In the $65,000 Hollie Hughes Handicap, Introspect, a speedy 6-year-old N.Y.-bred gelding off at 8-1 under Norberto Arroyo Jr., looked on way to first victory in 22 starts dating back to March 2004, dashing to lead down backside, opening daylight around turn. Introspect was still well clear inside final furlong, but Big Apple Daddy, 6-5 choice, came flying under Orlando Mojica, caught Introspect inside final sixteenth, won going away. It was sixth of seven winning favorites on card.
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Congrats to jockey Javier Castellano and his wife, Abby, who became parents of 7-pound baby girl, Kayla Marie, yesterday morning at Hollywood Memorial Hospital in Florida. Abby, daughter of former New York Racing Association chief Terry Meyocks, is customer service rep for NYRA.
5TH RACE – Sheer Silk, coming off gate-to-wire score for 16G tag, was 6-5 to repeat vs. N.Y.-bred allowance company going same mile-and-70-yard distance. Sheer Silk saved ground setting pace under Ramon Dominguez, pressed down backside by Two Toed Sloth, Tony Vega up, and those two raced as team around far turn to top of lane, when Two Toed Sloth drifted out and Sheer Silk cut corner to open clear lead. Through final furlong, Sheer Silk was looking for place to lie down, while Lookin’ Swell came with rush down center of track under Alan Garcia. Lookin’ Swell looked like she’d blow by, but suddenly Sheer Silk kicked in again, came on to regain lead. True to form, Lookin’ Swell was bridesmaid again; she has one win, five seconds from 11 starts.
9TH RACE – One of many examples at this winter meet of horse who couldn’t win to save life finally finding winner’s circle. Fiddler’s Star, beaten favorite in three of four previous starts, was 2-1 choice in field of N.Y.-bred maiden fillies despite 0-for-17 lifetime slate and blowing six-length lead in stretch last out. She sprinted clear again under Kyle Kaenel and was never threatened to wire, which doesn’t say much for horses behind her.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 2-1-2-1-3-7
125 winners; each receives $387.50
1,074 consolation (5 of 6) winners each receives $14.80
No carryover