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7/29/08, Yet Again scores for fun in $21,000 NW1X by Matt Church
Seahorse
Stable's YET AGAIN collared Regal Playtime in upper stretch and then
drew clear to score in today's $21,000 NW1X sixth race by six and one-quarter
lengths. Trained by Karl M. Grusmark, this was Yet Again's third win out of
her last four start. The three year old filly by Catienus shipped in here from
Laurel Racecourse and got the money on June 30. That score was over a field
of never won three allowance types at one mile and seventy yards. The Grusmark
trained runner came back with NW2X with an optional claiming price of $10,000
on July 20 where she finished a solid second to runaway winner Cherna. Today's
contest at one mile and seventy yards was restricted to fillies and mares which
had never won a state-bred race other than. Yet Again was 3 to 5 favorite in
a field of six. Taking some action at $3.80 to 1 was Playtime Stable's Regal
Playtime. Trained by Charlton Baker, Regal Playtime was coming off a five and
one-half furlong test where she failed to fire and finished fourth to Rock N
Roll Beat. Regal Playtime came into the this test with four career wins and
$100,387 in earning. Regal Playtime with the hot riding Dennis Carr aboard,
got his mount to break in stride and the pair got the opening fraction in 24.65.
In pursuit was Yet Again and Winloc's Hail Mary. Regal Playtime continued on
dictating the pace with the half mile clocked in 48.77 and then stopped the
timer for six furlongs in 1:13.89. Yet Again was gaining with every stride and
collared Regal Playtime in upper stretch. Yet Again took a quick length lead
and then widened under the whip to score by just over six lengths. Regal Playtime
finished second best by almost six lengths over Super Diva in third. Yet Again
covered the distance over a fast racing strip in 1:44.66 and earned $12,600.
Bred by Dr. Cary Shapoff, the three year old daughter of Catienus out of Folly
Go Rightly by Distinctive Pro now has four career wins out of only 13 starts
and $84,995 in money won. Also the good now filly qualified for $1,260 in breeders'
awards.
7/28/08, Majestic Karakorum captures $20,900 feature by Matt Church
Sheila
R. Englehart's MAJESTIC KARAKORUM rallied to take the lead late and then
narrowly outran Ernie's Choice to take today's $20.900 featured eighth race
by a whisker. Trained by Chris Englehart, Majestic Karakorum was coming off
a fourth place finish as the 3 to 5 favorite on July 14. In that test, the Englehart
trained runner chased Burn One Turn One throughout and then weakened to miss
by almost two lengths. Today's contest at six furlongs was for three year olds
and upward which had never won two state-bred races other than with an optional
claiming price of $10,000. Nine rivals were ready to go including a Michael
A. Lecesse trained entry of Freddy the Cap and Poker Joe. The entry was the
luke warm favorite at $2.40 to 1. Prior to this eighth race, all but one race
had been decided in wire-to-wire fashion. Not either one of Michael A. Lecesse
trained runners has any speed what so ever as of late. Second choice in the
wagering at $3.15 to 1 was Jeffrey Tucker's Ernie's Choice. Trained by John
Morrison, Ernie's Choice has finished second or third in his last six starts.
Thirteen Mil broke in stride and quickly put two lengths on Cured with the opening
fraction going down in a very quick 21.49. Thirteen Mil was joined at the top
of the lane by Cured with the half mile clicked off in 44.84. Majestic Karakorum
was making a run while entering the lane four wide. Thirteen Mil and Cured were
battling heads apart with Majestic Karakorum gaining with every stride. Majestic
Karakorum put the front-runners away the nearing the sixteenth pole and then
was able to turn back the fast closing Ernie's Choice for a nose decision. Rocket
Booster closed well to earn a share. The Lecesse trainee's finished sixth and
last. Majestic Karakorum covered the distance over a fast track in 1:11.40 and
earned $12,540. Bred by Thomas Dushas, the six year old gelded son of Distinctive
Pro out of Light Bright Heart by Majestic Light now has five wins out of 29
starts and $122,705 in money won. Also, Majestic Karakorum qualified for $2,508
in breeders awards.
7/27/08, Guts Game makes it two straight in $20,900 feature by Matt Church
Little
Red Feather Racing's GUTS GAME collared even money favorite Citrine in
midstretch and then drew off like a good thing to take today's $20,900 featured
eighth race by six and one-quarter lengths. Trained by John Tebbutt, Guts Game
shipped in from Belmont Park and rallied to down a field of never won three
allowance types going five and one-half furlongs by almost a length. That test
was on June 8 and over fast racing strip. Today's contest six furlongs was restricted
to fillies and mares which had never won two state-bred races other than with
an optional $10,000 claiming price. Seven fillies and mares were ready to break
from the gate with My Purple Haze Stable's Citrine the even money chalk. The
Chris Englehart trained runner was returning home after finishing a tiring fifth
with wide-open $25,000 claimers at Presque Isle Downs. Prior to that disappointment,
Citrine rattled off two straight here in wire-to-wire fashion. Both scores were
over NW1X and NW2X state-breds. Citrine with leading jockey John Davila Jr in
the irons, broke suddenly and put a length on Guts Game with the opening quarter
clicked off in 22.21. Citrine was collared by Guts Game nearing the quarter
pole and they entered the lane heads apart. The half mile was clocked in 45.13.
The two opened up a six length cushion over Jackies Dream and Past Post with
a furlong to go. Guts Game responded to Elaine Castillo's urging and the duo
drew off through the final sixteenth proving clearly the best by just over six
lengths. Citrine narrowly lasted for the place over Jackies Dream in third.
Guts Game got the distance over a fast track in 1:10.92 and earned $12,540.
Bred by JMJ Racing Stable's, LLC, the four year old filly by Officer out of
Genteel World by Spinning World now has four career wins out of only 14 tries
and $103,736 in money won. Also, the good now runner qualified for $1,254 in
breeders' awards.
7/26/08, Tara Drive wires 7 at 16 to 1 in $20,500 feature by Matt Church
Dominic
Tedeschi's TARA DRIVE took the lead from the outset and never looked
back to score at 16 to 1 in today's $20,500 featured eighth race by four and
three-quarters of a length. Trained by Joseph Raposa, Tare Drive was coming
off a wire-to-wire performance but over a field of never won two races with
$7,500 claiming tags. Today's contest at six furlongs was restricted to fillies
and mares which had never won a state-bred race other than. Seven rivals were
set to start with Charles and Joseph Loiacano's Majestic Lori the even money
favorite. Trained by Joseph E. Marino, Majestic Lori comes into this dash with
a 2008 record of 2 seconds, 2 thirds and $11,637 in earnings. In her most recent
race on July 14 with NW1X going five and one-half furlongs, Majestic Lori was
right there throughout but could not get to Rock N Roll Beat and had to settle
for the place. Tara Drive with Jose Gutierrez up, broke his mount in stride
and got the first quarter in 22.49 with Night Cracker along side. Tara Drive
put Night Cracker away on the turn and got the half mile in 45.84. The Marino
trained runner enteredthe stretch with a two length lead. Night Cracker was
chasing with a furlong to go and Majestic Lori finding her best stride on the
outside. Tara Drive responded when roused and drew off the get the money by
almost five lengths. Majestic Lori finished second over Tally Me Out in third.
Night Cracker broke down leaving the eighth pole and then was humanely destroyed.
Tara Drive covered the distance over a fast track in 1:11.91 and earned $12,300.
Bred by Monhill Farm, LLC, the five year old mare by Jambalaya Jazz out of Tincture
of Time by Cormorant now has 3 wins out of 21 starts and $52,251 in money won.
Also the front-running winner qualified for $1,230 in breeders' awards.
7/20/08, Mr. Windjammer upsets in $50,000 Ontario County Stakes by Matt Church
 Photo: Tom Cooley Photography |
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Stonegate Racing Stable's MR. WINDJAMMER rallied at 8 to 1 to take the lead late and then was going away at the end to capture today's $50,000 Ontario County Stakes by a length and one-half. Trained by Jonathan Buckley, Mr. Windjammer was coming off a solid rallying score in his most recent on June 16. That length and one-quarter victory was over a field of never won four allowance types going five and one-half furlongs. Prior to today's tally, the three year old gelded son of Regal Classic has only been out three times this year and sports a record of two wins, one second and $24,180 in earnings. Today's 25th Running of The Ontario County Stakes was restricted to three year olds bred in New York State and going six furlongs. Seven rivals were eager to run with Maggi Moss' Monmouth Park invader Pocatello was made the 3 to 5 choice by the $2,033 on hand. Trained by Bruce N. Levine, Pocatello shipped in here after besting a group of wide-open $60,000 claimers going six furlongs at Monmouth Park by a length and one-half. Prior to that tally, the three year old gelding by City Zip wired a field of NW2X over the Belmont Park main strip by just over two lengths. Pocatello with leading rider John Davila Jr astride, got his mount to break alertly and matched strides for the opening quarter in 21.81 with Barnfox. Barnfox kept a half length lead over Pocatello to the quarter pole with the half mile clocked in a very quick 44.81. Meanwhile, Barossa was only two lengths back in third and appeared ready to roll at any time. Barossa collared the leaders in midstretch and looked like a winner. But, Mr. Windjammer was finding his best stride and was only length back in fourth. Mr. Windjammer collared Barossa in gear and then outran the late running Be Bullish to win by a length and one-half. Pocatello finished a half length behind Be Bullish in third. Mr. Windjammer covered the distance over sealed good strip in 1:11.64 and earned $30,000. Bred by Stonebridge Farm, the three year old gelding by Regal Classic out of Royal Relic by Colonial Affair now has four career wins out of only seven starts and $72,800 in money won. Regal Classic stood at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, LLC in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Ontario County Stakes winner qualified for $6,000 in breeders' awards.
7/19/08, Kiss the Cruiser keeps win skein intact in $21,300 feature by Matt Church
Donall
Fingleton and Joseph Moloney's KISS THE CRUISER outran Sizzling Saint
to the wire to take today's $21,300 featured sixth race by a neck. Trained by
Jon Buckley, this was Kiss the Cruiser's third straight score here at Finger
Lakes gaming and racetrack. The four year old gelding by Intidab shipped in
from Aqueduct and ran with never won four allowance types on June 2 going five
and one-half furlongs. In that dash, Kiss the Cruiser was let go at 5 to 1 and
finished sixth. That was his first start since finishing seventh on October
28 over the main track at Aqueduct. Since that race, Kiss the Cruiser has been
unbeatable. Including today's stellar performance, Kiss the Cruiser has won
his last three starts by a combined total of almost six lengths. Today's test
going six furlongs was restricted to three year olds and upward which had never
won three state-bred races other than. Six rivals were set to start with Kiss
the Cruiser the chalk at 4 to 5. Sent off as the second choice at $3.50 to 1
was Arnie Chusid's Pinky Freud. Trained by Michael S. Ferraro, Pinky Freud was
making his second start on the year. In his opener on June 20 with wide-open
$20,000 claimers going five and one-half one-half furlongs, Pinky Freud forced
the issue to the lane but faded some to finish third beaten four and one-half
lengths to Specchio. Pinky Freud with Jeremias Flores in the saddle and Rob's
Boy Mat got the opening fraction in 22.72 with Sizzling Saint tracking in third.
The pair continued on setting the pace while stopping the timer for the half
mile in 46.03. Meanwhile, Sizzling Saint was let loose by Dennis Carr and was
only three lengths back with a quarter of mile to run. Rob's Boy Mat put Pinky
Freud away and opened up a length with a furlong to go. Kiss the Cruiser quickly
got in the race and was on even terms with Sizzling Saint a length back. The
pair went on by Rob's Boy Mat like he was tied and then Kiss the Cruiser outran
Sizzling Saint to the line for a neck decision. Soulshine finished third while
Rob's Boy Mat checked in fourth. Kiss the Cruiser covered the distance over
a fast track in 1:11.35 and earned $12,780. Bred by Mallory Mort, the four year
old gelded son of Intidab out of Kiss the Judge by Judge Smells, now has six
career wins out of 15 starts and sports a bankroll of $115,884. Also, the running
machine qualified for $2,556 in breeders' awards.
7/18/08, Hidden Expense proves best in wide-open 17,700 feature by Matt Church
My
Purple Haze Stable's HIDDEN EXPENSE collared the leaders in midstretch
and under steady pressure outran Boston Chief to the line to take today's wide-open
$17,700 featured eighth race by three-quarters of a length. Ridden to victory
by Rafael Rohena Jr and trained by Bruce D. Anderson, today's score was Hidden
Expense's first of the year. The four year old gelding by Sea of Secrets last
raced on June 16 with never won four allowance types over a good track going
six furlongs where he finished third to the good now Kiss the Cruiser. Since
that defeat, Hidden Expense has been working lights out in the morning. The
Anderson trainee posted a bullet workout by besting sixteen others on July 8
with 1.00.40 breezing five furlongs. Today's contest was for wide-open three
year olds and upward which had never won four races going six furlongs. Six
well matched rivals were set to go with Hidden Expense the $1.85 to 1 choice.
Second choice in the wagering at $1.90 to 1 was Francis J. Paolangeli's Boston
Chief. Saddled by Charlton Baker, Boston Chief was in search of his second straight
tally. The three year old colt by Chief Seattle downed a field of 7 never won
three with $12,500 claiming tags in wire-to-wire fashion by almost four lengths.
Trainer Baker haltered Boston Chief two races back for a mere $7,500. Boston
Chief with the hot riding Dennis Carr in the irons, got his mount on the Bill
Daily with the opening quarter clicked off in 22.33. Tracking in second was
Life Runner. Life Runner collared Boston Chief at the top of the lane with the
half mile timed in 45.44. The pair entered the lane heads apart and were soon
joined by Hidden Expense on the outside with a furlong to go. Hidden Expense
and Boston Chief battled to the wire with Hidden Expense edging clear late to
get the money by three-quarters of a length. Life Runner finished third. Hidden
Expense covered the distance over a fast track in 1:11.46 and earned $10,620.
Bred by Thomas/Lakin/Kintz, the four year old gelded son of Sea of Secrets out
of Yamila's Jewels by Cox's Ridge now has four career wins out of 14 tries and
$64,039 in the bank. Hidden Expense also qualified for $1,620 in breeders' awards.
7/15/08, Celestial Flight makes amends in $21,000 feature by Matt Church
Francis
J. Paolangeli's CELESTIAL FLIGHT broke sharply and made every pole a
winning one to take today's $21,000 featured eighth race by thirteen and one-half
lengths. This was Celestial Flight's first score of the year. Robert D. Bone's
Explosive Impact was made the 8 to 5 morning line choice by track oddsmaker
Carl Anderson. Trained by leading conditioner Chris Englehart, Explosive Impact
contested the lead in his last with NW1X going one mile and seventy yards to
midstretch and then faltered in the late stages and finished third beaten two
and one-half lengths to Tickets to Fly. Explosive Impact comes into the this
dash with a record of 2 wins, 4 seconds, 2 thirds and $43,727 in money earned.
Also, Carl Anderson thought highly of Francis J. Paolangeli's Celestial Flight
by making her the second choice at 2 to 1. Trained by Charlton Baker, Celestial
Flight has had only one trip over this year and that was on May 25 with never
won four allowance types going six furlongs were the five year old by mare A.
P. Jet bled. Celestial Flight was the 8 to 5 favorite in that dash, but after
a couple of bullet workouts to her credit the three time winner appears ready
to make amends. Celestial Flight will again have the riding services of the
hot riding Dennis Carr. Today's contest at one mile and seventy yards was restricted
to fillies and mares which had never won a state-bred race other than. Seven
well trained rivals were ready to go with Celestial Flight bet down to $1.10
to 1 while Explosive Impact went off at $3.25 to 1. Celestial Flight broke alertly
and got the first quarter in 23.53 with Explosive Impact a half length back
along the inside. Celestial Flight continued on setting the fractions with the
half mile clicked off in 47.45 and then stopped the timer for six furlongs in
1:12.60. The Baker trainee entered the straight with a three length lead over
Explosive Impact and eight over Lookn Boldn Brassy. Lookn Boldn Brassy was making
a run while Explosive Impact was backing up with Celestial Flight pouring it
on. Celestial Flight coasted home proving clearly the best today by thirteen
and one-half lengths over Lookn Boldn Brassy in second. Explosive Impact finished
third. Celestial Flight covered the distance over a fast track in 1:43.56 and
earned 12,600. Bred by Lauren Canady DVM, the five year old mare by A. P. Jet
out of Saratoga Isle by Erins Isle (IRE) now has four career wins out of only
11 starts and $61,257 in money won. Also the wire-to-wire winner qualified for
$2,520 in breeders' awards.
7/14/08, Burn One Turn One rallies to make it 3 straight in $20,900 feature by Matt Church
Maggi
Moss' BURN ONE TURN ONE came from off the pace to nail Thirteen Mil on
the wire to take today's $20,900 featured eighth race by a neck. The four year
old gelding by American Chance has now won four out of his last five starts
for trainer Chris J. Englehart. Burn One Turn One shipped in here from the Big
Apple and bested a field of wide-open NW1X going five and one-half furlongs
on May 10 by two lengths. Since then, the Englehart trained runner missed by
a neck in his next start and then rattled off three straight. Today's contest
at six furlongs was for three year olds and upward which had never won two state-bred
races other than. Seven rivals were ready to start with Chris Englehart's trained
entry of Majestic Karakorum and Burn One Turn One the odds on favorite at 4
to 5. Jeffrey Tucker's Ernie's Choice who's finished second or third in his
first five starts of the year was the second choice at $2.85 to 1.Thirteen Mil
with Jeremias Flores up, was hustled the front and got the opening fraction
in 22.07 and a three length cushion. Majestic Karakorum, Beebe's Famoose and
Long Lost Pal were heads apart in pursuit of Thirteen Mil. The half mile was
clocked in 45.87 with Thirteen Mil the one to catch. In the meantime, Burn One
Turn One was gaining ground five wide into the lane and only had four lengths
to make-up with a furlong to go. John Davila got Burn One Turn One to fire and
the pair rallied to best Thirteen Mil by a neck. Despite having to alter course
from the rail to the outside in midstretch, Ernie's Choice finished a strong
third missing his win picture by only three-quarters of a length. Burn One Turn
One covered the distance over a fast track in 1:12.49 and earned $12,540. Bred
by Barry R. Ostrager, the four year old gelded son of American Chance out of
Badger Pocket by Badger Land now has six career wins out of 20 tries and $119,755
in money won. Also the good now runner qualified for $1,254 in breeders' awards.
7/13/08, Girlie Tough earns diploma dispite losing left iron in $23,300 "MSW" by Matt Church
Polo
Hill Farm's GIRLIE TOUGH with Rick Knott in the saddle, rallied with
only one foot in the stirrup to graduate in today's $23,300 "MSW" by three-quarters
of a length. Girlie Tough was making a run entering the lane and then Rick Knott's
left foot slipped out of the stirrup and he almost landed on the sloppy track.
But Knot, recovered his right stirrup quickly but could never replace his left
foot and still closed determinedly to get the money. Today's contest was for
fillies and mares bred in New York State going one mile and seventy yards. The
field was scratched down from seven entrants to five with Pamela Hemmings and
Sara Bannin's Depose the Cat the chalk at 4 to 5. Trained by H. James Bond,
Depose the Cat shipped in here from Belmont Park and finished clearly second
best to Catina Park going one mile and seventy yards on June 15. It appeared
the Bond trainee needed that race over and on paper was clearly the one to beat.
Depose the Cat with John Grabowski aboard, quickly took command and opened up
a length advantage over Runerone with the first quarter clicked off in 23.60.
The favorite continued on dictating the fractions with the half mile going down
in 47.80. The Bond trainee opened up a commanding two and one-half length lead
at the top of the lane with six furlongs clocked in 1:13.67. Meanwhile, Girlie
Tough was making a run while only having five lengths to make-up. Girlie Tough
entered the lane but then the unexpected happened. Rick Knott aboard Girlie
Tough slipped and lost both irons but quickly replaced his right foot back in
the stirrup. Girlie Tough responded to the well balanced urging from Knott and
the pair closed determinedly to best Depose the Cat by just under a length.
Clery's Magic was making a bid on the outside but the Barrera Jr trained runner
hung in the crucial stages and had to settle for a share. Girlie Tough covered
the distance over a sloppy track in 1:46.03 and earned $13,980. Bred by Judith
Gurren & Sez Who Thoroughbreds, the four year old filly by Rizzi
out of Ballet Slipper by Desert Secret (IRE) now has $22,935 in money won and
also qualified for $2,796 in breeders' awards.
(7/12) Tin Cup Chalice completes 2nd leg of OTBs' Big Apple Triple in $159,600 New York Derby by Matt Church
 Photo: Tom Cooley Photography |
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Michael A. Lecesse and Scott Vanlaer's TIN CUP CHALICE took control from the outset and turned back Almighty Silver to take The 36th Running of The $159,600 New York Derby by a length and one-half. Trained by Michael A. Lecesse, Tin Cup Chalice has never ever been beat. The three year old gelding by Crusader Sword created his win skein back on October 23 of last year when he wired a field of 10 wide-open maiden allowance types by just over 15 lengths. Tin Cup Chalice just returned from Belmont Park after a defeating eight rivals in the $100,000 Mike Lee Handicap by a length and one-half. The only time Tin Cup Chalice was denied a wire-to-wire score was here in his 2008 debut on May 11. The running machine was bumped at the start in that test and then had to check at the seven-sixteenth pole. Tin Cup Chalice with Pedro Rodriguez in the saddle, sat patiently running in fourth about five lengths back after checking. The hot duo entered the lane in gear, collared the leader in midstretch to take a narrow advantage and then drew off as much the best to score by just over four lengths. Today's contest was restricted to three year olds bred in New York State going six furlongs with Tin Cup Chalice the odds on choice at 3 to 5. Second choice in the wagering at $2.20 to 1 was Kenneth L. and Sarah K. Ramsey's Almighty Silver. Trained by Charlton Baker, Almighty Silver comes into this test with a runner-up finish in the $75,000 NY Stallion Stakes on June 11. Prior to that solid effort, Almighty Silver downed a field NW2X at Belmont Park going one mile and one-sixteenth by two lengths. Tin Cup Chalice with Pedro Rodriguez in the irons got the opening quarter in 23.74 with Alexandros in pursuit a length back. Tin Cup Chalice continued on the front-end and stopped the timer for the half mile in 47.59 with Alexandros still stalking. Meanwhile, Almighty Silver was content running in fifth but had only four lengths to make-up. The six furlongs was clicked off in 1:12.79 with Almighty Silver gaining ground along the two path. Almighty Silver moved like he was going tackle Tin Cup Chalice with a furlong to go but Pedro asked for more and got it. Tin Cup Chalice went on to win the New York Derby by a length and one-half over the gutsy Almighty Silver in second. Clear Stars Stable's That'srightofficer finished third. Tin Cup Chalice got the distance over a fast track in 1:45.97 and earned 95,760. Bred by Michael A. Lecesse, the three year old by Crusader Sword out of Twice Forbidden by Spectacular Bid now has 6 career wins out of as many starts and $225,720 in money won. Crusader Sword stands at Foggy Bottom Farm. Also the undefeated runner qualified for $10,000 breeders' awards. Tin Cup Chalice is expected to make his next start in the $150,000 Albany at Saratoga on August 20. He will earn an additional $250,000 if he wins the one mile and one-eighth stake. No horse has been able to receive the bonus since the introduction of the Big Apple Triple series in 1999.
(7/12) Karakorum Katie captures $50,000 Niagara Stakes by Matt Church
 Photo: Tom Cooley Photography |
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Karakorum Farm's KARAKORUM KATIE, collared Amalfi Drive late and then under strong handling from John Davila Jr turned back Afleet Alexandra to capture The 28th running of the $50,000 Niagara Stakes by a nose. Trained by James A. Jerkens, Karakorum Katie shipped in here from Belmont Park with a career record of only 6 starts, 1 win, 2 seconds and $57,147 in earnings. The three year old filly by Pure Prize started the year off on January 6 with a three-quarter length decision over a field nine state bred maiden allowance types at five and one-half furlongs. The New York City based runner came right back with NW1X state-breds going six furlongs and again got the money by a half length. Today's contest was restricted to three year old fillies bred in the state of New York going six furlongs. Eight rivals were set to go with Karakorum Katie the choice at $1.25 to 1. Also taking plenty of action at odds of $1.70 to 1 was Blue Star Stable's Afleet Alexandra. Trained by the Wiley veteran Michael S. Ferraro, Afleet Alexandra finished third at Presque Isle Downs with wide-open never won four allowance types going six furlongs on June 22 by just over a length. Prior to that, the Ferraro trained runner rallied of three straight wins starting back on April 28. Amalfi Drive broke sharply and set fractions of 22.52, 45.55 for the half mile and then got the five-eighths in 58.28. Karakorum Katie and Afleet Alexandra were gaining with every stride. Karakorum Katie took the advantage in the late stages and then under the whip of Davila turned back the hard running Afleet Alexandra to get the money by a nose. Amalfi Drive finished third. Karakorum Katie covered the distance over a fast track in 1:12.11 and earned $30,000. Bred by Dr. Jerry Bilinski and Dr. Anina laCour, the three year old filly by Pure Prize out of La Finale by In Reality now has three career wins out of seven starts and $87,147 in money won. Also the talented three year old filly qualified for $3,000 in breeders' awards.
7/7/08, She's Precise wires 8 in $22,800 "MSW" by Matt Church
Who's
Next Racing Team and Paul W. Barrow's SHE'S PRECISE took control from
the outset and never looked back to earn her diploma in today's $22,800 featured
seventh race by four and three-quarter lengths. Trained by Paul W. Barrow, She's
Precise was making her third start on the year and first since May 24. In her
last race going six furlongs with wide-open maiden allowance rivals, She's Precise
battled on the front-end to midstretch but faded to run fifth to Celtic Kettle.
Prior to that test on May 10, the Barrow trainee showed her early speed but
tired and finished third beaten eight lengths. Today's test was for maiden fillies
and mares going six furlongs with Hemlock Hills Farm's first time starter Lucy
Lucy the choice at $1.95 to 1. Also taking action at $3.10 to 1 was D and B
Stable's Patsy's Storm. Trained by Jon Buckley, Patsy's Storm was shipping in
from Belmont Park after making her debut over the lawn going six furlongs. That
test was for maiden allowance state-breds with Patsy's Storm going off at 7
to 1 against a full field of 12. Patsy's Storm flashed some gas but faded to
run last. Eight rivals were ready to go with She's Precise breaking quickly
and opening a three length advantage with the opening quarter clicked off in
22.25. She's Precise continued on dictating the pace and entered the lane with
a commanding four and one-half length lead over Trisarahtops in second. Meanwhile,
9 to 1 long shot Clery's Magic was angled to the outside and appeared to be
full of run. She's Precise opened up a five length advantage on Trisarahtops
with a furlong to go with Clery's Magic 12 lengths back. Clery's Magic was closing
fast but had to much ground to make-up on She's Precise. The Paul W. Barrow
trained filly went on to get the money by just under five lengths. Clery's Magic
finished fast to earn the place while Trisarahtops nailed down the show. She's
Precise covered the distance over a fast track in 1:12.25 and earned $13,680.
Bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds, the three year old miss by Precise End out of
Strong Little Girl by Wolf Power(SAF) also qualified for $2,736 in breeders'
awards.
7/6/08, Starship Cruiser turns back Street Sass in $21,300 feature by Matt Church
Sanford
Goldfarb and Michael Dubb's STARSHIP CRUISER turned back a determined
Street Sass to prevail in today's $$21,300 featured eighth race by a nose. Starship
Cruiser shipped in from Belmont Park after finishing third back on June 4. That
test was going one mile and one-sixteenth for wide-open NW1X . The Richard E.
Dutrow Jr trained runner had five starts under her belt this year with two seconds
and two thirds. Today's contest at five and one-half furlongs was restricted
to fillies and mares which had never won three state-bred races other than.
Five rivals were ready to go with Starship Cruiser the odds on choice at 3 to
5. Sent off as the second choice at $2.65 to 1 was Dogwood Stable's Street Sass.
Trained by George Weaver, Street Sass was also shipping in from Belmont Park
after finishing sixth with wide-open NW2X going one mile. That was Street Sass'
s first start of the year. In 2007, Street Sass got the money in a $65,000 overnight
handicap for state-breds on June 23 going six furlongs. The Weaver trained runner
comes into this dash with a bullet workout at Saratoga. Street Sass covered
three furlongs over fast track in 35.44 handily. Starship Cruiser with John
Grabowski aboard got the opening quarter in 22.73 with Street Sass to the outside
and Sweet Sweet Molly in between. Sweet Sweet Molly dropped back some on the
turn while Starship Cruiser stopped the timer for the half mile in 46.00. Street
Sass and Starship Cruiser reached the eighth pole together with a gap two and
one-half lengths back to Motor City Mama in third. Street Sass and Starship
Cruiser matched strides to the wire with Starship Cruiser getting a head bobbing
nose decision. Motor City Mama finished third. Starship Cruiser covered the
distance over a fast track in 1:04.47 and earned $12,780. Bred by Gibraltar
Trans.Continental Assurance Company, LTD, the five year old mare by Golden
Missile out of Wakonda by Fappiano now has four career wins out of only
10 starts and $130,227 in money won. Also, the lightly raced runner qualified
for $1,278 in breeders' awards.
7/5/08, Bad Boy Rising returned $38.80 in $21,400 feature by Matt Church
Hesa
Stable's BAD BOY RISING wired a field of 8 state-breds at $18.40 to 1
to take today's $21,400 featured eighth race by a length. Trained by NirkaHuertas,
Bad Boy Rising was claimed two races back on June 29 for a mere $4,000. Nirka
ran Bad Boy Rising back with wide-open $6,250 claimers on June27 going one mile
and seventy yards where he tracked and faded some to run third. Karakorum Patriot
proved best in that test by six lengths. Today'scontest with an optional claiming
price of $10,000 was for three year olds and upward which had never won two
state-bred races other than going onemile and seventy yards. Eight rivals were
set to start with Edgewood Farm and Marc Sulam's Bayou Timber the choice at
$1.40 to 1. Trained by SethBenzel, Bayou Thunder was shipping in from the Big
Apple where he finished eighth over the lawn with wide-open NW2X going one mile
and one-sixteenth.The Bezel trainee comes into this dash with only three career
wins out of 19 tries and $132,667. Bad Boy Rising with Elaine Castillo in the
saddle,rushed out and got the first fraction in 24.40 with Gebb's Power right
along side. The pair continued on contesting the lead with the half mile clickedoff
in 48.49. In the meantime, Bayou Thunder was well placed running in fourth.
Bad Boy Rising took charge on the final turn and reached the quarterpole in
1:13.10 and a length and one-half cushion over Bayou Thunder. Bayou Thunder
looked like he was going to run on by, but Castillo got more from Bad Boy Rising
and the duo coasted home to a length victory. Bayou Timber lacked the late needed
response but finished second best by three lengths over the late running Prime
Diamond. Bad Boy Rising covered the distance over a fast track in 1:44.09 and
earned $12,840. Bred by Lansdon B. Robbins & Tom Hansen, the four year old by
Freud out of Cool Ghoul
by Silver Ghost now has four career wins out of 22 starts and $125,802 in money
won. Also, the upset winner qualified for $1,284 in breeders' awards.
7/4/08, Rises the Phoenix gets nod in wide-open $50,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap by Matt Church
On
a beautiful sunny Fourth of July Holiday, Oakwood Stable's RISES
THE PHOENIX responded to strong handling and held on stubbornly to turn
back pacesetter Brocco Valley to take The $50,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap
by a whisker. Trained by Daniel H. Conway Jr, Rises the Phoenix was up against
it in this very competitive wide-open one mile and one-eighth test. Carrying
highweight of 125 pounds was Winning Move Stable's Malibu Moonshine. Trained
by Gary C. Contessa, Malibu Moonshine is a very lightly raced six year old by
Malibu Moon. The Pimlico invader comes in here with an impressive record of
10 wins out of 42 starts and $515,001 in earnings. Also another Pimlico shipper
ready to roll carrying 123 pounds was Stronach Stable's Powerful Touch. Trained
by Justin J. Nixon, Powerful Touch was coming off a length score in the $50,000
Jim McKay overnight handicap going one mile and one-sixteenth over a fast track.
Seven rivals were ready to go with Powerful Touch the luke warm choice at $2.30.
Brocco Valley the second choice in the wagering by the 3,396 fans on hand at
$2.55 to 1, broke in stride and put two lengths on Rises the Phoenix and Powerful
Touch with the opening fraction clicked off in 24.06. Brocco Valley continued
on the Bill Daily with the half mile going in 48.27. Rises the Phoenix saved
ground and moved to the inside of Brocco Valley at the three-eighths pole with
Powerful Touch a length back along the four path. Meanwhile, Malibu Moonshine
appeared to be ready to pounce at any time running comfortably in fourth. But,
Rises the Phoenix and Brocco Valley shook clear by three lengths with a furlong
to go. Rises the Phoenix was down along the inside with Brocco Valley right
along side, the two matched strides to the line with the announcer Tony Calo
giving it a too close to call! Rises the Phoenix got the nod and earned $30,000.
Tina Marie Bond's Tommasi closed well to be third. Malibu Moonshine finished
fourth while Powerful Touch ran sixth. Rises the Phoenix covered the distance
over a fast track in 150.86 and returned $18.60. Bred by Raymond Grossman and
Keith Dickstein, the seven year old son of Lion Cavern out of Laura's Bet by
Ultramate now has eight career wins out of 35 starts and $290,534 in money won.
Also the good now runner qualified for $3,000 in breeders' awards.
7/1/08, Buckridge Bailey wires 8 in $21,300 feature by Matt Church
Edward
C. Perdue's owned and trained BUCKRIDGE BAILEY took the lead from the
outset and wired a very competitive field of eight to capture today's $21,300
featured eighth race by two lengths. The Edward C. Perdue trained Buckridge
Bailey was listed as the morning line favorite at 5 to 2 by track odds maker
Carl Anderson. Buckridge Bailey has had two starts on the year and both were
with the same he faces today. In his first trip over on the year, Buckridge
Bailey was sent off as the 4 to 5 chalk in a field of six. The four year old
colt by Good and Tough ducked out at the start in that five furlong test and
then was used hard to take command. Buckridge Bailey showed the way to midstretch
but could not handle Tough Shipmate, who went on to win by almost three lengths.
Buckridge Bailey held the place over Soulshine by a length and one-half. The
Perdue runner came back against the good now Democrat and wound-up finishing
third beaten just under three lengths. Also taking money at 5 to 2 was Lavern
and Kevin Bowman's I'm a Yankee. Trained by Lavern A. Bowman, I'm a Yankee closed
fast in his most recent only to come up a nose short to Democrat. Today's featured
race at five and one-half furlongs was for three year olds and upward which
had never won three state-bred races other than. Eight hard knocking rivals
were set to go with Buckridge Bailey the post time favorite at $2.45 to 1. Buckridge
Bailey with Dennis Carr up, broke alertly and got the opening quarter in 22.55.
I'm a Yankee and A Very Young Jet were stalking a length back. The Perdue speedster
reached the quarter pole in 45.75 and a clear lead. I'm a Yankee and A Very
Young Jet were still in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, Sizzling Saint was angled out
into the lane and had almost six lengths to make-up with only a furlong reaming.
I'm a Yankee failed to fire in the crucial stages while Buckridge Bailey proved
best by two lengths. Sizzling Saint fired to nail down I'm a Yankee for the
place. Buckridge Bailey covered the distance over a fast track in 1:04.93 and
earned $12,780. Bred by Amy Boll, the four year old son of Good and Tough out
of Citadelle by Dixie Brass now has seven career wins out of only 11 tries and
$89,772 in money won. Also the Perdue runner qualified for $2,556 in breeders'
awards.
6/30/08, Smokinatthefinsh takes $20,900 NW2X feature by Matt Church
Candy
Stable's SMOKINATTHEFINISH took the lead late and then under strong handling
turned back Heresheis to capture today's $20,900 featured sixth race by a head.
Trained by Chris J. Englehart, Smokinatthefinish just missed by a head in her
2008 debut on June 15. That test was with similar but going five and one-half
furlongs. In that game defeat, Smokinatthefinish came flying late to miss by
head to the good now Sum Wish. Today's contest was restricted to fillies and
mares which had never won two state-bred races other than going six furlongs.
Six rivals were set to go with Smokinatthfinish the chalk at 3 to 5. Sent off
as the second choice at $3.30 to 1 by the 1,742 fans on hand was Glowing Hill
Farm's Heresheis. Trained by Terry Genecco, Heresheis was in search of her second
straight tally today. The Genecco trainee got the money in her 2008 debut with
a widening two and three-quarter length score at six furlongs. M. Anthony Ferraro's
owned and trained Karakorum Knockout was the true speed on paper and with John
Grabowski aboard got the opening fraction in 22.66. Karakorum Knockout continued
on the Bill Daily with the half mile clicked off in 46.14. Smokinatthfinish
was only a length back to the outside while Heresheis decided to take a shot
up the fence. Smokinatthfinish had clear sailing on the outside to take the
lead and then narrowly outran Heresheis for a head decision. Despite taking
the wrong path and having to alter course to the outside, Heresheis finished
a game second while the pacesetter finished third. Smokinatthefinish covered
the distance over a fast track in 1:12.56 and earned 12,540. Bred by Edward
J. Messina, the five year old mare by Smoke Glacken out of Consider it Done
by Green Dancer now has five career wins out of 16 tries and $97,733 in money
won. Also the hard knocking runner qualified for $1,254 in breeders' awards.
6/29/08, Your Hour's Up wins wide-open $17,900 feature by Matt Church
My
Purple Haze Stable's YOUR HOUR'S UP rallied to take the lead in gear
andthen drew off to make it two straight in today's wide-open $17,900 featuredeighth
race by just over two lengths. Your Hour's Up made her 2008 debuthere on June
6 going six furlongs with never won two allowance types awinning one. The Englehart
trainee responded to steady urging in that testand closed determinedly to nail
East Lake on the wire. Today's contest atone mile and seventy yards was for
wide-open three year olds and upwardwhich had never won three races with C J
Racing Stable's Goldispretty thechoice at $1.60 to 1. Goldispretty got the year
started in the $50,000George W. Barker Handicap on May 26 where he checked at
the start andwound-up finishing fifth. The Michael S. Ferraro trained runner
came backwith NW3L in his next race on June 14 and chased throughout to no avail
but finished well to best the rest. Maggi Moss' Cast the Dye coupled with YourHour's
Up, quickly took command and clicked off the opening fraction in 23.24. Good
Law was stalking five and one-half lengths back with the half mile going in
47.08. Children's Annex and Your Hour's Up were asked and gaining on the pacesetter
with the six furlongs clocked in 1:12.89. Children's Annex put Cast the Dye
away and opened up two lengths on Your Hour's Up with only a furlong remaining.
Your Hour's Up responded quickly when roused and ran on by Children's Annex
like he was tied to a post. Your Hour's Up drew off over a sloppy track for
a two and one-quarter length decision while stopping the timer for the one mile
and seventy yard distance in 1:45.84. Your Hour's Up returned $5.50 and earned
$10,740. Bred by Thomas/Lakin, the four year old son of Freud
out Gray Lady Type by Zen now has three career wins out of 17 starts and $107,075
in money won. Also, Your Hour's Up qualified for $1,074 in breeders' awards.
6/28/08, Barnfox makes amends in wide-open $17,100 feature by Matt Church
Lisa
A. Reed's BARNFOX took command from the outset and never looked back
to take today's wide-open $17,100 featured eighth race by three and three-quarters
of a length. Barnfox sent off as the even money favorite in his last returned
a cool $7.40 today. Trained by Jeremiah Englehart, Barnfox looked exceptionally
fine winning in her debut on May 30 by a length and one-half. In that wide-open
MSW test going five and one-half furlongs, The three year old gelding by Good
and Tough took a field of nine wire-to-wire and appearing to have never taken
a deep breath. Barnfox came back one June 16 as the even money chalk and appeared
ready trounce a field of never won two allowance types going five and one-half
furlongs. But then the gates opened and Barnfox did not appear to be himself.
The Davila ridden runner never got the lead and then and wound-up finishing
last beaten almost sixteen lengths. Today's contest for wide-open three year
olds and upward which had never won two races going six furlongs had a solid
field of seven to the post. Dorothy Gentner's owned and trained Cole's Got Soul
was the choice at $1.55 to 1. Cole's Got Soul shipped in here from Belmont Park
and broke her maiden with a rallying half length score as the chalk. The Gentner
trained runner came right back with never won two allowance types and led all
the way to the late stages by came up a length short. Barnfox with John Davila
along for the ride, quickly put four lengths on Hank's Dream while getting the
first fraction in 21.97. Barnfox continued on dictating the pace with the half
mile clocked in 45.70. Cole's Got Soul took up the chase and reached the eighth
pole with five lengths to make-up. Davila took hold of Barnfox through the final
yards and under wraps got the job done by almost four lengths. Dabadabado rallied
to best Ashley's Jester by three-quarters of a length to earn the place. Cole's
Got Soul faded to run fifth. Barnfox covered the distance over a sloppy track
in 1:11.86 and earned $10,260. Bred by Jess J. Englehart, the three year old
by Good and Tough out of Lucky Lindsay by Once Wild now has two career wins
out of only three tries and $21,660 in money won. Also the Englehart bred speedster
qualified for $2,052 in breeders' awards.
6/27/08, Belmont Invader scores in wide-open $17,400 feature by Matt Church
Little
Red Feather Racing's GUTS GAME shipped in from Belmont Park and found
a wide-open field of never won three allowance types that she handled with something
left. The John Tebbutt trainee rallied to deny Amalfi Drive her third straight
win by three-quarters of a length. Guts Game was coming out of $52,000 NW2X
for state-breds on June 11. That test was over the main track at one mile where
she was wide throughout and finished seventh beaten 32 lengths to My Dinah.
Today's contest was for wide-open fillies and mares which had never won three
races going five and one-half furlongs. The 1,100 fans on hand made Shifty's
Angela the luke warm choice at $2.05 to 1. Trained by the hot hand of Michael
Lecesse, Schifty's Angela was coming off a solid runner-up finish to Afleet
Alexander in her first start of year on June 13. That test at six furlongs was
for never won three allowance types where she battled to the final yards only
to miss by a half length. Amalfi Drive trained by the Wiley veteran Michael
S. Ferraro was the second choice at $2.40 to 1. Amalfi Drive wired a field on
never won two allowance foes by two lengths in her first start of the 2008 racing
season. Robert Messina astride Amalfi Drive, got the opening fraction in 22.45
and a commanding two length lead over Klassic Kayla. Amalfi Drive padded her
lead on the turn and stopped the timer for the half mile in 45.84. Meanwhile,
the favorite Schifty's Angela was six and one-half lengths back in fifth and
appearing to be spinning her wheels. Amalfi Drive looked like a winner when
she opened up a four length lead with only a furlong to go but that's when Elaine
Castillo got Guts Game in motion. Guts Game responded to the whip and closed
fast to get the job done by three-quarters of a length. Klassic Kayla finished
third two and one-half lengths behind Amalfi Drive in third. Schifty's Angela
finished fifth beaten almost five lengths. Guts Game covered the distance over
a fast track in 1:05.83 and earned $10,440. Bred by JMJ Racing Stable, LLC,
the four year old filly by Officer out of Genteel World by Shinning World returned
$9.20 and now has $91,196 in money won. Also, the solid invader qualified for
$1,144 in breeders' awards.
6/23/08, Horrible Jean wires 6 in $20,500 feature by Matt Church
Acclaimed
Racing Stable's HORRIBLE JEAN toyed with Ty Wonder early and then in
front-fashion bested a field of six to take today's $20,500 featured eighth
race by just over three lengths. Horrible Jean had been knocking at the door
in this NW1X condition with three runner-up finishes. Trained by Michael A.
Lecesse, the five year old mare by High Yield came rolling in her last at five
and one-furlongs only to miss by nose. Prior to that test on May 23, the hard
knocking runner battled throughout in that six furlong test but could not handle
the final seventy yards and missed by two lengths. Today's contest at five and
one-half furlongs was restricted to fillies and mares which had never won a
state-bred race other than with Horrible Jean the choice at $1.45 to 1. Frances
L. Ubbink's Heart of Iron who was coming off a solid three length tally against
never won three for a claiming price of $9,000, was the second choice at $3.25
to 1. Trained by Stephen P. Ubbink, Heart of Iron comes into this race with
three career wins out of only 13 starts and $39,037 in earnings. Horrible Jean
with Pedro Rodriquez in the irons, broke alertly and battled with Ty Wonder
with the first quarter clocked in 22.65. Horrible Jean shook free and opened
up a length and one-half on Ty Wonder and Heart of Iron with the half mile clicked
off in 46.73. Heart of Iron took up the chase and got to within a length of
Horrible Jean but that was as close as she was ever going to get. Horrible Jean
responded when roused and drew clear to get the job done by three and one-quarter
lengths. Heart of Iron turned back Cizi to the secure the place by a length.
Horrible Jean covered the distance over a good track in 1:05.83 and earned $12,300.
Bred by Vincent Papandrea, the five year old by High Yield out of Bebe Ani by
Stop the Music now has five career wins out of 20 starts and $57,236 in money
won. Also, Horrible Jean qualified for $1,230 in breeders' awards.
6/22/08, New York Citi makes it five straight in $21,400 NW1X feature by Matt Church
Ferentino
Farm's NEW YORK CITI put her stablemate away leaving the eighth pole
and then outran Point Me to It to make it five straight wins in today's $21,400
featured eighth race by three-quarters of a length. New York Citi got her win
streak started back on May 5, when the four year old filly by Citidancer came
flying to best Hearty's Lil Sis by a neck. That test was with never won two
allowance types going five and one-half furlongs. The Charlton Baker trained
runner went through her conditions with ease. Today's test was restricted to
fillies and mares which had never won two state-bred races other than going
one mile and seventy yards. Seven rivals including two trained entries were
ready to roll with Ferrentino Farm's New York Citi the chalk at .20 cents on
the dollar. Stablemate Pleasure for Me broke alertly and got the opening quarter
in 23.75. Louise the Tease was stalking with New York Citi not far back in third.
Pleasure for Me continued on the pace with the half mile clicked off in 48.12.
New York City was let loose on the last turn by Dennis Carr while Pleasure for
Me stopped the timer for the six furlongs in 1:13.59. New York City collared
Pleasure for Me in midstretch and then opened up daylight. Meanwhile, Point
Me to it was on the outside and full of run. New York Citi responded to the
whip and outran Point Me to it to the line for a three-quarters of a length
decision. Pleasure for Me finished third. New York Citi covered the distance
over a sealed good track in 1:44.89 and earned $12,840. Bred by Country Life
Farm & Get The Glory, LLC, the four year old daughter of Citidancer out of Get
the Glory by Pleasant Colony now has six career wins out of only 13 tries and
$93,500 in money won. Also the good now filly qualified for $1,284 in breeders'
awards.
6/21/08, Embace Life makes it two straight $21,400 feature by Matt Church
Michael
A. Lecesse's owned and trained EMBRACE LIFE put Undocumented away leaving
the eighth pole and drew clear to take today's $21,400 featured eighth race
by three lengths. This was Embrace Life's second straight win. The Lecesse trained
runner made his first start of the year on May 30 a winning one. In that test
for NW1X going one mile and seventy yards, Embrace Life came from off the pace
to score by two lengths. Today's contest at one mile and seventy yards was for
three year olds and upward which had never won two state-bred races other than
with Embrace Life the chalk at 3 to 5. Also taking plenty of action at 8 to
5 was Undocumented Racing Stable's Undocumented. Trained by Karl M. Grusmark,
Undocumented finished third behind Embrace Life in his last but trounced a field
by just over five lengths prior to that. Undocumented with Omar Camejo up, rushed
out with Geyser Road and vied early and then Camejo took hold of Undocumented
and let Geyser Road go. The first quarter was clicked off in 23.76. Geyser Road
dictated the pace with the half mile going in 47.82. Undocumented and Embrace
Life moved together on the final bend and collared Geyser Road with the six
furlongs clocked in 1:13.03. Geyser Road was done, but Embrace Life and Undocumented
were going at it heads apart with a furlong to go. Embrace Life responded to
urging from Grabowski and they drew clear to score by three lengths. Undocumented
finished second by almost two lengths over the late running Seeking Redemption
in third. Embrace Life covered the distance over a sealed good track in 1:45.44
and earned $12,840. Bred by his owner, the four year old gelding by Rock
and Roll out of Mer Babe by Cam a Rhett now has five career wins out of
18 starts and $87,526 in money won. Also the home-bred runner qualified for
$2,568 in breeders' awards.
6/20/08, Winterlily wins $21,000 NW1X feature by Matt Church
Betty
Jean Murphy's WINTERLILY responded in the late stages to score in today's
$21,000 NW1X featured fifth race by a neck. Trained by James T. Wright, this
was Winterlily's third straight win. The five year old mare got her win skein
started back on November 24 of last year. Winterlily made her 2008 debut on
June 2 a winning one. That test at six furlongs was with $4,000 claimers going
six furlongs where she took the lead in midstretch and then drew clear to get
the money by four and one-quarter lengths. Today's contest was restricted to
fillies and mares which had never won a state-bred race other than going one
mile and seventy yards. A full field of 9 were ready to go with Winterlily the
luke warm choice at $2.50 to 1. Odds maker Carl Anderson had her listed at 8
to 1? Also taking action at $2.65 to 1 was Winloc's Irene. Trained by leading
conditioner Chris Englehart, Winloc's Irene was coming off a wire-to-wire score
over a field of conditioned $7,500 claimers by a half length at today's distance.
Winterlily and Mysterious Key were heads apart with the opening fraction clocked
in 23.98. Winterlily dropped back some up the backstretch while Winloc's Irene
and Mysterious Key clicked off the half mile in 48.19. Then the unexpected happened,
Winloc's Irene broke down nearing the three-eighths pole and all behind her
scattered and had take up sharply to avoid the obvious. Mysterious Key was left
on the engine with the six furlongs going down in 1:14.50. Winterlily was only
a half length behind. We Love Our Kids made a move and ended up on the Billy
Daily with a furlong to go. Winterlily with Joe Orcutt astride, got his mount
to respond and the pair closed determinedly to take the lead late and then outran
Lunar Chip to get the money by neck. We Love Our Kids finished a game third
missing by a neck and nose. Winterlily covered the distance over a fast track
in 1:47.47 and earned $12,600. Bred by Coronach Farm, the five year old mare
by Regal Classic out of Love Spiel by Black Tie Affair(IRE) now has five career
wins out of 22 starts and $64,880 in money won. Also the good now mare qualified
for $2,520 in breeders' awards.
6/17/08, Freud Ian Girl earns Diploma in $22,600 "MSW" by Matt Church
Kirk
F. Hazen's FREUD IAN GIRL shipped in from Belmont Park and took complete
control in the lane and went on to win today's $22,800 "MSW" by just over five
lengths. Trained by Jeremiah C. Englehart, Freud Ian Girl was coming off a seventh
place finish in her last at Belmont Park on May 8. That test was going one mile
and one-sixteenth over the grass. Freud Ian Girl showed her usual early speed
while taking the lead into the lane but could not sustain the bid and faded.
Prior to that race, the four year old daughter of Freud missed by head over
the lawn to On Jodi's Account. Today's contest was restricted to fillies and
mares bred in the state of New York going six furlongs. Six maidens were all
out to graduate with Freud Ian Girl the odds on chalk at 3 to 5. Langpap Stable's
Sheownsthemoment was the second choice at $1.80 to 1 and on paper the only one
with a chance to be the spoiler. Sheownsthemoment has been out five times this
year with four seconds and one third to her credit. John Grabowski got Sheownsthemoment
to break quickly and the duo got the first quarter in 22.61 with Freud Ian Girl
a half length back in second. The half mile was clocked in 46.18 with Freud
Ian Girl to the outside of Sheownsthemoment. Freud Ian Girl put Sheownsthemoment
away and opened a solid four and one-half length lead with only a furlong remaining.
John Davila Jr never let up with his whip on Freud Ian Girl while proving the
best by five and one-quarter lengths. Sheownsthemoment finished almost three
lengths in front of Cute Jammies in third. Freud Ian Girl covered the distance
over a fast track in 1:12.92 and earned $13,680. Bred by Cheshire Ridge Farm
LLC, the four year old filly by Freud
out of Kristy's Song by Love That Mac now has $34,580 in the bank and also qualified
for $1,368 in breeders' awards.
6/16/08, South Fourth St. scores in $20,900 NW2X feature by Matt Church
Arnie
Chusid's SOUTH FOURTH ST. took a clear with a furlong to go and then
turned back Majestic Karakorum to take today's $20,900 featured eighth race
by three-quarters of a length. Trained by Michael S. Ferraro, this was South
Fourth St's first start of the year but his third straight score dating back
to October 23, 2007. South Fourth St. listed at 5 to 1 on the morning line by
Carl Anderson returned $6.70. Today's test was for three year olds and upward
which had never won two state-bred races other than going five and one-half
furlongs. Six well matched foes were ready to go with Jeffrey Tucker's Ernie's
Choice the favorite at $2.10 to 1. Trained by John Morrison, Ernie's Choice
was coming off a solid second to the good now Rob's Boy Matt. Prior to that
race, the six year old gelding by Lite the Fuse missed by a whisker with NW2X
going five and one-half furlongs. The Morrison trainee was forced extremely
wide in that test and still closed fast to just miss. Thirteen Mil with Pedro
Rodriguez up, got the first quarter in 22.56 with South Fourth St. along side
in second. Ernie's Choice was running erratically in last. The two leaders reached
the quarter pole heads apart in 46.34. Meanwhile, Majestic Karakorum was angled
to the rail and appeared ready to roll. South Fourth St. disposed of Thirteen
Mil and opened up a length with a furlong to go. Jerimias Flores got South Fourth
St. to last another furlong and the pair outran Majestic Karakorum to the wire
for a three-quarters of a length tally. Ernie's Choice got on track to late
but managed to run third. South Fourth St. covered the distance over a good
track in 1:05.81 and earned $12,540. Bred by Stonewall Farm, the four year old
gelding by Mr. Livermore out of Must Be Nice by Dixieland Band now has five
career wins out of 12 starts and $64,431 in money won. Also, South Fourth St.
qualified for $1,254 in breeders' awards.
6/15/08, Wishing Wishes holds on to capture $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap by Matt Church
Edward
Lipton's WISHING WISHES
rallied to take the lead and then outran Talking Treasure to the finish line
to capture the 29th running of the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap by a neck.
Trained by Donna Bireta, Wishing Wishes shipped in from Aqueduct with his last
on April a runner-up finish to Boss Tiffany. Wishing Wishes came into this $50,000
Handicap lightly raced with a record of four wins, two seconds, a third out
of only ten starts and $128, 569 in earnings. Today's contest was for fillies
and mares bred in the state of New York and going six furlongs. Seven rivals
were set to go with last years winner Hoosick Falls the luke warm choice at
$2.35 to 1. Hoosick Falls is coming into this race with a wire-to-wire four
and one-quarter length score on Memorial Day in an $26,500 overnight Handicap
at six furlongs. Hoosick Falls is not the only speed in today's test. Carmen
Sequin's Sweet Lorena was making her first start of the year and in search of
her sixth straight tally. All those scores were in front-running fashion. Sweet
Lorena with Robert Messina astride, rushed out and contested the lead with Hoosick
Falls and stopped the timer for the first quarter in a very quick 21.92. Sweet
Lorena shook free from Hoosick Falls on the turn with the half mile clocked
in 45.31. Sweet Lorena was collared into the lane by Wishing Wishes and Talking
Treasure was ready to pounce at any moment. The three reached the eighth pole
together with Wishing Wishes in between. Wishing Wishes responded to steady
pressure and outran Talking Treasure to the wire for a neck decision. Sweet
Lorena weakened some but finished a respectable third. Wishing Wishes covered
the distance over a fast track in 1:11.39 and earned $30,000. Wishing Wishes
was the fourth choice in the wagering and returned $11.60. Bred by Sez Who Thoroughbred,
the four year old filly by Graeme Hall out of Arunforyourmoney by Runaway Groom
now has five career scores out of only 11 tries and $158,569 in money won. Also,
the lightly raced runner qualified for $3,000 in breeders' awards.
6/14/08, Rock and Roll Roan takes $17,900 wide-open feature by Matt Church
Lorraine
E. Barberino's ROCK AND ROLL ROAN broke in stride and wired a field of
seven to take today's $17,900 wide-open featured allowance test by two and three-quarter
lengths. Rock and Roll Roan had four starts over this oval since shipping in
from Tampa Bay Downs. The M. Anthony Ferraro trained runner made his local debut
here on April 22 with never won two allowance types going four and one-half
furlongs. Rock and Roll Roan failed to fire in that event and wound-up finishing
seventh. The Ferraro trained runner came back going long with similar and ran
a solid second to wire-to-wire winner Dodwell. Rock and Roll Roan reached the
winner's circle in his next start around turns with a going away tally by one
and one-quarter length. Today's contest was for wide-open three year olds and
upward which had never won three races going one mile and seventy yards. Seven
well matched rivals were set to break from the gate with C J Racing Stable's
Goldispretty the $1.45 to 1 favorite. Trained by Michael S. Ferraro, Goldispretty
made his local debut in the $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap on May 26. That
test was at six furlongs with Johnie Bye Night the winner by almost three lengths.
Goldispretty was forced in at the start in that race and had to check. The Ferraro
trained colt by Gold Token could not recover from that mishap and wound-up finishing
fifth. Rock and Roll Roan with Clive Beech in the saddle, broke well and got
the first fraction in 24.72 with Goldispretty outside a half length back. Rock
and Roll Roan opened up some and got the half mile in 48.72. Goldispretty was
still in pursuit at the top of the lane but had a length to make-up with the
three-quarters clocked in 1:13.43. Rock and Roll Roan appeared in danger with
furlong to go but Clive Beech kept Rock and Roll Roan busy and the duo drew
clear late for a two and three-quarter length score. Goldispretty finished second
best over Children's Annex in third. Rock and Roll Roan covered the distance
over a sloppy track in 1:44.58 and earned $10,740. Bred by his owner, the four
year old gelded son of Rock
and Roll out of Modern Miracle by I'ma Hell Raiser now has four career wins
out of 18 tries and $46,799 in money won. The home-bred runner also qualified
for $$2,144 in breeders' awards.
6/13/08, Docstar wires 6 in $21,400 feature by Matt Church
Tri
Richard Stable and Sue Sedlacek's DOCSTAR grabbed the lead from the outset
and made every pole a winning one to take today's $21,400 featured eighth race
by three and three-quarters of a length. Trained by Charlton Baker, this was
Docstar's second start here after shipping in from Aqueduct. In her start over
this upstate oval, Docstar stumbled at the start and then was rank on the first
turn and wound-up finishing fifth. Today's test was restricted to fillies and
mares which had never won two state-bred races other than going one mile and
seventy yards. Six rivals were ready to go with Docstar the favorite at $1.60
to 1. Also taking action at $1.70 to 1 was Oakwood Stable's Point to Me. Trained
by Daniel H. Conway Jr, Point to Me was in search of her third straight win.
The five year old mare by Precise End got the job done in her last with NW1X
going one mile and seventy yards by four lengths. Prior to that victory, the
Conway Jr trained runner bested a field of seven never won three allowance types
around two turns by a neck. Docstar with Dennis Carr astride, broke in gear
and opened up a quick five lengths over Pleasure for Me with the first quarter
clocked in 23.93. Docstar continued dictating the pace with the half mile going
in 47.54. Point to Me took up the chase on the final turn with Docstar getting
the three-quarters in 1:12.62 and a commanding five length lead. Docstar widened
in the lane and then was under the whip to get the job done by almost four lengths.
Point to Me finished second by eleven lengths over Soft Expression in third.
Docstar covered the distance over a fast track in 1:44.84 and earned $12,840.
Bred by Nancy Harris and John G. Allen, the six year old mare by Star of Valor
out of Docs Beauty by Dearest Doctor now has eight career wins out of 34 starts
and $150,484 in money won. Also the front-running winner qualified for $1,284
in breeders' awards.
6/10/08, Rocket Booster upsets at 8 to 1 in $20,500 NW1X by Matt Church
Michael
S. Foster's ROCKET BOOSTER put a head in front with a furlong to go and
then held on stubbornly to capture today's NW1X fifth race by a neck. Trained
by Linda Foster, Rocket Booster finished third in his most recent to the highly
regarded Tin Cup Chalice. That test was with similar but at five and one-half
furlongs. Prior to that respectable outing, the five year old gelded son of
Cape Canaveral made a solid bid in the lane with NW1X at five and one-half furlongs
but could not get any closer to Cured then three lengths. Today's contest was
for three year olds and upward which had never won a state-bred race other than
going six furlongs. Ten rivals were set to go with Ron Cabrijan's Lapin the
luke warm choice at $2.95 to 1. Trained by Chris Englehart, Lapin scored with
$4,000 claimers in his first start of the year. The Englehart trainee came back
with NW1X going five and one-half furlongs but had to face Tin Cup Chalice and
finished second beaten eight lengths. Also taking action was Kurt Huffman's
Stormy King. Trained by Daniel H. Conway Jr, Stormy King beat this condition
in his last but was disqualified for forcing Geyser Road out late and was placed
second. Barco broke in stride and opened up a two length lead over Toot Ta Roo
with the first quarter clocked in 22.06. Barco continued on the Billy Daily
with the half mile going in 45.49. Meanwhile, Rocket Booster was taking up the
chase and reached Barco with a furlong to go. Also Pressing Issue was making
his move and then there was three across the track leaving the eighth pole.
Barco dropped back but Pressing Issue and Rocket Booster matched strides to
the line with Rocket Booster put a neck in front on the wire. Barco finished
third while Stormy King and Lapin never fired. Rocket Booster covered the distance
over a fast track in 1:13.01 and earned $12,300. Bred by Carapan Farm LLC and
Jaz Kidz Stable, the five year old gelding by Cape Canaveral out of Power of
Beauty now has seven career wins out 28 starts and $70,733 in money won. Rocket
Booster also qualified for $1,230 in breeders' awards.
6/9/08, Amalfi Drive wins wide-open $17,100 feature by Matt Church
Very
Un Stable's AMALFI DRIVE quickly disposed of her field and then was never
threatened to take today's $1 wide-open featured eighth race by two lengths.
Trained by Michael S. Ferraro, Amalfi Drive had been away sintrouncing a field
by just under seven lengths on November 26 of last year. That test was for maidens
carryin $15,000 price tag going five and one-half furlongs. Today's contest
was for wide-open three year old fillieshad never won two races going five and
one-half furlongs. The race was scratched down to five starters with E. Mariano's
Mamie B the favorite at $1.35 to 1. Trained by Daniel H. Conway Jr, Mamie B
was finished fourthher last with never won two allowance types going six furlongs.
Second choice in the wagering was Scott M. Schwartz' Cape Cod Escape. Trained
by Ralf D'Alessandro, Cape Cod Escape last raced at Belmont Park on May 1$15,000
claimers which never had won two races going six panels. That test was run over
a sloppy track with Cod Escape saving all the ground to no avail and finished
fourth beaten ten lengths. Amalfi Drive with RoberMessina on board, quickly
disposed of her field with the quarter clocked in 22.57. Messina opened up a
three one-half length cushion over Five Star Officer in second with a quarter
of a mile to go. The half mile wend in 46.21. Meanwhile, Mamie B broke slow
and was hustled early but could not keep up with Amalfi Drive. Cape Escape was
running third with a furlong to go and had eight lengths to make-up. Amalfi
Drive coasted home pr best by two lengths over Five Star Officer with Cape Cod
Escape finishing third. Amalfi Drive covered the diover a fast track in 1:06.31
and earned $10,260. Bred by Wayne Ewald, the three year old daughter of Desert
Warrior out of Carson Countess by Lord Carson now has two career scores
out of 7 starts and $20,178 in moneyAlso the two time winner qualified for $2,052
in breeders' awards.
6/8/08, Brocco Valley wires 6 in $27,000 wide-open feature by Matt Church
Ferentino
Farm and Charlton Baker's BROCCO VALLEY went right to the Bill Daily
and never looked back to wire six talented rivals in today's $27,000 wide-open
featured eighth race by just over five lengths. Ridden to victory by Pedro Rodriguez,
this was Brocco's Valley's eleventh win here at Finger Lakes. The six year old
gelding by Peaks and Valleys was coming off a runner-up finish to Rises the
Phoenix in his last here on May 16. That test was around two turns and for wide-open
allowance company. Brocco Valley quickly established a ten length lead up the
backstretch but that soon turned into two lengths at the top of the lane. Rises
the Phoenix just blew on by and went on to win by four lengths. The two will
face each other again today. Six well matched rivals were set to go one mile
and seventy yards with Tina Marie Bond's Tommasi the choice at $1.70 to 1. The
H. James Bond trained runner was coming off a fourth place finish in the one
mile and one-eighth King's Point Handicap at Aqueduct on April 8. R Clear Victory
proved best in that $75,000 Handicap by almost five lengths. Brocco Valley was
the speed of the race, broke well and opened up a very quick four length lead
while getting the first quarter in 25.12. Rises the Phoenix and Tiger Speech
were tracking heads apart with the half mile clocked in 49.39. Rises the Phoenix
looked like she he was going go right on by Brocco Valley nearing the quarter
pole but Pedro let out a notch and the pair opened up two and one-half lengths
with a furlong to go. The six furlongs went in 1:13.11. Rises the Phoenix could
not sustain the bid and had to settle for second best. Brocco Valley widened
through the final furlong to get the job done by five and one-quarter lengths.
Tiger Speech finished a half a length to the good over Tommasi in fourth. Brocco
Valley covered the distance over a fast track in 1:43.27 and earned $16,200.
Bred by Daniel Nicholson, the six year old gelded son of Peaks and Valleys out
of Fatima Blush by Brocco now has 12 career wins of 34 starts and $195,377 in
money won. Also the front-running monster qualified for $1,620 in breeders'
awards.
6/6/08, Classic Cathy earns diploma in $22,800 "MSW" by Matt Church
Sarah
K. and Kenneth L. Ramsey's CLASSIC CATHY put 3 to 5 favorite Final Fever
away leaving the eighth pole and then drew off as clearly the best to earn her
diploma by just over four lengths. Trained by Charlton Baker, Classic Cathy
shipped in here from Belmont Park after making her debut on May 25. In that
test at Belmont Park for state-bred maidens going five and one-half furlongs,
Classic Cathy with Ebar Coa in the saddle, bobbled at the start and then could
never get on track and finished eighth. The three year old filly by Aptitude
was let go as the fourth choice at $7.50 to 1. Eight rivals were eager to go
the five and one-half furlong distance and with only one getting her diploma.
C J Racing Stable's Final Fever was the odds on choice at 3 to 5. Trained by
the Wiley veteran Michael S. Ferraro, Final Fever also was shipping in from
the Big Apple but the latter had not raced since December 14 of last year. In
that race on December 14, Final Fever, showed the way to deep stretch and then
faded to run fifth. On paper, Final Fever had two bullet workouts to her credit
and appeared ready for a winning effort. Final Fever with Robert Messina in
the irons, hustled his mount to the Bill Daily while getting the opening quarter
in 22.48. Trisarahtops moved to challenge Final Fever at the top of the lane
with the half mile clocked in 46.49. Meanwhile, Classic Cathy was nearest the
rail and ready to pounce at any time. Classic Cathy collared Trisarahtops and
Final Fever with a furlong to go and under the whip of Pedro Rodriguez, the
duo drew off to score by four and one-quarter lengths. Langpap Stable's Sheownsthemoment
rallied to best Trisarahtops by two lengths to clearly earn the place. Final
Fever faded and finished fourth. Classic Cathy covered the distance over a fast
track in 1:06.94 and earned $13,680. Bred by her owners, the three year old
filly by Aptitude out of Coax Classic by Caveat qualified for $1,360 in breeders
awards.
6/3/08, Democrat holds on stubbornly in $21,300 feature by Matt Church
Daniel
P. Hayden and Charlton Baker's DEMOCRAT took the lead from the outset
and then was fully extended to narrowly turn back I'm a Yankee by a nose in
today's $21,300 featured eighth race. Democrat was made the 7 to 5 morning line
favorite by track odds maker Carl Anderson over Buckridge Bailey at 9 to 5.
Democrat made his local debut here on May 20 a winning one. The Charlton Baker
trainee bested a group of wide-open $20,000 claimers at five and one-half furlongs
by a neck. Prior to that the five year old son of A. P. Jet last raced at Saratoga
with wide-open NW1X going seven furlongs on August 11 of last year. In that
test, Democrat flashed his usual early speed but faded to run eighth in a field
of nine. Today, Democrat makes his second start of the year with a record of
5 wins, 3 seconds out of only 12 career starts and sports a solid bankroll of
$137,967. Edward C. Purdue's owned and trained Buckridge Bailey should be part
of this. The four year old son of Good and Tough comes into this event with
a runner-up finish to the good now Tough Shipmate. That race was Buckridge Bailey's
first start of the year. In that race for NW3X going five furlongs, Buckridge
Bailey set the pace to midstretch but could not match strides with Tough Shipmate
and had to settle for second best. Today's contest at five and one-half furlongs
was for three year olds and upward which had never won three state-bred races
other than with Democrat the odds on favorite at 3 to 5. Democrat with Dennis
Carr in the saddle, quickly put a three and one-half length lead over Buckridge
Bailey while stopping the timer for the opening quarter in 22.64. Democrat continued
dictating the fractions with the half mile clocked in 46.06. Meanwhile I'm a
Yankee and Buckridge Bailey were taking dead aim on Democrat with a furlong
to go. I'm a Yankee was gaining ground with every stride but ran out of real-estate
and came up a nose short of victory. Buckridge Bailey finished third. Democrat
covered the distance over a fast track in 1:05.44 and earned $12,780. Bred by
John A. Nerud Revocable Trust, the five year old son of A. P. Jet out of Errors
by Colonial Affair now has six career wins out of only 13 starts and $150,747
in money won. Democrat also qualified for $ $2,556 in breeders' awards.
6/2/08, Rob's Boy Mat wires 8 in $20,900 NW2X feature by Matt Church
Lavern
and Kevin Bowman's ROB'S BOY MAT quickly disposed of his field and made
every pole a winning one to take today's 20,900 featured eighth race by two
and one-quarter lengths. Ridden to victory by Paul Nicol, this was Rob's Boy
Mat's first score over this upstate oval. The Lavern Bowman trained runner was
haltered for $20,000 back on June 22 of last year. That $20,000 claming race
was run at five and one-half furlongs where Rob's Boy Mat set pace to the top
of the lane but faded to run fifth as the 3 to 5 favorite. Today's contest was
restricted to three year olds and upward which had never won two state-bred
races other than going six furlongs. Eight rivals went to the starting gate
with Jeffrey Tucker's Ernie's Choice the even money favorite. Ernie's Choice
was coming off a rallying troubled trip in his last on May 19. In that test
going five and one-half furlongs, Ernie's Choice was forced ten wide into the
lane by Rob's Boy Mat and still closed extremely fast to miss by a nostril to
Star of Rome. Prior to that race, the John Morrison trained runner closed well
to finish third with similar but at four and one-half furlongs. Rob's Boy Mat
with the addition of blinkers, broke in stride and quickly opened up a length
and one-half length lead over Majestic Karakorum with the quarter clocked in
22.33. Ernie's Choice was saving all the ground and had four and one-half lengths
to make-up with the half mile going down in 45.41. Ernie's Choice was asked
for all he had but could not come close and wound-up finishing second by two
and one-quarter lengths. Rob's Boy Mat covered the distance over a fast track
in 1:11.80 and earned $12,540. Majestic Karakorum lasted for the show. Bred
by Michael Pascuma, the six year old gelding by Ormsby out of Ada Cort by Ends
Well now has five career wins out of 32 starts and $159,449 in money won. Also
the speedster qualified for $2,508 in breeders' awards.
6/1/08, Heresheis proves best in $20,900 feature by Matt Church
Glowing
Hill Farm's HERESHEIS circled foes into the stretch and under the whip
of Jose Gutierrez drove clear in the final sixteenth to capture today's $20,900
featured eighth race by two and three-quarter lengths. Trained by Terry Genecco,
Heresheis had not started since besting a field of conditioned $7,500 claimers
back on November 16 of last year. Today's contest was restricted to fillies
and mares which had never won two state-bred races other than going six furlongs.
Six well matched rivals were to set go with Charlton Baker's Jackies Dream the
chalk at $1.15 to 1. Jackies Dream was coming off a rallying third place finish
in her most recent on May 18. That race was with similar but going a distance
of five and one-half furlongs. The Baker trainee entered the stretch six wide
while making a run, she then had to alter course to the inside for room while
only beaten by less then two lengths to Sum Wish. Jackies Dream with Dennis
Carr in the irons rushedout and got the opening fraction in 23.36 with Dazzle
Me Darlin forcing the issue. Meanwhile Heresheis was well in hand and only a
length and one-half back in third. Jackies Dream reached the quarter pole in
46.02 with Heresheis to the outside and Dazzle Me Darlin in the middle. The
three rivals reached the eighth pole heads apart but to the average horse player,
you could see that Heresheis had plenty of gas left in her tank. Heresheis responded
to the whip and drove clear for a two and three-quarter length score. Jackies
Dream turned back Dazzle Me Darlin to secure the place. Heresheis covered the
distance over a fast track in 1:13.40 and earned $12,540. Also the Glowing Hill
Farm runner returned a cool $12.60. Bred by Thomas/Lankin, the six year old
mare by Petionville out of Daily Routine by Well Decorated now has five career
wins out of 31 starts and $106,142 in money won. Also, Heresheis qualified for
$1,254 in breeders' awards.
(5/31) Dream Runner ships in to earn Diploma in $22,800 "MSW" by Matt Church
Despite
being tough to load in the gate, David E. Ahern's DREAM RUNNER closed
determinedly to best Bluespowerhouse by three-quarters of a length in today's
$22,800 "MSW" for state-breds. Trained by Jon Buckley, Dream Runner was shipping
in from Aqueduct where the five year old gelding by Galloping Gael finished
second in his most recent on February 24. That test was with state-bred maiden
allowance rivals going six furlongs over the inner dirt. Prior to that race,
the Buckley trainee made his career debut on January 31 at the same oval where
he finished a respectable third to Jet Racer. Seven rivals were slated to start
with My Purple Haze Stable's Bluespowerhouse the$1.80 to 1 favorite. Bluespowerhouse
was coming off a runner-up finish to East Lake on May 20. That race was with
wide-open maidens going sixfurlongs. Trained by Bruce D. Anderson, Bluespowerhouse
came into this race with a record of three seconds, one third out five career
starts and $14,135 in earnings. Dream Runner with Gabriel Suarez in the saddle
was let go as the solid second choice at $1.90 to 1. Bluespowerhouse quickly
established the lead while getting the first fraction in 22.25. Just Driving
was stalking in second with Kaz Gold in third. Bluespowerhouse stopped the timer
for the half mile in 45.71 and a length one-half cushion over Just Driving.
Meanwhile, Dreaw Runner was let loose by Gabriel Suarez and the pair had only
a length and one-half to make-up with a furlong to go. Bluespowerhouse and Just
Driving reached the eighth pole heads apart. Dream Runner responded to pressure
and closed determinedly to best Bluespowerhouse for a three-quarters of a length
decision. Just Driving finished third. Dream Runner covered the distance over
a fast track in 1:13.40 and earned $13,680. Bred by his owner, the five year
old gelded son of Galloping
Gael out of Madison's Dream by Phone Trick also qualified for $$2,736 in
breeders' awards.
(5/30) Embrace Life wins $21,400 feature by Matt Church
Michael
A. Lecesse's owned and trained EMBRACE LIFE took the lead in midstretch
and drove clear to take today's $21,400 featured eighth race by two lengths.
Embrace Life had been away since finishing second back on November 19 of last
year. Lecesse had this one fit and ready to roll. It was not much of secret
though, because Embrace Life only returned $10.80. Today's contest was for three
year olds and upward which had never won two state-bred races other than going
one mile and seventy yards. Six rivals were set to go with Undocumented the
choice at 7 to 5. Trained by Karl M. Grusmark, Undocumented has won two out
his last three starts here this year. The four year old gelding by Distant View
got his first win of the year on April 21 against never won four allowance types
going four and one-half furlongs. Undocumented missed by a half length in his
next try as the chalk but came back with vengeance to the get money in his next
start by just over five lengths. Smartthinkin' tony with Michael Davila in the
saddle got the first quarter by a length in 25.22 and then the half mile in
50.35 by the same margin over Dr. Quirk. Smartthinkin'tony opened up a three
and one-half length lead at the top of the lane with the three-quarters going
in 1:16.30. Undocumented was making a move along with Embrace Life. Embrace
Life and Undocumented collared the pacesetter from both sides with a furlong
to go. Embrace Life kicked into gear and drove clear for a two length score.
Undocumented hung in the crucial stages while Dr. Quirk bested the latter for
the place by two lengths. Embrace Life covered the distance over fast track
in 1:47.08 and earned $12,840. Bred by his owner, the four year old gelding
by Rock and Roll out
of Mer Babe by Cam a Rhett now has four career wins out of 17 starts and $74,686
in money won. Also the home-bred runner qualified for $2,568 in breeders' awards.
(5/27) Citrine wires 6 in $21,300 feature by Matt Church
My
Purple Haze Stable's CITRINE took command on the turn and then under
the whip captured today's $21,300 featured eighth race by two and one-quarter
lengths. This was Citrine's second straight win. Trained by Chris Englehart,
the six year old mare by Rodeo made her first start of the year back on April
22 with NW2X going four and one-half furlongs. In that test, Citrine tracked
Sister Ship throughout but could not get any closer then two and one-quarter
lengths in second. The seven time winner came right back in the same condition
and broke in stride making every pole a winning one by just under four lengths.
Today's contest at six furlongs was restricted to fillies and mares which had
never won three state-bred races other than. Six rivals broke from the starting
gate with Gabrielle Farm's Belmont invader Margies Smile the choice at 6 to
5. Citrine was let go at a nice $3.55 to 1. Citrine with John Davila up, got
the first quarter in 22.81 and a half length cushion over Sister Ship and Margies
Smile. Citrine opened up a commanding three and one-half length advantage with
the half mile going down in 46.23. Sister Ship was still stalking while Margies
Smile was going backwards. Citrine put five lengths on Gattinara with a furlong
to go and then went on with it to prove the best today by two and one-quarter
lengths. Gattinara was gaining on the winner but had to settle for second best
by three lengths over Sister Ship in third. Citrine covered the distance over
a fast track in 1:11.84 and earned $12,780. Bred by William Punk Jr and Philip
DiLeo, the six year old mare by Rodeo out of Erins Eyes by Boundary now has
seven career wins out of 28 starts and $117,822 in money won. Also the good
now runner qualified for $2,556 in breeders' awards.
(5/26) Johnie Bye Night wins third straight $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap by Matt Church
Charlton
Baker's owned and trained JOHNIE
BYE NIGHT turned back stablemate Mr. Bourbon Street and proved best
for the third straight year in the $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap. Carrying
highweight of 122 pounds and John Davila Jr., Johnie Bye Night now five wins
over this oval and $185,830 in winnings here. Johnie Bye Night had a trip over
this upstate oval back on April 19 but could not catch Fifty Seven G and wound-up
finishing second beaten a length. That test was a $26,500 overnight Handicap
at four and one-half furlongs. Today's contest was restricted to three year
olds and upward bred in the state of New York going six furlongs. Six tough
competitors were set to go with Johnie Bye Night the favorite at $1.35 to 1.
Also taking plenty action at the windows as the second choice at $1.50 to 1
was Maurice W. Miller and Thomas F. Van Meter's What a Tale. What a Tale had
never seen this track and last raced at Belmont Park on May 3, where he wired
of field of 11 NW2X state-breds by six and one-half lengths. The Bruce N. Levine
trained runner has been lightly raced with a record of three wins, two seconds
and one third in only nine career starts. Johnie Bye Night and the H. James
Bond trained Zipperoo rushed out and got the opening quarter in a very quick
21.52 and a solid three length lead over Mr. Bourbon Street. Johnie Bye Night
disposed of Zipperoo leaving the backstretch and opened up a commanding four
and one-half length cushion while getting the half mile in a sizzling 43.72.
Mr. Bourbon Street was let loose by Dennis Carr and only had a length and one-half
to make-up with a furlong to go. Johnie Bye Night responded readily to Davila's
urging and the pair turned back Mr. Bourbon Street for a three-quarters of a
length score. Zipperoo held on well to secure the show. What a Tale ducked in
sharply at the start bothering Goldispretty and was disqualified by the stewards
from a well beaten fourth to fifth. Johnie Bye Night covered the distance over
a fast track in 1:10.65 and earned $30,000. Bred by Kristen LeBlanc, the six
year old gelded son of Langfuhr out of Romantic Interlude by French Deputy now
has eight career wins out of 16 starts and a whopping $264,688 in money won.
Also the running machine qualified for $3,000 in breeders' awards.
(5/25) Point Me to It romps in $21,000 NW1X by Matt Church
Oakwood
Stable's POINT ME TO IT grabbed the lead in upper stretch and drew off
to score by four lengths in today's $21,000 NW1X seventh race. Trained by Daniel
H. Conway Jr, this was Point Me to It's second straight win. The five year old
mare by Precise End bested Texas Starlet in a long stretch battle on May 5 by
a neck. That test was for never won three allowance types going one mile and
forty yards. Prior to that, the Conway trained runner shipped in from Aqueduct
and finished a respectable third with NW1X going four and one-half furlongs.
Today's test at one mile and seventy yards was restricted to fillies and mares
which had never won a state-bred race other than. A field of nine including
a Mikhael Rolffs trained entry of Sarahsthejudge and Lunar Chip were ready to
go. Playtime Stable's Regal Playtime who was coming off a two and one-half length
score was the 4 to 5 favorite. Trained by Charlton Baker, Regal Playtime ran
at Aqueduct prior to her score here with NW1X going seven and one-half furlongs
where she faded to run seventh. Texas Starlet quickly assumed the lead and got
the first fraction in 23.64. Regal Playtime was tracking in second with Point
Me to It unhurried in sixth. The half mile went in 47.66. Regal Playtime collared
Texas Starlet on the last turn and entered the stretch with a length and one-half
advantage over Point Me to It. The three-quarters was clocked in 1:13.50. Point
Me to It collared Regal Playtime in gear and put her away like she was tied.
Point Me to It was kept to the whip by Nazario Alvarado and the duo proved best
by four lengths. Cupids Gallop who checked midway on the final turn, rallied
to clearly best Lunar Chip for the place by six lengths. Point Me to It covered
the distance over a fast track in 1:46.25 and earned $12,600. Bred by Thomas/Lankin,
the five year old daughter of Precise End out Conomo Point by Steinlen(GB) now
has four career wins out of 33 starts and $134,444 in money won. Also, the good
now runner qualified for $2,520 in breeders' awards.
(5/24) Precise Melody earns diploma at first asking in $22,800 "MSW" by Matt Church
Lenoxx
Hill Thoroughbreds' PRECISE MELODY put Idon'tlikeanyone away in upper
stretch and then widened to take today's featured seventh race by five lengths.
Trained by Jeremiah C. Englehart, Precise Melody had a bullet workout to her
credit going three-furlongs out of the gate on May 19. The three year old filly
by Precise End got the distance in 34.60 breezing. Today's featured race was
for fillies and mares bred in the state of New York going six furlongs. Seven
rivals were at the post with Michael Schrader's Idon'tlikeanyone the luke warm
choice at $2.45 to 1. Trained by John Tebbutt, Idon'tlikeanyone was coming off
a second place finish to Clueless Brook in her first start of the year on May
10. That test was at five and one-half furlongs, where Idon'tlikeanyone contested
the lead to midstretch but could not handle the winner was beaten by six lengths.
Prior to the start of that dash, Idon'tlikeanyone was slow to load in the gate
and may not have run her best race. Ridden by Elaine Castillo, Idon'tlikeanyone
broke well and went out and contested the lead with Precise Melody. The first
quarter was clocked in 22.67. The pair reached the top of the lane with a commanding
five length advantage over I'm Top Self in third with the half mile going in
46.35. Precise Melody gave Idon'tlikeanyone the slip and opened up a two length
lead with I'm Top Shelf making her run on the outside. Precise Melody had plenty
of gas left in her tank and was never in jeopardy as she proved clearly the
best with a five length romp in the park. I'm Top Shelf closed well to best
Catina Park by almost three lengths to secure the place. Precise Melody covered
the distance over a fast track in 1:13.28. Precise Melody earned $13,680 for
her maiden score and returned $7.00. Bred by B. D. Gibbs Farm LLC, the three
year old daughter of Precise End out of Crafty Melody by Crafty Prospector also
qualified for $1,368 in breeders' awards.
(5/23) Canadian invader Just Fine scores in $20,500 FL feature by Matt Church
Hugh
W. Blackmore's JUST FINE shipped in from Fort Erie and rallied to best
eight others in today's $20,500 featured third race by two lengths. The Daniel
J. Poliziani trained runner just down a field of condition $5,000 claimers by
a length and one-half. That race was over a good track going five furlongs on
May 4, with Just Fine getting the distance in 59.19. Today's contest going six
furlongs was restricted to fillies and mares which had never won a state-bred
race other than. Eight rivals were ready to start with Acclaimed Racing Stable's
Horrible Jean the chalk at $1.60 to 1. Trained by Michael A. Lecesse, Horrible
Jean had been out once this year and that was on May 2, where the five year
old mare by High Yield finished runner-up to the good now Cleverly Regal. Horrible
Jean tracked the winner throughout in that NW1X five furlong test and finished
only a length one-quarter back in second. Horrible Jean with Pedro Rodriguez
up, rushed out and contested the lead with Lovely Senorita. The pair got the
opening quarter in 22.33. Just Fine was three lengths back in fourth. Lovely
Senorita put a half length over Horrible Herb at the top of the lane with the
half mile clocked in 45.82. Just Fine was making his move and only had three
and one-half lengths to cover with a quarter of a mile to go. Just Fine responded
to Grabowski's whip and they collared the pacesetters in gear with a furlong
remaining. Grabowski kept Just Fine to the task and the duo drew clear for a
two length score. Horrible Jean and Lovely Senorita finished on even terms for
the place. Just Fine covered the distance over a fast track in 1:13.05 and earned
$12,300. Bred by James Cassidy, the six year old mare by Crafty Friend out Ceridwen
by Lord Avie now has five career wins out of 38 starts and $76,143 in money
won. Also the Canadian invader qualified for $1,230 in breeders' awards.
(5/19) Star of Rome rallies at 17 to 1 to take $20,900 feature by Matt Church
Tracy
Page's STAR OF ROME kicked it into high gear to take the lead late and
then turned back odds on Ernie's Choice to take today's $20,900 featured eighth
race by a whisker and return $37.80. Trained by Michael I. Progno, Star of Rome
made his first start of the year on May 5 with NW2X going five furlongs and
finished a very respectable third to American Senor. Today's contest at five
and one-half furlongs was for three year olds upward which had never won two
state-bred races other than with an optional claiming price of $10,000. Seven
rivals went to the post with Jeffrey Tucker's Ernie's Choice the chalk at 8
to 5. Ernie's Choice was coming off a solid third place finish in his first
start of the 2008 season. That test was at four and one-half furlongs for NW2X
with Ernie's choice let go at odds of better than five to 1. It appeared the
fans at this upstate oval figured Ernie's Choice needed that one and was going
to get the money today! Joe E. Marino's Cured was coming off a front-running
score in his last and was sent right to Bill Daily by jockey Michael Davila.
Cured got the opening quarter in 22.30 with Thirteen Mil stalking. Meanwhile,
Ernie's Choice and Star of Rome were fighting it out for last. Cure got the
half mile in 45.95 and then opened up a four length lead with a furlong to go.
Star of Rome was getting into gear with five lengths to cover and Ernie's Choice
was forced out ten wide into the lane and had six and one-half lengths to make-up.
Star of Rome rallied to take the lead in the late stages and then was all out
to turn back Ernie's Choice for a nose decision. Cured finished third while
only beaten three-quarters of a length. Star of Rome covered the distance over
a fast track in 1:06.15 and earned 12,540. Bred by his trainer, the nine year
old gelding by Risen Roman out of Star Spangle by Stalwart now has 7 career
wins out of 50 starts and $90,005 in money won. Also Star of Rome qualified
for $2,508 in breeders' awards.
05/18/08, Sum Wish gets job done in $20,900 FL feature by Matt Church
Aaron
Racing Stable's SUM WISH moved to challenge for the lead at the top of
the lane and then under steady pressure turned back the late running Pegasus
Prospector to capture today's $20,900 featured eighth race by a length. Trained
by Jeremiah Englehart, Sum Wish scored in her first outing this year by just
over four lengths going four and one-half furlongs on April 21. The daughter
of Rizzi came back with NW2X at five furlongs on May 6 where she chased Citrine
throughout and finished second best. 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. Six rivals were ready to start with Antlone Racing's Cleverly
Regal the choice at $1.70 to 1. Trained by Daniel H. Conway Jr, Cleverly Regal
was coming off an impressive wire-to wire tally over nine NW1X going five furlongs
That was Cleverly Regal's first start of the 2008 racing season. Second choice
in the wagering was Sum Wish at $2.05 to 1. Cleverly Regal with Nazario Alvarado
in the irons, broke in stride and opened up a length and one-half over Sum Wish
with the first quarter timed in 22.14. Sum Wish moved with authority along the
five path to collar Cleverly Regal at the top of the lane and the battle was
set. The half mile went down in 46.03. Sum Wish responded readily to pressure
from Jeremias Flores and the pair put Cleverly Regal away. Pegasus Prospector
was making a late run but Sum Wish had her measured and proved best by a length.
Jackies Dream took the overland route and finished well to earn the showover
Cleverly Regal in fourth. Sum Wish covered the distance over a sealed good track
in 1:06.71 and earned $12,540. Bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds, Inc., the five
year old mare by Rizzi
out of Ste Charlotte by St. Jovite now has five career wins out of 14 starts
and $75,724 in money won. Also, Sum Wish qualified for $2,508 in breeders' awards.
(5/17) Rock and Roll Roan proves best in wide-open $17,600 feature by Matt Church
Lorraine
E. Barberino's ROCK AND ROLL ROAN collared Will He Count in midstretch
and edged clear late to capture today's wide-open $17,600 featured eighth race
by a length and one-quarter. Trained by M. Anthony Ferraro, Rock and Roll Roan
ran five times at Tampa Bay Downs over the winner with his best finish a second
with $8,000 claimers. Rock and Roll Roan made his first start over this oval
on April 22 with never won two allowance types going four and one-half furlongs
where he finished seventh. The Ferraro trainee came back going long on May 2
with similar and chased Dodwell to no avail but finished a very respectable
second. Today's contest at one mile and seventy yards was for wide-open three
year olds and upward which have never won two races. Six rivals went to the
post with Rock and Roll Roan the 3 to 5 choice. Mark T. Jordan's Will He Count
was the second choice at $3.70 to 1. Trained by leading conditioner Chris Englehart,
Will He Count was coming off his maiden score on May 2 going one mile and forty
yards. Will He Count made every pole a winning one in that score and returned
$3.60. Will He Count with John Davila in the saddle, broke alertly and got the
opening number 24.03. Rock and Roll Roan was tracking a length back with the
half mile clocked in 48.16. Will He Count made it to the quarter pole with a
length and one-half lead over the chalk in 1:13.20. Rock and Roll Roan moved
to challenge Will He Count in midstretch and under pressure edged clear from
that one to score by a length and one-quarter. Rock and Roll Roan covered the
distance over fast track in 1:45.86 and earned $10,560. Mac Stylish finished
third beaten almost nine lengths. Bred by Lorraine E. Barberino, the four year
old gelding by Rock and
Roll out of Modern Miracle by I'ma Hell Raiser now has two career wins out
of 16 tries and $34,269 in money. Also the home-bred runner qualified for $1,560
in breeders' awards.
(5/16) Rises the Phoenix makes it three straight in wide-open $27,000 route by Matt Church
Oakwood
Stable's RISES THE PHOENIX took the lead in gear with a furlong to go
and then drew off to take today's wide-open $27,000 third race by four lengths.
Trained by Daniel H. Conway Jr, this was Rises the Phoenix third straight tally.
Before today's romp in the park, the seven year old son of Lion Cavern drew
off against wide-open NW2X going one mile and seventy yards over the inner track
at Aqueduct. Prior to that, the Conway Jr trained good now runner, bested a
group of wide-open $20,000 claimers at the same distance and oval. Today's contest
at one mile and seventy yards was for wide-open three year olds and upward.
Rhythmn Master was shipping in from Laurel Racecourse and was let go as the
favorite at $1.30 to 1. The five year old Maryland bred runner had been away
since finishing fifth in the state-bred $300,000 Mid-Mile Classic on October
13 of last year. Prior to that race, Rhythmn Master proved best by a nose around
two turns with NW3X at Delaware Park on September 29. Ferentino Farm and Charlton
Baker's Brocco Valley was the second choice at $2.50 to 1 with Rises the Phoenix
going off at $3.60 to 1. Brocco Valley with Pedro Rodriguez aboard, quickly
put seven lengths on Rises to Phoenix with opening quarter clocked in 24.05.
Brocco Valley continued dictating the pace with a lengthy lead. The half mile
went down in 47.34 and reached the quarter pole in 1:12.05 and a diminishing
two length lead over Rises to Phoenix. Brocco Valley was soon collared by Rises
to Phoenix with a furlong to go and then drew off to score by four lengths.
Brocco Valley finished five lengths to the good over Rhythmn Master in third.
Rises the Phoenix covered the distance under cloudy skies and over a fast strip
in 1:41.98 and earned $16,200. Bred by Bruce Raymond Grossman and Keith Dickstein,
the seven year old horse by Lion Cavern out of Laura's Bet by Ultramate now
has seven career wins out of 33 starts and $255,134 in money won. Also the state-bred
runner qualified for $1,620 in breeders' awards.
(5/13) Undocumented takes $20,500 feature by Matt Church
Undocumented
Racing Stable's UNDOCUMENTED took control in upper stretch and drew off
to take today's $20,500 featured eighth race by five and one-quarter lengths.
Ridden to victory by Omar Camejo, this was Undocumented's second win out three
starts on the year. Today's contest at one mile and seventy yards was restricted
to three year olds and upward which had never won a state-bred race other than.
Seven rivals went to the post with Undocumented the 4 to 5 chalk. Trained by
Karl M. Grusmark, Undocumented is coming off a solid runner-up performance on
April 28. That test was with similar at mile and forty yards. Undocumented took
the lead in that dash on the final bend and then was bested late by Time Piece
while missing by a half length. Prior to that race, the four year gelding by
Distant View came flying to get the money by a half length over Tough Shipmate.
That test was at four and one-half furlongs and never won four allowance types.
Also taking action at the windows was Nick E. Wilson's owned and trained Mamas
Icecream Man. Mamas Icecream Man finished two and one-quarter lengths behind
Undocumented in his first trip over this upstate oval. Prior to that race, the
four year old gelding by Well Noted raced with $5,000 claimers at Penn National
on April 10 were he finished fourth beaten less than four lengths. My Purple
Haze Stable's Bold Jeweller was let go as the second choice at 2 to 1. Bold
Jeweller was coming off a five length score at Mountaineer Park. Lion Song grabbed
the lead and got the opening quarter in 23.85. Bold Jeweller tracked outside
with Undocumented not in any hurry in third. The half mile went in 48.61. Undocumented
and Bold Jeweller collared Lion Song nearing the quarter pole and the three
entered the lane heads apart. The six furlongs was clocked in 1:14.00. Undocumented
was let loose by Camejo and they put a quick three and one-half length lead
over Bold Jeweller and Lion Song. Undocumented widened through the final eighth
to win by just over five lengths with Bold Jeweller besting Lion Song for the
place. Undocumented covered the distance over a fast track in 1:45.21 and earned
$12,600. Bred by Stoneybrook Farm, the four year old gelded son of Distant View
out of Slacks by High Brite now has five career wins out of 17 starts and $81,034
in money won. Also the good now runner qualified for $1,260 in breeders' awards.
(5/12) Karakorum Knockout scores in Lakes $20,500 NW1X feature by Matt Church
M.
Anthony Ferraro's owned and trained KARAKORUM KNOCKOUT responded under
John Grabowski and bested Nantasket by a neck in a long stretch battle to take
today's $20,500 featured seventh race. Karakorum Knockout spent the winter at
Aqueduct with little success. The five year old mare by Good and Tough shipped
back hereand finished fourth beaten almost six lengths on May 2. That test was
with NW1X going five furlongs. Today's contest was restricted to fillies and
mares which had never won a state-bred race other than going five and one-half
furlongs. Seven rivals were set to start with M. Anthony Ferraro's trained entry
of Karakorum Knockout and Lovely Senorita the choice at $1.05 to 1. The second
choice in the wagering at 8 to 5 was Jonathan Kaufman's Mudder in Law. Trained
by Michael A. Lecesse, Mudder in Law had not started since finishing third with
wide-open $35,000 claimers at Monmouth Park on June 29. Mudder in Law last visited
the winner's circle at Monmouth Park a year ago to the day when she downed a
field of $20,000 claimers by a length and one-half. Lovely Senorita, Nantasket
and Mudder in Law were heads apart with the first quarter clocked in 23.16.
Nantasket and Lovely Senorita shook clear of the rest by two lengths with the
half mile going down in 47.45. Meanwhile, Karakorum Knockout was angled to the
outside for clear sailing and collared the leaders with a furlong to go. Karakorum
Knockout responded to steady urging from hot riding John A. Grabowski and the
pair bested Nantasket by a neck. Explosive Impact closed strongly to nail down
the show spot. Karakorum Knockout covered the distance over a fast track in
1:07.20 and earned $12,300. Bred by Joey's Pleasure Breeding Stable, the five
year old daughter of Good and Tough out of Joey's Pleasure by Bold Josh now
has four career wins out of 36 starts and $153.240 in money won. Also the hard
knocking runner qualified for $2,460 in breeders' awards.
(5/9) Tough Shipmate romps in $21,300 NW3X Feature by Matt Church
Heatherwood
Farm's TOUGH SHIPMATE missed in his local debut here on April 21 but
came back with a convincing score in today's $21,300 featured eighth race by
three and three-quarter lengths. Trained by Jon Buckley, Tough Shipmate shipped
in here from Aqueduct and almost wired a field of never won four allowance types
but couldn't handle the late running Undocumented and was denied the win by
a half length. Today's contest was restricted to three year olds and upward
which had never won three state-bred races other than going five-eighths of
a mile. Six solid runners were set to go with Edward C. Perdue's six time winner
Buckrigde Bailey the odds on choice at 4 to 5. The four year old son of Good
and Tough had been away since wiring a field of NW2X on November 19 by a length.
The Purdue trained runner came into this dash with six wins, one third out of
eight career starts and earnings of $70,602. Also taking action at 7 to 2 was
Mark Valentine's Soulshine. Trained by Sal Iorio, Soulshine trounced a field
of five $20,000 claimers by just over three lengths. Buckridge Bailey with Carlos
V. Dominquez in the saddle, ducked out at the start but quickly put two and
one-half lengths on Tough Shipmate. The first quarter went down in a fast 22.31.
Buckridge Bailey widened to a three and one-half length advantage with a quarter
of a mile to go. Tough Shipmate was angled out for the drive and collared Buckridge
Bailey in midstretch. The pair battled briefly but Tough Shipmate was way too
much for Buckridge Bailey today and went on to score in fine fashion by three
and three-quarters of a length. Tough Shipmate covered the distance over a fast
track in 57.91 and earned $12,780. Bred by Edna P. Bensen, the five year old
gelding by Good and Tough out of Pollee by Salt Lake now has four career wins
out of only 12 tries and $119,246 in money won. Also the convincing winner qualified
for $2,556 in breeders' awards and returned $7.80.
(5/6) Citrine gets job done in $20,900 NW2X by Matt Church
My
Purple Haze Stable's CITRINE put favorite Sum Wish away in upper stretch
and then drew clear to win today's $20,900 featured eighth race by four and
three-quarter lengths. The Chris Englehart trainee did not a win race last year
but did earn $20,512. Prior to 2006, the six year old mare by Rodeo had 5 wins,
5 seconds, three thirds and earned a whopping $105.282. It appears Englehart
may have Citrine back to her old winning ways. Ridden to victory by John R.
Davila, Citrine made her first start of the year on April 22 with NW2X going
four and one-half furlongs. The six time winner stalked throughout but lacked
the late needed response and wound-up second beaten a length and one-quarter.
Today's contest at five furlongs was restricted to fillies and mares which had
never won two state-bred races other than. Six rivals were ready to roll with
Aaron Racing Stable's Sum Wish the favorite at 4 to 5. The Jeremiah C. Englehart
trainee was coming off a solid score in her debut here on April 21. The five
year old mare by Rizzi drew off by just over four lengths over a field of 10
NW1X going four and one-half furlongs. Sum Wish and Citrine rushed out to contest
the lead with the opening fraction clocked in 22.54. The pair reached the quarter
pole a half length a part and a gap of three and one-half lengths back to She'stenontop
in third. Citrine responded readily when roused and opened up two and one-half
lengths on Sun Wish. Davila put the stick away and Citrine coasted home to a
four and three-quarter length score. Sum Wish finished second by just over four
lengths to Soft Expression in third. Citrine covered the distance over a fast
track in 58.57 and earned $12,540. Bred by William Punk Jr and Philip DiLeo,
the six year old mare by Rodeo out of Erins Eyes by Boundary now has six wins
out of 56 starts and $$117,822 in money won. Also the hard knocking mare qualified
for $2,508 in breeders' awards.
(5/5) American Senor scores in $20,900 feature by Matt Church
Mark
Valentine's AMERICAN SENOR took the overland route and still rallied
to take today's $20,900 featured eighth race by a half length. Ridden to victory
by the hot ridding Dennis Carr, this was American Senor's second start ever
over this upstate oval. The Sal Iorio Jr trained runner was sent off as the
7 to 5 favorite in first start here on April 22 with NW2X going four and one-half
furlongs. In that test, American Senor was in striking distance throughout but
weakened to finish fourth beaten five lengths to I'm a Yankee. Today's test
at five furlongs was for three year olds and upward which had never won two
state-bred races other than. Seven rivals were set to go with Michael A. Lecesse's
trained entry of Freddy the Cap and Run Mikey Run the chalk at 8 to 5. Three
Alert Stable's Run Mikey Run was coming off a three-quarter length tally in
his last on April 22. The Lecesse trainer runner gained the lead at the eighth
pole and held on gamely to turn back Executive Shane. That test was with NW1X.
Majestic Karakorum with John Davila in the saddle broke quickly and got the
first quarter in 22.57 with Run Mikey Run and Rob's Boy Mat tracking a half
length a part. Majestic Karakorum continued dictating the pace with the half
mile going down in 46.18. Meanwhile, American Senor was making a five wide move
and collared Majestic Karakorum with a furlong to go. The two battled heads
apart until the late stages when American Senor responded and proved best by
a half length. Star of Rome closed some ground to finish third beaten three-lengths.
The Lecesse trained entry never fired and finished forth and seventh. American
Senor got the distance over a fast track in 58.57 and returned $6.00. Also the
Mark Valentine owned runner earned $12,540. Bred by Robert Perez, the four year
old gelding by Senor Speedy out of Kelly's Standard by American Standard now
has 9 career wins out of only 29 starts and $133,110 in the bank. Also, American
Senor qualified for $$2,508 in breeders' awards.
(5/02) Cleverly Regal wires 9 in $20,500 NW1X by Matt Church
Athlone
Racing's CLEVERLY REGAL gained the advantage from the outset and never
looked back to take today's $20,500 featured eighth race by a length and one-quarter.
Ridden to victory by Nazario Alvarado, trainer Daniel H. Conway Jr had Cleverly
Regal fit and ready to go in her 2008 debut. Cleverly Regal had not raced since
finishing a close-up third with similar on November 30 of 2007. Today's contest
was restricted to fillies and mares which had never won a state-bred race other
than going five-eighths of a mile over a sealed fast track. Nine rivals including
a M. Anthony Ferraro trained entry of Karakorum Knockout and Lovely Senorita
were set to go with the latter the odds on choice at .75 cents on the dollar.
Karakorum Knockout was recently claimed by Ferraro for $10,000 at Aqueduct where
she finished ninth. Nicholas S. Laneve's Lovely Senorita was coming off a solid
score here on April 21 over conditioned $5,000 claimers going four and one-furlongs.
Prior to that the Ferraro trained runner had been running at Penn National.
Cleverly Regal was sent to the front by Alvarado and they got the opening quarter
in 22.10. Stalking in second was Horrible Herb. Cleverly Regal opened up a commanding
three length lead at the quarter pole with the half mile going down in 45.77.
Horrible Herb was still in the stalking mode with Lovely Senorita six lengths
back in fifth. Cleverly Regal maintained a length lead with a furlong to go
and then proved best by a length and one-quarter of Horrible Herb. Karakormkipnitreal
finished third. Lovely Senorita closed for fourth beaten almost six lengths.
Cleverly Regal covered the distance over a fast sealed surface in 58.66 and
returned $10.40. Cleverly Regal also earned $12,300 for her wire-to-wire winning
performance. Bred by Daniel J. Burke, the five year old mare by Phone Trick
out of Regal Ruby by Rubiano now has five career scores out of 15 starts and
$70,250 in money won. Also the Burke bred speedster qualified for $2,460 breeders'
awards.
(4/29) Thirteen Mil gets the job done in $20,500 feature by Matt Church
Mike
Haers and Char Allie Stable's THIRTEEN MIL put away the late bid of Roscommon
Express to take today's $20,500 featured eighth race by a?neck. Listed as the
1 to 2 choice on the program by track oddsmaker Carl Anderson, Thirteen Mil
returned $6.50. Trained by Charlton Baker, Thirteen Mil had been away since
he finished second to Emily's Choice on November 17. That test was with NW1X
going six furlongs. Today's contest was for three year olds and upward which
had never won a state-bred race other than going four and one-half furlongs.
Seven rivals were set to go with Joseph E. Marino's recently claimed Cured for
$6,000 at Charles Town Racecourse the choice at 8 to 5. Cured has tons of speed
and this distance should be right up his alley. Michael Davila aboard Cured
could not get the lead over Strong Case. Strong Case got the opening quarter
in 22.30 with Thirteen Mil stalking a length and one-half?a Cured?a length behind
the latter. Thirteen Mil collared Strong Case in upper stretch and put a length
on Cured with a furlong to go. Meanwhile, Roscommon Express was angled out for
running room and had just under two lengths to cover. Thirteen Mil responded
to Pedro Rodriguez' whip and the duo turned back the late charge of Roscommon
Express for a neck decision. Cured finished a respectable third beaten only
a length and one-quarter. Thirteen Mil covered the distance over a fast track
in 53.32 and earned $12,300. Bred by Community of the Way, the six year old
gelding by Millions
out of Thirteenth Month by Golden Act now has five career wins out of 38 tries
and $115,868 in money won. Also the five time winner qualified for $2,460 in
breeders' awards.
(4/28) Time Piece proves best in $21,000 NW1X Feature by Matt Church
Edward
Lipton's TIME PIECE shipped in from Charles Town Racecourse and in a
gutsy performance came back on to score in today's $21,000 featured eighth race
by a half length. Trained by Donna Bireta, Time Piece last raced at Charles
Town Racecourse on February 8 with wide never won three carrying a $10,000 price
tag. In that one mile and one-eighth test, Time Piece was in striking position
running second entering the stretch and had three and one-half lengths to make-up,
but could not find the needed response and finished second best to Blue Ash.
Today's contest was for three year olds and upward which had never won a state-bred
race other than going one mile and forty yards. Seven rivals were ready to go
with Undocumented Racing Stable's Undocumented the chalk at $1.10 to 1. Trained
by Karl M. Grusmark, Undocumented was coming off a half length tally going four
and one-half furlongs in his first start on year. That test was run over a fast
track and for never four allowance types. Also taking action at $3.60 to 1 was
Time Piece. Time Piece with Jermias Flores up, rushed out to contest the lead
with Rodando and Almaviva with the opening fraction going in 24.38. Time Piece
shook loose after the half mile went in 48.65. Undocumented was let loose by
Omar Camejo and they collared Time Piece leaving the backstretch. Undocumented
reached the top of the lane with a length advantage over Time Piece. The six
furlongs was clocked in 1:14.06. Time Piece never gave up and came back on to
move along side Undocumented with a furlong to go. Flores got Time Piece to
respond and the pair proved best by a half length. MamasIcecream Man rallied
to finish third. Time Piece covered the distance over sealed good track in 1:43.95
and earned $12,600. Bred by Denlea Park Ltd, the four year old gelding by Gilded
Time out of Criminal Princess by Criminal Type now has five career wins out
of 23 tries and $67,184 in money won. Also the hard knocking state-bred runner
qualified for $1,260 breeders awards.
(4/22) Zipperoo wires 6 in $21,300 feature by Matt Church
Christine
M. Burns, Tina Marie Bond and Philip R. Wegman's. ZIPPEROO narrowly made
a every pole a winning one to capture today's $21,300 featured eighth race by
three and one-half lengths. Trained by New York City based H. James Bond, Zipperoo
was shipping in from Aqueduct where he finished fourth in his last with wide-open
NW2X going six furlongs over the inner-dirt. That was only Zipperoo's second
start on the year. The four year old gelding by City Zip made his last start
of the 2007 racing season here on November 30. That test was at six furlongs
with state-breds NW3X. The Bond trainee was sent off the 8 to 5 favorite in
the that dash but never fired and finished fifth beaten four and one-half lengths.
Today's test at four and one-half furlongs was for three year olds and upward
which had never won three state-bred races other than. Six rivals were set to
go with Zipperoo the choice at $1.20 to 1. Also getting plenty of attention
at the betting windows was Repole Stable's True Wood. True Wood was also shipping
in from Aqueduct where he finished 2nd to Strummer going five and one-half furlongs
over the inner track was dismissed at $1.25 to 1. Zipperoo with John Grabowski
astride rushed out and contested the lead with True Wood with the opening quarter
clocked in 22.66. Stalking the pacesetters in third was Sizzling Saint. The
two leaders reached the eighth pole heads apart with the half mile going down
in 46.13. Meanwhile, Sizzling Saint was angled out for running room and appeared
to be in gear. Zipperoo responded readily when roused and put True Wood away
and went on to score by three and one-half lengths. True Wood and Sizzling Saint
finished in a dead heat for the runner-up spot. Zipperoo covered the distance
over fast track in 52.47 and earned $12,780. Bred by Dr. Michael Galvin, the
four year old gelded son of City Zip out of Hugmelikeyouloveme out of Notebook
now has five career wins out of only 13 tries and $172,848 in money won. Also
the Dr. Galvin bred runner qualified for $2,556 in breeders awards.
(4/21) Sum Wish whistles in $20,500 FL feature by Matt Church
Aaron
Racing Stable's SUM WISH took command leaving the eighth pole and then
drew off with every stride to take today's $20,500 featured eighth race by a
commanding four and one-quarter lengths. Trained by Jeremiah Englehart and ridden
to victory by Jeremias Flores, Sum Wish finished second in this condition here
in her last start on November 17, 2007. In that race, Jockey Paul Nicol could
not control Sum Wish and the pair were disqualified and place third. Today's
contest at four and one-half furlongs was restricted to fillies and mares which
had never won a state-bred race other than. Ten rivals were set to go with Sum
Wish the chalk at 6 to 5. Sum Wish was set at 5 to 1 by tracked odds maker Carl
Anderson. Also taking action at $3.75 to 1 was Point Me to It. Trained by Daniel
H. Conway Jr, Point Me to It last raced at Aqueduct on February 27 with NW1X
going one mile and seventy yards. Sent off at $61.50 to 1in that dash, Point
Me to It finished sixth beaten just over 10 lengths. A.P. Glitter with Dennis
Carr in the saddle, rushed out to contest the lead with Villanueva. The pair
opened up a length on Sum Wish with the first fraction going down in 23.49.
Sum Wish moved like a winner at take on A.P. Glitter in midstretch and then
drew off as the much the best to score by just over four lengths. The half mile
was clocked in 47.37. Villanueva finished second best by two lengths over Point
Me to It in third. Sum Wish covered the distance over a fast track in 53.92
and earned $12,300. Bred by Sez Who Thoroughbreds, the Gray or Roan Mare by
Rizzi out of Ste Charlotte
by St. Jovite now has four career wins out of 12 tries and $59,004 in money
won. Also the four time winner qualified for $2,460 in breeders' awards.
(4/19) Lycense to Win scores at 9 to 1 in $20,500 Feature by Matt Church
Miller
Farm's LYCENSE TO WIN rallied to score in today's $20,500 featured seventh
race by a length and one-quarter. Trained by James Miller Pettine, Lycense to
Win shipped in from Aqueduct with three races under his belt. The six year old
gelded son of Lycius last raced over the inner dirt on February 9 with NW1X
gong six furlongs where he finished last beaten 14 lengths to Gold Shamrock.
Prior to that the six time winner finished a well beaten fifth at the same distance
and condition. Today's contest going the traditional opening day distance of
four and one-half furlongs was for three year olds and upward which had not
a state bred race other than. Eight rivals were set to go with Michael J. Divitto's
Fresh Episode the even money choice. Trained by Debra Divitto, Fresh Episode
had been away since getting the money at Saratoga on August 7 of last year.
The four year by Freud proved best over nine $25,000 claimers going six and
one-half furlongs. With David Rivera astride Fresh Episode, the pair rushed
out to contest the lead with Strong Case. The first quarter went down in 22.57
with a gap six lengths back to Roscommon Express in third. Fresh Episode slipped
away from Strong Case by a length with a furlong to go. Meanwhile, Lycense to
Win was gaining ground along the fence and was only two lengths back in third.
Carlos Dominguez aboard Lycense to Win angled him out some and collared the
favorite in gear with the half mile clocked in 47.11. Lycense to Win took the
advantage and under the whip outran the fast closing Roscommon Express to get
the money by a length and one-quarter. Fresh Episode finished third. Lycense
to Win covered the distance over a fast racing surface in 53.40 and earned $12,300.
Bred by David Cassidy, the four year old gelding by Lycius out of Sookloozy
by Avenue of Flags now has seven career wins out of 40 starts and $116,091 in
money won. Also the David Cassidy bred runner qualified for $2,460 in breeders
awards.
(3/8) 2008 RACING SCHEDULE AND STAKES SET - Thoroughbreds make 2008 debut Saturday, April 19
FARMINGTON, N.Y. With thoroughbreds set to begin arriving at the track next week to begin preparing for the 2008 meet, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack today announced its 160-day schedule will begin on Saturday, April 19 with a 1:10 p.m. first post. The 47th season at the Farmington oval will run through Saturday, December 6.
Post time will be 1:10 p.m. through November 1, with the only exceptions being Fridays between May 2 and August 29 when first post will be set at 12:35 p.m. Post time for October 25, Breeders Cup Day, has not yet been determined. Beginning November 3, post time will move to 12:15 p.m. to accommodate the end of daylight savings time.
After opening on April 19, Finger Lakes will run live on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday the remainder of the month, before eventually moving to a five-day week with the addition of Fridays and Sundays in early May. Thursday will replace Sunday as a race day for the remainder of the season beginning the week of September 7 with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, November 27 and December 4.
The 2008 stakes schedule features 17 events with total purse levels estimated to be over $1.2 million. In terms of total purse, the New York Breeders Futurity on October 4 tops the schedule with an estimated offering of $200,000.
Highlighting the 2008 schedule will be the 36th running of the $150,000 (added) New York Derby on Saturday, July 12. The New York Derby is the second leg of the Big Apple Triple for New York-bred 3-year-olds, which begins with the Mike Lee Stakes at Belmont Park on June 22, and concludes on August 20 with the Albany at Saratoga.
For the sixth consecutive season, WYSL 1040 AM will provide exclusive live coverage of selected Finger Lakes stakes action. A total of four stakes, including pre and post race analysis, will be broadcast live, including the New York Derby.
The stakes season begins with the $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap (NY-bred 3-year-olds and up) on Memorial Day, May 26. The $50,000 Finger Lakes Juvenile (2-year-olds) wraps up the schedule on Saturday, November 1. (See complete NY-breds Race Schedule)