1st RACE – Former jockey turned trainer Frank Laboccetta Jr. is starting to open some eyes with his training abilities. He claimed Sweet Runner for $22,500 on May 20 and then kept him in jail for the mandatory 30 days. He brought her back for $22,500 and cut back from seven furlongs to six. Yesterday, she stalked the pace, took the lead entering the stretch and edged away for the victory. It was Laboccetta’s third win in seven starts at the meet and the second in four starts off the claim. He is a trainer to watch with his runners. Totally Private broke through the gate prior to the start but was rounded up quickly. She then trailed the field early when the race went off and showed some closing ability to be fourth.
2nd RACE – Mark Hennig has a great record with firsters, especially fillies, and he put over another one as Pleasant Scholar trailed the field early, made a strong wide move on the turn to reach contention, took the lead at the top of the stretch and drew away for the victory. Favored Ms. Rapunzel stalked the pace and took the lead midway on the turn, but could not keep up with the eventual winner when asked for run.
3rd RACE – The addition of Lasix made all the difference for Ransom’s Pride as she led every step of the way, drawing off in the stretch. Karakorum’s Lisa was bumped at the start and then rated off the pace.
5th RACE – After rating off the pace, favored Pure Prize made a strong move on the turn to reach contention and took the lead at the top of the stretch. But he was racing on the wrong lead and bore in while Equinox bore out, and then checked. Meanwhile, Ahpo Here who was under a drive on the rail on the far turn, got off the rail and came along with a final rush for the victory.
9th RACE – Viva La Standard set the pace but at the top of the stretch suddenly ducked in, which allowed Sky Cover to go by and get the lead. Then Sky Cover was all out but she held off favored Dear Lou Lou for the victory. Blackstone Clock was scratched in the paddock when she blew a shoe and couldn’t get it replaced.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIMS
1st RACE – Mary Margaret Six ($22,500) by Gasper Moschera; Nikita ($22,500) by Robert Klesaris.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 4-5-5-4-1-8
1 winner receives $52,785
112 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $157
No carryover