PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 7, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
The main attraction this past Saturday at Philly Park was supposed to be the
Cotillion H. (G2) for three-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles. However, that
stakes race appeared to get second billing as all the buzz around the track
centered around Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero Jr. and the fact that he was
returning to the saddle for one more day.
If this was Hollywood, you would have already figured out how this story
ends. However, we live in the real world, at least most of the time, and there
was a much different tale to be told on the track.
Cordero’s mount, Indian Vale (A.P. Indy), was dispatched as the 2-5 favorite
in the wagering. And, when they made the lead around the clubhouse turn,
everyone assumed that now the race was for place. However, there would not be a
fairytale ending to this story. Longshot Amazing Buy (High Yield) engaged the
crowd favorite around the far turn and then displaced her on the front end.
Indian Vale had no response, and began dropping back despite futile efforts by
Cordero to coax more run out of her.
Shortly after entering the stretch, Shebelongstoyou (Belong to Me) seized the
lead with a wide rally as NOTHING BUT FUN (Dixie Union) and Yolanda B. Too (Two
Punch) were now in hot pursuit. Shebelongstoyou began to weaken slightly under
pressure with Nothing but Fun continuing to close gamely from her outside to win
a tight photo finish over Yolanda B. Too, whose rally fell just short in a race
that she did not deserve to lose. The runner-up was very unlucky, breaking
slowly from the gate and subsequently forced to rally in tight quarters while
trying to split rivals in deep stretch. Shebelongstoyou tired to finish third
with Indian Vale reporting home a well-beaten fifth. When the dust settled, it
was the equines who turned out to be the stars of the show. Isn’t that the way
it’s supposed to be?
Also on the Saturday card was the $100,000 Gallant Bob H. for three year-olds
sprinting six furlongs. JOEY CARSON (Lord Carson) remained unbeaten as he wore
down the pacesetting Euro Code (Forestry) in the stretch to win by 1 1/4
lengths. Pavo (Marquetry) rallied to get the place by three parts of a length
over Euro Code. Santana Strings (Wheaton), the slight 3-2 favorite in the
betting, finished a disappointing fourth and was never a serious threat.
The main track favored speed in sprints, but closers in routes on Monday.
Early speed runners and stalkers fared best on Tuesday, with the track playing
uniformly when racing returned on Saturday. Closers dominated the results on
Sunday.
The grass course played to early speed types when in use. The outside paths
were definitely the place to be, with the bias varying in degrees of intensity.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (9/26)
2ND – ROLANDO FURIOSO (Valorous Prospect) was clearly second best returning
to Philly Park. Held well setting a pressured pace in a race that quickened
late. Still has room for improvement off this effort.
6TH – SMOKEY JUNIOR (Allen’s Prospect) ran an encouraging third in his debut
effort. Set a lively and pressured pace along the deeper inside and held
reasonably well. Should have derived beneficial conditioning from this race.
Bred for a sprint and to win early in his career.
10TH – MERCY’S SPIRIT (Quarry) was a much improved third dropping down to a
more realistic level. Exhibited a good turn foot to contest a fast pace before
dropping back and re-rallying in the stretch.
Tuesday (9/27)
9TH – SILVERY CROWN (Lord Carson) showed sharp reversal in form returning to
the Philly Park main track. Dispensed a good middle move around the far turn
while racing wide but could not sustain that rally. Might be stretched out to a
distance of ground as her most recent win came around two turns.
Saturday (10/1)
3RD – PANA CAT (Western Cat) exhibited much improved speed to argue a very
quick pace in her Philly Park debut at seven furlongs. Understandably tired late
and would benefit from rating tactics and a cutback in distance in her next
start.
6TH – JOHN CALVIN (Take Me Out) was a strong second stretching out to nine
furlongs, distance of lone turf victory at Philly Park. Finished with good
energy late but could not match strides with a New York shipper in a swiftly run
contest.
9TH – Shebelongstoyou suffered a wide trip while making a premature move into
a fast pace around the far turn. Gained the lead in the stretch only to weaken
under pressure. Appears better suited to stalking tactics.
Sunday (10/2)
3RD – SUPAH WAY (Way West [Fr]) was dueled into defeat arguing a very hot
pace. Held well to midstretch before tiring. Dangerous speed if able to shake
loose early.
7TH – FAVORITE GOLD (My Favorite Grub) held gamely dictating the pace along a
deep rail on a closers’ track. Yielded only to a fresh come from behind winner.
Fits well at this level and would benefit from a shorter distance.
9TH – HEADBANGER (Conquistador Cielo) displayed a sharp effort turning back
to a sprint off a freshening. Gave futile chase to an in form and superior speed
rival while clearly second best. Equally adept on turf or dirt.