PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 5, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
Throughout the years, Saratoga has been definitively labeled as “The August
place to be.” However, the same can not be said about Philadelphia Park, as the
track will close its doors shortly to take a well deserved holiday. The track,
which is located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, conducts racing year round, and both
man and beast definitely need time to recharge their batteries as racing will
resume over the Labor Day weekend.
In the meantime, there were co-features on Saturday at Philly Park. QUICKEST
OF ALL (Larrupin’) who has been a bridesmaid in six of her last seven starts,
finally grabbed the brass ring to annex her NW2X allowance condition. Trained by
Jayne Vaders, Quickest of All dueled 4-5 favorite Exotic Elegance (Storm Cat)
into defeat and began to edge away from that rival upon entering the stretch.
She increased her advantage with every stride to win by 5 1/2 widening lengths.
Settimo Cielo (Partner’s Hero) closed to get the place, finishing 1 1/2 lengths
ahead of Cannon in G (Matty G) who rallied belatedly. Exotic Elegance gave way
readily once displaced on the lead and checked in fifth.
A five-furlong turf sprint for early level allowance fillies and mares was
the day’s supporting feature. STONESOUP (Foligno) once again demonstrated her
affinity for the Philly Park turf course when she rallied in the stretch to wear
down the pacesetters, bumping another rival in the stretch drive prior to
eventually edging away. Crop Angel (Corporate Report) outran her 15-1 posttime
odds, setting a pressured pace and holding on grimly in the stretch. Tuff
Partners (Partner’s Hero) and All Night Rebel (Double Honor) finished on even
terms for the show. An inquiry by the stewards was conducted into the stretch
run, and they disqualified the runner-up and placed her fifth for interfering
with Nina Marie (Hansel).
A high-end claiming contest for straight three-year-olds served as the
highlight on the Sunday card. LASER LAD (Vicar), who had floundered since he was
outfitted with blinkers, finally adjusted to the equipment change to register a
gritty three-quarter-of-a-length victory. The Penn National shipper moved to
engage the leaders around the far turn and subsequently gained a tenuous lead in
the stretch. He had more than enough energy in reserve to withstand a determined
stretch bid from B. Murray (Old Trieste), who was clearly second best. Laser
Shot (Vicar) closed belatedly to finish a non-threatening third. The 6-5 race
favorite, The Bull Is Blue (Holy Blue), made a strong move to take the lead at
the half-mile marker, but came up empty in the stretch and finished a
well-beaten fifth.
The main track did not boast a discernible bias to begin the week on Monday.
However, that changed on Tuesday when early speed types did very well. The track
seemed to be quite fair over the weekend.
The outside paths were best on Monday and Tuesday, but that bias disappeared
on Saturday and Sunday.
No particular running style held a pronounced advantage over the turf course.
Harry Vega is in a race of his own as he continues to increase his advantage
in the jockey’s race, owning a 29 win lead over Jose Flores and Josiah Hampshire
Jr., who recently moved his tack to Delaware Park. Frankie Pennington and Victor
Molina complete the top five.
Scott Lake maintains a huge lead over Vaders in the trainer standings,
with Robert Seeger and Armand Correnti trailing the top pair.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (7/25)
4TH – FADE SABIHONDA (Arg) (Fadeyev) was a strong second dropping down to the
$5,000 level off a brief rest. Gave resolute chase to a superior speed and
finished with interest in a much improved effort. Will be eligible for a
conditioned basement level claiming event in the not to distant future.
6TH – CEDAR (Yarrow Brae) posted an impressive score tackling winners for the
first time. Stalked the early leaders and then drew away to win by daylight in
fast time. Can continue her winning ways if properly spotted in her next start.
7TH – Plain N Fancy (Lion Hearted) was a good third returning to the main
track on the drop. Contested the early lead vs. a more accomplished runner and
held reasonably well to save the show. Remains eligible for a non-winners of two
races lifetime claiming contest.
Tuesday (7/26)
2ND – WHAT’S YOUR WISH (Metfield) finished a heartbreaking second while
dropping into a basement level claimer. Held tenaciously dictating the pace,
losing by a head. Prefers a target to run at and may revert to rating tactics in
subsequent starts.
6TH – OK LET’S GO (A. P Jet) was an improved second dropping into a
restricted claimer. Finished with good energy despite a wide trip over a speed
conducive course. At his best when racing on or near the front end.
Saturday (7/30)
5TH – SNAPPY TUNE (Tour d’Or) held well chasing a well meant class dropper
who wired the field in fast time. Fits well at this level and has won sprinting
and over a route of ground in the past.
6TH – PARTHENON (Tactical Cat) continues to race over his head since claimed
by a low percentage trainer. Finished with interest in a race that was fast for
the class level. Would benefit from a class drop and a rider switch.
10TH – EXOFFICIO (Private Terms) had a tough task chasing a very hot pace
from an outside post in an abbreviated sprint. Held well to the wire in his
first start with Lasix. Appears poised to register his initial career victory if
properly spotted in his subsequent start.
Sunday (8/1)
2ND – WINDHAM CHIEF (Mr. Greeley) was a good third stepping off the claim for
trainer Tom Miller. Dueled head and for the lead with a dominant winner who ran
a hole in the wind. Remains eligible for much softer company.
5TH – BIG BANKER (Bankbook) finished a heartbreaking second dropping and
switching back to dirt. Exhibited a much improved turn of early foot to attend
the pace and held resolutely to the wire in a race that quickened late. Clearly
at his best running six furlongs over the Philly Park main track.
6TH – JERSEY DOLL (Larrupin’) put forth a creditable effort adding Lasix
while tackling straight maiden runners. Responded favorably to rating tactics
and finished with interest late despite an outside post. Can continue to
progress further if dropped back into a maiden claimer.