Jockey Garrett Gomez flew across country between Saturday's races at Saratoga and Sunday's card at Del Mar -- and came away with a $1 million win on each coast.
Gomez' success breeds a problem: Should both Travers Stakes winner Colonel John and Pacific Classic winner Go Between move along to the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic in October, which would he choose to ride?
Colonel John put his nose on the wire a hair in front of Mambo in Seattle to win Saturday's $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga and put his name on the short list of favorites for the Classic.
Pyro, starting from an outside post position and compromised by a rodeo-like traffic jam on the turn for home, finished third in the "Midsummer Derby."
Colonel John, a Kentucky-bred colt by Tiznow, burst through a wall of horses to take over the lead from tiring pace-setter Da Tara at mid-stretch. Mambo in Seattle, coming from outside, ranged up alongside and the two hit the wire together. The official photo showed a winning margin of no more than an inch. The time was 2:03.2.
"The kind of trip and what he did today, it takes a special horse to do what he did," said Gomez. "He was inside and then I got bounced around a little on the turn and then I had to jump over heels. To do that after going a mile, he still jumped up on his feet and started to quicken it and lengthen his stride. It shows that he is right up there with the top of them."
Added trainer Eoin Harty: "When you've been around horses for a long time, the really good ones do things very differently than the usual ones. This one, from Day 1, had shown that. He never did anything ever to disappoint me."
Colonel John won the Sham Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby on an artificial surface this spring but had been overlooked since finishing sixth in the Kentucky Derby on Churchill Downs dirt. He came back with a third-place finish in the Swaps a month ago in California.
In the $1 million Pacific Classic, Gomez found a clean trip for Go Between, a 5-year-old son of Point Given, while some of his chief rivals had traffic issues. In the final furlong, Go Between simply outran Well Armed for the victory, with Mast Track finishing third.
"That was our plan going into it," said Kenny McCarthy, assistant to winning trainer Bill Mott. "He has a running style that is good for this distance and Garrett fits him so well. They're a great team."
Go Between finished the 1 1/4-mile event for older horses in 2:01.18. Earlier this year, he had finished second in both the Santa Anita Handicap and the Hollywood Gold Cup.
Gomez was savoring his victory, rather than pondering decisions down the road.
"It sure helps when you have a horse like him," Gomez said. "It makes me look good. Bill Mott and his crew do a heck of a job. They make my job easy."
In the other weekend race with potential implications for the Classic, Matt's Broken Vow trailed most of the field early in Saturday's $300,000 (Canadian) Canadian Derby at Northlands Park, gained ground around the home turn and got home first by 2 1/4 lengths over favorite Texas Wildcatter. Cool Ventura was third. Matt's Broken Vow, a Kentucky-bred colt by Broken Vow, ran the 1 3/8 miles on a fast track in 2:19.4. Emile Ramsammy rode for trainer Josie Carroll.
Other weekend races with implications for the Breeders' Cup World Championships:
$3 million Emirates Airline Turf
Duke of Marmalade bounced back and forth between England and Ireland as racing officials sought a workable site and date for this week's Juddmonte International. When they settled on Newmarket and Saturday as a replacement for waterlogged York, "The Duke" was more than ready. The 4-year-old Danehill colt, already victorious in four straight Group 1 events, sat behind stablemate Red Rock Canyon until the late going, then went on to win by 3/4 length over Phoenix Tower, who was second for the fourth straight time. New Approach, making his first appearance since winning the Derby in June, settled for a non-threatening third. "He is just one of those very special horses and you can see that yourself," said winning trainer Aidan O'Brien. Duke of Marmalade came into the Juddmonte off victories in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. O'Brien said he will be back in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Sept. 6, possibly for a rematch with New Approach.
Shakis charged to the lead on the outside in the final furlong of Saturday's $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga and went on to win the event for the second straight year, finishing 3/4 length ahead of War Monger. Operation Red Dawn ran from far back to finish third. Shakis, an 8-year-old, Irish-bred son of Machiavellian, finished the 9 furlongs on firm going in 1:46.78 with Alan Garcia riding for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Shakis had not won in four starts since last year's Baruch victory. In his last start, he finished ninth in the Manhattan Handicap in June at Belmont Park. "He's very sound and he trains good," said McLaughlin. "We just wish they ran the Bernard Baruch twice a year."
Spring House came between the leaders at mid-stretch in Saturday's $250,000 Del Mar Handicap to bid for the lead, then edged clear in the final furlong to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Transduction Gold. You Got Me Rocking finished third. Spring House, a 6-year-old, Kentucky-bred Chester House gelding, ran the 1 3/8 miles on firm turf in 2:11.14, earning an automatic bid to the Breeders' Cup. Corey Nakatani had the mount for trainer Julio Canani. "When you have one like this, it makes it easy. He's a Breeders' Cup caliber horse. There's no doubt about that," said Nakatani. Canani hinted at something other than the Turf. "He trains sensational on this synthetic track," the conditioner said. "I might have to try to run a race on it sometime."
$2 million Ladies' Classic
Ginger Punch delivered her fourth straight graded stakes win in Friday's $400,000 Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga, rallying gamely in deep stretch to catch Lemon Drop Mom and score by a nose. Unbridled Belle, who led briefly, faded in the lane to finish third. Ginger Punch, a 5-year-old Awesome Again mare, was trying the 10 furlongs for the first time and showed the distance is within her reach as she finished in 2:03.37 over a fast track under Rafael Bejarano. She now has 12 wins from 20 lifetime starts, including her hard-fought victory over Hystericalady in last year's Ladies' Classic. "This race was very close and very scary," Bejarano said. "The other horse tried hard, too, but my horse doesn't quit. She runs 'til the end." Winning trainer Bobby Frankel indicated he will give Ginger Punch one more start before the Breeders' Cup -- the $600,000, 9-furlong Beldame at Belmont on Sept. 27.
Hystericalady toyed with a quartet of rivals in Sunday's $300,000 Molly Pitcher Handicap at Monmouth Park, tracking the pace set by Rolling Sea into the top of the stretch, then drawing off to win by 8 lengths, ridden out by Robby Albarado. Rolling Sea held second, followed by Lexi Star, Talkin About Love and Cowgirls Don't Cry. Hystericalady, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred daughter of Distorted Humor, finished the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.31. Jerry Hollendorfer trains the mare. "We'll probably go to the Lady's Secret Stakes at Santa Anita," Hollendorfer said. "Or we might skip it and go right to the Breeders' Cup. The Breeders' Cup is the goal."
$2 million Mile (turf)
Whatsthescript, the favorite, ran according to script in Sunday's $400,000 Del Mar Mile. Racing from well off the pace, the 4-year-old, Irish-bred Royal Applause colt came four-wide into the stretch and got up to win by 3/4 length over Bold Chieftain. Global Hunter was third and Daytona fourth. Whatsthescript, with Gomez riding for trainer John Sadler, ran the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:32.4. "When I first asked him, he took a stride or two to pick it up," Gomez said. "But then he got to going and changing his gears and he really went. This horse has a kick, I'll tell you, a real kick." Added Sadler, "This is really a great horse."
Raven's Pass, uncharacteristically making lead, swept to his first victory of the season in Saturday's totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood in England and the 3-year-old now appears on track for a trip to California in two months' time. With Jimmy Fortune riding for trainer John Gosden, Raven's Pass beat Bankable by 1 length. Earlier in the year, he had been chasing such Euro notables as Henrythenavigator and Tamayuz. "The plan has always been the Breeders' Cup Mile as he's U.S.-bred and part-owned by an American operation," Gosden said.
$1 million Emirates Airline Filly & Mare Turf
Wait a While waited nicely behind the pace dictated by Sharp Susan in Thursday's $200,000 Ballston Spa Handicap at Sarasota, then went to the lead at the furlong marker and won by 1 length over Carriage Trail. Rutherienne was third and Sharp Susan faded to finish fourth. Wait a While, a 5-year-old Maria's Mon mare, ran the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:39.7 with John Velazquez up for trainer Todd Pletcher. "She's a special filly," Pletcher said. "She was a champion at 3 and she's won some tremendous races. Two Ballston Spas and the Lake Placid as a 3-year-old were awesome races." Pletcher said the next likely start for Wait a While would be the $400,000 Yellow Ribbon at Santa Anita on Sept. 27 -- a race she won two years ago.
Lush Lashes won Friday's Darley Yorkshire Oaks in course-record time of 2:25.11, beating Dar Re Me by 1 1/4 lengths. "Her best distance is a mile, mile and a quarter and a mile and a half," said winning trainer James Bolger. "They've all come alike to her, so we've got a wide range of options." The race was moved and rescheduled from waterlogged York.
Platinee came four-wide at the quarter pole to take the lead in Saturday's $100,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes, then got clear in the stretch to win by 2 lengths. Sirmione was second and Balado's Thunder finished third. The favorite, Kiss With a Twist, settled for fourth. Platinee, a 6-year-old, Kentucky-bred mare by Gulch, is trained by Bill Mott. Corey Lanerie rode, finishing 1 1/16 miles on firm going in 1:39.66.
$2 million Sentient Flight Group Sprint
Visionaire, last of 10 entering the turn in Saturday's $250,000 NetJets King's Bishop Stakes at Saratoga, circled the field and ran on to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Desert Key. I'm So Lucky finished third. Visionaire, a son of Grand Slam, ran the 6 furlongs in 1:21.94 under Alan Garcia. Visionaire, 12th in the Kentucky Derby, came into the race off a victory in an optional claimer at sprint distance and showed his turn of foot can work at shorter distances. Previously, his claim to fame was an upset win in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, coming out of a dense fog. Michael Matz trains the colt. "The horse has just one style of running and it can get a little nerve-wracking," said Matz. "All these horses were real good. They all had big numbers. We just had a horse with a lot of heart and he proved it today." He said he hasn't picked out Visionaire's next race.
Lewis Michael took charge in the stretch run in Sunday's $300,000 Pat O'Brien Handicap at Del Mar, drawing off to win by 2 3/4 lengths over late-running Rebellion. Barbecue Eddie finished third. Lewis Michael, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred son of Rahy, ran the 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:21.17. Rene Douglas rode for trainer Wayne Catalano and owner Frank Calabrese. The favorite, Midnight Lute, had a troubled trip and finished 10th. "That was what we came for, right there," Catalano said. "Everything went perfect, the whole plan. It's great when a plan comes together." Catalano shipped the winner in from Arlington Park early in the week and earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup.
$1 million Sentient Flight Group Filly & Mare Sprint
Dearest Trickski jumped to a quick lead in Sunday's $200,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar and held on at the end to win by a nose over Tiz Elemental. La Tee was third and the favorite, Magnificence, checked in fifth. Dearest Trickski, a 4-year-old, Florida-bred daughter of Proudest Romeo, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.17 under Mike Smith. Dearest Trickski, claimed for $32,000 a year ago at Del Mar, scored her 11th victory in 16 starts and earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup. "She has to be supplemented to the Breeders' Cup, but she's made enough money for Mr. (Tom) Mankiewicz that I'm sure he'll be glad to do that," hopeful winning trainer John Sadler said.
Intangaroo came very wide into the stretch in Sunday's $250,000 Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga and blew by the embattled leaders to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Miraculous Miss also ran late to take second and Sugar Swirl held on for third. Intangaroo, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred filly by Orientate, ran the 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:22.18 with Alonso Quinonez up for trainer Gary Sherlock.
Porte Bonheur got to the front in the final sixteenth in Saturday's $100,000 Victory Ride Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga, upsetting odds-on favourite Indyanne by 1/2 length. Informed Decision finished third. Porte Bonheur, a daughter of Hennessey, ran the 6 furlongs in 1:09.51 with Ramon Dominguez riding for trainer David Duggan. Indyanne, riding a six-race winning streak, was caught flat-footed at the start and never recovered. Duggan said he'll take that turn of luck. "I'm very happy. I'll take it any day of the week," he said. "It's better than losing. She has proven that she is legitimate. I was nervous when I saw Indyanne still there. I knew we were doing good, but I was afraid of her."
$1 million Turf Sprint
Just Rushing joined a three-way battle for the lead halfway through Saturday's $200,000 (Canadian) Play the King Stakes at Woodbine, then edged clear and prevailed late, winning by 1 1/4 lengths over Wollemi Pine. Off Duty finished third and the favorite, Tam Lin, was never in the mix, finishing ninth. Just Rushing, a 7-year-old, Ontario-bred gelding by Wild Rush, ran the 7 furlongs on firm going in 1:18.77. James McAleney rode for trainer Sid Attard. Attard said he might consider the Woodbine Mile on Sept. 7 but has concerns. "It's going to be tougher," he said. "We have to play it by ear and see how he comes back. He likes to have more time between races because he always gives you 110 per cent. We'll see."
Mr. Nightlinger made all the going in Saturday's $200,000 Arlington Park Sprint Handicap, working clear at the end to win by 2 lengths over Starticus. Prince Woodman finished third. Mr. Nightlinger, a 4-year-old Indian Charlie colt, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in course-record time of 1:01.89 under Jamie Theriot. Previously a main-track fixture on the Arlington calendar, the race was switched to the green track this year and provides a "Win and You're In" pass to the Breeders' Cup. "I 'm just a passenger on him and I think it would take a real good horse to beat him right now," said Theriot. "I think he's the best of the best right now sprinting."
$2 million Bessemer Trust Juvenile
Mine That Bird rallied from well back to win Saturday's $100,000 (Canadian) Silver Deputy Stakes at Woodbine by 2 lengths over Oconee. The favorite, Dryden, set a pressured pace and faded to finish third. Mine That Bird, a Kentucky-bred Birdstone colt, got the 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.49 with Chantal Sutherland up for trainer David Coley.
Essenceofthemoon pressed the pace in the first two furlongs of Saturday's $100,000 Charles Town Juvenile Stakes in West Virginia, shook free and won off by 2 1/2 lengths over Herb's Fiddle. Adger was third and the favorite, Ring of Greatness, ran sixth. Essenceofthemoon, a Maryland-bred colt by Malibu Moon, got the 4 1/2 furlongs in 51.7 seconds.
El Sinaloense led from gate to wire in dominating Sunday's $55,538 (Canadian) New Westminster Stakes at Hastings Racecourse. At the wire, the British Columbia-bred son of Mud Route was 5 1/2 lengths better than Dream Prospect with Diamond Quest third. El Sinaloense ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.37.
$2 million Bessemer Trust Juvenile Fillies
Renda rendered the results obvious in the stretch run in Saturday's $60,000 Junior Champion Stakes at Monmouth, drawing off to win by 7 lengths over Countess Seagrape. Renda, a Kentucky-bred Medaglia d'Oro filly, ran 1mile on a fast track in 1:40.05.
Slides Choice caught pace-setting Yankee Cruz in deep stretch to win Saturday's $50,000 Miss Ohio Stakes for state-breds at Thistledown by 1/2 length. Slides Choice, a daughter of Devil His Due, ran 6 furlongs in 1:11.52.
What R the Odds, the odd-son favorite, led most of the way to a 2 1/2-lengths victory in Saturday's $55,850 (Canadian) Lassie Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Hastings Race Course. The Florida-bred daughter of Lightnin N Thunder ran the 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.09.
Onearmedbandit ran away from seven rivals in the stretch run of Saturday's $100,000 Miss Shenandoah Stakes at Charles Town, winning by 5 1/2 lengths. Score One More was best of the rest with Chelsea Barton third. Onearmedbandit, a Maryland-bred daughter of No Armistice, finished 4 1/2 furlongs in 51.73 seconds.
$1 million Grey Goose Juvenile Turf
Borderlescott won Friday's Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at Newmarket by 1/2 length over South African runner National Colour. With Pat Cosgrave up for trainer Robin Bastiman, Borderlescott finished in course-record time of 56.09. "Borderlescott is ... small, but he has the heart of a lion," Bastiman said. "All roads lead to Paris and it will be the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp next." That race is Oct. 5. The Nunthorpe was moved and rescheduled from the York meeting, which was rained out.
In other weekend racing:
Del Mar
Marzelline stalked the pace in Friday's $80,000 CTT and Thoroughbred Owners of California Handicap for fillies and mares, challenged on the turn and drew off in the stretch to win by 2 lengths over High Heel Sneakers. The 4-year-old, Irish-bred Barathea filly ran 1 3/8 miles on firm turf in 2:13.53 under Tyler Baze.
Delaware Park
Phil the Power led from gate to wire in Saturday's $100,000 Kelso Stakes, scoring by 2 3/4 lengths over Critical Acclaim. The favorite, Menacing, was a neck farther back in third. Phil the Power, a 4-year-old Red Bullet gelding, ran 1 1/2 miles on a fast track in 2:31.86 under Anthony Black.
Calder Race Course
Otis Ridge took over in the stretch run to win Saturday's $55,000 Arthur L. Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths over Rachel's Dancer. Larry's Forty Two completed the order of finish as the other eight entrants were scratched when the race was shifted from the grass. Otis Ridge, a 6-year-old Quaker Ridge gelding, ran the 1 1/2 miles on a sloppy track in 2:37.61.
Sweetnorthernsaint, the even-money favorite, ran to his odds in Saturday's $55,000 Primal Stakes, drawing off easily in the stretch to win by 6 3/4 lengths over Marnesia's Big Boy. A Fleet Prospector finished third. Sweetnorthernsaint, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred gelding by Sweetsouthernsaint, got the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:47.06 for Manoel Cruz.
In Sunday's $55,000 Cinnamon Girl Stakes for fillies and mares, Annabill went by pace-setting Slewfoundmoney in the stretch and drew off to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Cat Can Do could do no better than third. Annabill, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred mare by Outflanker, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:47.06.
Philadelphia Park
The Smarty Jones Classic, named for the Pennsylvania-bred Kentucky Derby winner, highlighted a day of stakes races for state-breds. In that $125,000 feature, Delaware River came from just off the pace to win by 8 3/4 lengths over Morethanclever with a dominating stretch performance. The favorite, Disco T, finished third as the 1 1/16 miles went in 1:42.96. In the other races, each worth $100,000:
Power by Leigh won the Captain My Captain at 7 furlongs on the dirt by a head over Secretintellingellence; Miss Blue Tye Dye led all the way to a 2 3/4-lengths victory over She's Fancy Free in the Northern Fling for distaffers at 7 furlongs; Joey Carson came from last of four to win the Devil's Honor at 6 furlongs on the dirt; Dynamic Dan rallied in the stretch to win the Peppy Addy for 3-year-olds at 1 mile.
Also, Jet Away Jane came from last of six to win the Ambassador of Luck Handicap for fillies and mares at 6 furlongs; Remain Silent won a stretch duel with Mathewlovestoparty by a nose to take the Mr. Jenney Handicap at 5 fulongs on the grass, and Royal Pleasure rallied from far back to win the Mrs. Penny Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the grass.
Prairie Meadows
Kate's Main Man drew off in the stretch to win Saturday's $70,000 Iowa Breeders' Derby for state-breds by 3 lengths over longshot Spirit of Winter. The favorite, Maya's Storm finished third with a wide trip. Kate's Main Man, a Bernstein gelding, ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:45.34 for Tim Doocy.
Judy Faye got home first in Saturday's $70,000 Iowa Breeders' Oaks but was disqualified to second for interference entering the stretch. That promoted Good N Gold to the win and Judy Faye was awarded place money. Shesaslewzy was third. Good N Gold is a bay daughter of Gold Case. The 1 mile and 70 yards went in 1:43.59.
In supporting events on the Saturday night card, Crimson King Cat rallied through the stretch to win the $50,000 Iowa Classic Sprint by 3 1/4 lengths over Dazzling Man; Jumpifyoudare closed smartly in the lane to win the $70,000 Iowa Cradle for 2-year-old colts and geldings by 2 1/4 lengths over The Cliff's End; Prairie Blues stalked the pace and then went on to win the $70,000 Iowa Sorority for juvenile fillies by 2 3/4 lengths over Gold Simone; Elite Lady dominated the stretch run to win the $80,000 Donna Reed Stakes for fillies and mares by 5 1/4 lengths over the favorite, Thekatcamehome, and Red Hot N Gold led in the stretch, then held on to win the $80,000 Ralph Hayes Stakes by a nose over Dynamic Affair.
Sacramento
Saratoga's Magic stalked the pace early in Saturday's $75,000 Governor's Handicap, then hooked up in a stretch duel with Our Partner before prevailing by a head. Cover Magic was third. Saratoga's Magic, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred son of Tactical Cat, got 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:48.62.
Presque Isle Downs
J's Sundance Halo let Ravalo show the way through much of Saturday's $100,000 Leeward Stakes, then went by in the stretch run to win by 2 lengths. Ravalo held second and Andiamo was third. J's Sundance Halo ran 1 mile on the all-weather track in 1:36.36. He is a 4-year-old, Florida-bred gelding by Fappie's Notebook.
Northlands Park
Holy Nova pressed the pace into the stretch of Saturday's $100,000 (Canadian) City of Edmonton Distaff Handicap, took the lead at the top of the stretch and held off the late bid of Tanika to win by 1/2 length. Fox On a Ridge was third. Holy Nova, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred filly by Pure Prize, ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:45.2.
Monmouth Park
Peisinoe got home first in Sunday's $70,000 Miss Woodford Stakes for 3-year-old fillies after a long battle with Shining Image. But the stewards reversed that finish, finding that Peisinoe had bumped Shining Image off stride in deep stretch. Spritely was well behind the trouble in third. Shining Image is a Florida-bred daughter of Northern Afleet. Daniel Centeno rode for trainer Anthony Dutrow. The 6 furlongs took 1:09.85.
Almonsoon saved ground close behind the lead in Saturday's $70,000 Omnibus Stakes for fillies and mares, took the lead turning for home and drew off to win by 7 lengths over Seeking an Angel. Jive was third and Czarina's Girl completed the order of finish. Almonsoon, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred Giant's Causeway mare, got the 1 1/4 miles on a fast track in 2:06.23 with Jose Velez Jr. in the irons. Todd Pletcher trains.
Louisiana Downs
Autobeacat rallied to the lead at the top of the stretch in Saturday's $100,000 World Series of Poker Stakes and drew off to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Wise River was second and Point Gold third. Autobeacat, a 5-year-old, Louisiana-bred Autocracy gelding, finished the "about" 1 1/16 miles on yielding turf in 1:47.53 for jockey Donnie Meche.
Albuquerque
Cape Time stalked the pace in Saturday's $50,000 Charles Taylor Derby, dueled into the stretch and got home first, 1 length ahead of Capetown Royal. Quiet Again was third. Cape Time, a Florida-bred gelding by Cape Canaveral, ran the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:38.08 for Casey Lambert.
Snowdrop rallied sharply into the stretch and went on to win Sunday's $50,000 West Mesa Handicap for fillies and mares by 3 1/2 lengths over Topper's Movin'. Snowdrop, a 5-year-old, California-bred Beau Genius mare, ran the 7 furlongs in 1:23.49 under Alfredo Juarez Jr.
Remington Park
Stealth Cat edged clear at mid-stretch in Saturday's $50,000 Adena Springs Matchmaker Turf Sprint, then held on to win by a head over Game N Laughin. Annie Savoy was third. Stealth Cat, a 4-year-old, Texas-bred daughter of Magic Cat, ran the 5 furlongs on firm turf in 56.15 seconds with Luis Quinonez up.
In Sunday's $50,000 Brother Brown Stakes, Distinguish was just up at the wire to beat pace-setter Orphan Brigade by a head. Chamberlain Bridge ran third. Distinguish, a 7-year-old son of Wagon Limit, ran 5 furlongs on firm turf in 55.79 seconds.
