MEADOWLANDS
NOTEBOOK
by Gary Granade
MACAW (Ire) (Bluebird) was imported to the United States in
mid-2002 but, until Friday night, had not visited the winner’s
enclosure since his last start in England at Goodwood.
In the $60,000 John Henry S., run at 11 furlongs, the five-year-old
Irish-bred trailed early. He launched a four-wide move on the
turn and surged by favored Dreadnought (Lac Quimet) in a long
drive to win by a neck. Revved Up (Sultry Song), who was making
his first start in a year, closed with the winner and finished
another head back in third. Host (Tabasco Cat) was another nose
back in the blanket finish. Macaw, trained by Angel Penna Jr. and
ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, returned $22.60 and topped a $109.20
exacta.
Earlier on the card, the Alysheba S. lost some of its appeal
when the race was reduced by scratches to six starters. Among the
defections was probable heavy favorite Unforgettable Max (Northern
Afleet).
ROARING FEVER (Storm Cat) got a garden spot trip in the
Alysheba, sitting just behind the dueling leaders. He came out
for the drive and pulled clear under strong urging from Eibar Coa
to win by nearly three lengths. The Alysheba marked Roaring
Fever’s first win in more than a year.
Early leader Long Term Success (Sandpit) held on for the
place, a neck in front of Last Intention (End Sweep). Trained by
Mark Hennig, the winner gave back $6.60 as the lukewarm 2-1
favorite.
Chilean-bred Tamburello (Rich Man’s Gold) was well placed, but
came up empty in the drive.
Saturday night was foggy and showery in North Jersey, the
perfect setting for the annual Halloween feature, The Grey Ghost
Starter Handicap. In The Grey Ghost, restricted to horses grey or
roan in color, HE FLIES (Concorde’s Tune) posted a 1 3/4-length
victory, making it back-to-back victories in the Halloween
fixture.
Trained by Dominick Schettino and ridden by Bridgmohan, He
Flies covered the mile and a sixteenth over a turf course rated
“good” in 1:43.64 and returned $5.40 as the 8-5 choice.
Tune of the Spirit (Concorde’s Tune) completed a $40.60 exacta
and finished 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Nationalistic (Polish
Precedent).
“We had a good trip today,” Bridgmohan said. “There
were a couple of speed horses in front of us. When we moved
outside he went on about his business.”
Sire Fusaichi Pegasus has several fine runners from his first
crop and KILLENAULE could be one of his best. The two-year-old
colt was most impressive taking the Storm Cat S. under Chris
DeCarlo.
He engaged the leaders on the far turn and then surged to the
front when roused in the lane, winning by just over four lengths.
Elusive Thunder (Thunder Gulch) held the place, 10 lengths clear
of third.
The winner is the first foal from the Grade 1-winning Metfield
mare Tipically Irish and has unlimited potential. He should be at
his best over classic distances.
The main track was without bias this week. The turf course
continued to favor late runners, but not as strongly as in the
past.
Joe Bravo continues to lead the riders with 21 winners.
Stewart Elliott is next with 18, one more than Coa. Rajiv Maragh
is the leading apprentice with 19 wins.
In the trainer’s race, Patricia Farro remains the clear leader
with 10 victories. Eddie Broome has moved into second place with
7 wins, followed by Todd Pletcher with 6.
HORSES TO WATCH
Tuesday (10/26)
3RD – PLAY BINGO (Polish Numbers) has easily moved through her
conditions and appears ready for stakes company. She has looked
stronger each time out.
Wednesday (10/27)
1ST – SAHM IAHM (Sahm) finally got a chance to go a mile on
the main track and responded with a daylight win over $25,000
maidens. Good chance to repeat against two lifers for the same
tag or lower.
Thursday (10/28)
4TH – RAHY RHYTHM (Rahy) was well placed in this spot but
suffered a brutal trip. He was steadied after the start, was
checked sharply off a rival’s heels on the turn and was still
only beaten by 1 1/2 lengths.
5TH – BACK AGAIN BEN (Storm Boot) was jumped into conditioned
allowance company off the claim by Jason Servis and ran great. He
set a fast pace and pulled clear to a daylight win. The time was
several lengths faster than par. The 3yo has now won 5 of 11
starts and is worth following.
Friday (10/29)
1ST – LITTLE DOVEFEATHER (Dove Hunt) ran far too well to lose
in this maiden event. In a race that was fast all the way, he
took the lead with a wide move and just failed to hold off a
classy New York invader. He was better than 10 lengths clear of
the rest of the field and will not be a maiden for long.
10TH – MONSTERINMYROOM (Meadow Monster) had worked fast for
Kelly Breen and was hammered at the windows in his debut. He
missed the break and was not persevered by the rider. Give him
another chance.
Saturday (10/30)
7TH – SOVEREIGN KIT (Kitwood) took the lead with a rush and
quickly drew clear without ever being asked. Has beaten better
and can handle a class jump off this impressive performance.