Frank Stronach, owner of Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita as well as several other tracks across the country who are not part of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said he’ll be back in the NTRA and Breeders’ Cup if the organizations pledge to democratically elect officers.
1st RACE – The Juan Serey juggernaut continued to roll as La La Goo Goo, making her first start for Serey, took the lead and never looked back in breaking her maiden in her second career start. It was the meet leading 16th winner for Serey. Favored Fireman’s Girl stalked the made and then made a wide middle move to reach contention, but flattened out in the stretch.
2nd RACE – Jose Martin played the claiming game well as Hitchhiker was dropping in class despite winning last out. He showed improved early speed and, despite tiring near the wire, held off Jelly Roll Bump for the victory. Czardas Dancer made a wide move on the turn to reach contention but then flattened out in the stretch.
3rd RACE – First-time starter Major Andre did not break well, so C.C. Lopez rated off the pace. Entering the far turn, he started to make a run and then angled outside entering the stretch. He raced greenly and was weaving through the stretch drive, but was able to catch pacesetting Reigny Meadow near the wire for the victory. Rich Deeds was closing well on the outside in the stretch and looked like he would go by Major Andre, but he could not.
6th RACE – On paper, the race looked like there was plenty of speed in the race, which would set it up for a deep closer. But no one hustled to the early lead so Wheatley Heights, who broke well from the gate, was able to set the pace without pressure from anyone. But she does her best racing from off the pace, so in the stretch drive she started to tire. Baangarita, who stalked the pace, went by the tiring pacesetter and went on for the victory.
8th RACE – Again the race looked like there would be a speed duel early, which would set things up for a closer. But expected pacesetter Devil’s Quid stalked the early pace instead of pressing it. Folly Dollar pressed the early pace, took the lead on the far turn and drew off for the victory. My Dear Abby rated off the pace, split horses to reach contention and got up for second.
9th RACE – Momsmercedes rated off the pace but then was caught behind tiring pacesetters Maybe Jack and Prospector’s Nymph on the far turn. At the top of the stretch, Momsmercedes angled inside to go through a narrow opening between the pacesetters and then ran down Coby Appeal in the stretch for the victory. Jennys Badboy angled outside and was able to get up for the show spot.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIMS
1st RACE – Fireman’s Girl ($25,000) by Joe Lostritto.
2nd RACE – Czardas Dancer ($25,000) by Greg Matties; Hitchhiker ($25,000) by Danny Lopez.
5th RACE – Talinum Drive ($35,000) by Robert Klesaris.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 2-8-1-1-1-3
22 winners; each receives $26,085.00
610 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $173.00
No carryover.