PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 12, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
The Larry R. Riviello President’s Cup S. for three-year-olds at a mile and 70
yards was Saturday’s feature at Philadelphia Park. The race was whittled down to
just four runners with two late scratches, and there was not a single Philly
Park-based runner among the quartet. TANI MARU (Cherokee Run), who had not won
around two turns since last December over the Aqueduct inner dirt track, quickly
remedied that situation with an authoritative wire-to-wire victory under leading
jockey Harry Vega. The Belmont Park shipper quickly established the early lead
from the rail before he was joined by Letterman’s Humor (Distorted Humor) on the
front end. The pair raced as a team until the far turn when Tani Maru began to
distance himself from the field. The Tom Bush-trained runner left little doubt
as to who was best on this day, drawing away from his pace nemesis to win by 9
3/4 lengths. Letterman’s Humor was clearly second best as Russian Bay (Meadowlake)
was a distant third with Legal Control (Thunder Gulch) running fourth.
SENOR CIELO TWO (Partner’s Hero) has proven to be a timely re-claim by
trainer Jayne Vaders. He has always been able to earn his keep in Pennsylvania-bred races, in addition to optional-claiming contests, and did so once again by
taking down the lion’s share of the purse in Sunday’s main event. With the
leaders from the outset, the five-year-old gelding secured a daylight lead upon
entering the stretch. He was then able to turn back a stiff challenge from L B’s
Raising Star (Premiership) and held gamely as Bookmaster (Notebook) closed
belatedly to take down the place.
The main track played quite fairly to begin the week. However, on Tuesday,
those runners who stalked the pace fared well. The track appeared to play evenly
when racing resumed on Saturday and remained that way on Sunday.
The outside paths appeared best with the possible exception being Monday,
when the track appeared bias free.
The turf course was definitely speed favoring all week.
Vega remains well in front in the jockey standings with Jose Flores in second
and Josiah Hampshire Jr. in third. Frankie Pennington and Victor Molina complete
the top five.
Scott Lake maintains a sizeable lead over Vaders in the trainer standings,
with Robert Seeger holding on to third place. Patricia Farro, Armand Correnti
and Kathleen Demasi are tied for fourth.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (8/1)
5TH – MAJOR TANNER (Major Impact) put in a good effort returning to a sprint
off a brief rest. Held well for the place after setting a pressured pace. Might
be better suited to a route of ground.
9TH – BENNINGTON (Ide) was a heartbreaking second employing rating tactics.
Leveled off late to just miss overhauling the loose wire-to-wire winning
favorite. Handles either turf or dirt.
Tuesday (8/2)
6TH – KOHUNA GRANDE (Rambo Phil) improved to second on the drop while making
his first start for trainer Donald Reeder. Gave resolute chase to a speedy
multi-level class dropper dictating a fast pace. Finished with interest late to
just miss overtaking that rival. Fits very well at the 10K level.
9TH – CHASENTHEBLUESAWAY (Real Quiet) put forth a creditable showing around
two turns for the first time in her career. Chased a strong early pace prior to
dropping back leaving the far turn. Trainer has an anemic strike rate with
horses going sprint to route. Both wins thus far have come sprinting at seven
furlongs.
Saturday (8/6)
6TH – WHO’S BLUFFING (Pine Bluff) held well chasing the pace throughout in a
race that finished up well late. Would benefit from a return to $12,500
claimers, the level of his most recent win.
7TH – UNABASHED CHARM (Silver Deputy) was a good second stalking the odds-on
winning favorite along the deeper inside in her Philly Park debut. Expect to see
her stretched out to a middle distance of ground in subsequent starts over this
track.
10TH – TRAFFIC ALERT (Traffic Zack) switched riders and showed a much
improved effort on the drop. Ran sneaky well to finish second in a swiftly run
contest.
Sunday (8/7)
1ST – BERSTEI (Bernstein) was an impressive winner in a fast time in just her
second start. May be poised to handle winners in her next start if properly
spotted.
2ND – INVALIDATE (Valid Expectations) was a strong third dropping down to a
more suitable level. Held grimly vying for the lead throughout. She is clearly
at her best racing on or near the front end.