Double keeps Maragh close to leaders

QUEENS, New York, Jan 21, CMC – Jamaican Rajiv Maragh rode a double at Aqueduct on Friday to keep tabs on the leaders in the three-month winter meet at the east coast United States racetrack.
The 31-year-old scored with 5-1 chance True History in race three before following up in face four with 6-1 bet Dynamax Pride.
Maragh lies third on ten wins, two adrift of leader Kendrick Carmouche and one behind Manuel Franco in second.
He opened his account over a mile and 70 yards when he steered five-year-old bay mare True History to victory by half length over the four-year-old and upward fillies and mares.
Favourite La Inesperada posted the early fractions with Maragh producing a ground-saving, stalking ride from third.
In the stretch, Maragh brought True History with a strong run along the rails to get up in the final yards to beat La Inesperada.
Maragh’s second win came when he piloted three-year-old gelding Dynamax Pride to a 2-3/4 length win over the three-year-old maidens.
Our American Star, ridden by Jamaican Trevor Simpson, laid down the early fractions in the mile and 70-yard trip, as Maragh raced Dynamax Pride near the rear.
Control Group and My Boy Tate took over the running late but Maragh and Dynamax Pride caught them with a sixteenth to run.
Simpson was also in winners’ row, partnering 10-1 choice To the Victor to a half-length win over the four-year-olds going a mile and 70 yards.
The season started New Year’s Day and wraps up March 26.