MEADOWLANDS
NOTEBOOK
October 13
by Gary Granade
BALTO STAR (Glitterman) presented trainer Todd Pletcher with
an interesting decision following his victory Friday night in the
$500,000 Meadowlands Cup (G2).
With the Breeders’ Cup looming on October 30, Pletcher could
elect to keep Balto Star on the dirt for the $4 million Classic (G1).
The Meadowlands Cup, his first run on the main track in over a
year, was a compelling argument for that course of action. On the
other hand, Balto Star is a Grade 1 winner on the grass, making
the $2 million Turf (G1) a viable option.
“We might cross-enter in both and take a look,”
Pletcher said. “The last time we went dirt to turf, he won
the United Nations (G1). We’re thinking he’ll like the Lone Star
turf course. That will probably be our first choice, but we’ll
play it by ear.”
John Velazquez kept the six-year-old in a stalking position
behind the pacesetting UNFORGETTABLE MAX (Northern Afleet). Balto
Star took the lead entering the final turn and opened up by 1 1/2
lengths at the top of lane.
DYNEVER (Dynaformer), making his first start since finishing
sixth in the Suburban H. (G1) on July 3, weaved his way through
traffic on the turn and came flying through the stretch.
A resolute Balto Star dug in to hold off the hard-charging
Dynever by a half-length.
Balto Star ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.68, recording his first
win in five starts this year, He returned $14.00 and topped a $37.00
exacta. GYGISTAR (Prospector’s Music) was third.
Dynever ran second in last year’s Meadowlands Cup and went on
to finish third in the Classic.
In the first half of the split $60,000 My Frenchman S.,
MANOFGLORY (Glitterman) rallied from last to first in the
stretch, posting a nose victory over his stablemate CUMBY TEXAS (Lit
De Justice) and RUDIRUDY (Jolie’s Halo), the latter two finishing
in a dead-heat for the runner-up spot.
Trained by Lupe Preciado and ridden by Eibar Coa, Manofglory
covered the five furlongs over firm turf in :56.18 and gave back
$13.80 for the win.
The first half of the $60,000 Paterson S. went to FOREST GROVE
(Forestry) who covered the mile and a sixteenth over firm turf in
1:42.34.
Ridden by Velazquez, Forest Grove took the lead in the lane
and went on to score a 1 1/2-length victory over COMMENDATION (Capote).
GUNNING FOR (Dove Hunt) was another three-quarters of a length
back in third.
In the $60,000 Bill Wheeler S. at a mile and 70 yards for
Jersey Breds, UPTURN (Distorted Humor) showed his versatility by
running down TRUEAMERICANSPIRIT (Is It True) in deep stretch to
take a length and a quarter victory.
Upturn, trained by Dick Dutrow Jr. and ridden by Coa, had won
the Six-furlong Friendly Lover in his previous start.
The winner paid $4 as the even money favorite and topped a
chalky $8.20 exacta.
The second division of the Patterson went to GRAND HERITAGE (Grand
Slam) from the Bill Mott barn. Rated just off the pace by
Cornelio Velasquez, Grand Heritage was up in time to edge
HONORABLE BUCK (double Honor) by a half-length. DON’T KNOCK
AMERICA (Quiet American) finished third in a blanket finish. The
first four finishers were separated by less than a length.
The winner covered the mile and a sixteenth on firm turf in 1:43.12
and returned $6.20 as the 2-1 choice.
WORLDWIND ROMANCE (Frosty The Snowman) captured the second
half of the My Frenchman. He ran down the early leader, 12-year-old
SPORT D’HIVER Glitterman), and held sway by a 1 1/2 lengths over
WESTERN ROAR (Roar).
The winner was trained by Mark Shuman for the Michael Gill
outfit and was ridden by Ryan Fogelsonger.
Inside speed had the edge on Tuesday and Wednesday with the
main track playing fair on the other days. The turf course
favored closers on Saturday.
Apprentice Rajiv Maragh is still the leading rider with 8
wins, one ahead of Stewart Elliott and Joe Bravo. Coa is fourth
with 6 winners.
Patricia Farro has taken the lead in the trainers’ race with 4
wins from 15 starts. Mott, Pletcher and Steve Klesaris each have
three.
HORSES TO WATCH
Tuesday (10/5)
1ST – LADY LYDIA (Private Interview) was plunged in class by
Lake, raising a condition question, but was pounded in the late
betting and won handily with no takers. Tough to beat right back.
2ND – ONETHINDIME (Tactical Advantage) had no chance rated 12
lengths off a walking pace, but did manage to close for the place.
Holds his good form and only needs an honest pace.
Wednesday (10/6)
3RD – DEFRILLS (Defrere) was making only her third lifetime
start and first with winners. Held on for the show after putting
away all of the other speed and taking a clear lead. Has improved
sharply each time out for Eddie Broome and is ready to win.
Thursday (10/7)
6TH – SONG OF NORA (The Vid) appeared well placed here but
suffered a brutal trip. She was roughed on the rail lacking room
midway on the final turn, eased out for the drive, built late
momentum and finished well.
Friday (10/8)
10TH – MILKY WAY GUY (Skip Trial) chased the pace from off the
rail, was checked severely from between rivals into the turn and
lost all chance.
Saturday (10/9)
1ST – LIEUTENANT DANZ (Gold Fever) had trained fast in New
York and pulled away to beat $20K maiden claimers by 10 in his
debut. Claimed by Sharon Huston, he should repeat if not too
ambitiously placed.
2ND – Q ONE FOR TWO (Lac Quimet) beat a very strong field in
fast time, improving sharply off the Farro claim. Has back class
and can jump a couple of levels and repeat.