PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 18, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
Philadelphia Park closed its doors for live racing on August 9, and will
remain dark until September 3, as the track undergoes renovations during this
period. Located in a suburb of Philadelphia, the track conducts racing virtually
year round, and this eagerly anticipated break is certainly well deserved.
Racing will resume on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. On Labor Day,
September 5, the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) for three-year-olds at nine furlongs
will be run. Also slated for that day are the Pennsylvania Oaks for
three-year-old fillies and the Steve Van Buren H. for fillies and mares
sprinting seven furlongs.
Until live racing starts up once again next month, the track continues to
remain open for simulcasting.
The closing day feature was an early level allowance contest for fillies and
mares, three-year-olds and up on grass. Odds-on favoritism was bestowed upon
Spiritual Drift (Magabird), but the victory belonged to MANUKAI (Unbridled Jet),
who wired the field at odds of 33-1 for the upset win. Fresh from a victory
against straight maidens, the bay miss once again employed front-running tactics
to take the measure of her competition, as she just held on to withstand the
late rally of Katy Katers (Roar), who finished second by a neck. Spiritual Drift
trailed the field early on, and did not find her best stride until it was too
late, closing belatedly while beaten just over two lengths. Raging Rapids
(Roanoke), the 5-2 second choice in the wagering, improved her position around
the far turn, but failed to sustain that rally into the stretch and finished
fifth.
The main track favored stalkers and closers on Monday. However, on Tuesday
that bias all but disappeared. The outside paths appeared best both racing days.
The turf course once again played kindly to speed.
Harry Vega contains to dominate the jockey standings heading into the break,
with Jose Flores and Josiah Hampshire Jr. holding on to second and third,
respectively. Frankie Pennington and Victor Molina round out the top five.
Scott Lake maintains his advantage over Jayne Vaders in the trainer
standings, with Robert Seeger holding on to the third spot. Patricia Farro,
Armand Correnti and Kathleen Demasi are tied for fourth.
Monday (8/8)
4TH – TEXAS PIONEER (Pioneering) held reasonably well to run third after
setting the pace toward the deeper inside over a closers’ track. Would
definitely benefit from a drop in class.
5TH – SEEMEIN SEATTLE (Seattle Sleet) was an impressive daylight winner in
good time in her well bet/well meant debut. Easily handled an overmatched field
and appears poised to tackle winners. Both sire and dam did their best work in
dirt sprints and she could be any kind of runner.
12TH – SINNERS ACCEPTED (Traitor) added Lasix and put forth a much improved
effort. Gave futile chase to a strong pace in a fast race, reporting home a
creditable third in an abbreviated sprint. Needs some class relief to continue
forward level of progress.
Tuesday (8/9)
2ND – STEEL PIER (Distorted Humor) was a useful third in his unveiling for
high profile connections. Surrendered the place late after dueling with the
daylight winner in a race that was fast for the class level. Bred for a sprint
and to win early in his career
4TH – PROUD OF YOU (Proud and True) was a strong second outrunning her 30-1
posttime odds. Won the pace battle, outdueling two other rivals, but could not
match strides with a perfect stalking trip winner.
11TH – MATRICULATE (Bertrando) showed dramatic turnaround stretching out to a
distance of ground. Chased a loose front runner setting fast fractions and held
well to the finish. Will obviously need time to recoup from this effort. Good
tactical speed around two turns.