Racing Front News Archives - September, 2001

(9/30) Shesastonecoldfox wins Joseph A. Gimma
Undefeated SHESASTONECOLDFOX destroyed a field of nine two year-old fillies today in the $75,000 added Joseph A. Gimma, her third consecutive stakes victory. Ridden by John Grabowski for trainer M. Anthony Ferraro, the two year-old filly shot out of the gate to take the lead and was never threatened as she widened her margin throughout the seven furlong race drawing off down the stretch to win by fifteen and one-half lengths crossing the wire. The talented filly won the Lady Fingers and New York Breeder's Futurity at Finger Lakes Racetrack, after easily breaking her maiden at Saratoga Race Course by almost four lengths and is headed for the $100,000 Maid of the Mist to be run on Saturday, October 21st which is part of New York Showcase Fall Festival weekend.
Owned and bred by Dennis and Deborah Petrisak's Langpap Farm, which is south of Rochester, New York, Shesastonecoldfox was originally consigned to the 2000 Fasig-Tipton Timonium Yearling Sale as part of the Thomas J. Gallo, Agent consignment; however, the filly failed to bring her reserve of $20,000 and the Petrisaks, who have a racing stable out of Finger Lakes Racetrack, sent her to Ferraro's barn for her two year-old campaign. In a post race interview, Ferraro said: "I was a little concerned because she has an ulcer in her throat. We had to treat it with antibiotics and it was still there when we scoped her after the last time she worked. She has an entrapped epiglottis. The vet said everything seemed to be holding pretty good and to give her a chance. Added Grabowski: "I've always been confident in her." Surprised that no one could keep up early, Grabowski commented: "She's just too fast for these horses."
Today's victory elevates Shesastonecoldfox's earnings to $196,320 in four starts, and the Petrisaks have collected breeder's award checks of 10% of the filly's earnings or another $19,632, making it a rewarding turn of fate. VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/30) White Ibis breaks his maiden in the Bertram F. Bongard
Quarter Keg Stable's WHITE IBIS broke his maiden today in his third attempt, all stakes races, when he won the Bertram F. Bongard in a hard fought battle with Smokieisabandit over the muddy Belmont Park main track. After finishing third against Smokieisabandit and Shesastonecoldfox in the Aspirant and New York Futurity, respectively, run at six furlongs at Finger Lakes Racetrack, the two year-old gelding was sent to trainer Richard Destasio's barn at Belmont Park. Destasio stated: He came to me in very good shape from Robert Ringhoff. He ran today just like he worked." Destasio said White Ibis would run back in the Sleepy Hollow at one mile on October 20th - New York Showcase Fall Festival weekend.
Breaking from the outside post position, jockey Robbie Davis kept to a wide path down the backstretch and moved to engage front runner Smokieisabandit in the last turn, after the latter had put away Seeking The Money in the early going while under intense pressure. As the stretch run unfurled, neither horse would give an inch but White Ibis had a seven pound weight advantage and a perfect trip which was to his benefit in the final fifty yards of the wire. The margin of victory was one and one-quarter lengths with Smokieisabandit finishing a game second.
Bred by the partnership of William Garbarini and Michael T. Martin, White Ibis is by Distinctive Pro, out of the winning Wild Wings, by Scarlet Ibis. White Ibis has now earned $68,900 in three starts. The stallion Distinctive Pro stands at Sugar Maple Farm in Poughquag, New York. VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/29) Hat trick for Too Scarlet
Charles Hallas' TOO SCARLET won her third consecutive race today, a state-bred allowance for fillies and mares in a non-winner of 2X condition, and appears ready to tackle open company or restricted stakes company in the near future. In her first three lifetime starts, Too Scarlet broke from outside post positions, however today she had the two post and she was crowded after the start, an experience never before encountered by the lightly raced three year-old filly. Forced to rate, Migliore positioned Too Scarlet down on the rail of the seven furlong race, waiting until the last turn before angling four wide. At the top of the stretch Migliore urged his filly for more run and she willingly responded, drawing off to win by two and a quarter lengths crossing the wire. Captain Lebo, who was outrun early finished a game second.
Bred by Frank Stella at his Delehanty Stud Farm in Millbrook, New York, Too Scarlet is by Colonial Affair, out of the stakes winning Two's A Plenty mare, Lady She Is Too, who also produced John Paul Too(Sea Hero), a winner of $146,600 in nine career starts. Too Scarlet was purchased out of the 1999 Keeneland September Yearling sale for only $8,000 and has now earned $83,600 in four lifetime starts.

GANDER (inside) with John Velazquez riding holds off the challenge of #6 Broken Vow and Ramon Dominguez and #4 Include with Jerry Bailey to win the $500,000 Meadowlands Cup at the Meadowlands friday night. Photo By EQUI-PHOTO. 9/28/01

(9/28) Gander wins $500,000 Meadowlands Cup - Grade II
New York-bred GANDER captured the Meadowlands Cup - Gr. II this evening with a wire to wire effort. Ridden by jockey John Velazquez for trainer John Terranova II, Gander had raced against some of the top horses in the country both this year and last but had never won a graded stakes until this evening.
Away from the gate quickest of all in the six horse field, Gander raced well off the rail going into the first turn and maintained a wide path throughout the one and one-eight event over the main track at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Never seriously challenged up the backstretch Velazquez took hold of Gander, setting slow fractions. As the field approached the final turn Broken Vow and Include both began to move and they hit the top of the stretch together but Gander, being spotted six and seven pounds respectively. gamely held on to the wire winning by a head over Broken Vow with Include finishing third.
Owned by the Gatsas Stable and bred by Angela Rugnetta, Gander is by Cormorant, out of Lovely Nurse, by Sawbones, and has now banked a cool $1,304,128 which places him seventh in the New York-bred Millionaire's Club. The five year-old gray gelding has earned checks in 34 of 38 starts (over 89 percent), including 12 graded stakes and six Grade 1 events. Gander was purchased for $50,000 at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's select sale of 2-year-olds in training in March of 1998 by current New Hampshire State Senator Theodore Gatsas (elected November, 2000) and brother Michael Gatsas, both of Manchester, New Hampshire.

(9/28) Wake Up Kiss repeats on grass
WAKE UP KISS who won her last race by four lengths over the Saratoga turf came right back to win by four lengths over Belmont Park's inner turf course. The last two races were her first attempts over the sod and the three year-old daughter of Cure the Blues, out of the Morning Bob mare, Morning Smile, a graded stakes placed winner of $263,476.
As the race unfolded, Winlocs Grama Rose and Tis drew off by seven lengths down the backside of the one and one-sixteenth mile affair with Wake Up Kiss leading the second tier of fillies and mares by two lengths. Ridden by Edgar Prado, Wake Up Kiss moved to the leaders in the middle of the last turn and quickly ran by, opening up a commanding lead at the top of the stretch.
The state-bred allowance race for non-winner of 1X fillies and mares carried a purse of $44,000 and the winner's share raises Wake Up Kiss' earnings to $57,340 in four lifetime starts.
Owned by William Clifton and Rudlein Stable, Wake Up Kiss was bred by John Hettinger at his Akindale Farm in Pawling, New York. Sold at the 1999 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Yearling sale for $150,000. Wake Up Kiss is trained by H. James Bond.

(9/28) Blue's Magee gamely breaks maiden
Aron Yagoda's BLUE'S MAGEE broke her maiden today at Belmont Park, but that's only half the story. Ridden by Richard Migliore for trainer Dominic Galluscio, Blue's Magee was sent to the front at the break with longshot Zat Darn Cat in hot pursuit. As they raced down the backstretch in the six furlong race, the battle heated up on the front end while odds-on favorite Pretty Brassy and first time starter Shawklit Mint were rating just behind the front running pair waiting to strike. Coming off the last turn, the four previously mentioned two year-old state-bred fillies were four across the track but Migliore was playing possum because he still had plenty of horse underneath him. By the eighth pole the outcome was never in doubt as Blue's Magee drew off from Pretty Brassy and glided under the wire a two length winner.
Bred by Jo Halleck Finley at her Fawnridge Farm in East Chatham, New York, Blue's Magee is by Mighty Magee, out of the Talc mare, Talcum Blue, who also produced the stakes winning Company Girl(Cormorant). Blue's Magee has now won $32,800 in her two lifetime starts. Mighty Magee, a son of Cormorant, stands at Dr. Jerry Bilinski's Waldorf Farm in North Chatham, New York.

(9/28) Halfway to Heaven rolls to victory
HALFWAY TO HEAVEN, under apprentice jockey Lorenzo Lezcano, was an easy four length winner in today's second race, a six furlong affair, at Belmont Park. Breaking from the far outside post position in the large state-bred field of maiden fillies and mares, Halfway to Heaven steadily moved to take command of the race by the top of the last turn and the outcome was never in doubt from that point on to the wire.
Bred by Gus Schoenborn at his Contemporary Thoroughbred Farm in Coxsackie, New York, Halfway to Heaven is owned by the partnership of Jane Sessler, Brad Hayslette and Roger Bogsted. Trained by James Ferraro, the three year-old bay filly is by Comet Shine, out of Midway Gal, by Midway Circle.

GANDER winning in July 2000..

(9/27) Gander to race in $500,000 Meadowlands Cup - Gr. II
New York-bred GANDER is entered in Friday's Meadowlands Cup at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Drawing the two post position, trainer John Terranova named John Velazquez to ride in the one and one-eight mile affair to be run over the main track.
Meadowlands officials moved the race up two weeks this year, in hopes of getting some Breeder's Cup horses and the strategy seemed to work, attracting Include, who's making his first start since finishing third in the Surburban Handicap at Belmont Park behind Albert the Great and Lido Palace.
Trainer Graham Motion sends out Iselin Handicap winner Broken Vow, who's seeking his third straight stakes victory. Bobby Frankel, the hottest trainer in North America named turf specialist Sumitas, who recently won the Ceasar Rodney at Delaware when the race was switched off the turf due to heavy rains. That was Sumitas only start over the dirt but who can question anything decision Bobby Frankel has made this year?
Gander, owned by the Gatsas Stable, recently entered the New York-bred Millionaire's Club this year and is capable of pulling off the upset having raced credibly against some of the best horses in the country both this year and last.

(9/26) Seeking It All wins easily
Barry K. Schwartz' homebred, SEEKING IT ALL, who beaten a head in the New York Oaks at Finger Lakes Racetrack in her last start, easily beat state-bred allowance fillies and mares today at Belmont Park. The non-winner of 2X condition was run at a distance of one and one-sixteenth mile, a one-turn event, over Belmont's main track for a purse of $46,000.
Ridden by Edgar Prado, Seeking It All, the overwhelming one-to-five favorite, rated just behind front running Alylivia down the backstretch. Under a snug hold by Prado, Seeking It All started to make her move in the middle of the last turn and had a commanding lead by the top of the stretch which she gradually increased to five lengths crossing the wire.
Seeking It All is three year-old chestnut filly by A.P. Indy, out of the Seeking the Gold mare, Seeking Regina, who won the 1994 Adirondack Stake - Gr. II. The multiple graded stakes placed Seeking It All has now earned $159,440 with a Lifetime Record: 9-3-5-1.

(9/26) Salute Him ships to victory
Barry Seinfeld's SALUTE HIM more than paid for his shipping cost, from Florida to New York, when he broke his maiden today at Belmont Park. A close second in his first lifetime start at Calder Racetrack in Florida, trainer Steven Kappes sent the New York-bred north to compete in the lucrative New York Breeding and Racing Program where Salute Him raced for more than twice($41,000) the purse offered at Calder.
Ridden by jockey Robbie Davis, Salute Him was hard held in the early going of the six furlong race, before moving between and around horses to get into contention. Picking off horses one by one, Salute Him and was poised on the far outside of the field by the top of the stretch with leader Vee Eye Pee the one to catch. Under a steady drive, Salute Him, ran by Vee Eye Pee with fifty yards to the wire and won by one and one-half lengths.
Bred by Roger Toffolon, the three year-old dark bay gelding is by Sea Salute, out of Alysheba, by Closure, who's a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Anguilla(Seattle Slew), stakes winner Kashgar(Secretariat), and stakes placed winner Alive With Hope(Alydar). Salute Him and was sold at the 1999 Fasig-Tipton October Yearling Sale in Timonium, Maryland for only $3,000. Sea Salute, a son of Danzig stands at Liberty Stud in Ghent, New York.

(9/23) Bedside Manner wins Schenectady Handicap
BEDSIDE MANNER continued her winning way capturing the Schenectady Handicap today at beautiful Belmont Park. Ridden by jockey Aaron Gryder for trainer Mike Hushion, the big four year-old chestnut filly, now winner of seven of nine career starts, was tested throughout to win her first stakes race.
Breaking from the outside post position, Bedside Manner was first encountered by Boundandetermined through the early going of the six furlong race. After putting away the latter, she then had to fend off a stiff challenge by Maddie May who had a perfect trip behind the early speed duel. Gamely Bedside Manner dug in and wouldn't let Maddie May by, drawing off to a three and one-half length score under the wire stopping the clock in 1:09.2.
Owned by Sugar Maple Farm and Lewis Rappaport, and bred by Howard Kaskel, Bedside Manner is by Dr. Blum, out of the Distinctive Pro mare, Distinctive Manner Bedside Manner has now earned $199,119 with a Lifetime Record: 9-7-1-1. VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/22) Private Emblem breaks his maiden handily
Two year-old New York-bred PRIVATE EMBLEM went wire to wire against state-bred maidens today at Belmont Park on a glorious sun-filled afternoon in metropolitan New York area.
After finishing a game second in his first lifetime start at Saratoga, a five and one-half furlong race, trainer Steve Asmussen primed the dark bay colt with a series of three workouts for today's event, naming jockey Donnie Meche to ride once again.
Private Emblem seemed to relish the extra distance of six furlongs as he continued to lengthen his margin throughout the stretch run, crossing the wire a seven and three-quarter length winner in 1:10.2.
Owned by James Cassels and Robert Zollars, and bred by Berkshire Stud and Oak Cliff Stable, Private Emblem, a son of Our Emblem, out of the Halo mare, Merion Miss, was sold as a yearling for $35,000.

(9/22) Brave One wins Ashley T. Cole
I.O.U. Stable's BRAVE ONE lived up to his name here Saturday afternoon, taking the lead after a quarter of a mile, setting a strong pace and holding off a host of challengers to win the 26th running of the $85,275 Ashley T. Cole Handicap for New York-breds at nine furlongs.
Originally scheduled for the turf, the Ashley T. Cole was run on the main track with nine in the field. I'm All Yours, Top C Jim, Reluctant Groom, Celtic Sky and Blazing Saddle all scratched.
A four-year-old son of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, Brave One sat just off the :23 4/5 first quarter set by John Paul Too, but soon dragged jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. to the lead. The ensuring fractions went in :46 3/5; 1:10 2/5 and 1:35 2/5, as John Paul Too, Exit Me and No Bad Habits all had their chances.
But Brave One dug in and prevailed by two lengths in 1:48 4/5. "There was ample speed in here, so he didn't have to be on the lead," said winning trainer Gary Contessa. "But he's headstrong, so I told Norberto (Arroyo) to rate him as long as he can and then let him go. It's interesting because we knew he could run well on turf or mud, but we didn't know about a fast track. So, now he's kind of got a new life. As far as where we go from here, we'll keep knocking on the door in the these New York-bred stakes." Brave One returned $21.80 for his fourth win in 23 lifetime starts.VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/21) Misty Foxfire captures Belmont Finale
Eleanor Nestor's homebred, MISTY FOXFIRE, took today's nitecap at Belmont Park under a rousing ride by Carlos Dominguez, who took the trip to New York from his homebase in Farmington, New York, home of Finger Lakes Racetrack. After finishing fourth in two previous restricted stakes, the Albany and the New York Derby, trainer Robert Ringhoff entered the three year-old bay colt in a non-winner of 2x condition allowance for state- breds.
Racing from off the pace, Dominguez never moved Misty Foxfire off the rail in the six furlong affair run over the main track. As the field turned for home front runner Double Star was still on the lead with Misty Foxfire just starting to move down on the inside. Past the eighth pole Misty Foxfire caught Double Star and drew off to a two length victory crossing the wire.
Bred at Mr. & Mrs. Nestor's Misty Acres Farm in White Lake, New York, Misty Foxfire is by Belong To Me, out of stakes placed winner Misty Amour, by Cormorant, and has now earned $98,252 with a Lifetime Record: 6-3-0-0.

TOO SCARLET winning at Saratoga last month.

(9/21) Too Scarlet too much
Charles Hallas' TOO SCARLET romped to victory by over 10 lengths today against a field of state-bred allowance fillies and mares in a non-winner of 1X condition. Raced at a distance of seven furlongs over the muddy main track at Belmont Park, jockey Aaron Gryder was aboard for trainer Kristina Dupps.
Breaking from the outside post, Too Scarlet stayed to an outside path while assuming command of the race just past the three-quarter pole. Coasting around the last turn, Too Scarlet started to increase her lead at the top of the stretch before starting to look around for some company forcing Gryder to keep her mind on business through the last eighth of a mile. This was Too Scarlet's second consecutive victory previously having broken her maiden by three lengths at Saratoga in August.
Bred by Frank Stella at his Delehanty Stud Farm in Millbrook, New York, Too Scarlet is by Colonial Affair, out of the stakes winning Two's A Plenty mare, Lady She Is Too, who also produced John Paul Too(Sea Hero), a winner of $146,600 in nine career starts. Too Scarlet was purchased out of the 1999 Keeneland September Yearling sale for only $8,000 and has now earned $58,600 in three lifetime starts.

(9/21) Actuary's Son finally visits winner's circle
Although he had hit the board in half of his fourteen previous races, ACTUARY'S SON, just couln't break his maiden until today. Jockey Javier Castellano, riding the three year-old chestnut colt for the first time, was aboard for trainer John Hertler and owner Millenium Stable.
The state-bred maiden race was run at a distance of one mile one-turn over the main track at Belmont Park, which was listed fast for the final race. After the break, Castellano did a heckuva job keeping Actuary's Son straight in the early going, moving between horses agressively and taking command by the half-mile pole. Once on the lead, Castellano hand rode the colt to a huge lead and at the top of the stretch Actuary's Son danced away to win by ten lengths.
Bred by Michael and David Anchel at their Treasure Hill Farm in Middletown, New York, Actuary's Son is by Raja's Revenge, out of the Air Forbes Won mare, Wonaria. The colt has now earned $68,850.

(9/20) Patti's Pro a repeat winner
Gee H. W. Stable's PATTI'S PRO, who broke his maiden by four lengths at Saratoga in his last start came right back to beat state-bred allowance horses in a non-winner of 1X condition today at Belmont Park. A steady downpour since noon turned the main track to soup but as usually is the case with state-bred races there was a full field for the six furlong affair.
Breaking from the five post position, Richard Migliore immediately sent Patti's Pro to the lead and led every step of the way winning by two lengths in a hand ride. Bred by Walpart, Inc. and trained by Robert Barbara, Patti's Pro is by Polish Pro, who stands at Milfer Farm in Unadilla, New York, out of Patti's Lark, by Apalachee. Patti's Pro, a three year-old dark bay gelding, has now earned $66,800 with a Lifetime Record: 9-2-1-1.

(9/20) Papua first out winner
Barry K. Schwartz' homebred, PAPUA, won his first lifetime start today over a sloppy main track at Belmont Park. The two year-old bay colt was ridden by jockey Aaron Gryder for trainer Mike Hushion in the state-bred maiden affair.
Favorite Red's Red took the lead soon after the break with Papua and Finality in close pursuit. In the last turn of the six furlong race Papua moved to the head of Red's Red and engaged the latter through the stretch, surging forward in the final 100 yards to win by two lengths.
Bred at Mr. Schwartz' Stonewall Farm in Granite Springs, New York, Papua is by Louis Quartorze, out of Red Ransom mare, Bella Ransom, who hit the board in ten of her twelve lifetime starts earning $118,812.

(9/19) Pentatonic returns a winner
New York-bred PENTATONIC, away from the races since March 31st, beat open company allowance fillies and mares today at Belmont Park. Trained by Richard Schosberg, Pentatonic was scratched several times at Saratoga before today's $57,000 conditioned allowance race contested at a distance of one and one-sixteenth mile, a one-turn affair.
Ridden by jockey John Velazquez, Pentatonic was positioned fourth just to the outside of the early battle for the lead by Pearly White, A.O.L. Hayes and Rochelle's Terms. Moving into striking position around the last turn, Velazquez guided Pentatonic four wide at the top of the stretch and powered to the lead past the eighth pole, winning by two lengths under the wire with Secret Status up for second.
Bred by Dr. Herb Sherry and owned by Sheila Sherry, the multiple graded stakes winning Pentatonic is by Cure the Blues, out of Aljadam, by Anticipating. Pentatonic reeled off three successive stakes wins through December of 2000 and January of 2001, when she won the restricted Montauk Handicap, the Ladies Handicap-Gr. III and the Affectionately-Gr. III. The six year-old bay mare has also hit the board three times in Grade I races, finishing second in the the Hempstead Handicap and third in the Beldame and Personal Ensign.
Today's score raises Pentatonic's earnings to $597,001 with a Lifetime Record: 27-9-5-5. The owner, Sheila Sherry, will collect an open owner's award of 20% of the winner's share of the purse or $6,840 and as the breeder, Dr. Herb Sherry will receive 20% of the winner's share of the purse or $6,840 - all part of the lucrative incentives provided by the New York Breeding and Racing Program.

(9/19) World of Wonder loved the grass
Trainer Mike Miceli dropped WORLD OF WONDER into a state-bred maiden race run over Belmont Park's inner track course and the three year-old dark bay colt rewarded his owner, Panathenian Stable with a victory in his second lifetime start. World of Wonder had previously finished third at Saratoga in his first lifetime start, a seven furlong affair over the Spa's main track.
Away from the gate alertly, jockey Herberto Castillo, Jr. took advantage of World of Wonder's post position(#2) and contested the lead with Anties Boy while racing up the backstretch, but they weren't in much of a hurry setting a snail's pace while getting over the half in :50.2 and the three quarters in 1:15. The duo raced around the last turn in close proximity before World of Wonder drew off under mild urging at the top of the stretch, managing to hold off a fast closing On Rye by a half-length at the wire.
Bred by Nick Siounis, World of Wonder is by Abel Prospect, out of the Lear Fan mare, Champagne Patti. The promising colt has now banked $29,710 in two lifetime starts.

(9/19) Star Creek wins Belmont finale
STAR CREEK, who had been racing in lower claimers earlier in the year in Maryland at Laurel and Pimlico has come into her own on the turf, winning her third in a row today at Belmont Park. Owned and trained by Vincent Blengs, Star Creek had won her previous two races at Colonial in Virginia. Today's race was her first start against state-bred company, a non-winner of 2X condition contested at a distance of one and one-sixteenth over the Widener turf course.
Ridden by Jorge Chavez, Star Creek trailed the field in the early going before starting being set down for her run approaching the last turn. Moving boldly, the three year-old gray filly had to steady a couple of times through the stretch run to avoid road traffic but once under way charged to the lead and won by a length over Bid's Femme.
Bred by Theodore Shapiro, Star Creek is by Storm Creek, out of Timely Essence, by Star Choice and has now banked $74,950 with a Lifetime Record: 13-3-1-5. In her seven starts over the grass the improving Star Creek has hit the board in every start. A half-sister to stakes placed winner Timely's Pic(Piccolino), Star Creek was purchase at the 2000 April OBS two year-old in training sale for $2,000.

(9/19) Totally Selfish at first asking
Joseph Gerrity, Jr.'s homebred, TOTALLY SELFISH, made her first lifetime start at winning one at Belmont Park. Trained by Ramon (Mike) Hernandez and ridden by apprentice jockey Lorenzo Lezcano, Totally Selfish was foaled at Mr. Gerrity's Little Farm in Kinderhook, New York.
Breaking alertly, Totally Selfish ranged up on the outside of Moonlightandbeauty and Clever Blonde taking command of the race in the early going of the six furlong state-bred maiden race over the main track. As the field turned for home, Lezcano turned the two year-old dark bay filly loose and she danced away to a three length lead gradually increasing the margin to six lengths crossing the wire. Totally Selfish paid a healthy $47.40 and is by Abaginone, out of the Dom Alaric(Fr) mare, Missalaric.

Photo:Adam Coglianese

(9/19) Memorial Service Precedes Reopening of Belmont Park (Courtesy Bloodhorse)
Date Posted: 9/19/01 12:55:33 PM Last Updated: 9/19/01 4:24:46 PM
Racing resumed at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., Wednesday for the first time since the deadly terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 that included the downing of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in nearby Manhattan after two hijacked planes rammed into them. A memorial service was conducted in the winner's circle at Belmont prior to Wednesday's 1 p.m. first post.
Track announcer Tom Durkin called for a moment of silence that followed bugler Sam Grossman's playing of "America," while the American flag flew at half-mast in the track infield. At the end of the tribute a somber Durkin said simply, "God bless America. Thank you." A number of track officials, employees, and the New York jockey colony were among those attending the winner's circle ceremonies.
Belmont last raced on Sunday, Sept. 9. In the wake of the attacks, track officials originally said they would reopen Belmont last Saturday, then decided to remain closed through the weekend. Belmont will be the site of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on Oct. 27.
Track officials said an early estimate for Wednesday's on-track attendance was 4,200, up marginally from the same day at Belmont Park in 2000.

(9/17) Belmont Racing Resumes Wednesday By Bruno Zalubi, Courtesy NYRA
Racing resumes at Belmont Park on Wednesday with a nine-race card that begins at 1 p.m. and the New York Racing Association web site, nyra.com, came back on-line at approximately 11:30 a.m. this morning.
Due to the terrorist attack that shook the United States and the world on Sept. 11, NYRA has been unable to access any emails or the Breeders' Cup ticket database. Please resubmit any emails that were sent to NYRA between Sept. 11 and 11:30 a.m. today. All questions will be answered as soon as possible.
Belmont Fall Sudden Death will continue on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Entries for the Wednesday racecard are being drawn today; the Sudden Death selection page for Wednesday will be available later this afternoon. The deadline for making selections is 12:30 p.m., Eastern, on Wednesday.
The stakes schedule for the Belmont Fall Championship meeting will continue as published. The Ruffian, Belmont Breeders' Cup, Matron and Futurity, which were to run last weekend, will not be rescheduled due to conflicts with other Belmont stakes races.
However, the Grade 2 Jerome, which was scheduled to run on Sept. 15, will be contested this Saturday as part of an 11-race card. The Saturday card of racing, which begins at 1 p.m., will include a Super Stakes Pick 4 wager that will include, in order, the Ashley T. Cole, the Grade 2 Jerome, the Grade 3 Noble Damsel and the Grade 1 Vosburgh. There will be a normal 10-race card on Sunday that includes the Grade 2 Jamaica and the Schenectady.
Racing at Belmont Park was cancelled on all five racedays last week in observance of the terrorist attacks that shook the United States and the world on Sept. 11. Four passenger airplanes were hijacked. Three planes were used on suicide missions to destroy both towers of the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan and blow a gaping hole in The Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C.; the fourth plane crashed south of Pittsburgh, Penn. The unprecedented peacetime attacks forever change the fabric of America.

(9/15) Belmont Park Cancels Stakes-Filled Weekend by Evan Hammonds (Courtesy Bloodhorse)
Date Posted: 9/14/01 12:35:29 PM, Last Updated: 9/14/01 3:41:16 PM
The results board at Keeneland's sales pavilion notifies buyers of Belmont's decision to cancel this weekend's racing. Photo: Anne M. EberhardtIn light of the terroristic tragedy that hit New York City and Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11, New York Racing Association officials have cancelled racing at Belmont Park until Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Live racing was canceled at Belmont Park Sept. 12-14, but they originally announced they would re-open for Saturday's program. Both Saturday and Sunday's card featured major prep races for the World Thoroughbred Championships on Oct. 27 at Belmont Park.
"We thought it was best for the community, our patrons, the horsemen, and our employees to cancel racing this weekend," said NYRA president and COO Terry Meyocks.
Across the Hudson River in New Jersey, the Meadowlands has also canceled their Saturday evening program that included the running of the Princeton Stakes. They will also be closed to simulcasting Saturday and Sunday.
Races cancelled for Saturday are the Ruffian Handicap (gr. I), Belmont Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIT), and Jerome Handicap (gr. II). Races called off for Sunday are the Futurity (gr. I) and Matron (gr. I) Stakes for 2-year-olds.
The Jerome has been rescheduled for Sept. 22, but the Ruffian, Belmont Breeders' Cup, Matron, and the Futurity will not be rescheduled because of conflicts with other Belmont races.
"They are four great stakes races but if we reschedule them, they will run too close to the stakes races run for those divisions on Oct. 6," said NYRA racing secretary Mike Lakow. The conflict would be with the Beldame (gr. I), Kelso Handicap (gr. II), Frizette Stakes (gr. I), and the Champagne Stakes (gr. I).
"It left us with no real option," Lakow said.
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation auction and tag sale scheduled for Saturday will be rescheduled at a later date.
Belmont plans on reopening for racing on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

(9/12) Finger Lakes cancels
In view of the recent tragic events in New York City and Washington, D.C., Finger Lakes Racetrack has decided to suspend simulcasting events for today, Wednesday September 12th. Live racing is scheduled to resume on Friday September 14th. First post is 12:50PM.

(9/11) Racing Industry Reacts to 'Unprecedented Tragedy' by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 9/11/01 10:54:10 AM Last Updated: 9/11/01 5:17:14 PM
Thoroughbred racing and simulcasting at major locations in the United States shut down Tuesday due to the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. Many also planned to close Wednesday. "We've been in contact with a number of our members, who obviously have canceled racing for (Tuesday), and it appears most will cancel as well on Wednesday," said Tim Smith, commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. "It's a terrible, unprecedented tragedy. It's going to take at least some days to sort out the implications for the country, as well as our business. 
"Inevitably, after the shock...there is a realization that life needs to go on, business needs to go on, and even sports needs to go on. That will occur in due course, though. Right now, we join everybody else in thinking and praying for victims and their families."
Smith said the NTRA's New York City offices aren't located in proximity to the World Trade Center buildings, both of which were struck by planes Tuesday and collapsed. He said officials were in contact with employees in the New York office, which is located in midtown Manhattan, "and everybody is safe that we know about in the office." Smith also said no NTRA employees had air travel scheduled for the day.
The following facilities had canceled live racing for Tuesday: the Downs at Albuquerque, Delaware Park, Fairmount Park, Fairplex Park, Finger Lakes, Great Lakes Downs, Meadowlands, Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort, Philadelphia Park, and Prairie Meadows.
"We in the Thoroughbred racing industry share the wrenching sorrow that all Americans are experiencing today, and the TRA member tracks in the United States did not feel it would be appropriate to conduct today's live racing programs," said Bryan Krantz, owner of Fair Grounds and president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations. "Today is a day better spent mourning and praying for the victims of these horrible events."
The TRA and its members will continue to monitor developments throughout the country, and business will proceed on a day-to-day basis.
Belmont Park near New York City was scheduled to close for live racing Wednesday, New York Racing Association broadcast manager John Lee said. Lee, interviewed on air by the TV Games Network, said parking lots at Belmont were being used as emergency staging areas.
Churchill Downs Inc. closed all of its racetracks and off-track wagering facilities in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky Tuesday and Wednesday. A decision is to be made by 12 noon EDT Wednesday concerning when the facilities will resume normal operations.
"Churchill Downs Inc. and its employees are deeply saddened by today's events, and we believe that it is in the best interests of our patrons, vendors, and employees to close our live racing and simulcast wagering operations today and tomorrow," Churchill president Tom Meeker said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."
Normal training hours will continue at the company's racetracks and training facilities. All employees and horsemen should enter through designated security entrances and will be required to present a photo identification before they are granted admittance.
Hal Handel, chief executive officer of Philadelphia Park and its six Turf Clubs in southeast Pennsylvania, said the decision to cancel the live cards and simulcasting at Philadelphia Park and at Freehold Raceway, which is owned jointly by Greenwood Racing and Penn National Gaming, was made at about 10 a.m.

(9/9) Haggs Castle wins allowance at Belmont Park
Under a sunfilled afternoon sky at beautiful Belmont Park, John Confort and Albert Weiss' HAGGS CASTLE won a state-bred allowance race today in a non-winner of 2X condition contested over the Widener turf course.
Ridden by jockey Robbie Davis for trainer James Jerkens, Haggs Castle sat next to last in the twelve horse field as they moved down the backside of the one and one-sixteenth mile affair for 3 & up horses. When the tightly bunched field moved around the last turn, Davis had a wall of horses to contend with but decided to wait until the field straightened for home before making his move. At the same time, Edgar Prado aboard Ham Sandwich was facing a similar situation.
When the field hit the top of the stretch, Prado moved Ham Sandwich first down along the inside rail and Davis had no choice but to swing very wide with three horses separating the pair. Past the eighth pole Ham Sandwich had a slight lead but Haggs Castle was moving handsomely down the middle of the track and past Ham Sandwich by a neck crossing the wire.
The three year-old gelding was bred by the partnership of Frankie O'Connor, Patricia Calandro and Howard Kaskel. Haggs Castle is by Husband, out of the D'Accord mare, Final Accord, who has produced such standouts as multiple stakes winner Try N Sue(Sir Harry Lewis), and stakes winner Winter Dreams(Distinctive Pro). Haggs Castle was purchased out of the 1999 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred Yearling sale for $55,000 and has now earned $113,940 with a Lifetime Record: 13-3-2-2.
"We decided to cancel out of respect for the suffering that's going on in New York and Washington, D.C.," Handel said. "It seems so trivial to be doing what we do on a day like this."
No decision was made as to whether the facilities will reopen Wednesday. "It depends on the attitude of the city of Philadelphia," Handel said. "If it's business as usual, we might reopen. We'll also wait and see what other tracks across the country are doing, see what simulcast signals are available, and see if there are any telecommunications problems."
Turfway Park in Kentucky will be closed Wednesday for simulcasting, and also canceled its live racing program for Wednesday evening. "In light of what has occurred, we believe this is an important time for our patrons and employees to reflect on those things most important," Turfway president Bob Elliston said.
Fair Grounds and its off-track betting parlors in Louisiana were closed Tuesday, and will be closed Wednesday.
New Jersey officials said Meadowlands and Monmouth Park also canceled simulcasting Tuesday "for the safety of guests, horsemen, and employees."
The Maryland Jockey Club closed both Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course for simulcasting Tuesday, and for live racing and simulcasting Wednesday.
Lone Star Park closed for simulcasting Tuesday. "Our prayers are with those affected by this terrible tragedy," said Corey Johnsen, president and general manager of Lone Star.
Tampa Bay Downs in Florida closed for simulcasting Tuesday.
Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, now in the midst of its simulcasting season, will be closed for wagering Wednesday, track officials said.
Along with Freehold, Balmoral Park, Harrington Raceway, The Meadows, Monticello Raceway, The Downs at Pocono, Saratoga Equine Sports Center, Scioto Downs, and Yonkers Raceway all canceled their harness programs for Tuesday.
As of 1 p.m. EDT, it appeared that only Fort Erie Racetrack, located just across the U.S. border in Ontario, Canada, was open for live Thoroughbred racing.
The TV Games Network, which had planned to cover the second session of the Keeneland September sale as well as broadcast Thoroughbred and harness races, was planning other programming. John Hindman, director of communications for TVG, said the network broadcast some early reports from the Keeneland sale grounds, then shut down all wagering operations.
"This is a tremendous American tragedy, and we want to treat it the way we should," Hindman said.

Photo:Bill Denver, Equi-Photo SAY FLORIDA SANDY

(9/7) Say Florida Sandy wins Patterson Handicap at Meadowlands
New York-bred SAY FLORIDA SANDY, scratched from the $75,000 General Douglas MacArthur yesterday afternoon at Belmont Park, won the $100,000 Patterson Handicap at the Meadowlands in New Jersey last evening in a swift 1:09 flat for six furlong.
Trained by Juan Serey and ridden by Aaron Gryder, the seven year-old dark bay horse only had to face two other horses when Night Caller and Shadow Caster scratched.
Gryder positioned 'Sandy' just behind Disco Rico and Loaded Gun as they reeled off very fast fractions of :21.3, :43.4, and :56 to the top of the stretch. Once straightened for home, 'Sandy' began his assault and drew clear past the eighth pole for a clear lead and was taken in hand late keeping something in reserve for his later schedule which includes the Breeder's Cup Sprint.
Owned by John Rotella and bred by Sanford Bacon, Say Florida Sandy has inched his way a little closer to the top of the New York-bred Millionaire's Club. His earnings now stand at $1,707,925 which is only $18,250 away from the top slot now held by L'Carriere.

(9/7) John Paul Too Much In MacArthur By Francis LaBelle Jr.
Aided by the scratch of favored Say Florida Sandy, JOHN PAUL TOO stalked No Bad Habits and Impeachthepro into the lane, then came on the inside to pull away to a one and one-quarter length victory in the 19th running of the $81,175 General Douglas MacArthur Handicap for New York-breds at seven furlongs on Friday afternoon. The race was the feature on the opening day of Belmont Park's 37-day Fall Championship Meet.
A four-year-old son of 1993 Kentucky Derby/Travers winner Sea Hero, John Paul Too improved to 6-8-0 from 15 starts in this, his first start since May 20th. The victory was his second in his last five starts; he was second in each of the other tries during that span. John Paul Too returned $4.60 to win for his admirers in the crowd of 4,779.
"He had a hard winter campaign, so I wanted to freshen him up," said trainer John Kimmel. "He had a little set-back with a respiratory infection. I have to give credit to Vinnie Depalo, who got him ready at Fair Hill (Md.). He hadn't sprinted in a while, but I think his best distance is between a mile and a mile and an eighth. Richie (Migliore) just let the others go; he was nice and settled and they left a lot of room for him on the inside."
Without Say Florida Sandy, whose trainer, Juan Serey, opted to pass on the inside post and the weight assignment of 127 pounds here in favor of the Paterson Handicap at the Meadowlands later Friday, John Paul Too and Migliore only had to be patient, as Impeachthepro set a pace of :23 2/5; :46 1/5 and 1:10 4/5 with No Bad Habits prompting his steps.
Impeachthepro carried No Bad Habits wide into the lane and that opened the inside up for John Paul Too, who arrived at the line in 1:23 4/5. "There was no set plan," Migliore said. "We were just going to let our horse get comfortable, wherever that may have been. I've got to give a big assist to No Bad Habits for going up and making a race of it on the far turn. That took enough out of Impeachthepro that we were able to wear him down. My horse ran great, but No Bad Habits ran well, too."
Kimmel said he might try a mile and a sixteenth next for John Paul Too, with an eye on the $250,000 Empire Classic at nine furlongs on Sunday, October 21st -- the feature of New York Showcase Fall Festival weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 20th & 21st. No Bad Habits headed Impeachthepro for place. Mount Intrepid, Duplicitous and Pure Harmony followed. Value Line was also scratched. VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/7) Look Upon romps at Belmont Park
Berkshire Stud's homebred, LOOK UPON, ridden by Jerry Bailey went wire to wire today against state-bred allowance for fillies and mares in a non-winner of 2X conditon. Trainer Tom Bush removed the blinkers for today's race and the strategy worked to perfection. When Look Upon had won her previous two races, she was sans blinkers.
Raced at a distance of six furlongs over Belmont Park's main track, Bailey put the three year-old chestnut filly on the lead shortly after the break. Coasting down the backstretch, Bailey never moved his hands, went challenged briefly by New York Jet, then drew off under mild urging to win by seven lengths, with Captain Lebo up for second money.
Look Upon has now earned $128,440 in nine career starts. The talented filly and is a three year-old filly by Carson City, out of the Distinctive mare, Notice Me, who also produced stakes winner Give Notice(Known Fact) and stakes placed winner Royal Ruby(Rubiano).

(9/7) Farmer Jake just in time
Walter and Patricia Shook's homebred, FARMER JAKE, beat state-bred allowance horses today in a non-winner of 2X condition. Trained by Dominic Galluscio, Farmer Jake was coming off of a third place finish to Personal Pro in the Albany Handicap at Saratoga.
Ridden by Aaron Gryder, the three year-old chestnut gelding was rated at the back of the field as Bakhoor and Sherpa Guide set the pace in the one and one-sixteenth mile one-turn race. Coming off the last turn, Bakhoor had a clear lead and appeared to have the race all sewed up but Gryder was just beginning to prompt Farmer Jake for more run as he moved along the inside rail. Nearing the eighth pole Farmer Jake was angled off the rail and was set down for the drive making up two lengths on Bakhoor, passing the latter by a neck crossing the wire.
Farmer Jake is by Big Mukora, out of the Little Current mare, Katie's Current, and has now banked $136,629 with a Lifetime Record: 12-3-3-1.

(9/4) Woodwork Holds On To Win Wadsworth Memorial Handicap - Trainer Ferraro captures eighth stakes victory of season
FARMINGTON, N.Y. _ WOODWORK, with jockey Michael Davila aboard, won the 25 th running of the $30,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap on Tuesday afternoon at Finger Lakes Race Track.
The 4-year-old gelding, owned by Carl J. Reidel and trained by M. Anthony Ferraro, sat in third position for much of the one and one-eighth mile test, then took the lead just before the stretch and outran a closing Makem Hagar to win by three-quarters of a length. Woodwork covered the distance in 1:52.91 and paid $13.00, $6.50 and $4.60. Finishing second was Makem Hagar, who paid $7.30 and $4.40. The 6-year-old now has two seconds and a third place finish in four stakes races at Finger Lakes this season. Saigon Lieutenant rounded out the top three and paid $2.70.
After being claimed for $20,000 from Three Aces Stable in his last race on July 31, the Wadsworth marked the first race for Woodwork under its current owner and trainer. The win gave Ferraro his eighth stakes title at Finger Lakes this season, and Davila a stakes title just one day after notching his first career stakes win. Davila was aboard the victorious Shesastonecoldfox in the New York Breeders'Futurity on Monday.
As a 4-year-old, Woodwork has two wins and three second place finishes in six starts. With the $18,000 earned for the victory, he has $87,043 in lifetime earnings over 26 starts. The Wadsworth Memorial Handicap was for 3-year-olds and up and was the final stakes race at Finger Lakes this season for horses of that age. The Finger Lakes Juvenile for New York-bred 2-year- olds will close out the 2001 stakes schedule on October 13. VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/3) Shesastonecoldfox Proves She Is The Best 2-Year-Old In Futurity - A filly wins the race for only the eighth time in 39 runnings
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – SHESACOLDSTONEFOX, trained by M. Anthony Ferraro and ridden by Michael Davila, Jr., nearly led gate-to-wire and took home the 39 th running of the $137,900 New York Breeders' Futurity for New York-bred 2-year-olds on Monday afternoon at Finger Lakes Race Track.
A season-high crowd of 4,140 saw the 2-year-old filly owned by Dennis and Deborah Petrisak’s Langpap Stable take control shortly after the start, set the pace and hold on for a one and one-quarter length victory in 1:11.51. It marked only the eighth time a filly has captured the Futurity since its inception in 1963, and was the first since 1990. Davila also earned his first career stakes victory after picking up the mount when John Grabowski chose to ride Aspirant Stakes champion Smokieisabandit, who finished fifth.
As the post time favorite, Shesastonecoldfox paid $4.50, $4.10 and $3.70 for the win. Princess Dixie, the H. James Bond-trained filly, finished second to Shesastonecoldfox, just as she did in the Lady Finger Stakes on August 18, and paid $6.70 and $5.80. White Ibis finished third and paid $4.50.
Shesastonecoldfox earned $82,740 for the win and now has accumulated $146,550 in earnings over three career starts, all of which have been victories. VIEW RACE VIDEO

Earlier in the day, Grabowski did net his track record ninth stakes win of the year with a victory aboard ALONG CAME MARY in the $60,000 New York Oaks for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies.
In her first race off of the turf as a 3-year-old, Along Came Mary, owned by Gerald Nielsen and trained by H. James Bond, was five lengths back in eighth position at the three-quarter pole, before closing strong down the stretch to overtake and then hold off post time favorite Seeking It All at the wire by a head. The filly covered the one-mile and one-sixteenth test in 1:40.48 and earned $36,000 with the win.
For the win, Along Came Mary paid $14.60, $5.00 and $3.80. Seeking It All paid $3.10 and $2.60, while That Belongs to Me finished third and paid $5.40.
Live racing continues at Finger Lakes on Tuesday with a 12:50 p.m. post. Tuesday’s feature is the $30,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap, the final stakes of the season for 3-year-olds and up.VIEW RACE VIDEO

(9/3) Wake Up Kiss takes 2001 Saratoga finale
New York-bred WAKE UP KISS took the last race on the Labor Day holiday race card, the final day of racing for 2001 at historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Ridden by Edgar Prado for trainer H. James Bond, Wake Up Kiss, racing for the first time over the turf, tracked the pace while saving ground along the rail in the one and one-eighth mile race run over the Mellon turf course. Prado, who had plenty of horse underneath him throughout, waited patiently until the top of the stretch before letting Wake Up Kiss run to daylight, drawing off to win by five and one-half lengths.
Owned by William Clifton and Rudlein Stable, Wake Up Kiss was bred by John Hettinger at his Akindale Farm in Pawling, New York. Sold at the 1999 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Yearling sale for $150,000, Wake Up Kiss is a three year old gray filly by Cure the Blues, out of the Morning Bob mare, Good Morning Smile, who is a graded stakes placed winner of $263,476.

(9/3) Shopping For Love finishes fifth in Diana Handicap-Gr.II
New York-bred Shopping For Love raced wide around both turns in the Grade II Diana Handicap today at Saratoga Race Course finishing fifth in the ten horse field for fillies and mares. The recent winner of the Spicy Living Handicap at Rockingham Park raced creditably but couldn't overcome the overland journey.

(9/3) No time like the present
After seventeen unsuccessful attempts to break his maiden, TIME RELEASE closed strongly today at Saratoga Race Course and finally got to visit the winner's circle. Trained by Carl Nafzger and ridden by Herberto Castillo, Jr., Time Release had just raced on August 27th making one think that the shortened period between races might have been the key to today's victory.
Rated at the back of the field in the early going of the mile and one-eighth race over the Mellon turf course, Time Release waited until the final turn before mounting a run at the front runners. Angling wide at the top of the stretch, Castillo vigorously urged Time Release down the middle of the course and took command nearing the wire to win by one and one-half lengths over Sir Prado and Mohawk Marty.
Owned by Robert Lothenbach and bred by John Michelotti at his Four Seasons Farm in Bullville, New York, Time Release is a four year-old dark bay gelding by Belong To Me, out of Senorita Constanza, by His Majesty. Time Release was sold at the 1998 Keeneland September Yearling sale for $39,000 and has now earned $60,735.

(9/2) Horse For Course
Summit View Farm's ALY BAGHDAD has never raced anywhere else than at Saratoga Race Course. In fact, don't think the filly has ever been out of the Saratoga area.
Local horseman Glenn Disanto bred the four year-old filly at his Summit View Farm in nearby Cambridge, New York, and trains at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track throughout the off-season while the facility remains open.
After breaking her maiden last August at the Spa, Aly Baghdad raced only once before being layed up for the winter months. Starting back again this year, Disanto pointed the four year-old bay filly by Alyfoe, out of Bayonet Baghdad, by Blade, for the 2001 Saratoga meet. She finished second in her first race after the long layoff and then finished fourth in herlast outing prior to today's state-bred allowance race for fillies and mares.
Breaking alertly, jockey Jose Espinoza had Aly Baghdad on the lead but had to fend off early challenges down the backstretch of the six furlong affair. Gamely battling her foes into submission, Aly Baghdad drew off in deep stretch and won by three lengths over Divinely who closed quickly to pass Alittlebitbrassy crossing the wire.
The upstate gal has now banked $61,580 with a Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-0.

(9/2) After You wins at Spa
Not having won a race since 1999, AFTER YOU made amends today beating $40 - $35,000 open claimers at a place where owners prefer to take a winner's circle photo - Saratoga Race Course.
Ridden by Edgar Prado for trainer Ramon (Mike) Hernandez, After You was rated toward the back of the field in the early going while saving ground along the rail in the one and one-eighth mile turf race. Moving into contention by the final turn, Prado desparately was looking for an opening to run After You through as he was hemmed down on the inside. Finally, Sweet Scarlet moved off the inside rail leaving a narrow opening for Prado to through and once clear, After You drew away to win by two and one-half lengths.
Owned and bred by Joseph Gerrity, Jr. at his Little Farm in Kinderhook, New York, After You is by Compliance, out of Missalaric, by Dom Alaric(Fr.). The five year-old dark bay mare, After You, has now earned $217,360 with a Lifetime Record: 43-6-8-3. Mr. Gerrity will collect an open owner's award of 20% of the winner's share of the purse or $4,020 as well as a breeder's award of $4,020 as part of the lucrative incentives provided by the New York Breeding and Racing Program.

NEVER GIVE IN (inside) holds off Lost in the Woods (between horses) and Brass Tango (outside).

(9/2) Never Give In lives up to his name
Cobra Farm's two year-old New York-bred, NEVER GIVE IN, racing for the first time in his career battled from gate to wire today to break his maiden at Saratoga Race Course.
Ridden by Jerry Bailey for trainer Bill Mott, Never Give In was sent up to challenge front-runner Irish Colonial on the outside and battled the latter into submission by the top of the stretch. After drawing clear by two lengths, Never Give In then had to hold off late challenges by Lost In The Woods and Brass Tango, gamely winning by a neck in the six and one-half furlong state-bred maiden race over the main track.
Bred by Dr. Doug Koch's Berkshire Stud in Pine Plains, New York, Never Give In was sold at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale for $200,000. The two year-old chestnut colt is by Quiet American, out of the Known Fact mare, Give Notice, a stakes winner and half-sister to graded stakes placed winner Royal Ruby(Rubiano).

(9/1) Hat Trick for Spectaculaireontap
Robert Cohen's homebred, SPECTACULAIREONTAP, won her third race in a row beating a field of state-bred allowance fillies and mares in a non-winner of 2X condition. Raced over Saratoga's Mellon turf course, jockey Shaun Bridgmohan once again rode the 'hot' filly for Hall of Fame trainer P.G. Johnson.
As the one and three sixteenth mile race got underway Richie's Girls took command and dictated the pace over the yielding turf for the entire affair. Bridgmohan rated the three year-old Spectaculaireontap toward the back of the twelve horse field until the last turn when he moved widest of all, positioning himself for the stretch run. Powering off the turn, Spectaculaireontap engaged Richie's Girls and the pair duel to the sixteenth pole before Spectaculaireontap drew off to win by one and one-half length.
Spectaculaireontap is by Signal Tap, out of the Spectacular Bid mare, Spectaculaire, and has now banked $90,120 with a Lifetime Record: 10-3-0-1.