UPI Thoroughbred Racing Roundup

Now that Frankel has destroyed everything lined up against him in England, it appears he is done for the year.

With nine wins from nine starts after his dominating victory in Saturday's Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, the 3-year-old Galileo colt certainly deserves the rest. And racing fans can only applaud the intent of his owner, Prince Khalid Abdulla, and trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, to race Frankel next year.

Still, something is left on the table: A potential showdown in the Breeders' Cup Mile with the only European miler Frankel hasn't beaten -- Goldikova.

That would have been a race for the ages, comparable to last year's Breeders' Cup Classic showdown between Zenyatta and Blame, minus the "girl power" hoopla.

Goldikova, the 6-year-old, French-trained mare, has won the last three runnings of the Breeders' Cup Mile, itself an almost impossible feat, and is slated to try for an unprecedented fourth on Nov. 5 at Churchill Downs.

And it appears she won't have Frankel standing in her way.

"It's been a long year and I'm looking forward to the winter," Sir Henry said after the QE II. "I'm very happy. He did everything that we asked. We weren't trying to catch pigeons or anything. We just wanted to win nicely. He has had a long year and won't run again this season."

Abdulla added, "He's the best horse I have ever owned. Many people think he is the best horse they have ever seen. I just hope he does the same thing next year." The prince has owned many great ones and has been a regular participant in Breeders' Cup events.

Other events on British Champions Day:

-- Cirrus Des Aigles powered home the final 100 yards to win the Group 1 Champion Stakes by 3/4 of a length over So You Think. Snow Fairy, blocked at a key point in mid-stretch, re-rallied late to claim third. So You Think had claimed the lead midway down the stretch and appeared ready to claim victory before Christophe Soumillon got to work on Cirrus Des Aigles -- an effort that after the race ran him afoul of the new British whipping rules. The race could prove to be a preview of the Hong Kong International races. Snow Fairy won last year's Cup and appears ready to try again and winning trainer Corine Barande-Barbe said of Cirrus Des Aigles, "Last year we went to Japan and Hong Kong. He's had quite a hard season so probably we will just go to Hong Kong." Soumillon, meanwhile, was stripped of his share of the earnings from the race and assessed a five-day ban for exceeding the strict new British rules limiting the number of times a horse may be struck by a whip to seven during the race and five in the final furlong. The rule has the nation's -- and now some of the continent's -- jockeys up in arms.

-- Deacon Blues posted his fifth straight win in the Group 2 Sprint Stakes, opening up a lead on the field with a furlong to run and holding off French raider Wizz Kid to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Libranno finished third. John Murtagh rode the winner in 1:12.55 over good turf. Deacon Blues, a 4-year-old Compton Place gelding, started his run in the Wokingham during the Royal meeting at Ascot in June. "I think he ran eight times as a 3-year-old and won once," winning trainer James Fanshawe said. "This season, he's run six times and won five. It's unbelievable."

-- Fame and Glory wiped out the memory of two bad efforts since his Gold Cup win with a resounding victory in the Long Distance Cup. With Jamie Spencer up, Fame and Glory was on the lead from the early stages, opened a good advantage in the lane and the closest the opposition could get was Opinion Poll's final margin of 1 1/4 lengths. Colour Vision was another nose back in third. Fame and Glory, a 5-year-old Aidan O'Brien charge, finished the 2 miles on good turf in 3:26.50. The son of Montjeu had finsihed fourth in the Irish Field St. Leger at the Curragh in his last start. "I don't want to sound patronizing," said Spencer. "But how could Aidan O'Brien get him to turn his form around so much? I was so gutted at the Curragh because I was expecting him to win … . He was electric today." John Magnier of the owning Coolmore Stud agreed, saying, "To get him back to that level was something special."

-- Dancing Rain, with Murtagh up, led all the way to win the Fillies' and Mares' Stakes and easily held on to win by 2 lengths over Bible Belt in 2:27.29. Gertrude Bell finished third. "The aim was an even gallop all the way and use her momentum," Murtagh said. "She's got a high cruising gear and she quickened up. We went a good pace all the way. She stayed well and I knew they were going to have to stay to catch me." Trainer William Haggas said, "If she keeps winning like that, she'll get the recognition." Dancing Rain came into the race off a fifth-place finish behind Blue Bunting in the Irison Oaks. Haggas said he plans to take Dancing Rain to Japan next month and to keep her in training next year.

 

Woodbine

Canada's richest day of racing turned out to be a fitting sequal to British Champions Day. Soumillon jetted in from France, fresh off his victory in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, to boot home Sarah Lynx to an upset win in Sunday's $1.5 million (Canadian), Grade I Pattison Canadian International. After tracking the leaders, Soumillon found an inside seam for the 4-year-old, Irish-bred Montjeu filly as the field turned for home. She sprinted to the lead and spurted clear, winning off by 4 lengths at odds of better than 22-1, picking up her first Grade I win. Joshua Tree was second and the favorite, Treasure Beach, settled for third. Sarah Lynx, trained by John Hammond and raced previously in France and Germany, got the 1 1/2 miles on yielding turf in 2:34.90. "She likes to be inside of horses," Soumillon said. "The great thing is that she has a good turn of foot. This is the third time she's had blinkers on because before she was a bit lazy. So with those on, I saw she was not pulling at all in the race. She was really relaxed. I was quite confident." The race was a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Turf but Sarah Lynx's connections gave no indication of her plans.

Miss Keller rallied from far back to win Sunday's $1 million (Canadian), Grade I E.P. Taylor Stakes for fillies and mares. At the line, the 5-year-old, Irish-bred Montjeu mare was a head better than I'm A Dreamer and another nose in front of the favorite, Dream Peace, in third. Miss Keller, with John Velazquez up for trainer Roger Attfield, ran the 10 furlongs on yielding turf in 2:06.98. "It's great," said Attfield, with the caveat that the free pass to the Breeders' Cup won't be used. "This is the last race that I trained this filly to run in, actually, because she is going to the sale in England. She's been a little bit of a project this year." Speaking of his efforts in the E.P. Taylor, he added, "I just haven't been able to win this damn thing. I am so proud of her. It's a great thrill."

Regally Ready went quickly to the front in Sunday's $500,000 (Canadian), Grade I Neartic Stakes, set a good pace and held off the favorite, Bated Breath, at the end to win by a neck. Gypsy Ring was another head back in third. Regally Ready, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred More Than Ready gelding, ran the 6 furlongs over yielding turf in 1:11.35 for jockey Corey Nakatani. This race, too, was a "Win and You're In," for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

 

Other races that could impact the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 4-5 at Churchill Downs or other year-end events:

 

Classic

Redeemed raced in mid-pack through much of Sunday's $400,000 Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park, advanced through a competitive stretch run and put his nose in front on the wire. Alternation held the lead briefly before the final jump and the favorite, Prayer for Relief, finished 3/4 of a length farther back in third. Redeemed, a Virgina-bred Include colt, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:49.20 with Edgar Prado riding for trainer Tony Dutrow.

 

Turf

Willcox Inn ran to his notices in Saturday's $200,000, Grade III Hawthorne Derby. After saving ground into the stretch turn, jockey Robby Albarado got the Harlan's Holiday colt closer, then between horses and into the clear. He responded with a stout kick and won off by 4 1/2 lengths. Suntracer was second and Friendly Banter finished third. Willcox Inn ran the 9 furlongs on firm going over the nice Hawthorne course in 1:48.97. He came into the race off a fourth-place finish in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park after winning the American Derby there. Trainer Michael Stidham said, "We're looking at the Hollywood Derby." That prompted some vocal objection from the ownership group, urging a Breeders' Cup effort. "He's just a solid little horse that puts his effort into every race," Stidham said.

Ultimate Eagle posted a kind of ultimate upset in Saturday's $150,000, Grade II Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita, leading all the way and holding on at the end to win by a half length over French import Venomous. Cozy Kitten, another Ken and Sarah Ramsey Kitten's Joy offspring, sprung an upset of his own by finishing third. The favorite, Bob Baffert-trained Midnight Interlude, finished fourth. Ultimate Eagle, a Kentucky-bred Mizzen Mast colt, ran the 9 furlongs on firm turf in 1:47.03 with Martin Pedroza aboard. It was his third straight win in a quick climb up the class ladder since being moved to the grass, following a maiden victory and an optional claimer at Del Mar. "This was our Kentucky Derby horse before he got colic as a 2-year-old," winning trainer Michael Pender said. "It's a miracle he's even here. It would make a great story." Owner B.J. Wright added, "He came within a breath of dying last June. We're very proud that he's alive."

Another injury-related defection this week. Acclamation, winner of the Clement L. Hirsch Turf at Santa Anita, as well as the Pacific Classic, Jim Murray Handicap, Charles Whittingham Memorial and Eddie Read Stakes, is out for the resto of the year with something wrong in a foot. Johnson says he is being cautious and hopes to have the horse back next year. Last week, it was Cape Blanco being retired due to an injury suffered in winning the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational.

 

Filly & Mare Turf

Together, racing on only one week's rest, easily handled a tough field in Saturday's $400,000, Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup for 3-year-old fillies at Keeneland, circling the leaders into the stretch and drawing clear to a 1 1/4-length victory. Marketing Mix was second with an even effort and Nerid finished third. The expected matchup between Winter Memories and Summer Soiree never materialized as Summer Soiree faded from the lead to finish fifth and Winter Memories' late rally could boost her only to fourth. Together finished second Oct. 8 in her first U.S. start since last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, where she was fifth. In the QE II, the Galileo filly, under regular rider Colm O'Donoghue, finished the 9 furlongs over firm going in 1:48.83. Kieran Murphy, assistant to winning trainer Aidan O'Brien, seemed unconcerned about the quick turnaround for Together. "We expected her to run well. She was good all week," he said. Asked whether Together will stay for the Breeders' Cup, he said, "We'll have to see how she comes out of this race. Then we'll make a decision in a day or two."

Tourmaline closed sharply in deep stretch to post a 25-1 upset win in Sunday's $250,000 Remington Park Oaks, beating the favorite, Savvy Supreme, by a half length. May Day Rose finished third. Tourmaline, a Florida-bred Kafwain filly, finished 1 1/16 miles of firm turf in 1:42.76 under Dean Butler.

Danedream, the German-bred filly who won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in a major upset, will be detoured from the Breeders' Cup directly to Japan -- likely for the Nov. 27 Japan Cup. The filly's German connections said they had been targeting the Breeders' Cup. But the surprise win in the Arc, plus the sale of a half share to Japanese horseman Teruya Yoshida, put paid to those plans in favor of the richer Japan Cup.

 

Sprint

Big Drama, the 2010 Breeders' Cup Sprint champion and Eclipse Award winner, worked six furlongs Saturday at Calder Race Course between races, finishing 6 furlongs in 1:13.87 and galloping out in 1:27. Big Drama missed a planned start in the $350,000, Grade I Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park Oct. 1 after spiking a fever the day before, leaving trainer David Fawkes to train him up to the Breeders' Cup.

 

Turf Sprint

Wild About Marie surged to the front at mid-stretch in Friday's $100,000 Buffalo Trace Franklin County Stakes for fillies and mares at Keeneland and went on to post the upset, winning by 2 lengths over Supreme. An extreme longshot, You Need Me, was needed to complete the trifecta while the favorite, Suzzona, faded to finish next to last of 12. Wild About Marie, a 4-year-old, Florida-bred Wildcat Heir filly, completed the 5 1/2 furlongs of firm turf in 1:03.01 with Robby Albarado in charge.

California Flag, winner of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, may have sprinted back into the picture for this year's renewal with a pace-stalking, half-length victory in the $100,000 Morvich Stakes on Columbus Day at Santa Anita. The victory, clocked in 1:11.91 down the hillside turf course, snapped a four-race losing streak by the 7-year-old. Trainer Brian Koriner said he will consider the Breeders' Cup but indicated it's not a firm commitment. California Flag was eighth in last year's event but Koriner commented, "It's hard not to run for $1 million."

 

Turf Mile

Up In Time was just that in Sunday's $100,000, Grade III Harold C. Ramser Sr. Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita, rallying to outfinish Celestial Kitten by 1 1/4 lengths. Bauble Queen was third. Up In Time, a British-bred Noverre filly, ran the mile on firm turf in 1:34.25 with Martin Garcia in the irons.

Cherokee Lord stalked the pace in Sunday's $125,000 Remington Green Stakes at Remington Park in Oklahoma, shot to the lead heading into the stretch and won by 2 1/4 lengths over Skip a Smile. Smokethruakeyhole finished third. Cherokee Lord, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred Sir Cherokee gelding, got the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:42.73 with Rafael Bejarano riding

 

Dirt Mile

Mad Flatter scored a repeat victory in Saturday's $100,000 Spend A Buck Handicap at Calder Race Course but winning owner Bonnie Heath said that won't translate into a second chance at the Breeders' Cup. The 6-year-old son of Flatter got the first run to the lead in Saturday's race and held off the odds-on favorite, Mambo Meister, to win by a length. Stimulus Plan finished third. Mad Flatter ran the mile on a fast track in 1:46.07 under Jon Court. Going from the Spend A Buck to the Breeders' Cup last year "was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this horse, so we took the chance," Heath said. "But he stumbled at the start and never got in it (finishing 12th)." This year, Heath said, he is likely to resurface at Calder since, "He obviously loves this race track." Mambo Meister finished fifth in the Dirt Mile in 2009.

 

Juvenile Fillies

Awesome Belle blew the doors off the competition in Saturday's $300,000 My Dear Girl Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes, leading all the way and taking off at the end to win by 7 1/2 lengths. Macanuda was the best of the rest, with Redbud Road third and the favorite, Queen Drama, facing to finish sixth. Awesome Belle, a daughter of Awesome of Course, finished the 1 1/16 mile on a fast track in 1:47.46 under Luis Jurado. Stanley Gold, who also trains Fort Loudon, who swept the colts and geldings FSS series, said the double victory "puts the icing on the cake." He said Awesome Belle is likely to go on to the Breeders' Cup and Redbud Road might try the new Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint.

 

Juvenile Fillies Turf

Somali Lemonade rallied from last of 12 to win Thursday's $150,000, Grade III J.P. Morgan Chase Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland, finishing first by 1 3/4 lengths over Sweet Cat. Emerald Gold was third. Somali Lemonade, a Kentucky-bred Lemon Drop Kid filly out of the Nureyev mare Chic Corine, ran the 1 1/16 miles on yielding turf in 1:45.39 under Alex Solis. Asked about the Breeders' Cup prospects for Somali Lemondae, trainer Michael Matz said she "is a very talented filly, that's for sure. She showed her class. I would think we'd like to try."

Hard Not To Like stalked the pace in Saturday's $250,000 (Canadian) Cup and Saucer Stakes for Canadian-breds at Woodbine, came by the frontrunners with ease and drew off quickly in the lane to win by 4 3/4 lengths over Hampstead Heath. Jomelo finished third. Hard Not To Like, a Hard Spun filly, ran the 1 1/16 miles on soft turf in 1:48.00 with Patrick Husbands up. She became the first filly to win the race since Atlantic Fury in 2001.

Softly Lit opened a daylight lead in Saturday's $50,000 Selima Stakes at Laurel Park, then held off entry mate Embracing Hearts to win by a half length. Good Looking Girl was third and Scat's Lassie completed the trifecta. Softly Lit, a Kentucky-bred Latent Heat filly, ran the 6 furlongs on good turf in 1:14.83 with Sarah Rook in the irons.

Sisterhood was up in the final jumps to win Saturday's $75,000 M2 Technology La Senorita Stakes at Retama Park in Texas by a head over Mi Locasta. Keewatin Ice was a nose farther back in third. Sisterhood, another Kitten's Joy colt from the Ken and Sarah Ramsey herd, got the mile on firm turf in 1:37.27 under Julio Garcia.

 

Juvenile

Fort Loudon completed a sweep of the Florida Stallion Stakes colts and geldings series by drawing off in the final 16th to win Saturday's $300,000 In Reality Division by 2 1/2 lengths. Twin was the best of the rest and Sarava's Dancer finished third. Fort Loudon, an Awesome of Course colt, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:48.29 with Luis Jurado in the irons. Winning owner/breeder Fred Brei said Fort Loudon "will probably go" to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

 

Juvenile Sprint

Luke of York broke slowly in Saturday's $125,000 Keeneland 75 Anniversary Stakes, settled into stride turning for home under Rajiv Maragh and outfinished Voodoo Daddy and Larry Zip, the trio separated by a pair of noses. Luke of York, a Florida-bred Put It Back colt out of the Meadow Monster mare Gion, ran the 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:09.56. "He broke terrible so I was concerned," winning trainer Jimmy DeVito said. "But he's a big horse, strong horse, got a big stride and he got up there in a hurry." About the Breeders' Cup, he added, "I hope so. We'll talk it over and see." He is not nominated to the Breeders' Cup.

Secret Circle drew off smartly in the stretch to win the $70,000 Jack Goodman Stakes at Santa Anita on Columbus Day and stamp his ticket for Louisville. After stalking the pace, the Kentucky-bred Eddington colt out of the Dixieland Band mare Ragtime Hope got clear and finished 5 1/4 ahead of Galex. Panettone was third. Trained by Bob Baffert for an ownership group including Mike Pegram, Secret Circle ran the 6 furlongs in 1:08.27. "I just let him settle and put him behind, waiting for the stretch," winning jockey Rafael Bejarano said. "I had a perfect position after that. When I came to the stretch, I was clear and he just took off. It was unbelievable." The Juvenile Sprint will have its inaugural running on Breeders' Cup Friday.

Jenna's Wabbit weally wan well in Monday's $125,000 Bull Page Stakes for Ontario-bred 2-year-olds at Woodbine, leading throughout and drawing off smartly at the end and win by 7 1/4 lengths. King City was the best of the rest and One More Deal finished third. Jenna's Wabbit, an Old Forrester gelding out of the Take Me Out mare In the Buff, got the 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:09.19 with Eurico Da Silva riding.

 

In other racing:

 

Australia

Southern Speed sat back of the early speed in Saturday's rich and prestigious Group 1 Caulfield Cup, quickly shot by the leaders with less than 200 meters to run and got up to score by 1 1/2 lengths. Green Moon was second and Tullamore finished third. The 4-year-old fily, by Southern Image, finished the 2,400 meters in 2:28.44 over "good" turf and now could be wheeled back in next weekend's Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. The favorite, December Draw, finished last and later was found to have a fracture in a small bone in a hind leg. "It's probably why he didn't go so good," trainer Mark Kavanagh said. The 6-year-old expected to make a full recovery, he added.

Atlantic Jewel improved her record to 4-for-4 with an easy win in Wednesday's Cualfield's Schwepps One Thousand Guineas. After racing well back, the daughter of Fastnet Rock drove quickly to the lead turning for home and won by 3 lengths Trainer Mark Kavanagh did not indicate what he has in mind next for his star filly.

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Italy

Campanologist, a Godolphin Racing campaigner, rallied from next-last in a field of six to win Sunday's Group 1 Gran Premier Jockey Club Italiano at San Siro. Arrigo finished second. Frankie Dettori rode the winner, who was coming off a victory in the Group 1 Preis Von Europa in Cologne.

 

Japan

Aventura stalked the pace in Sunday's Group1 Shuka Sho at Kyoto Racecourse, got to the front in the stretch and won off by 1 1/4 lengths over Kyowa Jeanne. The favorite, Whale Capture, got home third. Aventura is a daughter of Jungle Parrot.

 

Belmont Park

Boisterous waited behind horses under John Velazquez in Saturday's $100,000, Grade III Knickerbocker Handicap, gathered momentum through the stretch and got home first by 1/2 length over Sleepless Knight. Mr. Ryder finished third. Boisterous, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred Distorted Humor colt, ran 9 furlongs on yielding turf in 1:51.42. Winning trainer Shug McGaughey said he might try the Red Smith at Aqueduct on Nov. 5 or, "Maybe we'll give him the winter off and bring him back next year, see if he can be competitive in the big races."

Denomination drove by the favorite, Unbridled Humor, in the stretch run of Saturday's $100,000, Grade III Athenia Stakes for fillies and mares and went on to win by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths over that rival. Countess Lemonade finished third. Denomination, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred Smart Strike mare, got the 1 1/16 miles on yielding turf in 1:44.17 with Joe Bravo in the irons. Said winning trainer Christophe Clement: "Denomination has won three Grade III's this year. She will probably go to the November Fasig-Tipton sale. You couldn't do much better advertising than just to win today."

Elusive Pearl led the field through most of Monday's $100,000 Pebbles Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, opened a big lead in the stretch and coasted home first, 2 1/4 lengths better than Hessonite. My Redbyrd finished third as an omen for St. Louis baseball fans. Elusive Pearl, a Kentucky-bred Medaglia d'Oro filly, ran the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:36.61 with Ramon Dominguez up.

I'm Steppin It Up got to the front after a half mile in Saturday's $60,000 Chief Tamanaco Stakes for 3-year-olds, held well and won by 1/2 length over the late running Bold Warrior. San Pablo finished third. I'm Steppin It Up, a Florida-bred Congrats colt out of the Thunder Gulch mare Cindy Woo Who, ran the mile on a fast track in 1:35.72 with Jeremy Rose up.

 

Calder Race Course

Oligarch made all the going in Saturday's $75,000 Tropical Park Derby at Calder Race Course, then just did hold off Star of Sarava in the final yards to win by a head. Bringbackthemagic finished third and the favorite, Manicero, settled for fourth. Oligarch, a Florida-bred Congrats colt, finished the 9 furlongs on yielding turf in 1:53.64 with Daniel Centeno aboard. "I don't know what's next yet," winning trainer Rodolfo Garcia said.

Louvakhova stalked the pace in Saturday's $75,000 Frances A. Genter Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, took the lead in the lane and won by 4 1/4 lengths while getting out badly in the late going. The favorite, Callmethesqueeze, finished second with Prize Informant third. Louvakhova, a Kentucky-bred Maria's Mon filly, ran the mile on yielding turf in 1:38.31 with Luis Saez aboard.

 

Penn National

Philly Bound easily held off Whistle Pig in the final furlong to win Friday's $90,000 Nepal Stakes for Pennsylvania-bred by 2 1/4 lengths. Locked Out finished third. Philly Bound, a 5-year-old Werblin gelding, ran the 6 furlongs on a sloppy track in 1:11.34 with David Cora up.

Voodoo's Argument finished first in Friday's $86,000 Ligature Stakes for state-bred fillies and mares but was set down to third for stretch interference. That promoted Lenape Rim and Tap Softly to the first and second spots on the tote board. The official winner, Lenape Rim, a 3-year-old Rimrod filly, was ridden by William Otero. The 6 furlongs on a sloppy track took 1:11.96.

 

Charles Town

Russell Road rallied to the lead with 3/16 left in Saturday's $500,000 West Virginia Breeders' Classic and drew off to win by 2 lengths over Black Belt. Plantation was third in the highlight of a rich night of racing devoted to state-breds of all ages and genders. Russell Road, a 5-year-old Wheaton gelding, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:53.61 with Luis Perez aboard for trainer James Casey.

In the companion, $250,000 West Virginia Security Bank Cavada Classic for distaffers, Silver Heart rallied from far back with a steady move that got her to the front at just the right time. Stowe White finished second, 1 length back, and Nature's Annuity was third. Silver Heart, a 6-year-old Lion Hearted mare, finished 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:27.74 under Travis Dunkelberger.

In other races, each worth $85,000: Beware of the Bop led all the way to win the Classic Distaff by 3 3/4 lengths over Hot Sauce; Pagan Cat won the WVTBA "Onion Juice" at 7 furlongs by a neck over Rummy's Command; and Golden Set 7-furlong West Virginia Lottery by 2 1/4 lengths over Southern Sail.

Also, All Myself rallied by pacesetting Speedy Sammy to win the 4 1/2-furlong Dash for Cash by 1 1/2 lengths; Princess Cecilia copped the 7-furlong Division of Tourism for distaffers by 2 lengths over Blushing B.J.;

Paco Smart made all the going to take the 6 1/2-furlong Vincent Moscarelli Memorial for 2-year-olds by 5 3/4 lengths over Allen Did It. And Navy Chapel drew off late to win the 4 1/2-furlong Triple Crown Nutrition for 2-year-old fillies by 4 3/4 lengths over Pagan Jewel.

 

Thistledown

Saturday's "Best of Ohio" races were headlined by Thats a Heckofacat's late move in the $75,000 Endurance, which got the winner by the legendary Catlaunch for a 4 1/4-length victory. Pay the Man dueled with Muir Woods throughout the $75,000 Distaff before prevailing by a neck. And Sneak a Cold Treat drew clear late to win the $75,000 Sprint by 2 1/4 lengths over Klassy Korbin.

License to Bling led all the way to a mild upset in the $75,000 Juvenile, beating the favorite, Diavoletto, by 4 3/4 lengths. Private Cause kicked clear in the lane to win the $75,000 John W. Galbreath Stakes for 2-year-old fillies by 9 lengths over odds-on favorite Motega.

 

Delaware Park

Poseidon's Warrior led from the start in Saturday's New Castle Stakes, one of four $75,000 events for Delaware-breds. The 3-year-old Speightstown colt got home 1 3/4 lengths better than Nathan's H Q. Comet of Love came from last of eight to win the Tax Free Shopping Distaff by a length over Funky Munky Mama.

Jack's in the Deck rallied in the stretch to win the First State Dash for 2-year-olds by a length over Always Smiling. And The Funky Express opened a big lead in the Small Wonder Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, then coasted home first by 2 1/4 lengths over I Know You Know.

 

Remington Park

Tin Top Cat outfinished Leopard Rock to win Saturday's $55,000 Flashy Lady Stakes for fillies and mares by a neck. Texas Country Doll was just another nose back in third after chasing the pace. Tin Top Cat, a 4-year-old, Texas-bred Supreme Cat filly, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.57 under Justin Shepherd.

 

Zia Park

Im a Bear rallied to engage pacesetting Runge in a tight stretch duel in Sunday's $55,000 Permian Basin Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, gained the advantage and won by a neck. Affable Amy was well back in third. Im a Bear, a Texas-bred Touch Tone filly, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.08 for jockey Alejandro Medellin.

 

Fresno

Longview Drive pressed the pace in Sunday's $75,000 Charlie Palmer Futurity, got the lead and won off by 1 1/4 lengths over Marshall Marini. Mighty Monsoon was third. Longview Drive, a Kentucky-bred Pulpit colt out of the Wild Again mare Wild Vision, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:45.50 with Russell Baze in the irons.

Bold Chieftain stalked the pace in Sunday's $50,000 Bull Dog Stakes, surged to the lead in the stretch and won by 1 1/4 lengths over Uh Oh Bango. Dos Eqkeys finished third. Bold Chieftain, an 8-year-old, California-bred son of Chief Seattle, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:50.19 with Baze up.
ROBERT KIECKHEFER || UPI Racing Writer