In honor of George Washington’s heroic stand at Valley Forge, Aqueduct was open on Presidents’ Day despite overnight snowstorm. New track super John Passero had track fast by post time.

Dearly Precious Stakes, $75,000 dash for 3-year-old fillies, was won by Acey Deucey, longest shot on board at 24-1, who came flying late under Diane Nelson to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Megascape, 4-5 favorite, dueled from gate with Slew Motion, put her away mid-stretch but tired late, couldn’t hold off Phyllis Sassy Girl for second. Acey Deucey yet another N.Y.-bred to win open stakes at this meet.

1ST RACE – Bandit Nailhead, 3-5 choice despite 1-for-23 slate, opened daylight lead under snug hold by Rich Migliore, waltzed along unpressured through snail-like pace (:25.4, :52.3), had plenty left to repulse late bid of 1-for-20 Behind On Points.

2ND RACE – Ever since he was apprentice, Pablo Fragoso realized importance of saving ground on Big A’s inner track. Here, it made all difference riding Holly Rae, who tucked inside behind pacesetters down backside, advanced along rail on far turn, swung out mid-stretch to run down even-money favorite Honey Fritters. Piece of My Heart was off slowly, loomed boldly very wide on far turn, couldn’t sustain run.

4TH RACE – Talk about breathtaking turnarounds. Wild Vicar, beaten 27 lengths last out under Stewart Elliott, switched barns from John Dowd to Kelly Breen, gunned up rail to take lead into clubhouse turn under Gryder, shook loose down backside, kicked clear down stretch to break maiden by 18½ like second coming of Hindoo. Wonforjodi, favored at 8-5, stumbled out of gate, moved into contention down backside, then began to back up, was vanned off.

5TH RACE – Near-tragedy turned into triumph for 9-5 favorite Twooutsintheninth under hot-riding apprentice Channing Hill. Settled in back of pace duel between Gold and Roses and Schiloh, rallied up rail far turn, tried to split Gold and Roses and Inevitably True top of stretch, but hole wasn’t there; appeared to clip heels, stumbled, recovered stride, got back into gear, drove through hole when it finally did open deep stretch, won going away.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 2-3-1-5-6-1

No winners

6 consolation (5 of 6) winners each receives $1,934

Carryover: $34,817.