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(5/30)
Dr. Quirk captures $19,900 feature
Michael T. Martin's DR. QUIRK took the lead into the stretch and under
mild pressure from John Davila, proved clearly best by three and one-half lengths
in today's featured sixth race. Trained by leading conditioner Chris Englehart,
Dr. Quirk shipped in from Mountaineer Park and finished a rallying second on
May 21 to A Very Young Jet. That contest was against NW1X going six furlongs.
Dr. Quirk arrived here this year with four wins out of sixteen starts and $88,322
in earnings. The Engelhart trained runner arrived here from Belmont Park last
year where he scored the second time out against $10,000 claimers which had
never won two races at one mile and seventy yards by four and one-half lengths.
Today's test was for three year olds and upward which had never won a state-bred
race other than at one mile and seventy yards. Seven rivals including a Oscar
S. Barrera Jr trained entry of Grand Kids and Wholehearted were set to go. Kevmar
Stable's Phil's Blue Way was in search of his second straight win here after
shipping in from Aqueduct. Trained by Linda Rice, Phil's Blue Way got the money
against never four allowance rivals at one mile and seventy yards on May 21
in handy fashion by just under six lengths. Phil's Blue Way with Paul Nicol
Jr astride was sent off the odds on choice at 4 to 5. Neil's Re' Entry went
out with Phil's Blue Way and stopped the timer for the first quarter 24.37.
The duo continued on exchanging leads while getting the half mile in 48.27 with
a length and one-half advantage over the stalking Dr. Quirk. Dr. Quirk gained
on the pacesetters leaving the backstretch and was three across the track at
the top of the lane while getting the three-quarters in 1:13.25. Neil's Re'
Entry could not keep up with Phil's Blue Way and Dr. Quirk. The pair reached
the eighth pole together but Phil's Blue Way was no match for Dr. Quick. Dr.
Quirk responded to urging and drew off for a three and one-half length score
over Phil's Blue Way. Dare to Be Great was along for a share. Dr. Quirk covered
the one mile and seventy yard test over a fast track in 1:44.05 and earned $11,940.
Bred by Michael T. Martin, the four year old gelded son of Tomorrows
Cat out of Katina K by Distinctive Pro now has five career wins out of 18
starts and $108,262 in money won. Also, Dr. Quirk qualified for $2,388 in breeders'
awards.
(5/29)
Carlow rallies to take the $50, 000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap
Despite taking the overlane route, Seahorse Stable's CARLOW
rallied to best She'stenontop in the final yards to capture the $50,000 Susan
B. Anthony Handicap by a half length. Trained by Karl M. Grausmark, Carlow had
not started since running fourth at Laurel Racecourse on December 29 of last
year. The four year old filly by Forever Silver had been working lights out
at Suffolk Downs for the last few months. She has three bullet workouts to her
credit that are visible in the local program along with a record here of four
starts, two stakes wins and a third. Carlow rallied to win the $50,000 Niagara
Stakes last year and then came back in the fall to score in the $75,000 New
York Oaks. Today's Susan B. Anthony Handicap was restricted to fillies and mares
bred in the state of New York going six panels. Eleven foes went to the starting
gate with Dragon Squared's Speed Bag the luke warm choice at $2.20 to 1. The
Jeff Odintz runner is shipping in from Belmont Park where she finished fourth
in her last against wide-open conditioned allowance foes on May 12. The four
year filly by Abaginone has six career wins out 27 starts and fits well with
these. Sixteen to one long shot She'stenontop and Speed Bag broke in stride
and stopped the timer for the opening quarter in 22.16. Local favorite Sweet
Sweet Molly who was shooting for her fourth straight win here was stalking along
the four path. The duo reached the quarter pole in 45.63 and a two and one-half
length cushion over Sweet Sweet Molly. Meanwhile, Carlow with Paul Nicol in
the saddle was parked six wide leaving the backstretch and had about eight lengths
to make-up. She'stenontop shook loose with ease from Speed Bad and looked home
free with a three length lead over Nystate of Grind. She'stenontop was collared
in the late stages by the fast closing Carlow and had to settle for second money.
Carlow proved best by a half length with Nystate of Grind finishing a length
and one-quarter behind She'stenontop in third. Carlow got the distance over
a fast strip in 1:11.78 and earned a cool $30,000. Bred by Dr. Cary Shapoff,
the four year old daughter of Forever Silver out of Folly Go Rights by Distinctive
Pro now has six career wins out of 20 starts and sports a bankroll of $210,413
with $118,613 won here. Carlow also qualified for $6,000 in breeders' awards.
(5/29)
Johnie Bye Night wins $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap in style
Charlton Baker's owned and trained JOHNIE
BYE NIGHT took up the chase when stablemate Top Shoter was put away
by You Willgo Broke and then ran on by the latter to win the $50,000 George
W. Barker in style by just over five lengths. Johnie Bye Night had never raced
over this upstate oval before but sure took a quick liking to it today. The
four year old gelded son of Langfuhr, has only six starts under his belt and
all were at Aqueduct. The Baker trained runner had a record of three wins, one
second and $86,285 in earnings. His most recent tally was a hard fought neck
decision going seven furlongs on April 22 and paid a whopping $74.00. Today's
contest was a handicap was for three year old and upward bred in the state of
New York. Six rivals including an Charlton Baker owned and trained entry of
Johnie Bye Night and multiple Stakes winner Top Shoter went to the post with
entry the odds on chalk at 1 to 5. Top Shoter carrying hightweight of 124 pounds
got the money in last years Barker with impressive wire-to-wire seven and one-half
length score. The seven year old gelded son of Ormsby has an incredible record
here at Finger Lakes of seven wins and one third out eight starts and $159,260
in money won. His total career earnings are $333,649. Top Shoter and You Willgo
Broke rushed out and quickly put a length on Johnie Bye Night while getting
the first quarter in 21.86. You Willgo Broke and Top Shoter got the half mile
in a very quick 44.58 with Johnie Bye Night looming boldly about a length back.
You Willgo Broke put away Top Shoter leaving the three-sixteenth pole but was
soon collared by Johnie Bye Night. Johnie Bye Night put a very quick length
on You Willgo Broke and then widened while under pressure to prove clearly best
by five and one-quarter lengths. You Willgo Broke finished second best by almost
six lengths over Top Shoter in third. Johnie Bye Night covered the six furlongs
over a sun splashed fast track in 1:09.34 and earned $30,000. Bred by Kirsten
Leblanc, the four year old gelded son of Langfuhr out of Romantic Interlude
by French Deputy now has four career wins out of seven tries and $116,285 in
the bank. Johnie Bye Night also qualified for $3,000 in breeders' awards.
(5/28) Mighty Annie R. overpowers 5 in $19,600 feature
Paul W. Barrow's owned
and trained MIGHTY ANNIE R. took the lead from the outset and never looked
back to prove clearly best by six lengths in today's featured seventh race.
With today's impressive score, Mighty Annie R. made it five straight wins. This
was her first start of the year. Last year the four year old daughter of Mighty
Magee started her win skein on September 23 where she wired a field of never
won two allowance types going six furlongs by nine and one-half lengths. The
Barrow trained speedster then sailed through her conditions with ease without
ever being headed. Since the start her win streak, Mighty Annie R. was only
headed once against NW1X state-breds on November 28 when she missed getting
the opening quarter by a nose. Today's field was cut down to five after five
late scratches. The race was restricted to fillies and mares which had never
won two state-bred races other than going five and one-half furlongs. Mighty
Annie R. sent off as the 2 to 5 favorite broke in stride and went out and toyed
with Crafty Potion along the rail and Nifty Gal to the outside while getting
the first quarter in 22.58. Mighty Annie R. took charge midway on the turn and
covered the half mile in 45.93 and put two lengths on Nifty Gal with Crafty
Potion dropping back in third. Mighty Annie R. without pressure from Josie Osorio
opened up a commanding six length advantage with a furlong to go. Watral's Dahlia
trailed to the stretch but looked to be in gear while making a solid run on
the outside. Mighty Annie R cruised home in a hand ride to prove much the best
by six lengths. Watral's Dahlia finished second best by just over two lengths
to Office At Night. Mighty Annie R. got the distance over a fast track in a
quick 1:04.26 and earned $11,760. Bred by Paul W. Barrow, the four year old
filly by Mighty Magee
out of Spirits of Mukora by Big Mukora now has six career wins out of only 10
tries and $64,020 in money won. Also, Mighty Annie R. qualified for $2,352 in
breeders' awards.
(5/27) Top Shoter Gunning For Third Straight - 2005 Horse-of-the-Year is
early favorite to win Barker again
FARMINGTON, N.Y. * Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack will celebrate Memorial
Day with the first two stakes races of the 2006 season. Top Shoter is listed
as the 3-5 favorite to take the $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap for the third
straight year. The 27th running of the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap will
also be part on Monday's nine-race card. Both races will be run at a distance
of six furlongs.
The George W. Baker Handicap
Charlton Baker's Top Shoter has never lost a sprint race at Finger Lakes Gaming
and Race Track in his career. The 7-year-old gelding was voted Horse-of-the-Year
at his home track after winning two stakes at the thumb in 2005 including his
second straight Barker romp. The $333,649 earner won last year's running of
the New York-bred Handicap for 3-year-olds and up by seven and one-half lengths.
He also won the $50,000 Wine Country Handicap by six lengths hauling a heavy
load of 130 pounds in a stakes record time of 1:08.49 for the six furlong distance.
The four-time stakes winner will carry a lighter load of 124 pounds on Monday
including jockey Paul Nicol, Jr. who guided him to two stakes victories in 2004.
Nicol, Jr. did not ride Top Shoter last year due to a back injury that sidelined
him for most of the season.
You Willgo Broke, voted top 3-year-old at Finger Lakes last season, is also
entered in the six horse field. The Ralph D'Alessandro-trainee won six races
in 2005 and finished fourth in the $50,000 Ontario County Stakes on June 19
in his only stake appearance of the year. He will be ridden by jockey Jorge
Guerra in his first 2006 Finger Lakes start.
Distinctive Trick will make his second Finger Lakes appearance for his schooler
Uriah St. Lewis. The 4-year-old colt won both the $80,550 Fred "Cappy"
Capossela Stakes at Aqueduct and the $60,000 Sonny Hine Stakes at Laurel Park
last year. He lost momentum when he had trouble at the five-sixteenths pole
during his only race at Finger Lakes and finished sixth in the 2005 Ontario
County Stakes. This will be the tenth consecutive start for Distinctive Trick
with a different rider aboard. Victor Carrero is listed to be in the saddle
on Monday.
The Susan B. Anthony Handicap
Carlow, owned by Seahorse Stables, will make her 2006 debut in the $50,000 Susan
B. Anthony Handicap which is carded as the eighth race. The 5-2 morning line
favorite won both the $50,000 Niagara Stakes and $75,000 New York Oaks at Finger
Lakes last season for trainer Karl Grusmark with jockey Joe Badamo in the irons.
Paul Nicol Jr. will take over the reigns for Badamo, who has been out since
having rotator cuff surgery during the offseason. Nicol, Jr., who will be aboard
the early favorites in both handicaps on Monday, rode both winners of the same
two races in 2004.
Ruby's Rocket, who was a surprise winner of the New York-bred handicap for fillies
and mare 3-years-old and up last year, will defend her crown on Monday. The
6-year-old mare, owned by David Brown and her trainer Timothy Murphy, went on
to also win the Jack Betta Be Rite September 10. She was voted best filly/mare
(4-years-old and up) after two wins and a second in her four 2005 stakes attempts.
Jose Bermudez will be aboard vying for a repeat of last year's upset victory
at odds of 30-1.
2003 Niagara Stakes winner Storm On the Lake is entered in a stake for the first
time since last year's running of the race when she finished fourth. She had
a gate-to-wire victory in the Mothers Day Handicap on May 14 after finishing
off the board in her previous six starts. Leading jockey John Davila, Jr. will
be aboard the 6-year-old mare, who is owned by Ferentino Farm and her trainer
Charlton Baker.
The two New York-bred stakes are part of the Memorial Day celebration at Finger
Lakes Gaming and Racetrack which begins at 10:00 am with an inflatable seat
cushion giveaway to the first 2,000 people through the doors (18 and over).
The first 2,000 Player Extras Members to check in at the Club have a chance
to pick a flag pin to win free play or up to $1,000 cash. There will also be
a $7.95 chicken barbeque which includes a half chicken, sides, dessert, and
a drink. First race post time is set at 1:10 p.m.
(5/27)
Impure Thoughts proves best in "MSW"
Establo Madoca's IMPURE THOUGHTS rallied to earn his diploma by a length
and one-quarter over Mr. Pro in today's $18,000 state-bred maiden allowance
test. Trained by John Tebbutt, Impure Thoughts shipped in from Aqueduct and
made his local debut here on May 16 against state-bred maiden allowance foes
going six furlongs. That test was over a good racing strip where the three year
old son of Good and Tough stalked the pacesetter throughout but lacked the late
needed response and wound-up third beaten a length by Two West. The Tebbutt
trained runner raced four times on the year at the Big Apple with his best finish
a runner-up to Hassani over the inner dirt around two turns on February 9. Today's
test was for maiden allowance state-breds going five and one-half furlongs.
Nine rivals went to the post with Impure Thoughts the odds on choice at $1.30
to 1. Also taking action at $3.05 to 1 was Who's Next Racing Team's Gold Rizzi.
Trained by Paul W. Barrow, the three year old gelded son of Rizzi just missed
by a half length to Citysuitshim on May 9. That hard fought second was at five
and one-half furlongs and against wide-open maidens. Onteroa Farm's Mr. Pro
broke quickly and rushed out to contest the lead with Gold Rizzi. The pair of
speedsters got the first quarter in 22.73 with a gap two lengths back to Valid
Threat in third. The original front-runners continued heads apart and reached
the quarter pole in 46.92. In the meantime, heavy favorite Impure Thoughts was
angled out six wide leaving the backstretch and appeared to be in gear. Mr.
Pro and Gold Rizzi got to the eighth pole with only a two length cushion over
Impure Thoughts. Mr. Pro put away Gold Rizzi but was quickly challenged by Impure
Thoughts. Mr. Pro stayed with Impure Thoughts to the late stages but ran out
of gas and missed by a length and one-quarter while securing the place by the
same margin over Gold Rizzi. Impure Thoughts covered the distance over a good
track in 1:06.33 and earned $10,800. Bred by Thomas/Lankin/Kintz, the three
year old colt by Good
and Tough out of Boysinthewoods by Woodman now has $46,403 in money won.
Impure Thoughts also qualified for $2,160 in breeders' awards.
(5/26)
Lulie gets job done in $14,900 open feature
William L. Sinkler's LULIE (#4) came from slightly off the pace to narrowly
get the job done over Live by Request by a nose to take today's wide-open featured
eighth race. Trained by James T. Wright, Lulie closed well in her last against
never won three allowance types to miss by a length going five and one-half
furlongs to Precise Strike. Prior to that solid effort, the Wright trainee finished
a late closing third on May 1 against similar at five and one-half furlongs
to April True. Today's test was for fillies and mares which had never won three
races at five and one-half furlongs. Seven rivals including a Michael A. Lecesse
trained entry of Stonefield South and A. P. Glitter were set to go with Francis
J. Paolangeli's Live by Request the $1.90 to 1. Live by Request was coming out
of the same race as Lulie and finished a neck behind her. A. P. Glitter and
Live by Request broke in stride and went out and got the opening quarter in
22.73 with Lulie saving ground two lengths back in third. The duo continued
on setting the fractions while getting the half mile in 46.39 and put two and
one-half lengths on Lulie. Live by Request put A. P. Glitter away leaving the
eighth pole but was quickly hooked by Lulie and the battle to the line was on.
Lulie responded to Jorge Guerra's urging and under his strong handling got the
nod over Live by Request. Stone Cold Look came from far back to get a share.
Lulie covered the distance over a sealed fast track 1:06.20 and earned $8,940.
Bred by her owner, the four year old filly by Dixie Brass out of Faded Fortune
by U. S. Flag now has three career wins out of 12 tries and $36,262 in money
won.
(5/23)
Priscilla's Flag romps in wide-open feature
Joseph E. Marino's owned and trained PRISCILLA'S FLAG rallied to take
command in midstretch and drew off for fun to best a field of wide-open allowance
foes by a convincing seven and three-quarter lengths. This was Priscilla's Flag
second straight win here. In her last against never won three allowance types
on May 13, the five year old daughter of Personal Flag lagged back and then
circled foes into the lane to take a quick lead and prove clearly by just over
five lengths besting Devil's Last Dance. Today's contest was for wide-open fillies
and mares which had never won four races at one mile and seventy yards with
$9,300 to the winner. Six rivals went to the starting gate with Priscilla's
Flag and Its True Its True co-favorites at $2.15 to 1. Owned and trained by
Maryalice Coffey, Its True Its True has good early speed and should go out and
contest the lead with Blue Blitzen. Blue Blitzen sent off as the third choice
at $3.05 to one finished seventh in her last outing but prior to that, the four
year filly by Raffie's Majesty showed the way going four and one-half furlongs
but could not handle the good now Sweet Sweet Molly and finished second. Blue
Blitzen and Its True Its True reached the three-quarter pole heads apart in
23.52 and gap of five and one-half lengths to Ultimate Star and Devil's Last
Dance. Blue Blitzen took charge nearing the half mile marker and put a length
and one-half on Its True Its True in 47.14. Blue Blitzen continued on setting
the pace with Devil's Last Dance on the move and only three lengths back with
a quarter of a mile to go. The three-quarters was clocked in 1:13.01. Priscilla's
Flag was let go by jockey Paul Nicol and gained ground with every stride. Devil's
Last Dance appeared to be making a solid bid but ducked in some entering the
lane and kind of lost her momentum. Priscilla's Flag collared Blue Blitzen like
she was standing still nearing the eighth pole and then went on to score as
the rider pleased by just under eight lengths. Devil's Last Dance had enough
left to hold the place by three-quarters of length over the late running Forever
Flawless. Priscilla's Flag got the distance over a fast strip in 1:45.66 and
earned $9,300. Bred by Magic Grits Stable, the five year old daughter of Personal
Flag out of Javara by Distinctive Pro now has four career wins out of 42
tries and $183,163 in money won.
(5/22)
Ryan's Glory earns Diploma in "MSW"
Mike M. O'Neill's RYAN'S GLORY put Do It Now Missy away nearing the line
to get her picture taken with a late length decision in today's featured $18,000
maiden allowance test. Trained by John Tebbutt, Ryan's Glory had been out twice
this year and has never really taken a deep breath in either start. Ridden to
victory today by leading jockey John Davila, Ryan's Glory started the year against
state-bred maidens on April 21 and showed some early foot but faded to run last
of nine rivals beaten over 14 lengths. In her next outing the three year filly
by Ormsby tried wide-open maidens going five and one-half furlongs on May 8.
In that full field of 11, Ryan's Glory with John Grabowski in the saddle, could
never keep up and finished a well beaten seventh at 19 to 1. Today's test was
for maiden state-bred fillies and mares decided at five and one-half furlongs.
Eight rivals including a Bruce D. Anderson trained entry of Watralragingdancer
and West Shore Stable's Cyn's Dixieglitter were sent off as the $2.25 to 1 favorite.
Both were first time starters with decent workouts. Also taking action at $2.30
to 1 was Little Broadway who was making her first start of the year. Last year
the Perdue trained runner showed some early foot after shipping in from Saratoga
with her best finish out of two tries a fourth beaten ten lengths to Coast Classic
on August 28. Besides those mentioned, Michael S. Ferraro had a first timer
in by Taberg but was dismissed as the longest price on the board. Ryan's Glory
was let go at $11.10 to 1 and broke with her field and was sitting close up
in third with Do It Now Missy getting the first quarter in 22.58. Little Broadway
was tracking five wide with Ryan's Glory in third. The half mile was clocked
in 47.46. Ryan's Glory collared Do It Now Missy and battled to midstretch with
a two and one-half length lead over Watralragingdancer. Do It Now Missy could
not match strides in the late stages with Ryan's Glory and had to settle for
second best while beaten a length. Watralragingdancer outran stablemate Cyn's
Dixieglitter by a neck to secure the show spot. Ryan's Glory covered the distance
over a fast track in 1:08.11 and earned $10,800. Bred by Daniel Hayden and James
Corrigan, the three year old daughter of Ormsby
out of Delaste by Chimes Band now has $11,155 in earnings and also qualified
for $2160 in breeders' awards.
(5/21)
Strider's Ormsby proves best in $20,400 feature
Donna Bireta's owned and trained STRIDER'S ORMSBY turned back Luvnluk
and under steady urging from David M. Rivera went on to score by a length in
today's $20,400 featured eighth race. Strider's Ormsby has had one trip over
this year against NW2X going five and one-half furlongs on April 29 where he
tired to run sixth. The Bireta trainee finished off last year with a wire-to-wire
convincing tally by five lengths going one mile and one-sixteenth. That test
was against wide-open $6,500 claimers. Bireta claimed Strider's Ormsby out that
race from trainer Chris Englehart.The five year old gelded son of Ormsby scored
four times out of 11 starts in the 2005 season and earned $33,666. Today's test
was for three year olds and upward which had never won two state-bred races
other than at one mile and seventy yards. Six rivals went to the starting gate
with Jeffrey Tucker's Aqueduct invader Emerging Spirit the $1.65 to 1 favorite.
The John Morrison trained runner was coming out of wide-open $14,000 claiming
event at one mile one-eighth where he was well positioned throughout but never
fired and ran fourth beaten nine lengths to runaway winner One Tough Dude. Emerging
Spirit came here with three wins and $127,209 in money won. Strider's Ormsby
the fourth choice in the betting at $3.65 to 1 broke quickest of all and covered
the opening quarter in 24.46 and a three length advantage over Luvnluk and Fancatstik.
Rivera nursed Strider's Ormsby along on the front-end and stopped the timer
for the half mile in 48.63 and 1:13.22 for the three-quarters. Luvnluk was still
on the chase with Missed the Call making up some ground running third with only
four and one-half lengths to make-up. Emerging Spirit also was in striking distance
in fourth. Luvnluk moved to challenge Strider's Ormsby in midstretch while Missed
the Call was angled to the outside and in contention. Strider's Ormsby responded
readily to the challenge and edged clear for a length decision over Luvnluk.
Missed the Call hung in the late stages and wound-up a clear third over Emerging
Spirit. Strider's Ormsby covered the distance over a fast sealed strip in 1:46.49
and earned $12,240. Bred by Saul and Max Kupferberg, the five year old gelded
son of Ormsby out of Country
Strider by Country Pine now has eight career victories out of 28 starts and
$114,418 in earnings. Strider's Ormsby also qualified for $2,448 in breeders'
awards.
(5/20)
Emmet Square draws off in $20,100 allowance feature
Betty Jean Murphy's EMMET SQUARE collared Keep Sam in Cheq with a furlong
to go and then drew off to score impressively by five and one-quarter lengths
in today's $20,100 featured eighth race. The James T. Wright trainee ran a solid
third in his first start of the year on May 6. That race was for NW2X at five
and one-half furlongs. Emmet Square contested the lead to midstretch but could
not match strides late and was beaten two lengths to Fiddler's Pride. Last year
the six year old gelded son of Mr. Greeley scored three times out of 12 starts
and earned $27,329. Today's contest was for three year olds and upward which
had never won two state-bred races other than gong five and one-half furlongs.
Six well matched foes went to the post with Emmet Square the luke warm choice
at $2.00 to 1. Second choice in the betting was Five Card Stud's speedster Keep
Sam in Cheq. His last win was in wire-to-wire fashion by just under seven lengths
on April 22. Also taking plenty of action at $3.95 to 1 was My Salute to You.
Trained by Kenneth Smith, My Salute to You was coming off two fourth place finishes
and looked well spotted with these. Keep Sam in Cheq broke on top and got the
first quarter in 22:18 and a two length advantage over Who's Livin Bettor and
Emmet Square. Keep Sam in Cheq got the half mile and in 45:81 with Emmet Square
gaining some and Who's Livin Bettor backing up. My Salute to You was angled
out into the lane and had three and one-half lengths to make up with a furlong
to go. Keep Sam in Cheq was collared by Emmet Square and put that one away for
fun to score by just over five lengths over the late running My Salute to You.
Who's Livin Bettor came back on to get the show. Emmet Square got the distance
over a fast track in 1:05.37 and earned $12,060. Bred by Dr. Jerry Bilinski,
Martin Zaretsky and Joseph Cornacchia, the six year old gelded son of Mr. Greeley
out of Regal Necklace by Beaudelaire now has eight career wins out of 33 tries
and $85,513 in the bank. Emmet Square also qualified for $1,206 in breeders'
awards.
(5/19)
Semichi wires 7 in $19,600 allowance test
Charlton Baker's owned and trained speedster SEMICHI wired a field
of seven to get the money in today's $19,600 featured eighth race by five lengths.
Ridden to victory by John Davila, Semichi finished a game runner-up to the good
now Sweet Sweet Molly in her first start this year going five-eighths on May
1. The four year old by Brushed On tracked the pacesetter in that event and
then gained a length lead with a furlong remaining but could not hold off Sweet
Sweet Molly to miss by a half length. Last year the Baker trainee scored two
times out seven starts over this oval and earned $29,147. Today's test was restricted
to fillies and mares which had never won a state-bred race other than at six
furlongs. Seven rivals went to the starting gate with Semichi bet down late
over David's Dilemma to $1.80 to 1. David E Ahearn's David's Dilemma sent off
at $1.95 to 1 scored in her most recent here by a rallying length on May 9.
Prior to that she ran third behind Sweet Sweet Molly and Semichi. James T. Wright's
trained Nifty Gal was coming off a front-running six and three-quarter length
tally in her first start of the year on May 9. That test was against $10,000
claimers which had never won four races at five and one-half furlongs. Semichi
broke well and went out and toyed with Dazzle Me Darlin early while getting
the first quarter in 22.62. Nifty Gal was tracking in third and David's Dilemma
in the fifth spot while five wide. Semichi took command on the bend without
asking and got the half mile 45.59 and a three length cushion over Nifty Gal.
David's Dilemma appeared to be in a striking position outside of Brian's Lassie.
Semichi responded to the whip and opened up five lengths in midstretch and then
maintained that margin for the win. Nifty Gal finished a neck better than Dazzle
Me Darlin to earn the place. David's Dilemma never fired and ran fifth. Semichi
covered the distance over a fast track in 1:11.15 and earned $11,760. Bred by
Ocean Blue Stable, the four year old daughter of Brushed On out Frankly Fran
by D' Accord now has five wins out of 22 starts and $81,107 in money won. Also
Semichi qualified for $2,352 in breeders' awards.
(5/16)
Sweet Sweet Molly keeps win skein intact
Betty Jean Murphy's SWEET SWEET MOLLY made it three straight with a convincing
three and one-quarter length score in today's $20,100 featured eighth race.
The James T. Wright trainee scored impressively in her first start of the year
in a never won four allowance test on April 21 by just over two lengths. The
four year old daughter A. P. Jet came right back against NW1X going five furlongs
with a rallying half length tally over Semichi on May 1. Robert D. Bone's Yankee
Trick listed as the 5 to 2 morning choice by oddsmaker Carl Anderson was the
one to beat. Trained by leading conditioner Chris Englehart, Yankee Trick shipped
in from Charles Town Racecourse and won at first asking over this oval in convincing
form by two and one-half lengths on April 15. That tally was against NW1X going
four and one-half furlongs. Today the six time winner will be stretching out
some at six furlongs. Leading jockey John Davila will be along for the ride
again today. Betty Jean Murphy's Sweet Sweet Molly should be Yankee Trick's
main threat. Also with a good shot of getting her picture taken is Gumpster
Stable's No Way No How. Trained by Ralph D'Alessandro, No Way No How just missed
by a neck her first trip over this upstate oval to Burning Fluid as the 3 to
5 choice. Jorge Guerra is listed to ride again and he will be looking to make
amends. Today's race was for fillies and mares which had never won two state-bred
races other than going six furlongs with Yankee Trick let go as the 1.85 to
1 favorite. Sweet Sweet Molly with Jeremias Flores astride, broke suddenly out
of the gate and matched strides with Shinning Forever while getting the first
quarter in 22.32 and gap of three lengths back to Ms Technology in third. Sweet
Sweet Molly took charge on the bend and opened up two lengths on the rallying
Coney Island Baby getting the half mile in 45.90. Coney Island Baby made up
tons of ground after checking hard just after the start. Sweet Sweet Molly was
never threatened and went on to score in a hand ride by three and one-quarter
lengths over the late closing Too Many Bubbles. Coney Island Baby held on for
the show. Sweet Sweet Molly covered the distance over a muddy track in 1:11.76
and returned $8.70. Yankee Trick made a little bit of run in the lane but then
wound-up finishing fourth beaten over five lengths. Bred by Country Life Farm
and Eastern Connection, the four year old daughter of A.
P. Jet out of Eastern Connection by Danzig Connection now has six career
wins and $64,264 in money won. Also, Sweet Sweet Molly qualified for $2,412
in breeders' awards.
(5/14)
Precise Motion wins $20,600 allowance
William M. Richman's PRECISE MOTION shipped in from Aqueduct and rallied
to best a field of eight state-bred rivals to take today's seventh race feature
by two and one-half lengths. Trained by Linda Rice and ridden to victory by
Paul Nicol, Precise Motion had not started since February 16 going six furlongs
over the inner track. The four year old son of Precise End battled to the eighth
pole in that test but faded to run fourth at odds of 1 to 2 while beaten just
over four lengths to Complex Goals. The Linda Rice trainee had a race over this
oval last year on October 29 going five and one-half furlongs. In that test
against NW3X, Precise Motion checked at the seven-sixteenth pole and then battled
for the advantage to deep stretch and wound-up finishing second to Y Two J.
So far this year Precise Motion had only raced three times with his best finish
a runner-up two and one-quarter length defeat to Big Apple Daddy on January
7. Today's test was for three year olds and upward which had never won three
state-bred races other than going five and one-half furlongs. Eight well matched
foes went to the post with Precise Motion the chalk at $1.30 to 1. Sent off
as the second choice was Crying Poverty who was in search of his third straight
win here. Crying Poverty with Carlos Nieto came out running and quickly put
three lengths on Ed's Party Boy while getting the first quarter in 22.28. In
the meantime, Precise Motion was not in any hurry along the rail in seventh.
Crying Poverty continued on setting the fractions and got the half mile in 45.95
and extended his lead to five lengths. Ed's Party Boy responded to pressure
and collared Crying Poverty in midstretch. Precise Motion was angled out some
for the drive and had about four and one-half length to cover in a furlong.
Ed's Party Boy gained the advantage but was soon was?hooked by the late running
Precise Motion with a sixteenth to go. Precise Motion drew off as much the best
by a convincing four and one-half lengths?and returned $4.60. Ed's Party Boy
lasted for second a half length over Black Market. Precise Motion got the distance
over a fast track in 1:05.44 and earned $12,360. Bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds,
the four year old son of Precise End out of Lookaway Dixie by Dixieland Band
now had four career wins of 15 starts and $148,535 in the bank. Also, Precise
Motion qualified for $2,472 in breeders' awards.
(5/13)
Priscilla's Flag scores upset in open $15,200 feature
Joseph E. Marino's owned and trained PRISCILLA'S FLAG came from the off
the pace to upset in today's $15,200 featured eighth race by just over five
lengths and returned $22.00. Ridden to victory by Paul Nicol, Pricilla's Flag
made her debut this year on May 1 against wide-open allowance rivals going five
furlongs where she finished fifth beaten almost eight lengths. Last year the
Marino trained runner started three times here and never hit the board but earned
$1,200. Today's race was for fillies and mares which had never won three races
going one mile and seventy yards. John Danato's J. D.' S Girl was clearly the
one to beat. Trained by leading conditioner Chris Englehart, this was J. D.'S
Girl second win over this upstate oval in only two tries. The four year old
daughter of Take Me Out had been racing on the New York circuit where she broke
her maiden with wide-open $25,000 claimers going six furlongs on January 22.
The Englehart trainee wired a field of 12 by a convincing six and one-quarter
lengths over the inner track. J. D.'S Girl arrived here fit as a fiddle and
in her debut made every pole a winning one to best a field of never won two
allowance types by almost five lengths. That tally was at one mile and forty
yards. J. D.' S Girl was the odds on choice at 4 to 5. High Rise Pro, Dancing
Required and J. D.'S Girl got the opening quarter in 23.48 with a gap five lengths
back to Devil's Last Dance. Dancing Required dropped back while High Rise Pro
and J. D.'S Girl got the half mile in 47.62. They remained on the lead and stopped
the timer for the three-quarters in 1:14.08 with Devil's Last Dance and Priscilla's
Flag on the run. Devil's Last Dance collared the pacesetters into the lane and
then under right handed pressure from Messina, his mount ducked in sharply forcing
High Rise Pro and J. D.'S Girl to take up. Devil's Last Dance hit the rail and
had to check some. In the meantime, Priscilla's Flag had clear sailing and put
a quick four lengths on Devil's Last Dance with a Furlong to go. Priscilla's
Chance went on to score by five and one-quarter lengths and earn $9,120. Devil's
Last Dance finished clearly second best by six lengths over J. D.'S Girl in
third. After a stewards inquiry, Devil's Last Dance was disqualified from second
and placed fourth. Priscilla's Flag covered the distance over a fast sealed
track in 1:46.82. Bred by Magic Grits Stable, the four year old daughter of
Personal Flag out
of Javara by Distinctive Pro now has three wins out of 41 starts and $173,863
in money won.
(5/9)
David's Dilemma scores in wide-open allowance
David E. Aheam's DAVID'S DILEMMA came from slightly off the pace to best
afield of nine wide-open allowance rivals by a length. Trained by Edward C.
Perdue, David's Dilemma finished a solid third in first trip out this yearagainst
NW1X state-breds on May 1. In that race going five furlongs, the six year old
daughter of Distinctive Pro tracked Semichi throughout and then could not keep
up and weakened to miss by two lengths to the good now Sweet Sweet Molly. Last
year David's Dilemma raced at Mountaineer Park and left there with a record
of three seconds, one third and $19,164 in earnings. Today's test was for wide-open
fillies and mares which had never won four races going five and one-half panels.
Nine foes went the staring gate with Paraneck Stable's Georgetown Gal the luke
warm choice in the wagering at $2.55 to 1. Trained by Alan Klanfer, Georgetown
Gal last raced with $20,000 claimers at Aqueduct on April 7 going a flat mile
and finished a respectable fourth beaten just over three lengths. David's Dilemma
was the second choice at $2.70 to 1. Crafty Potion broke alertly and went out
to contest the lead with Blue Blitzen. The duo got the opening quarter in 22.90
with David's Dilemma three lengths back in fifth. Crafty Potion gave Blue Blitzen
the slip on the bend and reached the quarter pole with a length lead in 47.01.
Its True Its True was along the rail and David's Dilemma was making a five wide
move into the stretch. David's Dilemma gained on Crafty Potion and only had
a length to cover with a furlong remaining. David's Dilemma collared Crafty
Potion and under pressure from Paul Nicol they edged clear to get the money
by a length. Crafty Potion finished second by a length and one-half over the
late running My Ish Kee. David's Dilemma covered the distance over a fast track
in 1:06.81 and earned $9,120. Bred by his owner, the six year old daughter of
Distinctive Pro out of Kryptonic by Bionic Light now has four career wins out
of 21 starts and $113,857 in money won.
(05/08)
Fiddlers Pride made it three straight in $20,100 allowance test
Fiddlers Green Stable's FIDDLERS PRIDE made it three straight wins when
she downed a field of eight to take today's $20,100 featured eighth race by
a hard fought length. Trained by Ralph D' Alessandro and ridden to victory by
Jorge Guerra, Fiddlers Pride shipped in here coming off a two length winning
performance at Aqueduct against $25,000 never won three claimers at six furlongs
on April 21. In that test the five year old gelded son of Subordination battled
throughout the five furlong test to best a field of never won four allowance
rivals by a half length. Today's contest was for three year olds and upward
which had never won two state-bred races other than going five and one-half
furlongs. Eight well matched rivals including a Michael A. Lecesse trained entry
of My Salute to You and speedster Rodeoactive were the betting choice at $1.95
to 1. Both parts of the entry were making there second starts of the year. They
ran as an entry in that race for NW2X going five furlongs and were the odds
on favorite at 3 to 5 and it appeared they were going to make amends today.
Keep Sam in Cheq, My Salute to You and Emmet Square all came away from the gate
in good order and got the first quarter in 22.65 with a gap of a length and
one-half back to Fiddlers Pride. Fiddlers Pride began to gain ground leaving
the backstretch and collared the leaders while four abreast. The half mile was
clocked in 46.80. Kid Smokey was angled out into the lane and looked like he
was full of run. Emmet Square and Fiddlers Pride reached the eighth pole together
with a length and one-half cushion over the rallying Kid Smokey. Fiddlers Pride
put Emmet Square away nearing the sixteenth pole and then had enough left to
best Kid Smokey by a length. Emmet Square finished well to secure the show by
just over two lengths. Fiddlers Pride got the distance over a fast track in
1:06.24 and earned $12,060. Bred by his owners, the five year old gelded son
of Subordination out of Diaspora by Vice Regent now has five wins out of 31
starts and $128,082 in money won. Also, Fiddlers Pride qualified for $1,206
in breeders' awards.
(5/6)
Everythings Groovy captures $20,400 feature
Flying Zee Stable's EVERYTHINGS GROOVY took charge into the lane and
then went on to score by just over four half lengths in today's $20,400 featured
eighth race. Trained by Oscar Barrera Jr, this winning effort was his second
start over this upstate oval and first win since January going six furlongs
at Aqueduct. Ridden to victory by Michael Davila, the four year old gelded son
of Western Expression contested the lead in his last here going five and one-half
furlongs to the top of the lane and then faded to run fourth beaten five lengths
to Crying Poverty. Today's test was for three year olds and upward which had
never won two state-bred races other than going one mile and seventy yards.
Six foes went to the starting gate with Everythings Groovy the choice at $1.60
to 1. Mark Valentine's Fancatstik shipped in here from Laurel Racecourse and
proved clearly best at today's distance by eight lengths. That race was against
wide-open $4,000 claimers. Fancatstik sent off as the second choice at $1.85
to 1 is a lightly raced five year gelding by Tomorrows Cat. Ridden today by
Robert Messina, Fancatstik has only started 15 times with 6 wins, 1 second,
1 third and $91,512 in earnings. Daring Daygata got the opening quarter in 24.90
with Everythings Groovy stalking heads apart with Forbettysboyz. The half mile
was clocked in 49:55. Everythings Groovy began to gain on Daring Daygata leaving
the backstretch and collared the latter midway on the last turn. Missed the
Call was making a solid run four wide and moved to challenge while three abreast
at the top of the lane. The three-quarters went in 1:15.06. In the meantime,
Fancatstik who came away a bit tardy from the gate was beginning to find his
best stride. Fancatstik was angled out for the drive and appeared to be in gear.
Everythings Groovy took charge in the stretch and under pressure from Davila
went on to get the money by four and one-quarter lengths. Fancatstik finished
strongly to nail down the place by a head over Toasttofriendship. Everythings
Groovy ran the distance over a fast track in 1:46.98 and earned $12,240. Bred
by his owner, the five year old gelded son of Western
Expression out of Groovy's Fairest by Groovy now has four wins out of 15
tries and $82,051 in money earned. Also, Everythings Groovy qualified for $2,448
in breeders' awards.
(5/5)
Burning Fluid wins $20,100 feature
Kevin Bowman's BURNING FLUID battled throughout the five and one-furlong
test and under strong handling from Michael A. Davila proved best by a neck
to take today's $20,100 featured seventh race. Trained by Lavern Bowman, Burning
Fluid has started once this year and finished a respectable third despite acting
up in the gate. The Bowman trainee started ten times last year and only found
the winner's circle once but finished second six times and banked $38,517 for
the year. Today's contest was restricted to fillies and mares which had never
won two state-bred races other than going five and one-half furlongs. Eight
rivals including a Ralph D'Alessandro trained entry of Gumpster Stable's No
Way No How and Athena Girl. No Way No How was shipping from Aqueduct where she's
been facing much tougher. Athena Girl finished fourth in her debut this year
to the good now Sheer Silk. The entry was sent off as the 4 to 5 chalk with
Burning Fluid next at $3.45 to 1. No Way No How was up against in her last with
wide-open allowance rivals where she ran seventh to New York Dream. Prior to
that race, despite stumbling at the start, the four year old daughter of Goldminers
Gold rallied to get the job done by a neck over wide-open $25,000 claimers which
had never won three races at six furlongs. Athena Girl and Burning Fluid broke
in stride and got the opening quarter in 23.45 with No Way No How in hand a
length and one-half back along the three path, No Way No How gained on the turn
with Speckled Spice and they collared the pacesetters at the quarter pole. The
half went in 48.55 with four rivals fighting heads apart. Athena Girl dropped
back and No Way No How was between Burning Fluid nearest the rail and Speckled
Spice on the outside. Michael Davila got Burning Fluid to responded and they
bested Speckled Spice by a neck. No Way No How finished third beaten a half
length for all of it. Burning Fluid covered the distance over a fast track in
1:08.05 and earned $12,060. Bred by Vincent Campo Basso, the six year old daughter
of Obligato out of Burn the Cannon by Loose Cannon now has six wins out of 29
starts and sports a solid bankroll of $113,386. Also, Burning Fluid qualified
for $2,412 in breeders' awards.
(5/2)
Factual Contender captures $20,600 feature
Thomas J. Farone Jr's FACTUAL CONTENDER shipped in from Aqueduct to capture
today's $20,600 featured eighth race by four lengths. Trained by Lisa L. Lewis,
Factual Contender made her first start of the year a winning one. Ridden to
victory by John A Grabowski, the five year old daughter of Thunder Puddles went
off the second choice in the wagering at $1.25 to 1. Flying Zee Stable's Sheer
Silk was looking for her third straight over this oval and was the chalk at
3 to 5. In her first tally this year with Paul Nicol in the saddle, Sheer Silk
put speedster Pixie Dust away into the stretch and went on to get the money
by just over two lengths. The Barrera Jr, trained runner came right back against
wide-open allowance rivals at the same distance and won as the rider pleased
by four lengths. Sheer Silk's main threat should come from Lisa Lewis' trained
shipper Factual Contender. The four time winner is making his first start on
the year and first trip over this upstate oval. Factual Contender has not raced
since last November at Aqueduct against state-breds which had never won two
races other than at seven furlongs. The five year old daughter of Thunder Puddles
showed some early speed in that test but faded to finish sixth beaten ten lengths.
Factual Contender was claimed by her new connections for $65,000 at Saratoga.
Today's contest was for fillies and mares which had never won three state-bred
races other than going five-eighths of a mile. Sheer Silk was fractious in the
starting gate and unseated the jockey. The assistant starters reloaded Sheer
Silk and they were set to go. Sheer Silk rushed out to contest the lead with
Ava Marisa while getting the first quarter in 22.96. Factual Contender was in
hand and running third a length one-half back. Sheer Silk reached the quarter
pole in 46.89 and looked like she was going to draw off. Grabowski aboard Factual
Contender let out a notch and they moved quickly to put a length on Sheer Silk
with a furlong to go. Factual Contender drew off without pressure and proved
clearly best by four lengths. Sheer Silk lasted for the place by a neck over
Fuzzie's First. Factual Contender got the distance over a fast track in 59.26
and earned $12,360. Bred by Flying Zee Stable's, the five year old daughter
of Thunder Puddles
out of Factuallychallenge by Triocala now has five wins out of 24 starts and
exceeds $200,000 in money won. Also, Factual Contender qualified for $2,472
in breeders' awards.
(5/1)
High on Madison proves best in $20,600 feature
Carl J. Riedel's HIGH ON MADISON took control in midstretch and then
widened to prove clearly the best in today's $20,600 featured eighth race by
four and three-quarter lengths. Trained by M. Anthony Ferraro, High on Madison
a local player for most of his career, wintered at Tampa Bay Downs. The seven
year old gelded son of Lit de Justice, started five times at the central Florida
track and left there with a record of 2 wins, 1 second and almost $7,000 in
earnings. The Ferraro trainee was coming off an impressive five length decision
going seven furlongs at the $6,500 claiming level. Six rivals went to the post
with High on Madison the $1.60 to 1 choice in the wagering. H. M. S. Majestic
was the second choice at $1.80 to 1. Trained by red hot Daniel H. Conway Jr,
H. M. S. Majestic got the money by a length and one-half in his first start
of the year against NW2X going five furlongs on April 21. Coming into the this
race, Conway has eight wins out of only 16 starts this year. High on Madison
broke suddenly and went out to contest the lead with Laura Oliver's speedster
Abagintwo. The pacesetters got the opening quarter in 22.90 and a length over
Doc's Option in third. The duo reached the quarter pole in 46 flat with H. M.
S. Majestic about four lengths back along the rail. High on Madison disposed
of Abagintwo in upper stretch and opened up a two and one-half lengths and then
was never threatened while proving Clearly best by almost five lengths. Abagintwo
finished second a length in front of Doc's Option in third. H. M. S. Majestic
never got on track and finished fifth. High on Madison covered the distance
over a fast track in 58.29 and earned $12,360. Bred by Joseph Lostritto, the
seven year old gelded son of Lit de Justice out of High Terrace by Wolf Power
now has nine wins out of 55 tries and a solid bankroll of $156,030. Also, High
on Madison qualified for $1,236 in breeders' awards.
(4/29)
Crying Poverty makes it two straight in $20,100 feature
Renpher Stable's CRYING POVERTY made it two straight here when he put
awayEverthyings Groovy in midstretch to score by almost three lengths in today'sfeatured
eighth race. Trained by Sam Jody Keyrouze, Crying Poverty shipped in from Penn
National and scored by 10 lengths in his debut here on opening day. Today's
start was Crying Poverty's fifth start of the year and has raced at three different
tracks. The four year old gelded son of Artax made his first start a winning
one at Charles Town Racecourse against never won two other than allowance rivals.
That test was at four and one-half furlongs, where the Keyrouze trainee took
charge from the outset and was never in jeopardy while scoring by just over
two lengths and earning $19,800. Today's race was restricted to three year olds
and upward which had never won two state-bred races other than going five and
one-half furlongs. Seven foes including a Donna Bireta trained entry of Star
Track Farm's Tony Curtis and Strider's Ormsby were set to go with Crying Poverty
the choice at 3 to 5. Flying Zee Stable's Everythings Groovy, the second choice
at $2 to 1 appeared to be Crying Poverty's main threat. Trained by Oscar Barrera
Jr, Everythings Groovy had been racing with better at Aqueduct but did not show
the kind of speed needed with these. The four year old gelded son of Western
Expression got the money back on January 7 against conditioned allowance state-breds
going six furlongs by a convincing five lengths. Crying Poverty broke in stride
and so did Everythings Groovy. The one two favorites in the race reached the
seven-sixteenth pole heads apart in 22.98. Star of Rome was three lengths back
in third. The front-runners got the half mile in 46.51 and a four length cushion
over Star of Rome. Everythings Groovy could not match strides with Crying Poverty
and trailed by two lengths with a furlong to go. Crying Poverty coasted home
proving best by two and one-half lengths over Star of Rome and five lengths
to the good over Tony Curtis in third. Crying Poverty covered the distance under
bright sunny skies and over a fast racing strip in 1:05.65. Bred by JP Racing
Stable, the four gelded son of Artax
out of Misty Harbour by Danzig Connection added $12,060 to his bankroll. Crying
Poverty now has six wins out of 15 starts and $94,911 in money won. Also, Crying
Poverty qualified for $1,206 in breeders' awards.
(4/28)
Prolific Appeal romps in "MSW"
David E. Brown and Tim P. Murphy's PROLIFIC APPEAL took charge at the
half mile pole and never looked back to take today's $18,300 maiden allowance
feature by 11 and one-half lengths. Trained by part owner Tim P. Murphy, Prolific
Appeal shipped in from Tampa Bay Downs and finished third in his first start
over this oval on April 17. That test was at four and one-half furlongs with
Prolific Appeal the odds on choice at 2 to 5. With that one trip over this track,
the Murphy trainee was set to make amends today. Prior to running fifth in a
maiden allowance test at Tampa Bay Downs on March 23, Prolific Appeal started
three times at Gulfstream Park. All three races were at the $25,000 claiming
level and around two turns. His best finish at the south Florida racing strip
was a fourth beaten just over six lengths on March 5. Today's test was for state-bred
maidens and decided at one mile and forty yards. Eight rivals including a Tim
P. Murphy trained entry of Cryaletha and Prolific Appeal. The entry was sent
off as the $1.05 to 1 favorite. Prolific Appeal with Dean Frates in the saddle,
went out to toy with Tri Noble Stable's Before Today while getting the first
quarter in 23.59. Prolific Appeal took charge leaving the half mile pole in
47.89 with Before Today tracking along the three path. Dean Frates let out a
notch on the final bend and reached the quarter pole in 1:13.61 and a four length
lead. Prolific Appeal was never in jeopardy and widened to post an eleven and
one-half length romp over Before Today. Cryaletha was along for the show. Prolific
Appeal got the distance over a fast track in 1:43.05 and earned $10,980. Bred
by Sez Who Thoroughbreds, Inc., the four year old gelded son of Successful Appeal
out of No Holding David by Two Davids qualified for $1,980 in breeders' awards.
(4/25)
Winterlily earns diploma at Finger Lakes
Betty Jean Murphy's WINTERLILY shipped in from Aqueduct and rallied to
best Wayward Liz by three-quarters of a length to earn her diploma. Trained
by James T. Wright and ridden to victory by Jeremias Flores, Winter Lily earned
$10,980 for the score. The three year old daughter of Regal Classic had only
five starts under her belt before today's maiden tally. All her starts were
at Aqueduct and against state-bred maiden allowance types. In her most recent
start at Aqueduct on April 2 going a flat mile, the Wright trainee was in a
striking position throughout that test but never fired and finished fifth beaten
six and one-half lengths. Prior to that race, Winterlily ran over the inner
dirt at the same distance where she was fighting for the lead for a half mile
and then faded to run a respectable third. Today's test carrying a purse of
$18,300, was for state-bred maidens going one mile and forty yards. Seven rivals
were set to go with Zacarias Aragon's Wayward Liz the 4 to 5 favorite in the
wagering with Winterlily the second choice at $2.95 to 1. Wayward Liz was also
shipping from Aqueduct but with only three starts on the year. Trained by Oscar
S. Barrera Jr, Wayward Liz was coming off a pair of third place finishes against
wide-open $25,000 maiden claimers. Wayward Liz broke sharply and went out to
contest the lead with Sayounara Sweetie. The duo got the opening quarter in
23.99 with a gap of two lengths back to Esopus Jet along the rail and Winterlily
four wide. Wayward Liz stopped the timer for the half mile in 48.18 and then
opened up a pair on Wayward Liz and Sayounara Sweetie while getting the three-quarters
in 114.22. Wayward Liz looked home free when she left the eighth pole with a
two length cushion over Winterlily. Winterlily never gave up and closed determinedly
to best Wayward Liz by three-quarters of a length. Winterlily got the distance
over a muddy strip in 145.36. Bred by Coronach Farm, the three year old daughter
of Regal Classic
out of Love Spiel by Black Tie Affair(Ire) now has one win out of only seven
tries and $17,265 in earnings. Winterlily also qualified for $2,196 in breeders'
awards.
(4/22)
Goldenberg's Gift scores in $20,600 allowance test
Joseph Gentile's GOLDENBERG'S GIFT took charge leaving the eighth pole
and went on to score by two lengths in today's $20,600 featured eighth race.
Trained by James T. Wright, Goldenberg's Gift came right back where he left
off last year. The five year old gelded son of Raffie's Majesty visited the
winners circle three times and earned $38,970 in only seven starts. Today's
race was restricted to three year olds and upward which had never won three
state-bred races other than going four and one-half furlongs. Six rivals were
set to go with Candy Stable's Scary Bob the odds on choice at 3 to 5 and rightly
so. The Michael E. Gorham trained runner shipped in here from Delaware Park
last May and downed a field of never won two state-breds by a convincing six
lengths. Since that tally, Scary Bob had been racing at Monmouth Park, The Meadowlands
and Laurel with some success. The five year old gelded son of Lucky Roberto
finished second or third five out his seven starts. Goldenberg's Gift broke
on top but Scary Bob moved quickly and was lapped to the outside. Scary Bob
and Goldenberg's Gift reached the five-sixteenth pole together in a very quick
22.28 with a gap of eight lengths back to Pleasant Trick. The duo matched strides
into the lane and it was clearly a two horse race. Goldenberg's Gift put a length
on Scary Bob with a furlong to go and then under steady urging from Jeremias
Flores went on to best Scary Bob by two lengths. Robert Schor's Doc's Option
finished four lengths behind Scary Bob in third. Goldenberg's Gift covered the
distance over a sloppy track in 52.50 and earned $12,360. Bred by James and
Kathryn Wright, the five year old gelded son of Raffie's
Majesty out of Accoro by D'Accord now has seven wins out of only sixteen
career starts and $67,790 in money won. Also, Goldenberg's Gift qualified for
$2,472 in breeders' awards.
(4/21) H. M. S. Majestic wires 6 at the "Lakes"
Oakwood
Stables H. M. S. MAJESTIC put Star of Rome away leaving the eighth pole
and then drew clear late to score by a length and one-half in today's $20,100
featured eighth race. Trained by red hot Daniel H. Conway, this was H.M.S. Majestic's
first start on the year. Last season, the five year old gelded son of Premiership
had a record of one win, four seconds, three thirds and sported a bankroll of
$34,710. Today's convincing score was worth $12,060. The test was for three
year olds and upwards which had never won two state-bred races other than going
five furlongs. Six rivals including a Michael A. Lecesse trained entry of My
Salute to You and Rodeoactive were sent off as the 3 to 5 favorite. H. M. S.
Majestic got the late money and was let go at $1.25 to 1. Both of Lecesse's
trained runners were also making there first start of the 2006 racing season.
Rodeoactive appeared to be the speed and the class of the pair. H.M.S. Majestic
with John Davila in the saddle, broke quickly and went out to contest the lead
while outside of My Salute to You and Rodeoactive along the fence. The first
quarter was clocked in a moderate 23.13. H.M.S Majestic gave the entry the slip
nearing the quarter pole while getting the half mile in 47.32. H. M. S. Majestic
was hooked by the Star of Rome with a furlong to go and appeared to be in gear.
H. M. S. Majestic responded when asked by Davila and they put away Star of Rome
and then outran the last running Missed the Call by a length and one-half. Star
of Rome finished a respectable third missing by only a length and three-quarters.
The Conway trained runner got the five furlong distance over a fast track in
59.85 and added $12,060 to his bankroll. The five year old gelded son of Premiership
out of Majestic Nellie by Nelson now has five wins out of 22 starts and $84,085
in money won. Also H. M. S. Majestic qualified for $1,206 in breeders awards.
(4/21) Finger Lakes Adjusts Racing Schedule - April 24 and May 7 dates cut
from schedule
FARMINGTON, N.Y. * Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack has announced that the
live racing programs scheduled for this upcoming Monday, April 24, as well as
Sunday, May 7 have been cut from the 2006 live racing schedule.
A lack of entries for Monday caused the cancellation of the 9-race card for
April 24. With several horses still working into race shape and others yet to
arrive from winter racing locations, the number of horses available to fill
scheduled cards has been less than what was originally projected. Eliminating
both the April 24 and May 7 cards at this stage is designed to allow horses
that may have raced those days to instead populate racing cards in the immediate
future and preserve field size.
"While unfortunate, this cancellation is necessary to preserve our horse
population so that we can offer our on and off-track patrons the best possible
product during the remainder of the meet. I am hopeful that this will ensure
the stability of our schedule as we move forward into the heart of our racing
season," said Chris Riegle, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack president
and general manager.
Other than on April 24, live racing will continue as scheduled every Friday,
Saturday, Monday and Tuesday through May 13, after which Sundays will be added
to the schedule. Post time for all live racing days is 1:10 p.m., with gates
opening at 11:30 a.m. On Fridays between May 12 and July 21, post time will
be 12:35 p.m.
Full-card simulcasting will be available on April 24 and May 7, as it is daily,
until 6 p.m. The gaming floor featuring over 1,000 video gaming machines is
open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., daily.
(4/17) Sheer Silk captures feature
Flying Zee Stable's SHEER SILK shipped in from Aqueduct to capture today's
$20,100 featured sixth race by two and one-quarter lengths. Trained by Oscar
S. Barrera Jr, Sheer Silk's most recent tally was two races back at Aqueduct
on February 19 going one mile and seventy yards. That test was against conditioned
allowance state-breds which had never won a race other than. Sheer Silk gained
the advantage from the outset and matched strides to the top of the lane before
getting loose with a furlong to go and then under steady pressure from Dominquez
turned back Look'n Swell for a half length decision. The four year old daughter
of Western Expression has two wins on the year out of four starts and $43,507
in the bank. Today's test carrying a purse of $20,100 was restricted to fillies
and mares which had never won two state-bred race other than. Six rivals were
set to go with Sheer Silk the $1.30 to 1 choice in the wagering. Also taking
plenty of action at 3 to 2 was James and Robert Cole's Pixie Dust. Pixie Dust
had been away since running at Mountaineer Park against $5,000 starter allowance
types going five and one-half furlongs. Pixie Dust showed some early gas in
the that test but quickly dropped out of it and finished a well beaten last.
Last year, trainer Kenneth Smith had Pixie Dust in rare form. The four year
old daughter of Tale of the Cat scored four victories ranging from the $4,000
level and up to conditioned allowance state-breds. The speedster earned over
$41,594 in only 13 tries. Sheer Silk with Paul Nicol in the irons, rushed out
and contested the lead with Pixie Dust with the latter getting the first quarter
by a head in 22.99. Three lengths back in third was Burning Fluid. The duo continued
on setting the pace while putting four and one-half lengths on the field with
a furlong to go. Sheer Silk responded readily to pressure from Nicol and put
Pixie Dust away and went on to score by just over two lengths. Pixie Dust lasted
for the place by neck over the late rallying Gonnabeapartofit. Sheer Silk got
the distance over a fast track in 53.42 and earned $12,060. Bred by Flying Zee
Stable, the four year old daughter of Western
Expression out of Flannel Sheets by Triocala now has four wins out of 13
starts and $95,167 in money earned.
(4/15)
Yankee Trick takes "Lakes" feature
Robert D. Bone's YANKEE TRICK rallied from slightly off the pace to win
going away by two and one-half lengths in today's $19,600 featured eighth race.
Trained by Chris Englehart, Yankee Trick was shipping in from Charles Town Racecourse
to face state-bred for her first time. The four year old daughter of Yankee
Victor has one win and a second out of only four starts this year. Her most
recent tally was in West Virginia going seven furlongs against conditioned allowance
rivals. The Englehart trainee, took the lead from the outset and never looked
back to get the money by just over two lengths. In 2006, Yankee Trick recorded
three wins, two seconds out of ten starts and banked $59,475. Today's test was
restricted to fillies and mares which had never won a state-bred race other
than going four and one-half furlongs. Nine rivals went to the starting gate
with Yankee Trick the odds on choice at 1 to 2. Also taking some action at $5.50
to 1 was the very quick Time for Karakorum. Claimed for $4,000 at the end of
last year by Phyllis Shetron for Mary and John Bartholomew, Time for Karakorum
rattled off four wins out of 17 starts on the year and earned $47,838. Harry
M. Kelly's Sheilas Desire broke quickest off all and established a length and
one-half lead while getting the first quarter in 22.76. Pow Wow Louise, Yankee
Trick and Time for Karakorum were all in the stalking mode. Sheilas Desire reached
the furlong marker with a length lead. Pow Wow Louise and Yankee Trick appeared
ready to pounce at anytime. Yankee Trick responded late to pressure from John
Davila and they collared Sheilas Desire late while in gear and drew off to score
by two and one-half lengths. Sheilas Desire lasted for the place over late running
Personal Half Mast. Pow Wow Louise hung in the late stages but finished a respectable
fourth. Yankee Trick covered the four and one-half furlong distance over a fast
track in 53.35 and earned $11,760. Bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds, the four daughter
of Yankee Victor out of Phone Sophia by Phone
Trick now has six wins out of 22 starts and $125,877 in earnings. Also,Yankee
Victor qualified for $1,176 in breeders' awards.
(4/14)
Crying Poverty wins opening day feature
Renpher Stable's CRYING POVERTY made every pole a winning one to capture
Finger Lakes opening day featured eighth race by a convincing ten lengths. Trained
by Jody Keyrouze and ridden by Carlos Nieto, Crying Poverty was making his first
start over this oval. The four year old son of Artax had been running at Penn
National mostly and was coming off a fifth place finish against conditioned
allowance rivals going six furlongs on March 4. Crying Poverty has plenty of
early gas and fits well with these at today's four and one-half furlong distance.
The race carrying a purse of $19,600 was restricted to three year olds and up
which had never won a state-bred race other than. Seven rivals went to the post
with Renpher Stable's speedster Crying Poverty the 3 to 5 choice. Crying Poverty
has one win out of only three starts on the year. The Keyrouze trainee got the
money in his first start at Charles Town Racecourse on January 13 going today's
distance in wire-to-wire fashion by just over two lengths. His main threat should
come from Charlton Baker's owned and trained Toni's Desire. The Baker trainee
has good early speed but hasn't started since last November where he wired a
field of $4,000 claimers by two and one-quarter lengths. Toni's Desire was sent
off as the second choice at $3.85 to 1. Keep Sam in Cheq another front-runner,
broke quickest of all but was soon collared by Crying Poverty. Crying Poverty
reached the five-sixteenth pole in a sizzling 22.17 and a length and one half
lead over Keep Sam in Cheq. Crying Poverty continued on with the lead while
drifting out some leaving the eighth pole with a commanding four and one-half
length cushion. Keep Sam in Cheq was no match for Crying Poverty and finished
second by ten lengths. I'llruinya was along for the show while Toni's Desire
never fired and finished sixth. Crying Poverty covered the distance over a wet-fast
track in 51.72 and earned $11,760. Bred by JP Racing Stable, the four year old
son of Artax out of Misty Harbor by Danzig Connection now has five wins out
of only 14 starts and sports a bankroll of $82,851. Also Crying Poverty qualified
for $1,176 in breeders' awards.
(4/14) 45TH SEASON IS OFF AND RUNNING
FARMINGTON, N.Y. * Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack began the 2006 season with
Fortunate Miss running away with the first race under jockey Robert Messina.
The Florida-bred broke alertly under Messina to get the lead and never looked
back to take the season opener by three and a quarter-lengths.
Fortunate Miss who is owned by David E. Brown and her trainer Timothy Murphy
finished in a time of :53.44 for the four and one-half furlong distance. The
3-year-old filly was the luke warm favorite in the race and paid $8.10, $4.20
and $2.70. Miss Morning Line finished second and returned $4.30 and $3.20. 12-1
longshot Earned Run finished third and paid $7.00.
Timothy Murphy also saddled the winner of Friday's fourth race. Jeb's Song,
ridden by Dean Frates, rallied up the rail and drew off to a six-length win.
Murphy finished seventh in the Finger Lakes trainer standings in 2005 with 46
victories.
There were big payouts early in the card with the first pick-4 of the season
for races two through five returning $12,904.00 for a two dollar wager.
Finger Lakes initiated its first ever ten-cent superfecta wager in the fifth
race which paid $624.90 for a dime.
Both Chris Englehart and John Davila, Jr. were honored for their respective
2005 titles after the fifth race on Friday. Englehart's win total of 118 last
year was the second highest ever for a Finger Lakes trainer. Englehart owns
the single season record with 136 victories in 2004.
John Davila, Jr., was also honored on Friday for his fourth straight jockey
title in 2005 with 153 wins. The six-time riding champ won two races opening
day including the sixth race aboard Miss Lionel who was saddled by Englehart.
On Saturday, the first 2,500 guests 18 and over through the doors will receive
a Finger Lakes commemorative 45th year mug/t-shirt combo. Doors will open to
the gaming floor at 10:00 a.m., while gates to the racetrack open at 11:30 a.m,
with first race post time set at 1:10 p.m.
(4/11) Thoroughbreds Set To Run For 45th Year - Season set to begin on Friday
FARMINGTON,
N.Y. -- Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack is set to begin its 45th year of live
racing this Friday afternoon with a nine-race card. Doors will open to the gaming
floor at 10:00 a.m., while gates to the racetrack open at 11:30 a.m., with post
time for the first race of the 160-day season set for 1:10 p.m. Commemorative
hats will be handed out to the first 2,500 through the doors on Friday.
2005 leading trainer Chris Englehart and jockey John Davila, Jr. will be honored
for their accomplishments after the fifth race on Friday. Englehart ran away
with his third consecutive title last season, his fifth overall. He finished
the season on a high note when Strider's Ormsby broke the track record for the
one mile and one-sixteenth distance on closing day. Meanwhile, Davila won the
Finger Lakes jockey title for the fourth consecutive year, and for the sixth
time in his career, with 153 wins. He also reached a milestone last season with
his 2,000th career victory on November 11.
Friday's feature race is the eighth, a $19,600 New York-bred allowance condition
for 3-year olds and up at a distance of four and one-half furlongs. Crying Poverty
is listed as the 6-5 morning line favorite for trainer Samuel Keyrouze, who
began last season with seven wins in his first 14 starts. Carlos Nieto, currently
seventh in the jockey standings at Penn National, is the regular rider of Crying
Poverty who hit the board in seven of his 10 starts during 2005.
Toni's Desire is listed as the 7-2 second choice for owner and trainer Charlton
Baker. Baker was second in the trainer standings last season, and also owns
and trains 2005 Finger Lakes Horse of the Year Top Shoter.
JOCKEY NEWS
Jockey Omar Camejo is scheduled to ride in three races on opening day after
riding at Tampa Bay Downs over the winter. Camejo's 2005 Finger Lakes season
ended after sustaining three broken ribs and a punctured lung in a spill on
July 19 that placed him in the hospital for 10 days. Camejo spent the remainder
of the season recuperating before riding this winter at Tampa Bay Downs where
he won 13 races in 121 mounts.
Paul Nicol, Jr. is also listed on three mounts opening day after missing the
majority of the 2005 season with broken vertebrae. Nicol, Jr. who won the Finger
Lakes jockey title in 1993, returned to ride last November 15 with a victory
aboard Some Irish Legend. He currently leads all active jockeys at Finger Lakes
with 2,950 victories in his career.
Two top ten jockeys from last season will miss the beginning of the 2006 season
with injuries. Joe Badamo, who won four stakes and finished fifth in the jockeys
standings last year, had rotator cuff surgery on March 17 and will be out indefinitely.
Chin Yang's return has also not been determined after fracturing his leg during
workouts at Tampa Bay Downs on February 21. Yang finished eighth in the 2005
Finger Lakes jockey standings with 64 wins.
New faces in the Finger Lakes jockey colony this year include veteran journeyman
Jose Bermudez, who has ridden predominantly on the New York Racing Association
(NYRA) circuit. The 12-time stakes winner from Puerto Rico has 1,004 victories
in his career. Recently retired jockey Jose Amy will try his hand as an agent
for 10-pound apprentice rider Carlos Quinones. Amy, who won five graded stakes
in his career, will bring the 20-year-old native of Puerto Rico from Aqueduct
after gaining some experience in six races there.
Jockeys within reach of milestones include Nicol, who is 50 shy of 3,000, while
Carlos Dominguez begins the 2006 season just eight shy of 1,500 wins for his
career.
WHAT'S NEW
Finger Lakes becomes the latest track in the country to offer 10-cent superfectas
as part of the wagering menu beginning with opening day. Superfectas, which
involve selecting the top four horses in a race, played on a dime base bet allow
players greater flexibility in covering multiple combinations on a single ticket.
The dime superfecta will be available in races five and nine on a nine-race
card.
Additionally, Finger Lakes will switch to net pool pricing beginning with the
2006 meet. The difference will not be largely noticeable to bettors, however
the conversion allows Finger Lakes races to more easily be made available internationally
by allowing foreign jurisdictions to abide by their mandated takeout rates without
affecting the remainder of the pool.
Jeff LaRue was named starter during the winter to replace Arthur Green, who
passed away January 31. Green had held the position since 1987.
PROMOTIONS
The 45th season of racing begins with souvenirs handed out to the first 2,500
through the doors 18 and over on both Friday and Saturday. Finger Lakes hats
will be given away on Friday and a mug/t-shirt combo will be handed out on Saturday.
Commemorative glass giveaways of the three Triple Crown races will take place
again this year, and for the first time ever, a commemorative glass is being
designed for the New York Derby on July 15. Other first-time promotions include
a commemorative track replica giveaway on August 19, and a John Grabowski bobblehead
giveaway that is scheduled for September 2.
Finger Lakes will offer live racing in April four days a week with dark days
of Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. First race post time will be at 1:10 p.m.
everyday. Sundays will be added to the schedule beginning May 7.
Multi-card simulcasting is offered daily in addition to live racing, as well
as on dark days. The video gaming floor featuring 1,010 video gaming machines
is open 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. Admission and parking are always free.
(2/28) 2006 Live Racing Dates And Stakes Schedule Announced 45th season
of live racing begins Friday, April 14
FARMINGTON, N.Y. * Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack will conduct a 160-day
racing season during 2006. The 45th consecutive season of thoroughbred racing
at Finger Lakes is scheduled to commence on Friday, April 14, and run through
Tuesday, November 28.
Post time will be 1:10 p.m. every day through October 28, with the only exceptions
being each Friday between May 12 and July 21, when first post will be set at
12:35 p.m. Beginning October 30, post time will move to 12:15 p.m. to accommodate
the end of Daylight Savings Time.
After opening with dates on Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15, Finger Lakes
will run live on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday for three weeks, before
expanding into a five-day racing week with the addition of Sunday as a race
day on May 7. Thursday will replace Sunday as a race day during the week of
October 1, and continue through the remainder of the season, with the exception
of Thanksgiving Day, November 23, when there will be no live racing.
2006 Stakes
The 2006 stakes schedule features 17 events throughout the season, one of which
has been renamed.
The Wine Country Handicap for New York-bred 3-year-olds has been renamed the
Leon Reed Memorial Handicap in memory of former assistant starter Leon Reed,
who passed away last November 19 due to injuries suffered while he was helping
to load a horse into the starting gate. The tragic accident marked the first
time in the history of the track that an employee, horsemen or jockey obtained
fatal injuries while performing their duties. The race will be run as part of
the New York Derby racing card on July 15.
Purse levels for the 17 stakes events in 2006 are estimated at $1,225,000. The
estimate for the New York Breeders' Futurity at $200,000 would make it the richest
race of the season. In 2005, the Futurity featured a total purse of $248,400,
the largest purse ever at Finger Lakes.
Highlights of the 2006 schedule include the 34th running of the $150,000 (added)
New York Derby on Saturday, July 15. The New York Derby is the second leg of
the Big Apple Triple for New York-bred 3-year-olds, a series of three races
that offers a $250,000 bonus to any thoroughbred that can capture all three
legs. The Big Apple Triple begins with the Mike Lee Stakes at Belmont Park on
June 25, and concludes on August 23 with the Albany Stakes at Saratoga. Other
highlights are the Lady Finger and Aspirant Stakes on August 19, both of which
serve as a stepping stone to the New York Breeders' Futurity for New York-bred
2-year-olds on Labor Day, September 4.
For the fourth consecutive season, WYSL 1040 AM will provide exclusive live
coverage of selected Finger Lakes stakes action. A total of seven stakes, including
pre and post race analysis, will be broadcast live, including the New York Derby
and New York Breeders' Futurity. Live coverage will be hosted by J.C. DeLass
on July 15, August 19 and September 4.
The stakes season begins with the $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap (NY-bred
3-year-olds and up) and the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap (NY-bred fillies
and mares, 3-year-olds and up) on Memorial Day, May 29. The $50,000 Finger Lakes
Juvenile (NY-bred 2-year-olds) wraps up the schedule on Saturday, October 28.
Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily for video
gaming. Simulcast wagering of various thoroughbred and harness tracks from throughout
the country is also offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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