SARATOGA SPRINGS – John Velazquez, who was lucky to avoid injury when unseated by his mount in recent starting-gate mishap, said satisfactory meeting to improve communication was held yesterday between representatives of jockeys, gate crew, stewards, horsemen and NYRA management.

Before start of yesterday’s N.Y. Stallion Stakes at mile-and-eighth on turf, Twistaway – Velazquez up! – reared in gate, broke through, ran off leaving Johnny behind, was scratched. Laurentide Ice, 2-1 favorite under Kent Desormeaux, also broke through, was quickly reloaded, finished fifth behind Tishmeister after being floated wide by Don’t Mind Me, Ramon Dominguez up, turning for home. Don’t Mind Me finished second; stewards posted inquiry, but replays were inconclusive; result stood.

* Jockey Cornelio Velasquez has been suspended seven days, with stay granted on appeal, for careless riding in Sunday’s seventh race, when his mount, Sultry Sue, bore out down stretch impeding two other horses. Sultry Sue finished third, but was not disqualified; there was no inquiry after that race.

Favorites won first four races, five on card, to go 17 for last 27.

THIRD RACE: Miracle Moment, 5-2 looking for his third straight win on turf for Barclay Tagg, set pace under snug hold by Ramon Dominguez, stalked by Beautiful Daniele, bet down to 5-1 from 12-1 on morning line for leading trainer-jockey duo of Bill Mott and Kent Desormeaux. Turning for home, Beautiful Daniele launched bid but flattened out, while 2-1 favorite Criminologist rallied wide under Edgar Prado. Criminologist clawed past Miracle Moment inside final furlong, then just held off late charge of 5-2 Sky High Flyer, Julien Leparoux up, who closed with rush, looked as if she’d get up but fell short. First winner of meet for Shug McGaughey.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 10-5-7-5-5-10

No winners

56 consolation (5 of 6) paid $280.50

Carryover: $47,584