Seven Slated for Saturday's Toboggan

Inclement weather can do more than just cancel races. In the case of Saturday's Toboggan Handicap (gr. III), it will shorten the race. Weather has prevented use of the main track at Aqueduct indefinitely, so the Toboggan will be shortened to six furlongs to be run on the inner track.

"We would have preferred this race to be at seven furlongs," said Richard Schosberg, who trains Toboggan contender Affirmed Success. "He's a better horse at seven furlongs, but this is the race we've been pointing for."

Schosberg would have skipped the race, but he needs a prep for the April 12 Carter Handicap (gr. I), also a seven-furlong race. Affirmed Success won both races last year.

"At this point in his career, it shouldn't matter whether the race is six or seven furlongs in terms of getting him where we want him for the Carter," Schosberg said.

Only Multiple Choice will carry more weight Saturday than Affirmed Success. The defending champ is assigned 118 pounds; Multiple Choice will carry 119.

The field for Saturday's grade III, $100,000 Toboggan, from the rail out:
Horse, trainer, jockey, weight
1--Gold I.D., Beter Bazeos, Javier Castellano, 113
2--The Deputy Is Home, John Scanlan, C.C. Lopez, 113
3--Affirmed Success, Richard Schosberg, Richard Migliore, 118
4--Peeping Tom, Pat Reynolds, Shaun Bridgmohan, 117
5--Multiple Choice, James Jekens, Victor Carrero, 119
6--Judge's Case, Rene Araya, Mike Luzzi, 113
7--Captain Red, Dimitrios Synnefias, John McKee, 115