December 23, 2024

Philadelphia Park Notebook

Last updated: 4/14/05 6:40 PM


PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK

APRIL 15, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

Saturday’s feature race was an optional-claiming affair for four-year-olds
and up going six furlongs. Once again, form took a vacation in the feature race
as HEY RUBE (Carnivalay) outran his 11-1 post time odds to register an upset
victory. The winner, who was a prominent pace factor from the outset despite
breaking from the rail, was finally able to dispose of a pesky Did He Biteyou
(Fred Astaire) in the stretch and then proceeded to edge away to a well-deserved
1 1/2-length victory. Lonche (Ponche) closed belatedly from last to grab second
by a neck over Did He Biteyou, who gave way slowly in deep stretch. Banjo Picker
(Swear by Dixie), who was installed as the 8-5 favorite in the race, was a neck
farther back in fourth as he lacked the necessary punch in the stretch to
improve his position.

The main track played quite favorably to speed to begin the week on Monday.
However, on Tuesday, short closers dominated. There was no discernible bias over
the weekend. Runners racing toward the outside part of the course fared well on
Monday, but that bias seemed to have disappeared by Tuesday before reemerging
again on Sunday.

Josiah Hampshire Jr. continues to lead Harry Vega by seven victories in the
jockey standings. Jose Flores remains in third followed by Victor Molina and
Frankie Pennington.

Scott Lake leads Jayne Vaders by four wins in the trainer standings. Robert
Seeger is a distant third with Guadalupe Preciado and Mark Fusco completing the
top five.

HORSES TO WATCH

Monday (4/4)

7TH – GREENJAY (Real Quiet) put forth a much improved outing in his second
start over the Philly Park main track. Held well until the far turn chasing a
superior speed before tiring in the stretch in a swiftly run race. May be better
suited to a sprint.

9TH – BARYSHNIKOV’S SONG (Sultry Song) was a creditable third employing
rating tactics. Attempted to close off a very strong pace but could not sustain
his rally late. Clearly at his best racing on or near the lead.

Tuesday (4/5)

2ND – ICEBERG WAYNE (Fort Wayne) showed subtle improvement while cutting back
to six furlongs and returning to a dry track. Dispensed an even effort despite
racing toward the deeper inside. Appears set for a top effort if kept at this
level and distance.

6TH – FRISKY MARK (Miner’s Mark) was a good third stretching out to a flat
mile. Held well setting a fast and pressured pace racing along a dead rail while
reuniting with jockey Harry Vega.

Saturday (4/10)

1ST – R COASTOCOAST (Tex R. Rabbit) showed surprise early speed while
switching to a live seven-pound apprentice rider. Gave futile chase to an
odds-on wire-to-wire winner in a race that finished up well late.

4TH – KOOL SMOKE (Smokester) held well late after setting a pressured pace
off a prolonged layoff. Gave ground grudgingly to a fresh closer who benefited
from a good setup and a drop in class.

Sunday (4/11)

1ST – PURE DESIRE (Gold Legend) dominated an overmatched basement-level
maiden-claiming field in very good time. Could win right back in her first start
against winners if properly spotted.

6TH – STATE PROSPECTOR (Allen’s Prospect) showed dramatic improvement while
adding blinkers and switching to jockey Harry Vega. Set a pressured pace toward
the deeper inside and held gamely in a race that was fast throughout.