| Advertisement |
Acclamation and Royal Delta confirmed their status atop two of racing's prestige divisions in weekend action. Contenders on grass, dirt and the synthetic tracks all over North America put in bids for consideration for Breeders' Cup spots and year-end honors.
Advertisement
Among the Euros, the winner of last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Danedream, won a dream of a race at Ascot. And a French-based raider lifted the Grosser Preis von Berlin in Germany, possibly earning a spot in this year's Arc.
We shoulda had 'em all. But if we didn't, here's how it happened:
Turf
Acclamation defended his title as leader of the older horse turf division, winning Saturday's $300,000, Grade II Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar by 2 3/4 lengths after leading all the way. Interaction was second and Casino Host third. Hog's Hollow and Slim Shadey completed the order of finish. Acclamation, a 6-year-old son of Unusual Heat, ran the 9 furlongs on firm going in 1:46.86 with Patrick Valenzuela aboard. He now has won seven straight races, including last year's Read. "I think he is the best turf horse in the country at a mile and an eighth or more, don't you?" asked winning trainer Don Warren. "Has anybody beaten him at it yet? Until they do, he's the best turf horse in the country. He's just developed into a wonderful, wonderful horse." But, rather than pursue the grass schedule, Warren said he now is looking at the Pacific Classic on Aug. 26 over the Del Mar all-weather surface. He also won that race last year, then came back to win the Clement Hirsch Turf Championship at Santa Anita in early October. This year's Breeders' Cup will be run at Santa Anita.
Silver Max continued to roll to the top of the 3-year-old turf division with an easy, front-running score in Saturday's $600,000, Grade II Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. With Robby Albarado aboard for trainer Dale Romans, the Badge of Silver colt assumed his usual position, well in front of his seven rivals. He was headed midway down the backstretch by Two Months Rent but only because that one's saddle slipped, leaving jockey Julien Pimentel with no control over his mount. When Pimentel finally got Two Months Rent reined in and eased, Silver Max resumed the lead, dug in gamely and got home first by 1 length over Lucky Chappy, who was making his first start since returning from Dubai. Finnegans Wake lost second in the final jumps and settled for third. Silver Max finished the 1 1/4 miles on yielding turf in 2:04.05. He now has won six straight races over six different courses. "That was an adventure," winning trainer Dale Romans told Daily Racing Form. "This is a special horse. He proved he can handle the mile and a quarter. It's going to take a real good horse to beat him." Silver Max passed on last week's Arlington Park prep for the Group I Secretariat Stakes on Aug. 18 but now is expected to make a return trip to Chicago for that event.
Riding the River had to find a way through a traffic jam at the quarter pole in Sunday's $300,000 (Canadian), Grade II Nijinsky Stakes at Woodbine. But once past that obstruction, the 5-year-old Wiseman's Ferry gelding rallied nicely to win by a neck over Hotep. Pender Harbour finished third and the favorite, Imagining, faded to finish fifth. Riding the River, with Todd Kabel in the irons, ran the "about" 9 furlongs on firm going in 1:48.05. "It was a trip from hell," said winning trainer David Cotey. "I warned Todd, 'At some point in time, they're going to shut off and you're going to see a 6-inch hole. Point him and hold on.' And that's almost exactly what happened. He just forced his way through it. He's such a game little guy." Riding the River now has two straight graded stakes wins.
Willcox Inn, returning from an eight-month layoff, had to look for running room in the stretch in Sunday's Arlington Park feature but, once through a tight opening, the 4-year-old Harlan's Holiday colt went on to win by 1/2 length, outfinishing Lil Bit O'Fun. Mr. Mischief finished third. Willcox Inn, with James Graham up, finished the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:36.96. Willcox Inn won last year's Arlington Classic, American Derby and Hawthorne Derby and finished fourth in the Grade I Secretariat Stakes. He went to the sidelines after an eighth-place showing in the Hollywood Derby last November.
Global Power led from the early going in Saturday's $100,000 Sussex Stakes at Delaware Park and had enough left at the end to win by a neck over Slip and Drive. Abilio finished third. Global Power, a 4-year-old Pulpit colt, ran the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:41.62 with Abel Castellano Jr. up. He now has won both his starts on the grass since Tom Amoss took over the training duties.
Howe Great kicked into gear turning for home in Saturday's $60,000 Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park and held off Fire Alarm to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Crafty Unicorn got home third. Howe Great, a Hat Trick colt, ran the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:42.67. He picked up his fifth win from nine starts in what the locals bill as America's oldest Derby, first contested in 1864. "This is a pretty forwardly placed horse," said winning jockey Joe Bravo. "He loves the game. He wasn't under much pressure the whole time. He was nice and relaxed. I was just out there to hold on."
Ladies' Classic
Royal Delta took the lead entering the turn in Saturday's $750,000 Delaware Handicap but then had all she could do to hang on at the end and beat longshot rival Tiz Miz Sue by a neck. Awesome Maria was well back in third. Royal Delta, a 4-year-old Empire Maker filly, ran the 1 1/4 miles on a fast track in 2:03.51 with Mike Smith up, earning a chance to defend her Breeders' Cup title through the "Win and You're In" victory. "We had to move early, we had to carry a lot weight and she proved to be the best," said winning trainer Bill Mott. "She did a lot of work around the turn and early in the stretch. She made the lead a little early, but she got it done." Mott and Smith both said they knew Royal Delta was the "marked" rival in the field and were not surprised that she was floated wide through much of the race. "I was 1-5 [odds] and I'm on the horse to beat, so they're not going to do me any favors," Smith said. "I had to try to figure out a way to let my horse get into a groove and get into a rhythm."
Questing was good enough to survive a somewhat erratic trip down the stretch in Saturday's $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga and still by win 4 1/2 lengths over Zo Impressive. The favorite, In Lingerie, was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third at the wire. Questing, a British-bred Hard Spun filly, drifted out through the stretch before stopping the timer at 1:50.30. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. picked up his first graded stakes win. "She didn't run so well on the turf twice," said winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "We switched her to the dirt, and now she's 2-for-2 for us on the dirt. It was a great win, a Grade I win, for Godolphin. It's wonderful for Sheik Mohammed, and we're so proud to have her." All of the top three could face off again in the Grade I Alabama on Aug. 18.
La Tia, coming off a stakes win against fellow Illinois-breds, wired the field in Saturday's $150,000 Arlington Oaks at Arlington Park. With Constantino Roman calling the shots, the City Place filly set a measured place and found enough in reserve at the end. Sky Dreamer closed best to finish 3/4 length back in second with Ire 5 more lengths in arrears in third. The favorite, Treasured Up, never fired and got home next-last of seven. La Tia ran the 1 1/8 miles on the all-weather track in 1:51.46. "She got out on the lead and ran great," said winning trainer Brian Williamson. "She was 2-for-2 on the Polytrack and won both races easily. So I thought we'd keep her on the Poly and give her a shot."
Stars to Shine tracked the pace in Sunday's $150,000 (Canadian), Grade III Ontario Matron at Woodbine, hit the rail at the top of the stretch and still managed to catch pacesetting Hooh Why in the late going to win by 1 length. Ariana D finished third, a neck farther back. Stars to Shine, a 5-year-old Tale of the Cat mare, ran the 1 1/16 miles on the all-weather track in 1:45.04 with Alex Solis up. Solis said when he tried to get by Hooh Why on the inside, "She came in and squeezed me a little bit. That's racing."
England
Danedream, last year's Arc winner, put her nose on the wire just ahead of Nathaniel after a classic stretch battle to win Saturday's Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. The race, which drew a top-shelf international field, ran like a relay until the stretch run. First Robin Hood led the way. Then Dunaden, a Melbourne Cup winner, took the point. He gave way to the improving Brown Panther and finally to Nathaniel, the Coral-Eclipse winner. In the final yards, it was Danedream locked in a desperate battle with Nathaniel and a nose separated them in the photo. St Nicholas Abbey ran from the back of the pack to take third. "It's a great feeling and this was very important for Germany," winning trainer Peter Schiergen told Racing Post. "I think we will go to Baden Baden for a small Group 1 and then she will go back to the Arc. She won the race with her head and her heart." Nathaniel's trainer, Peter Gosden, said he also may target the Arc. Among the others in Saturday's 10-horse field, Sea Moon finished fifth, Dunaden sixth and Japanese Derby winner Deep Brillante eighth. Danedream, a 4-year-old Lomitas filly, ran the 1 1/2 miles on good to soft going in 2:31.62.
Fanunalter sprung the upset in Saturday's Group 2 Transformers & Rectifiers Summer Mile at Ascot, holding off Pastoral Player at the end in a battle of longshots. The favorite, the queen's own Carlton House, didn't have it on the day, finishing fourth after competing until the final few hundred yards. Fanunalter, a 6-year-old Falbrav gelding, finished in 1:41.36 over good to soft going.
Ireland
Great Heavens came from off the pace to capture Sunday's Group 1 Irish Derby at the Curragh, besting Shirroco Star by a convincing 3 lengths. Princess Highway finished third. Great Heavens, a Galileo colt in the care of John Gosden, picked up her fourth straight win while finishing the 1 1/2 miles over soft going in 2:42.92 under William Buick. Gosden said the Yorkshire Oaks is a "possibility" for Great Heavens, adding she will be considered for the St Leger.
Germany
Meandre backed up his last-out victory in the Gran Prix de Saint-Cloud with another triumph Sunday in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten. The 4-year-old gray son of Slickly appeared to be laboring at mid-stretch before jockey Maxime Guyon shifted down for another gear. At that point, Meandre quickly shot clear and won by 1 1/4 lengths over Earl of Tinsdal. Baschar finished third. Meandre got the 1 1/2 miles on good going in 2:31.50. Nick Bell, stable manager for the owners, the Rothschild family, told Racing Post, "I would imagine the Grosser Preis von Baden would be a possibility and obviously the Arc, in which he was sixth last year, is a likely target."
-0-
Filly & Mare Turf
Volcat opened a big lead early in the stretch run of Saturday's $150,000, Grade III Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs and held off Filare l'Oro to win by 1/2 length. Ski Holiday finished third. Volcat, an After Market filly, ran the 9 furlongs on the yielding outer turf course in 1:52.18 with Robby Albarado riding.
Turf Mile
Eden's Moon, making her first start on the grass, led from the early jumps in Sunday's $150,000, Grade II San Clemente Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar, then held on to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Open Water. Indigo River finished third. Eden's Moon, a Malibu Moon filly, finished in 1:34.38 with Rafael Bejarano in the irons. On the main track, Eden's Moon won the Grade I Las Virgenes Stakes last year and finished third in the Santa Anita Oaks this year before struggling home last of 14 in the Kentucky Oaks. "She likes a firmer surface, turf or dirt," said winning trainer Bob Baffert, "and now we know we have options with her. We have the Oaks here, so we can think about that," he said, referring to the $300,000, Grade I Del Mar Oaks at 9 furlongs on the grass Aug. 18.
Summer Front scratched out of the Virginia Derby to run instead in Sunday's $100,000 Duluth Stakes for 3-year-olds at Saratoga and the decision proved a sound one for trainer Christophe Clement. With Ramon Dominguez up, the War Front colt tracked the early pace, then rallied through the stretch to win by 2 lengths as the odds-on favorite. Lockout and Spring to the Sky completed the trifecta. Summer Front ran the 1 mile on firm going in 1:34.90 for Ramon Dominguez. "There was a slow pace, and it was amazing confidence from Ramon," said Clement. "Ramon knows him very well and he does not make many mistakes. There is no plan at the moment. Let's enjoy this. The whole idea is to give him a career as a 3-year-old."
Sprint
You read it here first that this was going to be a good betting race. Pacific Ocean jumped out on the lead in Friday's $100,000 James Marvin Stakes at Saratoga, set a sensible pace under Joel Rosario and wasn't caught, winning by 1 3/4 lengths at 6-1 odds. Golddigger's Boy chased the winner home at nearly 9-1 and 7-1 chance Crossbow held off the favorite, Jackson Bend, by a neck to complete a $675 return on a $2 trifecta bet. Caixa Eletronica and Scotus completed the order of finish. Pacific Ocean, a 5-year-old Ghostzapper gelding, ran the 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:22.53. "That was perfect," Rosario said. "I just tried to relax him as much as I could early and hoped nobody put on any pressure, and that's exactly what happened and he had something left turning for home." Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said he is looking to the Grade I Forego on Sept. 1 as Pacific Ocean's next spot.
Essence Hit Man led from the start in Wednesday's $150,000 (Canadian) Bold Venture Stakes at Woodbine, then just did hold on at the end, winning by a head over the favorite, Eternal Rule. Bergerac was 1 1/4 lengths farther back in third. Essence Hit Man, a 5-year-old Speightstown gelding, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:15.82 under Jesse Campbell. "He reached for the wire so hard today," Campbell said. "That's a horse race, right there."
Turf Sprint
Fiddlers' Patriot rallied from just off the pace to post a minor upset win in Saturday's $100,000 Willard Straight Stakes at Saratoga, winning by 2 1/2 lengths over Perfect Officer. The favorite, Bridgetown, settled for third. Fiddlers Patriot, a 6-year-old Proud Citizen gelding, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs over firm turf in 1:00.59 -- just 0.04 second off his own course record, set two years ago. Ramon Dominguez had the winning ride.
Grace Phil raced from off the pace to win Saturday's $125,000 (Canadian) Passing Mood Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine by 1/2 length over Consecutive. Kitty's Got Class got third. Grace Phil, a Philanthropist filly, ran the 7 furlongs on firm turf in 1:23.69 with Steven Bahen riding. She came into the race off a fourth-place finish in the Lady Angela in May but winning trainer Bob Tiller blamed that performance on a low blood count. "She really wasn't right for her last race," he said. Today, he added, "I knew she was very fit, and very ready, and Stevie got it done and she got it done."
Juvenile
Bern Identity broke a beat behind some rivals in Sunday's $300,000, Grade II Sanford at Saratoga but, with Rosie Napravnik handling the reins, the Bernstein colt made up the margin in the late going and was up to win by 1 1/4 lengths over pacesetting Handsome Jack. Onetwentyeight finished third. Bern Identity got the 6 furlongs in 1:11.13 and collected a $100,000 bonus under a new NYRA program that rewards 2-year-olds who break their maiden at Aqueduct or Belmont, then go on to a graded stakes win at the Spa. Bern Identity accomplished the first task June 1, by 13 3/4 lengths. "The extra $100,000 bonus makes it all sweeter. So, thanks, NYRA," said winning trainer Kelly Breen. Owner George Hall said he could not commit to the remainder of the Saratoga 2-year-old program, however. "We'll see how he comes out of the race and see what's between here and the Breeders' Cup," Hall said. "Obviously, that's where we'd like to get."
Mr. Jawbreaker dueled the favorite, He's a Rockstar, into submission in Saturday's $75,000 Prairie Gold Juvenile at Prairie Meadows, then held on to win by a neck over an onrushing Mylute. He's a Rockstar wasn't embarrassed, finishing just another neck back in third. Mr. Jawbreaker, a Candy Ride gelding, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:05.39 with David Mello up.
Juvenile Turf
I'm Boundtoscore ran greenly through parts of Saturday's $50,000 Chenery Stakes at Colonial Downs but recovered in time to stage a stretch rally that found him home first by 2 1/4 lengths. Private Tutor led briefly and held second with early leader Gas Tank running dry and finishing third. I'm Boundtoscore, an Even the Score colt out of the Pulpit mare Unaltered, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on the yielding outer turf in 1:05.36 with Sarah Rook riding.
Juvenile Fillies
So Many Ways rallied to the front in the late going of Friday's $150,000, Grade III Schuylerville at Saratoga and won by 1 1/2 lengths over Can't Explain. Baby J finished third. So Many Ways, a daughter of Sightseeing out of the Dehere mare Happy Scene, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:11.51 with Javier Castellano in the irons. "I thought we'd be in good shape out there with the way this filly can finish up and we were," said winning trainer Tony Dutrow. "I do think this filly will go on. Her pedigree says she'll stretch out. Absolutely look at the Spinaway [on Sept. 2]."
Tilde had to battle for the lead in Friday's $100,000 CTBA Stakes for state-breds but once she got the advantage, the Swiss Yodler miss kicked clear and won off by 3 1/2 lengths. Cotton's Point was best of the rest with Tribal Peace, the favorite, settling for third. Tilde, with Rafael Bejarano up, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:04.50. She had finished third in the Cinderella after her maiden win and victorious trainer Mike Harrington said he's still not sure enough of Tilde's ability to plot a spot in the Aug. 8 Sorrento. "I'd be running for third, fourth or fifth," he lamented.
American Sugar spun the big upset in Saturday's $75,000 Prairie Gold Lassie at Prairie Meadows, running out to a big lead and easily besting the odds-on favorite, Quiet Success, by 2 lengths. Dancing Elliebelle finished third. American Sugar, at 21-1 odds, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs over a fast track in 1:05.20 for jockey Israel Ocampo.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
Zip Cash Back zipped right to the lead in Saturday's $50,000 Tippett Stakes at Colonial Downs and held on to win by 1/2 length over Somethingabouther. Unflinching finished third. Zip Cash Back, a City Zip filly, finished the 5 1/2 furlongs on yielding turf in 1:06.02 with Sarah Rook completing the juvenile turf riding double.
In other racing action:
Finger Lakes
Fox Rules led all the way to a 6 1/2-lengths upset win in Saturday's $150,000 New York Derby for state-breds. With Pedro Rodriguez up, the 12-1 shot covered the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:45.95. I'll Stake U and Smokin Candy filled out the trifecta while the odds-on favorite, Wildcat's Smile, finished next-last of six. Fox Rules is by Roman Ruler.
Del Mar
Norvsky lagged well off the pace until the stretch run of Sunday's $100,000 California Dreamin' Stakes for state-breds, then quickly got to the lead when asked by jockey Rafael Bejarano and won by 1/2 length over Brushburn. The early leader, Leaving New York, arrived third. Norvsky, a 6-year-old Vronsky gelding, got the 1 1/16 mile on firm turf in 1:41.35.
Midnight Crooner outfinished Chips All In to win the first $100,000 Division of the Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds on Wednesday, scoring by a neck. Koast finished third and the favorite, Boat Trip, was fifth. Midnight Crooner, a War Chant colt, ran the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:34.74 with Rafael Bejarano in the irons. Winning trainer Bob Baffert said he will "play it by ear" in plotting the colt's schedule. "We want to make sure he makes the [Del Mar] Derby," Baffert added.
My Best Brother led throughout in the second $100,000 division of the Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds and held on at the end to win by 1/2 length over Tones. Old Time Hockey was third while the favorite, Holy Candy, was pulled up in the final furlong and did not finish. My Best Brother, a Stormy Atlantic colt, finished in 1:34.39 with Martin Garcia up. Winning trainer Julio Canani echoed Baffert. "I'll play it by ear," he said.
Broken Dreams battled on the lead throughout Saturday's $115,000, restricted Osunitas Stakes before finally getting the job done by 1/2 length. Byrony was the last of the challengers, falling 1/2 length short. Halo Dolly and Briecat were close up in third and fourth. Broken Dreams, a 6-year-old Broken Vow mare, ran the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:41.71 with Garrett Gomez up.
Calder Race Course
Csaba ran away with Saturday's $75,000 El Kaiser Stakes for 3-year-olds, drawing clear late to win by 8 1/4 lengths over Ravelo's Boy. Bellefire finished third. Csaba, a Kitten's Joy colt, ran the 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:42.50 under Luis Saez.
Awesome Belle took the lead in Saturday's $75,000 Three Ring Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and the odds-on favorite, Frolic's Revenge, couldn't catch her. At the wire, it was Awesome Belle by 3/4 length with Sinister Tale 8 lengths farther back in third. Awesome Belle, a daughter of Awesome of Course, ran the 1 mile and 70 yards on the fast main track in 1:44.19 for jockey Fernando Jara.
Numb Lips ran by the favorite, Cash Rules, in deep stretch and went on to win Saturday's $55,000 Primal Stakes by 3 lengths over that rival. Liberty Cap finished third. Numb Lips, a 5-year-old son of Olmodavor, got the 1 1/16 miles on the main track in 1:45.32 with Jara up.
Colonial Downs
Lentenor won a tight stretch battle with Action Andy in Saturday's $50,000 Kitten's Joy Stakes, catching the camera a head in front of that rival. Mr. Irons came from off the pace to finish third. Lentenor, a 5-year-old son of Dynaformer and a full brother to the late Barbaro, finished the 1 1/16 miles on yielding turf in 1:44.84 for jockey Sheldon Russell.
Canterbury Park
Wild Jacob found a hole along the rail at the top of the stretch in Saturday's $50,000 John Bullit Stakes, went through and on to win by 2 lengths. Edgerin J finished second and the favorite, Stachys, was third. Wild Jacob, a 4-year-old Eurosilver gelding, got the 1 1/16 miles on yielding turf in 1:44.94 under Scott Stevens.
Delaware Park
Dust and Diamonds raced right to the lead in Saturday's $50,000 Dashing Beauty Stakes for fillies and mares and extended her advantage at each call. At the wire, the 4-year-old Vindication filly was out front by 5 3/4 lengths. Giant Sensation was second with Romantic Cuvee third. Dust and Diamonds, with Mike Smith up, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.20.
Ellis Park
Good Lord stuck a head in front of Noble's Promise in the stretch run of Saturday's $50,000 Don Bernhardt Memorial and won the sprint to the wire by 1/2 length over that rival. Shrill finished third. Good Lord, a 5-year-old Greatness gelding, finished the 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:14.46 with Gabriel Saez in the irons.
Monmouth Park
Colony Club attended the pace in Sunday's $60,000 Klassy Briefcase Stakes for fillies and mares, challenged pacesetter Inspired in the final yards and won by a neck. Sounds of the City made a late run from the back of the field to finish third, just another nose back. Colony Club, a 6-year-old Lion Hearted mare, ran the "about" 5 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:02.52 under Geovany Garcia.
Evangeline Downs
Patty's Pride rallied from last of seven to upset Saturday's $50,000 Matron Stakes, winning by 2 1/4 lengths over Bella Medaglia. Mi Vida finished third. Patty's Pride, a 4-year-old Special Rate filly, ran the 1 mile on a muddy track in 1:37.31 with Gerard Melancon aboard. The race was moved from the turf.
Suffolk Downs
Miscoe Gray led from the start in Saturday's $50,000 Rise Jim Stakes for Massachusetts-breds and held on to score by 1/2 length over Same Day Pleasure. Gorgeous Silk completed the all-longshot trifecta with the favorite, Fonzy, checking in fourth. Miscoe Gray, a 4-year-old Cozzene gelding, ran 6 furlongs in 1:12.18 with Jorge Vargas up.
Northlands Park
Bosco made all the going in Saturday's $50,000 (Canadian) Edmonton Juvenile and got home first by 3 1/2 lengths over Just Gone. Oil Country finished third. Bosco, a Street Boss gelding, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:12 4/5 with Rico Walcott up.
Holy Reina dueled her way to the lead in Saturday's $50,000 (Canadian) Princess Margaret Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, then opened up the margin to 3 1/4 lengths under the wire. Tell Me Lies was next-best with Silkworm third. Holy Reina, a Macho Uno filly, ran 6 furlongs in 1:12 2/5 for Walcott.
Alywyn used a quick burst of speed to open a 6-lenths advantage in the stretch run of Saturday's $50,000 John Patrick Handicap for fillies and mares, then glided home first by 3 lengths over Regal Tigereyes. Fleet Mama was fleet enough to secure third. Alywyn, a 6-year-old Benchmark mare, got the 1 mile in 1:38 2/5 with Scott Williams riding.
Commander took command in the stretch run of Saturday's $50,000 Spangled Jimmy Handicap, drawing off to win by 3 1/2 lengths over Footprint with Inhisglory third. Commander, a 4-year-old Broken Vow gelding, ran the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:39 with Mario Gutierrez up.
River Downs
Aggressive Elegance stalked the pace in Saturday's $75,000 Norm Barron Queen City Oaks for Ohio-breds, took the lead in the lane and held off Bold Model late to win by 3/4 length. Isadella finished third. Aggressive Elegance, a Macho Uno filly, ran 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:55.07 with Albin Jiminez riding.
Sacramento
Indian Gracey put a head in front of the pacesetting favorite, English Royal, to win Saturday's $75,000 California State Fair Sprint. Paris In April finished third. Indian Gracey, a 4-year-old Indian Ocean filly, ran 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.75 with Julien Couton up.
Emerald Downs
Hudson Landing won a three-way scramble to the wire in Sunday's $50,000 Mt. Rainier Handicap, scoring by a head over St Liams Halo. Winning Machine was another head back in third. Hudson Landing, a 5-year-old Maria's Mon gelding, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:40.77 with Frank Alvarado up.
