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UPI Thoroughbred Racing Roundup

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER, UPI Racing Writer

Even though there wasn't a Triple Crown winner - and despite Barbaro's disappointing injury in the Preakness Stakes - this is shaping up as an awfully interesting year for the 3-year-olds.

Jazil's impressive victory in Saturday's Belmont Stakes overshadowed the performances of Bluegrass Cat, Sunriver and Even though there wasn't a Triple Crown winner -- and despite Barbaro's disappointing injury in the Preakness Stakes -- this is shaping up as an awfully interesting year for the 3-year-olds.

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Jazil's impressive victory in Saturday's Belmont Stakes overshadowed the performances of Bluegrass Cat, Sunriver and Steppenwolfer. And even Bob and John, who couldn't make good on trainer Bob Baffert's hopes to steal the Belmont on the front end, looks like he has matured into a handful at a slightly shorter distance.

Of course, Preakness winner Bernardini skipped the Belmont and is expected to be tough enough when Saratoga opens for business. And Godolphin decided not to send Discreet Cat, the UAE Derby winner, to any of the Triple Crown events but is eyeing bigger targets down the road. And keep an eye out for Sweetnorthernsaint, Brother Derek, Point Determined and A.P. Warrior -- none of whom disgraced himself while dabbling in Triple Crown appearances.

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None of that takes anything away from Jazil's performance in the Belmont. The Kentucky-bred Seeking the Gold colt, with teenager Fernando Jara riding, got a slow start -- last of 12 -- and saved ground until the field finished the sweeping first turn. Then, he moved up between horses with little urging, swung wide into the stretch and got by a stubborn Bluegrass Cat midway down the stretch, winning by 1 1/4 lengths. Bluegrass Cat held second, with Sunriver third and Steppenwolfer fourth.

"I was very confident when he was moving through at the five-eighths pole," said winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "He moved by Bluegrass Cat going the right way."

The time of 2:27.86 was a mite off Secretariat's track record (2:24) but got the job done.

Bring on the Travers Stakes.

And, by the way, how about Fernando Jara? At age 18, riding in by far the biggest race of his life, his mount hits the gate and he looses an iron. Without missing a beat, he regains control, positions Jazil just where he wants him and moves just at the right time. No wonder McLaughlin predicted we'll be hearing a lot more about this youngster before his history is complete.

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"This is amazing," said Jara.


On the Belmont Stakes undercard:

-- Cacique stayed right with the pace in the $400,000 Manhattan Handicap, then got the best of a four-way scramble at the finish. The photo showed the 5-year-old, Irish-bred son of Danehill a head in front of Relaxed Gesture, with Grey Swallow another neck back and early pace-setter English Channel in fourth, another head in arrears. Cacique, a Juddmonte Farms homebred, trained by Bobby Frankel, ran the 1 1/2 mile on yielding turf in 2:04.10. "He was a little late switching leads," Prado said of Cacique. "Once he switched, he caught another gear. He didn't see (Relaxed Gesture, moving on the outside). Once he saw him, and after the wire, he picked it up again."

-- Anew jumped out to the lead in the $200,000 True North Handicap, opened a big advantage and coasted home a 3 1/2-lengths winner over the odds-on favorite, Tiger. Spanish Chestnut finished third. Anew, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred gelding by Awesome Again, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:08.10 with Alan Garcia aboard for trainer Steve Asmussen. "He was a lunatic before we gelded him," said assistant trainer Toby Sheets. "And he's still a lunatic. But he's better now."

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-- Only four started in the $300,000 Just a Game Handicap for fillies and mares and Gorella could see all three rivals during the early furlongs. But when Julien Leparoux asked her to run, the 4-year-old French-bred came between rivals at the top of the lane and just got up to beat pace-setter Pommes Frites by the length of a few French fries. Ozone Bere and Mirabilis completed the order of finish. Gorella, a daughter of Grape Tree Road who finished third in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile, completed the 1 mile on yielding turf in 1:37.14. "To me, she is the best grass filly in the country," said winning trainer Patrick Biancone. "The Beverly D. (Aug. 12 at Arlington Park) is our next goal."

-- Songster got a perfect trip under Edgar Prado in the $250,000 Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup for 3-year-olds, rating outside the pace-setters and moving to the front turning for home. At the wire, the Songandaprayer colt was 2 lengths to the good of Too Much Bling, with Noonmark third. Songster, a Florida-bred, ran 7 furlongs in 1:21.45. "That was a marvelous race today," said winning trainer Tom Albertrani. "He really responded when he needed to find another gear." He said The King's Bishop at Saratoga on Aug. 26 is the next goal.

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-- Bushfire behaved behind the gate for a change and then had enough left to win the $250,000 Acorn Stakes for 3-year-old-fillies by a neck over Hello Liberty after a long stretch battle. Last Romance was 1 3/4 length back in third. Bushfire, a Florida-bred daughter of Louis Quatorze, ran 1 mile in 1:35.89 under Alex Solis. "She's a gutsy filly," trainer Eddie Kenneally said of Bushfire. "I didn't expect her to be on the lead. ... Normally, in horse racing, when you get headed at the eighth pole, you're going to get beat. She was just so game."

-- On Sunday, Dubai Escapade got out to a good lead in the $150,000 Vagrancy Handicap for fillies and mares, turned back a challenge from Smokey Glacken and again extended her lead to win by 6 lengths. High Button Shoes was second and Magnolia Jackson finished third. Grecian Lover, Smokey Glacken and Leave Me Alone completed the order of finish. Dubai Escapade, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred daughter of Awesome Again, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.39 for Edgar Prado.

Also Sunday, Perilous Pursuit came from near the back of the pack to win the $65,000 Late Bloomer Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 2 3/4 lengths over Pure Incentive. Zaynab was third as the favorite. Perilous Pursuit is a Kentucky-bred filly by Lemon Drop Kid. She got the 1 1/16 mile in 1:43.41 under Jose Santos.

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In other weekend racing:


Hollywood Park

Lava Man blasted out his fourth straight victory with a dominating performance in Saturday's $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap. Leading from the early stages, the 5-year-old, Cal-bred son of Slew City Slew turned back all challengers on the turn for home and wound up winning by 2 lengths over King's Drama. Red Fort took third. Lava Man, with Corey Nakatani riding for trainer Doug O'Neill, ran the 1 1/4 mile on firm turf in 2:00.29. Since he returned from an unproductive trip to the Japan Cup last fall, Lava Man had reeled off wins in the Sunshine Millions Classic, the Santa Anita Handicap and the restricted Khaled on the grass at Hollywood just two weeks ago. O'Neill said Lava Man will be back on the main track in the Hollywood Gold Cup. "Obviously, we've got a top-quality turf horse," he said. "But I still think his best races and his style is more geared to speed and stamina that kicks butt on dirt."

Also Saturday, Lucky J.H rallied by pace-setting Captain Squire to win the $100,000 Ack Ack Handicap by 1 1/4 lengths. Primerica was third. Lucky J.H., a 4-year-old, Cal-bred son of Cee's Tizzy, ran the 7 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:29.66 under Patrick Valenzuela.

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Sunday, Hystericalady bobbled a bit at the start of the $150,000 Hollywood Breeders' Cup Oaks, but quickly recovered set a pressured pace, then drew off to win by 7 1/2 lengths over the favorite, Squallacious. Downthedustyroad was third. Hystericalady, a Kentucky-bred filly by Distorted Humor, ran the 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:43.08 for jockey Patrick Valenzuela.


Woodbine

Kimchi stuck close to the pace in Sunday's $500,000 (Canadian) Labatt Woodbine Oaks, came around the leaders three-wide on the turn and drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Sweet Breanna. Seductively was third and the favorite, Strike Softly, didn't strike at all, finishing a dull seventh. Kimchi, a Manitoba-bred daughter of Langfuhr, got the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:52.23 under Patrick Husbands. Husbands and trainer Mark Casse said they had discussed off and on whether to remove blinkers from Kimchi's equipment list and finally decided to do that for the big race. "We took the blinkers off and got her relaxed a little bit today," Casse said. She still was pretty eager, though. I kept saying, 'Patrick, don't go to the lead too quick.' I never count anything until they get to the wire." He said Kimchi will go on to the second leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara -- the Labatt Bison City at Fort Erie on July 2. The third leg is the Wonder Where on July 29. That's back at Woodbine, in case you were wondering where.

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Also Sunday, Harborage, with Mike Luzzi aboard, came from last of four to win the $125,000 Victoria Park Stakes for 3-year-olds by 4 lengths over Ok Nothansforaskn. Italiano was third. Harborage, a Kentucky-bred son of Monarchos, ran the 9 furlongs in 1:51.70.

Barbeau Ruckus pressed the pace set by odds-on favorite Arch Hall in Saturday's $125,000 (Canadian) Steady Growth Stakes for Canadian-breds, then just got by that rival in the final yards to win by 1/2 length. Millfleet finished third. Barbeau Ruckus, a 6-year-old gelding by Barbeau, ran 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:44.64 for jockey Todd Kabel. Kabel said Arch Hall "caught me off guard" with his late effort. "My horse grabbed a hold of me and fought back really gamely. He was determined today," the rider said.


Delaware Park

Smart Growth sat behind the pace in Saturday's $100,000 Brandywine Stakes, moved up on the turn and then found running room on the rail, getting up to win by 1/2 length. Cherokee's Boy was second as the favorite and Happy Hunting finished third. Smart Growth, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred son of Gone West, ran the 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:44.09 for jockey Mario Pino.

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Pimlico

Trickle of Gold got right to the front in Saturday's $75,000 Skipat Stakes for fillies nad mares and produced a torrent of speed, drawing off to win by 9 3/4 lengths over Spirited Game. Chrusciki was third. Trickle of Gold, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred filly by Formal Gold, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track for Alex Beitia in 1:11.24.


Mountaineer

Summer Book led from the git-go in Saturday's $75,000 Slipton Fell Handicap and drew off at the end to win by a handy 5 1/2 lengths over the favorite, Go Now. Ask the Lord was along for third. Summer Book, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred son of Notebook got the 1 mile and 70 yards in 1:43.41 with Brian Hernandez Jr. riding.


Lone Star Park

Be a Resident fought for the lead most of the way around in Saturday's $100,000 TTA Sales Futurity, was headed by Datrick in a rough stretch drive and then came back to beat that rival by a nose. Austin Lights was third. Be a Resident, a gelded son of Open Forum, ran the 5 furlongs in 58.50 seconds for jockey M. Berry.

In the companion $100,000 filly division, Miss Mary Pat came from just off the pace to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Wrenice, with Expect and Echo third. Miss Mary Pat, with Quincy Hamilton riding, ran 5 furlongs in 58.28 seconds.

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Bay Meadows

Strong Faith stayed close to the leaders in Saturday's $65,000 Hillsborough Handicap for fillies and mares, came through traffic on the turn and won a furious battle to the wire by a neck over Sky Dreams. Eleanor Rose was just a nose farther back in third. The favorite, Carini, never fired and finished eighth of nine. Strong Faith, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred mare by Pioneering, ran 1 mile on firm turf in 1:36.34 with Roberto Gonzalez up.


Prairie Meadows

Spotsgone dueled with pace-setting Kingsfield through the stretch run in Saturday's $50,000 Prairie Mile for 3-year-olds, then eased ahead to win by 1/2 length. Vanilla Scoop was well back in third. Spotsgone, a Kentucky-bred colt by Bright Launch, got the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:35.68 with Earlie Fires aboard.


Louisiana Downs

Chief What It Is blasted out to a big lead in Saturday's $50,000 Airline Stakes for 3-year-olds and was never headed, winning by 3 lengths over Future Vision. Here Tiger was third. Chief What It Is, a Kentucky-bred son of Crafty Prospector, got fractions of 21.59 seconds and 44.28 seconds en route to a final time of 1:10.24. Jose Riquelme was aboard for the rocket ride.

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Charles Town

Unison Moon pressed the early pace in Saturday's $50,000 Cortan Stakes for 3-year-olds, got to the front on the turn and came on to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Donald's Pride. Vanna's Honeybear finished third. Unison Moon, a Maryland-bred son of Malibu Moon, ran 7 furlongs in 1:24.41.


Canterbury Park

Load a Chronic had to come six-wide around the final turn in Saturday's $50,000 Brooks Fields Stakes but when he got room, the 6-year-old Comstock Lode gelding made the most of it, shooting to the front and winning off by 1 1/4 lengths over Dontbotherknocking. Major Rhythm was third as the favorite. Load a Chronic ran the about 7 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:30.53 under Paul Nolan.

Steppenwolfer. And even Bob and John, who couldn't make good on trainer Bob Baffert's hopes to steal the Belmont on the front end, looks like he has matured into a handful at a slightly shorter distance.

Of course, Preakness winner Bernardini skipped the Belmont and is expected to be tough enough when Saratoga opens for business. And Godolphin decided not to send Discreet Cat, the UAE Derby winner, to any of the Triple Crown events but is eyeing bigger targets down the road. And keep an eye out for Sweetnorthernsaint, Brother Derek, Point Determined and A.P. Warrior - none of whom disgraced himself while dabbling in Triple Crown appearances.

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None of that takes anything away from Jazil's performance in the Belmont. The Kentucky-bred Seeking the Gold colt, with teenager Fernando Jara riding, got a slow start - last of 12 - and saved ground until the field finished the sweeping first turn. Then, he moved up between horses with little urging, swung wide into the stretch and got by a stubborn Bluegrass Cat midway down the stetch, winning by 1 1/4 lengths. Bluegrass Cat held second, with Sunriver third and Steppenwolfer fourth.

"I was very confident when he was moving through at the five-eighths pole," said winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "He moved by Bluegrass Cat going the right way."

The time of 2:27.86 was a mite off Secretariat's track record (2:24) but got the job done.

Bring on the Travers Stakes.

And, by the way, how about Fernando Jara? At age 18, riding in by far the biggest race of his life, his mount hits the gate and he looses an iron. Without missing a beat, he regains control, positions Jazil just where he wants him and moves just at the right time. No wonder McLaughlin predicted we'll be hearing a lot more about this youngster before his history is complete.

Advertisement

"This is amazing," said Jara.


On the Belmont Stakes undercard:

--Cacique stayed right with the pace in the $400,000 Manhattan Handicap, then got the best of a four-way scramble at the finish. The photo showed the 5-year-old, Irish-bred son of Danehill a head in front of Relaxed Gesture, with Grey Swallow another neck back and early pace-setter English Channel in fourth, another head in arrears. Cacique, a Juddmonte Farms homebred, trained by Bobby Frankel, ran the 1 1/2 mile on yielding turf in 2:04.10. "He was a little late switching leads," Prado said of Cacique. "Once he switched, he caught another gear. He didn't see (Relaxed Gesture, moving on the outside). Once he saw him, and after the wire, he picked it up again."

--Anew jumped out to the lead in the $200,000 True North Handicap, opened a big advantage and coasted home a 3 1/2-lengths winner over the odds-on favorite, Tiger. Spanish Chestnut finished third. Anew, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred gelding by Awesome Again, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:08.10 with Alan Garcia aboard for trainer Steve Asmussen. "He was a lunatic before we gelded him," said assistant trainer Toby Sheets. "And he's still a lunatic. But he's better now."

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--Only four started in the $300,000 Just a Game Handicap for fillies and mares and Gorella could see all three rivals during the early furlongs. But when Julien Leparoux asked her to run, the 4-year-old French-bred came between rivals at the top of the lane and just got up to beat pace-setter Pommes Frites by the length of a few French fries. Ozone Bere and Mirabilis completed the order of finish. Gorella, a daughter of Grape Tree Road who finished third in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile, completed the 1 mile on yielding turf in 1:37.14. "To me, she is the best grass filly in the country," said winning trainer Patrick Biancone. "The Beverly D. (Aug. 12 at Arlington Park) is our next goal."

--Songster got a perfect trip under Edgar Prado in the $250,000 Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup for 3-year-olds, rating outside the pace-setters and moving to the front turning for home. At the wire, the Songandaprayer colt was 2 lengths to the good of Too Much Bling, with Noonmark third. Songster, a Florida-bred, ran 7 furlongs in 1:21.45. "That was a marvelous race today," said winning trainer Tom Albertrani. "He really responded when he needed to find another gear." He said The King's Bishop at Saratoga on Aug. 26 is the next goal.

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--Bushfire behaved behind the gate for a change and then had enough left to win the $250,000 Acorn Stakes for 3-year-old-fillies by a neck over Hello Liberty after a long stretch battle. Last Romance was 1 3/4 length back in third. Bushfire, a Florida-bred daughter of Louis Quatorze, ran 1 mile in 1:35.89 under Alex Solis. "She's a gutsy filly," trainer Eddie Kenneally said of Bushfire. "I didn't expect her to be on the lead....Normally, in horse racing, when you get headed at the eighth pole, you're going to get beat. She was just so game."

--On Sunday, Dubai Escapade got out to a good lead in the $150,000 Vagrancy Handicap for fillies and mares, turned back a challenge from Smokey Glacken and again extended her lead to win by 6 lengths. High Button Shoes was second and Magnolia Jackson finished third. Grecian Lover, Smokey Glacken and Leave Me Alone completed the order of finish. Dubai Escapade, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred daughter of Awesome Again, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.39 for Edgar Prado.

Also Sunday, Perilous Pursuit came from near the back of the pack to win the $65,000 Late Bloomer Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 2 3/4 lengths over Pure Incentive. Zaynab was third as the favorite. Perilous Pursuit is a Kentucky-bred filly by Lemon Drop Kid. She got the 1 1/16 mile in 1:43.41 under Jose Santos.

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In other weekend racing:


Hollywood Park

Lava Man blasted out his fourth straight victory with a dominating performance in Saturday's $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap. Leading from the early stages, the 5-year-old, Cal-bred son of Slew City Slew turned back all challengers on the turn for home and wound up winning by 2 lengths over King's Drama. Red Fort took third. Lava Man, with Corey Nakatani riding for trainer Doug O'Neill, ran the 1 1/4 mile on firm turf in 2:00.29. Since he returned from an unproductive trip to the Japan Cup last fall, Lava Man had reeled off wins in the Sunshine Millions Classic, the Santa Anita Handicap and the restricted Khaled on the grass at Hollywood just two weeks ago. O'Neill said Lava Man will be back on the main track in the Hollywood Gold Cup. "Obviously, we've got a top-quality turf horse," he said. "But I still think his best races and his style is more geared to speed and stamina that kicks butt on dirt."

Also Saturday, Lucky J.H rallied by pace-setting Captain Squire to win the $100,000 Ack Ack Handicap by 1 1/4 lengths. Primerica was third. Lucky J.H., a 4-year-old, Cal-bred son of Cee's Tizzy, ran the 7 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:29.66 under Patrick Valenzuela.

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Sunday, Hystericalady bobbled a bit at the start of the $150,000 Hollywood Breeders' Cup Oaks, but quickly recovered set a pressured pace, then drew off to win by 7 1/2 lengths over the favorite, Squallacious. Downthedustyroad was third. Hystericalady, a Kentucky-bred filly by Distorted Humor, ran the 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:43.08 for jockey Patrick Valenzuela.


Woodbine

Kimchi stuck close to the pace in Sunday's $500,000 (Canadian) Labatt Woodbine Oaks, came around the leaders three-wide on the turn and drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Sweet Breanna. Seductively was third and the favorite, Strike Softly, didn't strike at all, finishing a dull seventh. Kimchi, a Manitoba-bred daughter of Langfuhr, got the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:52.23 under Patrick Husbands. Husbands and trainer Mark Casse said they had discussed off and on whether to remove blinkers from Kimchi's equipment list and finally decided to do that for the big race. "We took the blinkers off and got her relaxed a little bit today," Casse said. She still was pretty eager, though. I kept saying, 'Patrick, don't go to the lead too quick.' I never count anything until they get to the wire." He said Kimchi will go on to the second leg of the Candian Triple Tiara - the Labatt Bison City at Fort Erie on July 2. The third leg is the Wonder Where on July 29. That's back at Woodbine, in case you were wondering where.

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Also Sunday, Harborage, with Mike Luzzi aboard, came from last of four to win the $125,000 Victoria Park Stakes for 3-year-olds by 4 lengths over Ok Nothansforaskn. Italiano was third. Harborage, a Kentucky-bred son of Monarchos, ran the 9 furlongs in 1:51.70.

Barbeau Ruckus pressed the pace set by odds-on favorite Arch Hall in Saturday's $125,000 (Canadian) Steady Growth Stakes for Canadian-breds, then just got by that rival in the final yards to win by 1/2 length. Millfleet finished third. Barbeau Ruckus, a 6-year-old gelding by Barbeau, ran 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:44.64 for jockey Todd Kabel. Kabel said Arch Hall "caught me off guard" with his late effort. "My horse grabbed a hold of me and fought back really gamely. He was determined today," the rider said.


Delaware Park

Smart Growth sat behind the pace in Saturday's $100,000 Brandywine Stakes, moved up on the turn and then found running room on the rail, getting up to win by 1/2 length. Cherokee's Boy was second as the favorite and Happy Hunting finished third. Smart Growth, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred son of Gone West, ran the 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:44.09 for jockey Mario Pino.

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Pimlico

Trickle of Gold got right to the front in Saturday's $75,000 Skipat Stakes for fillies nad mares and produced a torrent of speed, drawing off to win by 9 3/4 lengths over Spirited Game. Chrusciki was third. Trickle of Gold, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred filly by Formal Gold, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track for Alex Beitia in 1:11.24.


Mountaineer

Summer Book led from the git-go in Saturday's $75,000 Slipton Fell Handicap and drew off at the end to win by a handy 5 1/2 lengths over the favorite, Go Now. Ask the Lord was along for third. Summer Book, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred son of Notebook got the 1 mile and 70 yards in 1:43.41 with Brian Hernandez Jr. riding.


Lone Star Park

Be a Resident fought for the lead most of the way around in Saturday's $100,000 TTA Sales Futurity, was headed by Datrick in a rough stretch drive and then came back to beat that rival by a nose. Austin Lights was third. Be a Resident, a gelded son of Open Forum, ran the 5 furlongs in 58.50 seconds for jockey M. Berry.

In the companion $100,000 filly division, Miss Mary Pat came from just off the pace to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Wrenice, with Expect and Echo third. Miss Mary Pat, with Quincy Hamilton riding, ran 5 furlongs in 58.28 seconds.

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Bay Meadows

Strong Faith stayed close to the leaders in Saturday's $65,000 Hillsborough Handicap for fillies and mares, came through traffic on the turn and won a furious battle to the wire by a neck over Sky Dreams. Eleanor Rose was just a nose farther back in third. The favorite, Carini, never fired and finished eighth of nine. Strong Faith, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred mare by Pioneering, ran 1 mile on firm turf in 1:36.34 with Roberto Gonzalez up.


Prairie Meadows

Spotsgone dueled with pace-setting Kingsfield through the stretch run in Saturday's $50,000 Prairie Mile for 3-year-olds, then eased ahead to win by 1/2 length. Vanilla Scoop was well back in third. Spotsgone, a Kentucky-bred colt by Bright Launch, got the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:35.68 with Earlie Fires aboard.


Louisiana Downs

Chief What It Is blasted out to a big lead in Saturday's $50,000 Airline Stakes for 3-year-olds and was never headed, winning by 3 lengths over Future Vision. Here Tiger was third. Chief What It Is, a Kentucky-bred son of Crafty Prospector, got fractions of :21.59 and :44.28 en route to a final time of 1:10.24. Jose Riquelme was aboard for the rocket ride.

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Charles Town

Unison Moon pressed the early pace in Saturday's $50,000 Cortan Stakes for 3-year-olds, got to the front on the turn and came on to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Donald's Pride. Vanna's Honeybear finished third. Unison Moon, a Maryland-bred son of Malibu Moon, ran 7 furlongs in 1:24.41.


Canterbury Park

Load a Chronic had to come six-wide around the final turn in Saturday's $50,000 Brooks Fields Stakes but when he got room, the 6-year-old Comstock Lode gelding made the most of it, shooting to the front and winning off by 1 1/4 lengths over Dontbotherknocking. Major Rhythm was third as the favorite. Load a Chronic ran the about 7 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:30.53 under Paul Nolan.

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