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It’s Ladies First at Aqueduct

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The $75,000 Valley Stream Handicap, which will be run for the seventh time today at Aqueduct, is only a Grade III race, but it has attracted a solid group of 2-year-old fillies.

The field of six has combined to win 10 of 16 starts and two of the runners are unbeaten.

Owned by Ogden Phipps and trained by Shug McGaughey, On Parade won her debut by 21/2 lengths and she has a right to be a very important filly. She is a daughter of Storm Cat, who commands a $400,000 stud fee, and is out of the stakes-winning mare My Flag.

Last early on and ahead of only one rival after a half-mile in her seven-furlong bow, On Parade was taken to the outside by Jerry Bailey, quickly rolled past her rivals and went on to win with something in reserve.

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Proper Gamble is the other unbeaten miss. She has won both of her starts for owner Stoneway Farm and trainer Todd Pletcher. She beat maidens by a nose at the Meadowlands, then won an allowance race at 5-1 at Belmont Park.

A six-furlong race, the Valley Stream also has A New Twist, a nine-length debut winner in the summer who finished two lengths behind Proper Gamble in her return as the 3-10 favorite; Cherokee Girl, who has won two of five for trainer Frank Alexander; Forest Heiress, who has won three of four, suffering her only loss to Bella Bellucci in last month’s Astarita at Belmont; and Vesta, who has won one of two for trainer Joe Aquilino.

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Race of the day: The $100,000 Moccasin Stakes, a prep for next month’s Hollywood Starlet, drew a full field of 12 2-year-old fillies and full fields are definitely a rarity in stakes in California. Contenders include Anoaka winner Ponche De Leona, the speedy Ayanna, Cinnful Bride, Happy Michelle and recent maiden winner Teresa Ann.

Who’s hot: Matt Garcia. The jockey won three races Friday night, taking the third with Bilbaino, the fourth with Dazzling Diamonds and the eighth and final race with Li’l Lulu.

Who’s not: The field in the fourth race at Golden Gate Fields. The 10 maidens are 0 for 119, topped by Vines And Wines, who has lost 40 times.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling the entry of Cantaloupe and Escape With Me in the first, Mr. Scott Man, Juan Gordito and Choice Connection in the second and Vencera, Tropical Lady and Enchanted Woods in the third.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/15. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11.60/$76.40. Total money bet: $152.

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