PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 28, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
Who’ll stop the rain? Unseasonably wet weather continues to plague the East
coast. And as a result, it maintains its impact on racing on both turf and dirt.
Grass racing is on the backburner at Philly Park for the moment, and who knows
when or if it will resume this year.
On a brighter note, Delaware Park and the Meadowlands will close next month.
This means fuller fields at Philly Park in addition to the return of Friday
racing. First post remains at 12:25 p.m. (ET).
Saturday’s featured race was reduced to only six starters due to program
scratches. There was yet another defection when Means to Win (Allen’s Prospect)
was declared a non-starter. It seems that he was lodged in the starting gate
just prior to the start, and therefore did not have a means to win when the
gates opened. Of those that made it out of the gate cleanly, Jose Flores, a
replacement for jockey Anthony Black, took full advantage of this opportunity,
guiding MAN OF CONQUEST (Conquistador Cielo) to a popular front-running victory
as the slight 6-5 favorite. The pair were able to dispose of early pace pressure
in the form of Pasta (Formal Dinner) shortly after entering the stretch, and
then edged clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Pasta was clearly second best,
finishing three lengths clear of City Line Ave (Line in the Sand), who finished
evenly late to gain the show.
An optional claiming field took the spotlight at Philly Park on Sunday with
seven runners sprinting six furlongs. TIE BREAK (Storm Boot), making his first
start at Philly Park, responded favorably to the change in venue and the speed
biased course, wiring the field while posting an upset victory. Trained by Scott
Lake, the winner spurted away from the gate to gain an early daylight lead.
Graded by Results (Honor Grades), the eventual runner-up, came within a length
of the winner around the far turn, but simply could not overtake the front runner
while continuing on gamely to the finish. Olivers Success (Oliver’s Twist) did
well to take down the show, rallying from off the pace and reducing his deficit
with every stride in deep stretch. Lucky Gamble (Dove Hunt), the 7-5 favorite,
chased the early pace before dropping back steadily.
On Monday, runners who showed early speed did well in sprints, while route
contests were biased somewhat towards stalkers and closers. The main track
played favorably to speed on Tuesday in both sprints and routes, and remained
that way over the weekend as well.
The outside paths were best on Monday and Tuesday.
HORSE TO WATCH
Monday (10/17)
6TH – PRINCESSCA (Wheaton) held gamely dueling along a deep rail on the drop.
Fits well at her current class level. Usually she prefers to sit and make one
run.
7TH – TAIL GATE (Buckaroo) turned in a creditable third-place finish stretching out.
Stalked a fast pace for the class level, but gave way over a course favoring
runners from off the pace. Would definitely benefit from softer competition.
9TH – CLASSIC EXAMPLE (Maria’s Mon) is a classic example of a horse who was allowed to
drop too far off a pedestrian pace. Rallied from last around the far turn, but
could not overhaul the front runner in a race that quickened noticeably late.
Tuesday (10/18)
4TH – LIL BIT STORMY (Storm and a Half) finished a good third in his Philly Park debut for
trainer Scott Lake. Set a strong pace towards the deeper inside and held
reasonably well late. Fits best against straight three-year-old rivals.
10TH – MR SHAANSHU (Line in the Sand) gave an even effort chasing swift fractions in
an improved outing. Has good tactical speed and would benefit from a return back
to the $7,500 claiming level.
Saturday (10/22)
2ND – SHEPHERDSVILLE (Exploit) was a sharp second dropping and returning to a route of
ground. Simply outfinished late as the race quickened. Fits well at the $6,250
level.
10TH – DANCE TO DIXIE (Dixieland Heat) appears to be slowly rounding into
form off a long layoff. Exhibited much improved speed chasing a fast pace and
tired. Would benefit from a cut back to an abbreviated sprint.
Sunday (10/23)
5TH – LINDA’S LION (Lion Hearted) gave a creditable debut effort for trainer John Servis. Flashed good early speed before retreating to finish third behind a well
meant/well bet Belmont Park shipper who dominated the field. Can benefit from
her initial career outing.
8TH – OLIVERS SUCCESS (Oliver’s Twist) closed with good energy to finish third
over a speed-biased track. Fits well at this level, but may need more distance
to be at his best.