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Gun Runner did his job perfectly in the Grade I Whitney at Saratoga, moving one step closer to another shot at Arrogate in the Breeders' Cup Classic this fall at Del Mar. The historic Whitney was the cherry on top of a luscious sundae that was weekend racing. Potential year-end honorees were running at all points of the compass and some promising 2-year-olds were on display from Florida to California.
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In Europe, Caravaggio and Wuheida were well put in their place by the locals in Group 1 events in France and Germany.
Our place is putting it all in perspective. To wit:
Classic
Gun Runner was way too good for his six rivals in Saturday's $1.2 million Grade I Whitney at Saratoga. The 4-year-old Candy Ride colt waited a bit behind an early pacesetter, moved to the lead as soon as jockey Florent Geroux let out a bit of rein and drew off smartly to win in a hand ride. Keen Ice gave chase down the stretch, gaining ground only to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths back of the winner and 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Breaking Lucky.
Gun Runner finished in 1:47.71 and probably could have gone faster if asked in winning for the fourth time from his last five starts. The only defeat in that stretch was the second-place finish behind Arrogate in that most remarkable Dubai World Cup in March at Meydan, where he led most of the way while Arrogate started last after missing the break.
Gun Runner returned from Dubai to win the Grade I Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs in June. Arrogate's return race after Dubai was a dull fourth-place finish in the Grade II San Diego Handicap and he will need to produce a good effort in the Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar Aug. 19 to maintain his standing as a prohibitive favorite for the Breeders' Cup Classic in November. Gun Runner earned a fees-paid spot in the starting gate for that race via his win in the Whitney.
Steve Asmussen, Gun Runner's trainer, said he hopes for a rematch with the defending Breeders' Cup Classic champ. "Hopefully, the stars will align and we'll have another opportunity at the end of the year," Asmussen said. "I got on the plane leaving Dubai thinking that way. He beat us 15 lengths in the Travers and 2 1/2 in Dubai. I felt like it's headed the right direction."
Also among the 3-year-old set:
Colonelsdarktemper continued his rise through the ranks with a front-running victory in Saturday's $750,000 Grade III West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer. The Colonel John colt, trained by William Fires, shook off an extreme long shot challenger entering the final turn, opened a good lead and won by 1 length over Game Over. Kentucky Derby runner-up Lookin at Lee was third. The favorite, Belmont Stakes third-place finisher Patch, was fourth. With Jon Court up, Colonelsdarktemper ran 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:50.68. He came to West Virginia after finishing second in both the Grade III Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs and the Grade III Indiana Derby.
Todd Pletcher sent out the top two in Sunday's $100,000 Alydar Stakes at Saratoga with Rally Cry dominating stablemate Red Rifle by 8 3/4 lengths. Conquest Windycity made the early pace and held on for show money. Rally Cry, a 4-year-old Uncle Mo colt, ran 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:48.58 with John Velazquez aboard. It was his first start since a sixth-place showing in the Grade I Met Mile at Belmont Park June 10.
Saturday's $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap attracted runners from as far away as the East Coast and it was one of those travelers, American Dubai, who emerged as the easiest of winners. The 4-year-old E Dubai colt, based at Prairie Meadows in Iowa with trainer Rodney Richards, quickly worked his way to the lead and showed his heels to eight rivals, winning by 9 lengths over New York-based Hereditary. Forest Mouse was another 3/4 lengths back in third. The odds-on favorite, Texas Chrome, did not fire at all and finished last of nine. American Dubai, with Ken Tohill up, ran 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:49.90.
Turf
Bricks and Mortar found a handy spot behind the leaders in Friday's $200,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga, shifted outside those at mid-stretch and rallied to win by 3/4 length. Japanese-bred Yoshida was along late to edge Big Handsome for second. Bricks and Mortar, a Giant's Causeway colt, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in a quick 1:39.47 with Joel Rosario calling the shots. "He handled the mile and sixteenth well but at some point we're going to have to address how far this horse wants to run," said winning trainer Chad Brown. Brown added it's unlikely Bricks and Mortar will compete again at the Spa. "But he's undefeated, he's done nothing wrong and you'll hear more from this horse," he said.
Sharp Samurai came five-wide to take the lead in the stretch run in Sunday's $150,000 Grade III La Jolla Handicap for 3-year-olds at Del Mar and held off Fashion Business by a head for the victory. Colonist was third, 3/4 length farther back. Sharp Samurai, a First Samurai gelding, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm going in 1:41.51 with Gary Stevens taking the mount for trainer Mark Glatt. He's won three of his last four starts. Stevens said the La Jolla was, "as they say in Europe, a messy race," with none of the other horses doing what he expected. Glatt said he's glad he passed up the Oceanside Stakes earlier in the meeting to give Sharp Samurai more of a breather. "Hopefully he'll come out of it good and it looks like we've got a legit shot in the Del Mar Derby," the trainer added.
Zennor tracked the pace through the early furlongs of Saturday's $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Lure Stakes at Saratoga, took the lead in the lane and won by 1 length from the favorite, Projected. Takeover Target was another 1 length back in third. Zennor, a 5-year-old Medaglia d'Oro gelding, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm going in 1:39.23 with Joe Bravo handling the reins. It was his third straight victory and first try in a stakes race.
Filly & Mare Turf
Cambodia rallied four-wide into the stretch in Saturday's $200,000 Grade II Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar, took the lead inside the furlong marker and held off Pretty Girl's late advance to win by 3/4 length. Amboseli was third and the favorite, Avenge, beat only one rival. Cambodia, a 5-year-old War Front mare, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:40.86 with Drayden Van Dyke in the irons. She was making her first West Coast start after winning the Grade III Gallorette Stakes at Pimlico and finishing third in the Dr. James Penny Memorial at Parx. Van Dyke said the key to the mare is getting her to relax during her races. "Could she run on? If she relaxes, I think she can do anything," he said.
Estrechada worked past the pacesetting duo a furlong from home in Saturday's $200,000 Grade III Fasig-Tipton Waya for fillies and mares at Saratoga and persevered, winning by 1/2 length over late-running Lottie. Summersault was third. Estrechada, a 6-year-old, Argentine-bred mare by Offlee Wild, ran 1 1/2 miles on the firm inner turf course in 2:27.49 with Javier Castellano at the controls. It was her first U.S. win after a promising career in her native land. "Everything went well," the rider said. "I had a great position in the race with the way it unfolded. It's a mile and a half race and the way she did it, I was impressed. She can run all day."
Thundering Sky had to wait for a seam between the leaders in the stretch run of Saturday's $100,000 Fasig-Tipton De La Rose Stakes at Saratoga. When a sliver of daylight opened, Rajiv Maraga steered the Sky Mesa filly through it and on to a neck victory over the onrushing favorite, On Leave. Bar of Gold was third. Thundering Sky ran 1 mile on firm turf in 1:35.42, scoring her third win in her 15th start. "I tried to keep her focused," said Maragh, who rode the filly for the first time. "I think she was loafing a little bit but, now that I have a feel for her, I think I can do even better next time."
Turf Sprint
Green Mask swung four-wide into the stretch in Sunday's $200,000 Troy Stakes at Saratoga and edged away to a 1 3/4-lengths victory. Holding Gold and Long On Value filled the trifecta slots with Undrafted fourth and Mongolian Saturday, the 2015 Breeders' Cup winner, fifth. Pure Sensation and early leader Bold Thunder completed the order of finish. Green Mask, a 6-year-old Mizzen Mast gelding, ran 5 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:00.49 -- just 0.03 second off the course record -- with Javier Castellano riding. He hasn't missed the exacta since finishing fifth in last fall's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. Trainer Brad Cox said he will "definitely want him sharp on Breeders' Cup Day" this fall. "So we'll let him tell us where he's at. But it's possible he could make another start before the Breeders' Cup." He mentioned the Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational and the Grade II Woodford at Keeneland, both on Oct. 7.
Long Hot Summer had the best kick in the final furlong of Friday's $75,000 Daisycutter Handicap at Del Mar, easing past the pacesetting favorite, Watch This Cat for a 1-length victory. Watch That Cat preserved place money by a neck over Bad Ju Ju. Long Hot Summer, a 5-year-old Street Boss mare, covered 5 furlongs on firm going in 56.31 seconds with Joe Talamo up for trainer Phil D'Amato.
Filly & Mare Sprint
American Gal rallied four-wide into the stretch run in Saturday's $500,000 Grade I Longines Test Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga and kicked away to win by 4 lengths. Faypien, like American Gal a California invader, finished second with Tequilita third in her first start since a seventh-place showing in the Kentucky Oaks. American Gal, a Concord Point filly, ran 7 furlongs on the fast main track in 1:22.26 with Jose Ortiz in the irons. It was her third win from six career starts. "We knew she was sitting on a big performance," said winning trainer Simon Callaghan. "She came into this race so good after her last race and, for once, the race went perfectly to plan. She got a great trip and she dominated today. I think cutting her back to seven-eighths is her optimal distance. We'll take her back to California and think about the Breeders' Cup and which way to go about but we'll just enjoy today."
Juvenile Fillies
Spectator dueled her way to the lead on the turn in Saturday's $200,000 Grade II Sorrento at Del Mar, then kicked away like a good thing, winning by 5 1/4 lengths. Dancing Belle was second, 4 1/2 lengths ahead of Terra's Angel. The favorite, Surrender Now, contested the lead and surrendered then, finishing last of seven. Spectator, a Jimmy Creed filly, ran 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.66 under Jamie Theriot. She broke her maiden June 23 at Santa Anita. " This has been on the radar from the get-go and we just let her mature and she sure did," said winning trainer Phil D'Amato. "She's still trying to figure it out in some ways. She's just a bunch of raw talent and she's getting better and better."
Bronx Beauty shook loose in the stretch run in Saturday's $60,000 off-the-turf Colleen Stakes at Monmouth Park, drawing off to a 4 1/2-lengths victory over Beaux Arts. The odds-on favorite, Little Dipper, reported third after some traffic problems. Bronx Beauty, a Pennsylvania-bred filly by Liaison, ran 5 1/2 furlongs on a good track in 1:06.10 with Eddie Castro aboard.
Go Astray got straight to the lead in Saturday's $100,000 Desert Vixen Division of the Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park and just kept rolling. At the end of 6 furlongs, the Gone Astray filly was first, 4 3/4 lengths ahead of Awesome Mass, with Pantyhose running third. Go Astray, with Jose Batista up, finished in 1:11.08. It was her second win from six starts.
Bella Mia, the even-money favorite, led from the start in Saturday's $50,000 Barbara Shinpoch Stakes at Emerald Downs and ran evenly down the stretch to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Philly Baby and Curious Rumor completed the trifecta. Bella Mia, a Harbor the Gold filly, ran 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.65 for jockey Julien Couton. She now has won three straight races, all at the Seattle track.
Juvenile
Here come the Animal Kingdoms. Continental Divide rallied from well off the pace to take Sunday's $100,000 Graduation Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds by 3/4 length over Smokem. Drizzy, a lukewarm 3-1 favorite, finished third. Continental Divide, by Animal Kingdom out of the Dixieland Band mare Bandora, ran 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:05.27 with Victor Espinoza riding for trainer Jim Cassidy. Smokem and Continental Divide also hooked up in their career debuts July 21 with Smokem victorious by 2 1/4 lengths and Continental Divide second. Cassidy said Continental Divide is a dream horse, totally unflappable, and definitely will go farther. "He's not fully prepared yet," he said. "I'd like to see a little more weight on him and a little more color in him and get a little bigger and stronger. We'll give him a chance now and see when he makes me run him again."
Phantom Ro had to battle for the lead in Saturday's $100,000 Dr. Fager Division of the Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park, then slowly edged away and went on to win by 2 3/4 lengths over the favorite, Dunk. With Edgard Zayas up, Phantom Ro, a Wildcat Heir gelding, got 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.60 and now is undefeated in two starts.
Elliott Bay held off Sippin Fire through the lane to win Sunday's $50,000 W.T.B.O.A. Lads Stakes at Emerald Downs by 3/4 length. The favorite, Brown Tiger, checked in third. Elliott Bay, a Harbor the Gold gelding, ran 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.48 with Jennifer Whitaker in the irons.
On the turf: Hemp Hemp Hurray found running room turning for home in Sunday's $55,000 Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park and carried right on, winning by 7 1/4 lengths. Phonemyposseagain was best of the rest, 1 3/4 lengths ahead of the odds-on favorite, Earth. Hemp Hemp Hurray, an Artie Schiller colt owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trained by Wesley Ward. The Ontario-bred ran 5 1/2 furlongs on good going in 1:04.91 with Albin Jimenez in the irons and now is 2-for-2.
International
France
Brando was a dominating, if narrow, winner in Sunday's Group 1 LARC Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville as Caravaggio, who until two months ago seemed destined for international superstardom, fell to his second straight defeat.
Brando, a 5-year-old gelding by Pivotal, raced behind last year's winner, Signs of Blessing, until jockey Tom Eaves found a seam between the leaders. Brando quickened immediately, shot through and went on to win by 1/2 length, improving on his third-place finish in the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket -- the race in which Caravaggio suffered his first career loss. Trainer Kevin Ryan said Brando now may target the Group 1 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock on Sept. 9. That could be a rematch with July Cup winner Harry Angel.
For his part, Caravaggio missed the break for the second straight race, starting next-last from the inside gate. Jockey Ryan Moore was never able to get the Scat Daddy colt involved. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said plans to take Caravaggio to Australia for the new Group 1 Everest Stakes in the fall now are under review.
The minor placings in the Prix Gheest were the province of longshots Acclaim, Tupi and Magical Memory. Signs of Blessing finished fifth and Caravaggio was 4 1/2 lengths behind the winner. Bound For Nowhere, trained by Wesley Ward and ridden by Frankie Dettori, finished 10th in the Prix Gheest, beaten 7 1/2 lengths, a step backward from his fourth-place finish in the Commonwealth Cup.
Germany
Lacazar used a powerful laste kick to win Sunday's Group 1 159th Henkel-Preis der Diana, or German Oaks (G1), by 3/4 length over Megera. The favorite, Wuheida, was well beaten into third.
Wuheida, a Dubawi filly who finished second Roly Poly in the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (G1) in her last outing, was the heavy favorite in the German Oaks despite soft going. She went from a stalking spot at the top of the stretch to quickly challenge for the lead under William Buick. Almost immediately, Lacazar ran by inside the favorite and battled through the final 100 meters before besting Megera by 3/4 length. Wuheida was a clear third but 4 3/4 lengths behind Megera.
Lacazar, an Adlerflug filly trained by Peter Schiergen, was making only her second career start following a first-up Group 3 win at Hamburg July 1.Wuheida, representing Godolphin, was scratched from the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood Aug. 3 because of concerns about the going.
Around the ovals:
Mountaineer
Fear the Cowboy came to the lead five-wide in Saturday's $200,000 West Virginia Governor's Stakes and edged clear to win by 2 lengths over Iron Fist. The favorite, Matt King Coal, was third. Fear the Cowboy, a 5-year-old son of Cowboy Cal, ran 1 1/16 miles on the fast main track in 1:44.62 under Jesus Rios.
First Growth was up just in time to nip pacesetting Bucchero by a neck in the $75,000 Senator Robert C. Byrd Memorial with Woodland Walk another 4 3/4 lengths back in third. First Growth, a 5-year-old Candy Ride gelding, ran 6 furlongs in 1:09.63.
La Piba was along in the final strides to take the $75,000 West Virginia Senate President's Cup for fillies and mares by a neck from Corby with the favorite, Boreale, 4 lengths farther back in third. La Piba, a 4-year-old daughter of Lookin At Lucky, ran 1 mile and 70 yards on good turf in 1:37.89 with Corey Lanerie in the irons.
Roman Officer was first from the start in the $75,000 West Virginia Legislature Chairman's Cup at 4 1/2 furlongs and won by a handy 1 length over American Sailor. Black Bear chased to finish third. Roman Officer, a 6-year-old gelding by Roman Ruler, finished in 51.37 seconds with Gerald Almodovar up.
Ivy Bell was last early and first at the finish in the $75,000 West Virginia Secretary of State Stakes for fillies and mares, defeating the favorite, I'm a Looker by 1 1/2 lengths. Kinsley Kisses was third. Ivy Bell, a 4-year-old Archarcharch filly, negotiated 6 furlongs on the main track in 1:10.36 with Brian Hernandez Jr. riding.
Special Ops got first run to the lead in the $75,000 West Virginia House of Delegates Speakers' Cup on the turf and held off the favorite, Galton, by 1 1/4 lengths. Homer Simpson's favorite beer, Duff, was third. Special Ops, a 6-year-old gelding by Big Brown, ran 1 mile and 70 yards on good going in 1:38.40 with Julien Leparoux up.
Penn National
Spring Quality won a three-way scramble to the wire in Saturday's $100,000 Robellino Stakes for Pennsylvania-breds, scoring by a neck over Edge of Reality and a similar margin over Grasshopin. Spring Quality, a 5-year-old Quality Road gelding, toured 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.92 with Edgar Prado up. The race originally was slated for the turf.
Laurel Park
Saturday's stakes card was comprised of $75,000 events over the yielding turf for the displaced Virginia-breds.
Special Envoy, the prohibitive favorite, ran to his notices in the Hansel Stakes, kicking away to win by 8 1/4 lengths. Mr. Magician was the best of four outclassed rivals. Special Envoy, a 6-year-old Stroll gelding, covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:46.59 under Daniel Centeno.
Northern Eclipse led all the way in the Camptown Stakes for fillies and mares and survived a late run by Ring Knocker to win by a neck. Northern Eclipse, a 5-year-old daughter of Northern Afleet, finished 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:05.69.
Two Notch Road reeled in pacesetting favorite Tiz Our Time in the final jumps of the Meadow Stable Stakes, winning by a head. The 10-year-old Partner's Hero gelding ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:05.17 with Alex Cintron up.
Sweet Sandy rallied from last of eight to take the William M. Backer Stakes for fillies and mares, winning by a neck over Armoire with the favorite, Queen Caroline, third. Sweet Sandy, a 5-year-old Flatter mare, got the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.90 with Jevian Toledo in the irons.
Santa Rosa
Summersimage led from gate to wire in Sunday's $50,000 Robert Dupret Derby, holding off the favorite, Grecian Fire, in the final strides by 1/2 length. Lucky Bode was third. Summersimage, a Slew's Tiznow colt, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:47.07 with Catalino Martinez in the irons.
Lady Valeur held on at the end of Saturday's $50,000 Luther Burbank Handicap for fillies and mares, defeating 32-1 long shot Mon Petite by a nose. Central Heat was just another nose behind at the wire. Lady Valeur, a 4-year-old, Irish-bred filly by Multiplex, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:47.09 with Ricardo Gonzalez up for trainer Patrick Gallagher.
Suffolk Downs
Dr Blarney shot by the early leader in Sunday's $50,000 Last Dance Stakes for Massachusetts-breds and ran on to win by 8 3/4 lengths, tightly held by jockey Tammi Piermarini. The placing judges had time for lunch between calls as Broker's Prize was second, 11 3/4 lengths ahead of J.C. Indy, who in turn was 18 3/4 lengths to the good of Plausible. Worth the Worry was pulled up on the first turn. Dr Blarney, a 4-year-old Dublin gelding, ran 1 mile and 70 yards on a fast track in 1:43.53.
Miss Wilby took command in the stretch run to win Sunday's $50,000 First Episode Stakes for state-bred fillies and mares by 7 lengths over Jeb. Princess Dream was another 3 lengths back in third. Miss Wilby, a 5-year-old Imperialism mare, finished 1 mile and 70 yards in 1:44.52 with Piermarini winning again.
Piermarini also won the day's 15th and final race, the $50,000 Louise Kimball Stakes for state-bred 3-year-old fillies, on a disqualification. Indian Legacy crossed the wire first but was set down to second for drifting and interfering with Frosty Nurse, who was awarded the win. Tango With Lois was third. Frosty Nurse is a Frost Giant filly out of the Capote mare Dr. Capote.
Bellavais kicked away in the stretch run to win Saturday's $60,000 Drumtop Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 2 3/4 lengths over Notapradaprice. Cool was third and the hot favorite, Dynatail, faded from the lead to beat only one of her six rivals. Bellavais, a Tapit filly, got about 1 mile over good turf in 1:42.82 with Mike Luzzi in the irons.
Louisiana Downs
Mr. Misunderstood surged to a big lead in the stretch run in Saturday's $60,000 Super Derby Prelude on the grass, then held on to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Fast Talkin Man. Magic Vow was third and the favorite, Royal By Nature, settled for fourth. Mr. Misunderstood, an Archarcharch gelding, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm going in 1:41.88 with Chris Rosier in the irons. It was his first start since a seventh-place finish in the Illinois Derby over the Hawthorne dirt track April 22.
Sister Blues stalked the pace in Saturday's $50,000 Opelousas Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 mile on the grass, then worked to the lead and held for a 1-length victory over Emerald Pond. Ski Tune was third. Sister Blues, a 5-year-old Pioneerof the Nile mare, finished in 1:35.93 with Colby Hernandez up.
Big Changes came from just behind the pace to win the $50,000 John Henry Stakes by 1 1/4 lengths over Paternal Pride with Diego Saenz guiding the 5-year-old Midshipman gelding over 1 1/16 miles on the firm turf in 1:41.43. Ibaka was third.
The rest of Saturday's card, $50,000 Louisiana Cup races for state-breds:
Jockamo's Song drew off to win the Sprint by 3 3/4 lengths over Nubin Ridge; Berniestrike wore down the favorite, Trust Factor, to upset the Turf Classic by a neck; Illusion of Reality beat Safari Calamari by 2 1/2 lengths in the Distaff; and Sunny Oak was an easy winner in the Filly & Mare Sprint;
Also, Aceguitar led all the way to a 1 1/2-lengths score as the heavy favorite in the Juvenile and Emily's Lollipop kicked away late to win the Juvenile Fillies by 5 lengths from Sarah's Holy Belle.
Woodbine
Be Vewy Vewy Quiet (that's his name) pressed the pace in Saturday's $125,000 (Canadian) Clarendon Stakes for Ontario-bred 2-year-olds, took over through the stretch run and won by 2 1/4 lengths. Eskiminzin (that's his name) was second, 1 length to the good of Aheadbyacentury (ditto). Be Vewy Vewy Quiet, a gelded son of the Japanese-bred sire Silent Name, ran 5 1/2 furlogns on the all-weather track in 1:03.90 with Sheena Ryan in the irons. He now is 2-for-2 for trainer Robert Tiller. Incredibly, this is not the first horse so named. A 2006 foal by Quiet American failed to win in seven starts, all at Northlands Park.
Summer Sunday dueled to the lead in Sunday's $125,000 (Canadian) Nandi Stakes for Ontario-sired 2-year-old fillies, then got clear and won by 3/4 length over first-time starter Rosemere. Miss Danielle was third. Summer Sunday, is a daughter of Silent Name. She ran 5 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:04.49 with Jesse Campbell up.
Thistledown
Awaken stalked the pace in Saturday's $75,000 Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes for Ohio-bred 2-year-olds, then jetted away in the lane to win by 7 lengths. Charlee's Magic was best of the rest. The winner's entrymate, Candy Exchange, and Little Blaker dead-heated for third and fourth. Awaken, a Super Saver colt, ran 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:11.46 with Irwin Rosendo in the irons.
Belterra Park
Mayas Queen Neetee prompted the pace in Sunday's $75,000 Vivacious Handicap for Ohio-bred distaffers, then went on to win by 3 lengths over a late-running School Board Prez. Hope's Frog Song was third. Mayas Queen Neetee, a 5-year-old Speightstown mare, ran 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:42.32 with Luis Colon aboard.
Presque Isle Downs
Advert tracked the early leaders in Sunday's $100,000 Malvern Rose Stakes for Pennsylvania-bred 3-year-old fillies, took over when asked by jockey Julio Hernandez and ran strongly to the wire, winning by 1 length over the favorite, Rose Tree. Tulsa Queen was third with a late push. Advert, a daughter of Lonhro, got 1 mile on the all-weather track in 1:37.88.
