Creme de la Fete, one of the most popular claiming horses to run in New York, was euthanized recently at the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Walkill, N.Y. The 25-year-old gelding had been suffering from a tumor and was humanely euthanized on Jan. 9. Creme de la Fete raced until he was 8-year-old. He was claimed by Robert Spiegel and retired in 1985.

Another popular claimer that passed away recently was Clarinet King. The former claimer was cared for by NYRA program staff member Gilda Libero. A few years ago a comic book for charity was made featuring Clarinet King and he was a consistently cared for on the backstretch by Libero.

Oscar Chavez, who returned to Aqueduct from Singapore in November, has packed his tack and left the riding colony. He was 0 for 44 on the inner track and had won only two races since returning.

1ST RACE – Waki Dancer broke sharply but then eased to the rear of the field as five horses battled for the early lead. On the far turn, Norberto Arroyo Jr. on Waki Dancer started to make his move on the turn and then he tipped outside for ther stretch drive. He was at full speed when he reached the leaders but then he started to bear in. He cut off a tiring Will Oblige and then drew away a 41/4 length victory. There was a steward’s inquiry to the incident in the stretch. Waki Dancer did cut off Will Oblige, but Will Oblige was a tiring horse and the incident did not affect the outcome of the race as Will Oblige finished third. But after a lengthy review, the stewards disqualified Waki Dancer from first and placed him third. Another tough break from the stewards to the trainer of Waki Dancer, Rich Schosberg. Plus a tough break to the backers of Waki Dancer because the disqualification was iffy and he could just as easily been kept as the winner with further action taken on Arroyo afterwards. I would not have changed the order of finish.

6TH RACE – Tortellini Ted was last early and trailed the field for most of the race. Turning for home Jorge Duarte Jr. asked for run and Tortellini Ted was flying on the rail and got up for third. He will be tough at this non-winners of two lifetime condition or returning against state-breds next out.

9TH RACE – Blue Eyed Trickstr chased fast fractions but took the lead midway on the backstretch. He edged away on the far turn and then was able to hold off Corpsman in the stretch drive despite being leg weary. Jovial Dancer, who always gets bet and should not be, was sent off as the 3-1 third choice in the race, despite his form indicating that he is tailing off. He never contended and dropped back to finish last.

YESTERDAY’S CLAIMS

1ST RACE: Will Oblige ($14,000) by Tino Attard; Three Sevens ($15,000) by Richard Dutrow Jr.

2ND RACE: Westbound Actress ($10,000) by Jeff Odintz; Retail Sales ($10,000) by Frank Martin; Brave Testamony ($10,000) by Robert Barbara

3RD RACE: Billy Haggard ($50,000) by Mitch Friedman; I Wood Be a Winner ($40,000) by Scott Lake; Seeking the Dream ($50,000) by Jose Martin

5TH RACE: Mosarl Pzar ($25,000) by Robert Barbara; Ransom Cove ($50,000) by Richard Dutrow Jr.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 6-2-7-2-1-2

One winner receives $82,363

51 consolation (5 of 6) winners

each receives $420.50

No carryover.