Quezon eyes first win of year

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Saturday’s $100,000 Garland of Roses Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct isn’t a restricted race, but three New York-breds look like the top contenders in the six-furlong stakes.

In August, at Saratoga, Picco Uno won the Union Avenue by 2 1/2 lengths over Quezon with Absatootly another 1 1/2 lengths back in third. In October, at Belmont, Absatootly beat Quezon by 1 1/2 lengths with Picco Uno checking in last of five.

On Saturday, perhaps it will be Quezon’s turn.

Quezon, a 5-year-old daughter of Tiz Wonderful, is winless in six tries this year. However, she has three seconds and two thirds. In the Iroquois, Quezon was poised to win under Joel Rosario before Joe Bravo rallied Absatootly up the fence to beat her by a half-length.

“Thought we were home,” trainer Robert Ribaudo said. “Absatootly was last down on the rail, cut the corner and before Joel realized she was coming up inside of her it was too late. She actually came back to her a little bit the last part.”

Rosario is in south Florida, so Joe Rocco Jr. has been named to ride.

The Garland of Roses drew a field of seven, but Ms Locust Point is expected to scratch to run in the Willa On the Move Stakes on Saturday at Laurel.

Ms Locust Point looked like the primary speed in the Garland of Roses. Now, Picco Uno may inherit that role.

Picco Uno has won five of her last seven starts. In the Iroquois, she was outsprinted for the lead by Cozzy Spring. Jason Servis, trainer of Picco Uno, said his filly came back with an eye injury, presumably from dirt being kicked back in her face.

“She got hit in the eye pretty good, almost lost it,” Servis said.

Kendrick Carmouche will ride Picco Uno as her regular pilot, Irad Ortiz Jr., is at Gulfstream on Saturday.

Friend of Liberty, Fusaichi Red, and Kalabaka complete the field.

The Garland of Roses is the first leg of a cross-country pick four wager that includes Aqueduct’s ninth race, a maiden $50,000 claimer, along with the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity and Grade 1 Starlet from Los Alamitos.

KEY CONTENDERS

Quezon, by Tiz Wonderful Last 3 Beyers: 97-93-86

◗ Despite having not won this year, her last two races were very solid, beaten less than a length in both the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom and the Iroquois.

◗ Figures to stalk the pacesetting Picco Uno while getting first run on Absatootly.

Picco Uno,by Macho Uno Last 3 Beyers: 68-91-59

◗ With the expected scratch of Ms Locust Point, she figures to be the primary speed under the typically aggressive Carmouche.

◗ Has five wins from her last seven starts. In one of her losses, she caught a sloppy track attempting a mile and in the other loss she got hit in the eye with a clod of dirt.

Absatootly, by Mineshaft Last 3 Beyers: 98-80-83

◗ Has found her niche as a one-run closer and could be compromised by the lack of a strong pace in this spot.

◗ Twice finished behind Quezon before beating her in the Iroquois last out.