‘Sword Has His Edge Back

Song Of The Sword, who was overmatched in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness this year, returns in a more realistic spot today in the eighth race at Aqueduct.

Owned by Ernie Paragallo’s Paraneck Stable and trained by Jennifer Pedersen, who has been on a roll of late in New York, the 3-year-old Unbridled’s Song colt will leave from the rail in the $56,000 optional claimer at a mile and 70 yards.

In three previous races over Aqueduct’s inner track, Song Of The Sword is unbeaten -- and two of those victories came at today’s distance.

After those victories, he ran second in the Illinois Derby and third in the Lexington, prompting his entry into the first two legs of the Triple Crown. He finished 11th in the Derby and ninth in the Preakness. He was seventh in his only start since, the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 6 at Philadelphia Park.

Snake Mountain, who is unbeaten in four races over the inner track, Trapped Again, Rogue Agent, a three-time winner locally, Jersey Giant and Tamburello complete the field.

Race of the day: Woodlass, who lost by a neck as the 7-5 favorite in her most recent start Nov. 4, will try for her fourth lifetime win in the seventh at Hollywood Park. The 4-year-old Woodman filly will be reunited with jockey Kent Desormeaux, who was aboard for her only local win, on Nov. 11, 2003. Five others are scheduled to run in the $42,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Peace Ambassador makes his second start for trainer John Kimmel, who does very well with second-time maidens, and he should appreciate the stretchout to 1 1/16 miles in the fourth at Aqueduct. Javier Castellano will ride the 2-year-old Acceptable colt for George Steinbrenner’s Kinsman Stable in the $50,000 claimer.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Indian Dreamin in the third, Norton Peak, Queen Irish, Double Dance, Roar Of Africa and Taylor’s Series in the fourth and Domingo Juan and True Dancer in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/60. Money: Previous day/meet total: $28.20/$345.40. Total money bet: $376.