NY Jocks Like NY Giants In Super Bowl | |
| By Jenny Kellner | January 31, 2008 |
New York’s smallest athletes are solidly behind the big, burly New York Giants. Really. In a highly scientific survey that consisted of randomly asking some of the leading jockeys at Aqueduct Racetrack who they thought was going to win Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, nine of 12 riders picked the underdog Giants over the undefeated New England Patriots. “I’m in New York, so I’d better root for the Giants,” said Stewart Elliott, who won the 2004 Kentucky Derby aboard Smarty Jones. “I’ll pick the Giants, 27-20.” “I think the Giants will shut them out,” said C.C. Lopez, who selected New York by a score of 21-0. New York, it should be noted, nearly beat New England in the final game of the regular season, leading by 12 points before the Patriots rallied to win, 38-35, at Giants Stadium. The Giants, 13-6, will be making their first Super Bowl appearance in seven years while the Patriots, who won the Super Bowl after the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons, are looking to become the first 19-0 team in NFL history. For those in a betting mode, the Patriots are favored by 12 points in the game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Aqueduct’s leading jockey, Ramon Dominguez, selected the Patriots, and not just because his agent is from Boston. “I think it will be exciting to see them make history,” said Dominguez, who has ridden 31 winners this year at the Big A with earnings of more than $1.2 million. “I think they will win 17-7.” Dominguez was joined as a Patriots’ supporter by Erick Lopez, who picked New England, 27-14, and Channing Hill, who thought the Patriots would dominate, 28-0. “I think the Patriots are the best team in the NFL,” said Hill. “They’ve already beaten them once, they have Super Bowl experience, they have a quarterback who can handle the pressure, and I think Randy Moss is going to have a huge game.” Here are the jockeys’ selections for Sunday’s game:
Super Bowl Sunday Brunch Buffet Aqueduct and Centerplate will offer a Super Bowl Sunday Brunch Buffet on Sunday, February 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 pm. Selections include the New York Giant Deli; the Brady Chicken Wing Bar; the Salad Red Zone; “Nacho” Team This Time; Chowder Bowl; Super Morning; Sideline Sliders Station; and Eli’s Super Sundae Bar. Cost is $29.95, plus tax and gratuity. Parties of eight or more will be charged a 15 percent gratuity. A one dollar per person seating charge will be added to the check. The National Football Conference Champion New York Giants will face the American Football Conference Champion New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII from the University of Phoenix, Glendale, Ariz. (FOX-TV; WFAN-AM, 660; 6 p.m. Eastern). |
