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.
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.