orlando Bocachica, who brought home bombshells Wyatt's Women ($51.50) and Amongooseamongus ($53.50).