PHILADELPHIA NOTEBOOK
APRIL 22, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
An optional claiming contest for four-year-olds and up was the featured
contest this past Saturday. The race marked the return of QUIET MIKE (Quiet
American), who found the sledding a bit tough while competing out of town,
to Philadelphia Park. A much improved effort figured to be in the offing as
the Scott Lake trainee was hammered at the betting windows early and often.
Ultimately, it was Royal Siphon (Siphon) who took all the late money to become a
slight favorite in the wagering.
Nonetheless, Quiet Mike looked the part of a winner virtually every step off
the way, tracking the early pacesetter while full of run down the backstretch.
He waited for racing room around the far turn and then darted to the inside as a
hole opened up in the stretch. Once clear, he immediately kicked into overdrive
and drew away with complete authority to win by five widening lengths. First
Shot (Unreal Zeal) held on gamely for the place after battling for the lead with
8-5 favorite Royal Siphon down the backstretch. Meadowlake Lodge (Meadowlake)
closed belatedly for third, outfinishing a tired Royal Siphon who fell back to
fourth.
The main track played quite favorably to speed on Monday and Tuesday. There
was no discernable bias on Saturday, although early speed did well on Sunday.
The outside paths were preferred each day, albeit to varying degrees.
Josiah Hampshire Jr. remains on top in the jockey standings, but runner-up
Harry Vega trails the leader by only three wins. Jose Flores continues to follow
third with Victor Molina and Frankie Pennington tied for fourth.
Lake drew clear of the pack last week and boasts a seven win edge over Jayne
Vaders in the race for leading trainer. Robert Seeger held on to third place and
there is a three-way battle for fourth.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (4/11)
3RD – EXCEEDINLEGALLIMIT (Traffic Zack) finished a good second chasing a
superior speed over a speed-conducive track. He was getting to the winner late
in a sharp effort.
5TH – GOLDEN NICOLAS (Gold Legend) held well for third setting a quick and
pressured pace in his Philly Park debut effort. Veteran campaigner has responded
well to a new trainer employing hustling tactics and reuniting with his former
rider.
Tuesday (4/12)
2ND – TEXAS PIONEER (Pioneering) easily handled 4K restricted claimers on the
drop. Manner in which he won suggests he could repeat if kept at a similar
level.
6TH – SKIPPER JACK (Kelly Kip) wound up a much improved third returning to a
sprint and dropping to a suitable level. Chased a strong pace in a swiftly run
race and finished evenly. Appears to be better suited to a sprint.
8TH – SPLINTER ONE (Polish Numbers) was a strong second racing out of
conditions. Drove to the lead in the stretch, but was unable to contain an
Aqueduct shipper taking a humongous class drop while also cutting back in
distance. Is eligible for NW3L company.
Saturday (4/16)
4TH – LEGGO MY ECHO (Western Echo) offered a much improved showing in second
start off a reclaim by Seeger. Clearly second best chasing home a controlling
speed rival. Would benefit from a cutback in distance as he has failed thrice at
seven furlongs.
6TH – IRISH SWEEP (End Sweep) finished with interest for third on a fast
track in an abbreviated sprint. Appears to want more distance and would be
extremely dangerous if returned to the 7,500n2Y level in his next start.
7TH – THREESIXTYFIVE (Afternoon Deelites) was forced to steady heading into
the far turn chasing a very fast pace. Maneuvered to the outside of rivals in
the stretch and failed to rally in the stretch. Compromised by a weak ride in
her first start since January. Definitely needs to be on or very close to the
lead to be at her best.
Sunday (4/17)
6TH – PUGGY’S LAST LOVE (Not For Love) finished a decent third off the Lake
claim. Failed to sustain a bid into the stretch in a fast race for the class
level, which was coincidentally won by his uncoupled stablemate. Should move
forward in his second start off a freshening and would benefit from a slight
drop in class and switch to Lake’s “go to” rider, Flores, at Philly Park.
7TH – ONE SMART LADY (West Acre) finished an useful fourth place finish off
the claim. Contested lively fractions off the layoff while racing towards the
deeper inside. Should have derived beneficial conditioning from this effort.
8th – CUMBY TEXAS (Lit De Justice) was a troubled third stretching out to
seven furlongs. Forced to rush up to set the pace after stumbling at the start.
Understandably tired late in a swiftly run race at a distance which is a bit
beyond his scope. Would benefit from a cutback in distance and reuniting with
jockey Tony Black, who seems to know him well. Can handle a fast or wet track,
and he is stakes placed on turf.