New York Is Next Test

Apprentice jockey John McKee showed what he could do in Kentucky and now he’ll try to do the same in New York.

A winner of a Churchill Downs apprentice-record 27 races in the recently concluded fall meet, McKee, who broke the mark of 24 set by Steve Cauthen more than a quarter-century ago, will make his Aqueduct debut today.

Successful with four mounts on the closing-day card at Louisville on Saturday, McKee is named on horses in four of the nine races as Aqueduct moves to its inner track for the winter.

His best chance for a victory might be in the third race, when he will ride likely favorite Saskatchewan.

Race of the day: Trainer Bobby Frankel’s success with European shippers is well documented and he’ll try to win with another in today’s second at Hollywood Park. Keepers Hill will make her California bow in the 5 1/2- furlong turf race against six other fillies.

Who’s hot: Doug Utley. The trainer has won with five of his 20 starters at Golden Gate.

Who’s not: Brian Williamson. The Illinois-based trainer is two for 47 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Keepers Hill and Secret Approval in the second, singling Song Minister in the third and using Tin And Tonic, Mirek and Uncle Johnny in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/49. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26.60/$279.40. Total money bet: $342.