UPI Thoroughbred Racing Roundup

 

Paddy O'Prado, one of the elite up-and-coming American turf runners, appeared to have a lot still to do with a half-mile remaining in Saturday's Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. And then he faced potential traffic problems in the stretch.

No worries.

Rallying from nearly 8 lengths back, the El Prado colt found a seam along the rail, shot through and went on to win by a comfortable 1 1/2 lengths over Interactif, picking up his second straight graded stakes win on the grass.

Under Kent Desormeaux, Paddy O'Prado got the 1 1/4 miles on firm turf in 2:02.58. Krypton was third and the pacesetter, Two Notch Road, was one notch worse that that.

The colt had raced on the lawn early in his career, with some success, notably a victory in the Palm Beach at Gulfstream Park this winter. But, as many a good 3-year-old will, he detoured to the Triple Crown trail, finishing second in the Blue Grass on Keeneland's all-weather surface, then third in the Kentucky Derby and sixth in the Preakness. After that, trainer Dale Romans gave his charge another try on the green course and he responded with a sparkling win in last month's Colonial Turf Cup.

"That was great," Romans said after Saturday's triumph. "He just keeps getting better and better. He's doing so well on the grass, I couldn't think of taking him off it for now."

Romans said if all goes well, Paddy O'Prado will try the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park on Arlington Million Day, Aug. 21. And that could be a stepping stone to the Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs in November.

Other races with potential Breeders' Cup Turf implications:

-- Workin for Hops, second to Paddy O'Prado last time out in the Colonial Turf Cup, ducked a rematch Saturday, opting instead for the American Derby at Arlington Park. The way he ran, he might have won at either venue. After pressing the pace, the Kentucky-bred City Zip gelding took the lead easily when asked by jockey Francisco Torres and quickly shot to a 4 1/2-lengths lead at mid-stretch. By the time Mister Marti Gras got a challenge going, it was too late and Workin for Hops had brewed up a 2 1/4-length victory. Dean's Kitten finished third but was demoted to fourth for stretch bumping, promoting Gleam of Hope to show money. Workin for Hops completed the 1 3/16 miles on firm turf in 1:55.01. "He does things so easily and he's beaten some really good horses," said winning trainer Michael Stidham. Asked if he might be back for the Secretariat, Stidham said, "I would say that's pretty likely. If he's doing good, that's where we're planning on going."

-- Rahystrada got the lead at the top of the lane in Saturday's $150,000 Arlington Handicap and held off the late rush of Just as Well to win by 1/2 length. Tajaaweed ran from last of 11 to take third. Rahystrada, a 6-year-old, Kentucky-bred Rahy gelding, ran the 1 1/4 mile on firm turf in 2:01.26 after tracking moderate fractions. Rahystrada had been on the sidelines since a third-place finish in the Dixie at Pimlico on May 15. "We knew he was improving," said winning trainer Byron Hughes, "and we hoped he'd keep getting better, which he has. And it's worked out."

-- Among the older turf runners, Marlang galloped along on the lead in Sunday's $100,000 Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park, then held gamely at the end to win by 1 length over Champ Pegasus. Unusual Suspect finished third. Marlang, a 5-year-old, Ontario-bred son of Langfuhr, completed the 1 1/2 miles on firm going in 2:25.45 with Joel Rosario riding.

Other weekend races with potential Breeders' Cup implications:

Ladies Classic

Life At Ten, under a snug hold by jockey John Velazquez, made all the going in Saturday's $750,000 Delaware Handicap and coasted home first, 3 lengths better than Miss Singhsix. Funny Moon finished third. Life At Ten, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred Malibu Moon mare, ran the 1 1/4 miles on a fast track in 2:03.21 and earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic through the "Win And You're In" deal. It was the sixth straight win for Life At Ten and the third straight graded stakes triumph. Her only off-the-board finish in 14 lifetime starts came over a yielding turf course at Belmont Park. "On paper, it looked like she was the controlling speed. But you never know," said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. "She was fortunate to get an easy first quarter and half and she really had a lot left in the stretch. We will probably look at the Personal Ensign at Saratoga next and go from there. It's just special to win the Delaware Handicap because it is such an important race for fillies and mares."

Classic

Sidney's Candy, making his first start since the Kentucky Derby, led most of the way in Saturday's $200,000 Swaps Stakes for 3-year-olds at Hollywood Park, pushed along by Skipshot. With a 16th to run, it appeared Skipshot was done, losing ground to the heavy favorite. But under urging from Joel Rosario, Skipshot came again and got his head in front under the wire. Sidney's Candy saved third, but only by 1/2 length over Summer Movie. Alphie's Bet completed the order of finish. Skipshot, a Kentucky-bred Skip Away ridgling, ran the 9 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:49.94. Rosario said assistant trainer Dan Ward "told me to keep the pressure on Sidney's Candy. If we let him loose, maybe we'd never catch him. I continued to ride hard all the way. If he beats me, fine. I thought we'd at least get second but we beat him. So that's good." Sidney's Candy, who finished 17th in the Derby, "was training so well up to this race," said jockey Joe Talamo. "I think that last little part just got him. He was coming off a decent layoff, so I could see him maybe needing the race."

Filly & Mare Turf

Tuscans are famous for taking evening strolls through their Italian towns and stroll is just what Tuscan Evening did in Saturday's $150,000 Modesty Handicap at Arlington Park – the local prep for next month's Beverly D. With Rafael Bejarano at the controls, the 5-year-old, Irish-bred daughter of Oasis Dream carved out fractions of 25.25, 51.00 and 1:14.93 with no pressure from any of her five opponents. Turning into the drive, pressure came from Eclaire de Lune, a German-bred filly owned by Arlington Chairman Richard L. Duchossois. But Tuscan Evening had enough in reserve after the early stroll and prevailed by 1/2 length. Hot Cha Cha was third, 1 1/2 lengths farther back and a nose in front of Rainbow View. Tuscan Evening finished the 1 3/16 miles on firm turf in 1:55.11. "When I saw the other horse getting close to me at the half-mile," said Bejarano, "I still had a lot of horse so I just kept running." Winning trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he would "love to come back for the Beverly D. That's why we came here today – to see if she likes the course and to see if she would ship well." Tuscan Evening now has won six straight races. All were graded stakes and all were run in California.

Check the Label started last of eight in Saturday's $150,000 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs and saved ground into the stretch turn. At that point, jockey Ramon Dominguez found a seam on the inside and the Kentucky-bred Stormin Fever colt made the most of it, going through and drawing off to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Kilmore Quay led most of the way and held on for second, 1 1/2 lengths over In the Rough. Check the Label, owned by Brereton Jones and trained by H. Graham Motion, ran the 9 furlongs on firm going in 1:51.85. The win was her third straight, following graded stakes scores at Belmont Park and Keeneland.

Treat Gently stalked the pace in Saturday's $200,000 Robert G. Dick Memorial at Delaware Park, made her bid a furlong out and got clear late to win by 1 1/4 lengths over A She's Adorable. Ainamaa finished third and the favorite, Gozzip Girl, finished fourth, lacking a punch in the stretch. Treat Gently, a 5-year-old, British-bred Cape Cross mare, ran the 1 3/8 miles on firm turf in 2:19.02 with John Velazquez up for trainer Bill Mott. Treat Gently came into the race off a victory in the Sheepshead Bay at Belmont Park. She now has five wins from 14 starts. "When I asked her, she really responded," Velazquez said. "She is something and she is very nice."

Mekong Melody waited just off the pace in Sunday's $300,000 (Canadian) Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine, got clear by mid-stretch and held on to win by a nose over the favorite, Ave. Points of Grace was always close and finished third. Mekong Melody, a 5-year-old, Irish-bred mare by Cape Cross, ran the 9 furlongs on firm going in 1:46.09 for jockey Patrick Husbands. Assistant trainer Nancy Sullivan, with a nod to her boss, said she was confident even though it was Mekong Melody's seasonal debut. "It's Roger Attfield off the layoff, long on the grass," Sullivan said. "How could you worry? I'm sure he's thrilled."

Snow Fairy reprised her Epsom Oaks victory with an 8-lengths victory in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh, opening all kinds of doors for her future. At Epsom, Snow Fairy had to battle every step of the way. In Ireland, it was no contest as she became the lucky 13th filly to annex both Oaks. Godolphin's 33-1 shot Miss Jean Brodie, from the Godolphin stable, finished second and trainer Aidan O'Brien saddled 65-1 long shot Lady Lupus to finish third. Winning trainer Ed Dunlop, who also campaigned the multiple champion mare Ouija Board, said Snow Fairy now is under consideration for the Breeders' Cup and likely will remain in training after this season.

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Turf Sprint

Stradivinsky shot right to a big lead in Saturday's $200,000 Jaipur Stakes at Belmont Park and held gamely at the end to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Yield Bogey. Dubai Rainbow finished third. The favorite, Formidable, stumbled at the start, dropping jockey Jose Lezcano. Stradivinsky, a 7-year-old, Florida-bred Stravinsky gelding, finished the 6 furlongs on the fast inner turf in 1:07.74, less than 1 second shy of the course record. "He loves running fresh," said winning trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., "and C.C. [Lopez] gave him a great ride. I told (jockey C.C. Lopez) to concentrate on getting him out of the gate. This horse runs well with spacing, and he likes Churchill Downs, so we'll run him one more time and then point to the Breeders' Cup Sprint."

West Ocean bided her time through the first furlongs in Saturday's $100,000 Klassy Briefcase Stakes for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park, then dominated the stretch run, winning off by 2 3/4 lengths. Candy Cane was second, a head in front of the early leader, Life Lesson. West Ocean, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred Elusive Quality filly, got the "about" 5 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:01.72 with Garrett Gomez riding for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Filly & Mare Sprint

Sweet August Moon got first run at the leaders in Saturday's $150,000 A Gleam Handicap at Hollywood Park, seized the lead and easily held off the odds-on favorite, Free Flying Soul, to win by 1 3/4 lengths. Will O Way was third. Sweet August Moon, a 5-year-old, Pennsylvania-bred Malibu Moon mare, ran the 7 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:21.77 with Victor Espinoza up. "We just got her to calm down a little bit," said winning trainer Brian Koriner, explaining Sweet August Moon's improved performance. "We ran her in a tongue tie today and we'd never run her in one before because she's so ornery. There were a few little things that made the difference."

Juvenile Turf

Z Appeal romped in Saturday's $50,000 Chenery Stakes at Colonial Downs, moving to the lead in the stretch and scooting away to win by 5 1/2 lengths over the Flying Whizzer. Happytheman finished third. Z Appeal, a Kentucky-bred Ghostzapper colt, finished the 5 1/2 furlongs on the firm outer turf course in 1:04.90. Kent Desormeaux rode for trainer Dale Romans.

Juvenile Filly Turf

Winslet rallied boldly through the stretch to upset Saturday's $50,000 Tippett Stakes at Colonial Downs, winning by 1 3/4 lengths over the odds-on favorite, Molly Mingun. Tomica's Spirit finished third. Winslet, a Kentucky-bred filly by Five Star Day, ran 5 1/2 furlongs on the outer turf course in 1:04.26 with Jenna Joubert in the irons for trainer Dane Kobiskie

Juvenile

Glory Game rallied by odds-on favorite Madman Diaries at mid-stretch in Saturday's $150,000 (Canadian) Colin Stakes at Woodbine and drew clear quickly to win by 2 lengths over that rival. It was 8 3/4 lengths back to Devilish Stunt in third. Glory Game, a New York-bred Medalist gelding, ran the 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:09.93 with Patrick Husbands up.

Smiles Ahead came from off the pace to beat long shot Fast Freight by a nose after a furious stretch battle in Saturday's $75,000 Prairie Gold Juvenile at Prairie Meadows in Iowa. The odds-on favorite, Speed Demon, was 2 lengths farther back in third. Smiles Ahead, an Oklahoma-bred Burbank gelding, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:04.73 with Ken Shino aboard.

Juvenile Fillies

Roxy Gap easily justified her status as the odds-on favorite in Sunday's $150,000 (Canadian) Shady Well Stakes at Woodbine, stalking the pace before drawing clear in the stretch run to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Tree Pose. Pass Partout crossed the "border" third. Roxy Gap, an Ontario-foaled daughter of Indian Charlie, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:03.14 with Corey Fraser in the irons. She came off a victory in her last start, also at Woodbine. "She trained really well," said winning trainer Mark Casse. "We had never really let her do a lot. Until you push down on the gas pedal, you never know how good they are. I don't get usually get nervous. I was very nervous for this. Maybe because I think she could be a really good horse."

Big Sweets dominated Saturday's $75,000 Prairie Gold Lassie at Prairie Meadows, leading all the way and drawing off to win by 6 1/2 lengths. The heavy odds-on favorite, Unbridled Praise, coming off a win at Churchill Downs, finished second coming off a win at Churchill Downs, finished second and Songofthecity was third. Big Sweets, a Texas-bred American Champ filly, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.99 under Glenn Corbett.

Position Limit, a daughter of freshman sire of Bellamy Road, who was campaigned by the late George Steinbrenner, broke her maiden Tuesday at Belmont Park. The filly raced wide, got to the front inside the quarter pole and drew off to win by 6 3/4 lengths in a hand ride, finishing 5 1/2 furlongs in the mud in 1:04.70. "We were very pleased with the way she had trained," said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. "She was a first-time starter who we thought would want a little more distance, and we caught an off racetrack. You're always concerned with how they are going to handle that, but she had trained like she was capable of winning first out." He said he will consider the Adirondack at Saratoga on Aug. 15.

Marathon

A.U. Miner earned an automatic ride to the Breeders' Cup with an upset victory in Saturday's $250,000 Greenwood Cup Stakes at Philadelphia Park. After trailing the field into the final turn, the 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred Mineshaft horse advanced steadily on the outside and was just up to win by a neck over the favorite, Alcomo. Jade's Revenge finished third. A.U. Miner, with Frankie Pennington aboard, finished the 1 1/2 miles on a fast track in 2:29.97.

In other weekend racing:

Germany

Godolphin racing swept a pair of German Group 1 events at Hamburg during the weekend. Buzzword got to the front on the stretch turn in Sunday's Deutsches Derby and went on to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Zazou. Sir Lando, who finished third, was set down to fourth for interfering with Russian Tango, who was award third-place money. The favorite, Monterosso, who won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, faded to finish seventh. Godolphin also scored with Campanologist on Saturday in the Grosser Preis von Lotto.

Monmouth Park

Patriotic Viva led almost all the way to a 3 3/4-lengths victory in Saturday's $100,000 Serena's Song Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. C C's Pal was second with Silver La Belle another 1/2 length back in third. Patriotic Viva, a Kentucky-bred Whywhywhy filly, ran the 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:41.80 with Joe Bravo riding.

Delaware Park

Sir Whimsey rallied from last of five to win Saturday's $100,000 R.R.M. Carpenter Jr. Memorial Stakes by 2 lengths over Edgewater. Alma d'Oro finished third. Sir Whimsey, a 6-year-old, Virginia-bred son of Jump Start, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.09 under Alan Garcia. Steve Asmussen trains.

Colonial Downs

Vanquisher caught pacesetter Target Sighted on the wire to win Saturday's $50,000 Kitten's Joy Stakes by a neck. March to Victory finished third. Vanquisher, a 6-year-old, Florida-bred Gulch gelding, ran the 1 1/16 miles on the outer turf course in 1:43.81 with Rosemary Homeister Jr. applying the well-timed ride.

Woodbine

Smokey Fire rallied by pacesetting favorite Hollywood Hit in the late going of Saturday's $150,000 (Canadian) Bold Venture Stakes and drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths. Hollywood Hit held second while Fatal Bullet and Major Marvel completed the order of finish. Smokey Fire, a 5-year-old, Ontario-bred Smoke Glacken gelding, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:15.78 with Emma-Jayne Wilson riding.

Finger Lakes

Ibboyee stalked the pace in Saturday's $150,000 New York Derby for state-breds, made his move in the stretch and was up in time to win by 1/2 length over Shrewd One. Johannesburg Smile was third. Ibboyee, with Mike Luzzi up, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:45.02.

Calder Race Course

Dash Dot Dash dashed off to the lead in Saturday's $55,000 off-the-turf Our Dear Peggy Stakes and wasn't quite caught, winning by 1/2 length at the end. Musical Romance came up just short and Glotona finished third. Dash Dot Dash, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred Put It Back filly, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast main track in 1:45.42 with Jermaine Bridgmohan aboard.

River Downs

Squeezer's Palace rallied from far back to upset Saturday's $75,000 Norm Barron Queen City Oaks for Ohio-breds, winning by 1 3/4 lengths over odds-on favorite Correct Call. It was another 10 lengths back to Adreamfordarlene in third. Squeezer's Palace, with Jason Lumpkins up, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:54 3/5.

Ellis Park

Native Ruler wore down pacesetting Agastache in the stretch run of Saturday's $50,000 Don Bernhardt Memorial and won off by 1 1/4 lengths. Agastache held second with Caixa Electronica third. Native Ruler, a 6-year-old, Kentucky-bred son of Elusive Quality, ran 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:15.42 under Jamie Theriot.

Evangeline Downs

Ide Like a Double rallied to the lead in the stretch run in Saturday's $50,000 Oak Hall Stakes and drew clear to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Pantara Phantom got a brief lead at the top of the lane but settled for second, 3/4 length better than Chief Jay. Ide Like a Double, a 5-year-old, Louisiana-bred son of Ide, ran the 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:24.11 with John Jacinto up.

Hastings Racecourse

Summer Song took charge in the lane to win Saturday's $50,000 (Canadian) Strawberry Morn Handicap for fillies and mares by 3 1/4 lengths over Kaweah Princess. Otero was third. Summer Song, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred Sunday Break mare, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.15 with Mario Gutierrez in the irons.

Ganbei raced last of six early in Sunday's $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate Handicap, came four-wide around the field and was just up in time to win by a neck over pacesetting favorite Burj Dubai, which used to be the name of the world's tallest building. Lowther Street finished third. Ganbei, a 4-year-old, British Columbia-bred Vying Victor gelding out of the Personal Flag mare Aleza, got the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.45 under Gutierrez.

Sacramento

Ultra Blend came three-wide into the stretch in Saturday's $75,000 California State Fair Sprint for state-bred distaffers, shook clear and won by 2 lengths over Irish Gypsy. Dianne Do finished third. Ultra Blend, a 4-year-old Richly Blended filly, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:08.64 with Russell Baze riding.

News and notes:

While most of the sports world knew George Steinbrenner as the domineering owner of the New York Yankees, horse racing fans saw a far different side of the man. As a major owner, breeder, track owner and fan, Steinbrenner reportedly showed in racing little of the bombast and ego that characterized his long run at the Yankees' helm. Steinbrenner's Kinsman Stable produced a steady stream of competitive horses on the national stage. He owned Florida Downs (now Tampa Bay Downs) from 1980 to 1986 and partnered with Billy Johnston and his sons, John and Duke, in ownership of Balmoral Park and Maywood Park near Chicago. "We were extremely saddened to learn of Mr. Steinbrenner's passing," said New York Racing Association President and CEO Charles Hayward. "He had great enthusiasm for thoroughbred racing, and contributed his time and energy to the industry, both as an owner and as a NYRA Board Member. Three Chimneys Farm owner Robert Clay recalled his friend and client as "such a character. I will never forget the pleasure of spending time with him driving around the farm, listening to his views on things, and realizing how dear a man he really was, given all of the publicity that surrounded him to the contrary."