Ussery's Alley
Back in the mid '60's and early '70's Aqueduct was the only NY track that was open in NY, other than Saratoga which had a 4 week meet. Belmont was closed and under renovation for almost a decade.
There was a racetrack phenomenon.
They called it Ussery's Alley.
Bobby Ussery was an exceptionally good rider on frontrunning speed horses. Aqueduct had a long backstretch that was slightly banked going into the far turn.
Bobby was quick out of the gate and got his horses to the lead.He would then open them up on the far turn and build up an insurmountale lead so it was almost impossible to catch him.
He was successful with these tactics in races from claiming to stakes.
Memorably,
Michael Todd
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