PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 18, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
A high-end claiming contest for fillies and mares sprinting six furlongs
served as the Saturday feature at Philly Park. NOTIMETOQUIT (Toolighttoquit)
proved to be a punctual favorite as she defeated five other rivals by a decisive
5 3/4 lengths. Racing in last position early down the backstretch, the Ramon
Preciado-trained runner circled the field around the far turn to reach a
contending position. Shortly after the field turned for home, she gained the
lead and proceeded to increase her advantage while drawing clear late. Flame of
Love (Not For Love) raced with the pace from the start and gained a tenuous
advantage after a half-mile. Ultimately, she proved to be no match for the
winner, but held gamely to finish second over To the Crowd (Take Me Out), who
vied for the lead in her Philly Park debut for trainer Scott Lake and saved the
show.
Six horses entered the starting gate for a preliminary allowance event at 1
1/16 miles on Sunday. Despite stepping up in class off a losing effort,
TAPSOMEGOLDFORDAN (Pleasant Tap) was able to outgame Count On Me (Sword Dance)
in a stirring stretch battle to eke out a nose victory. A prominent pace factor
from the outset, Tapsomegoldfordan tracked the early pace under Eriluis Vaz. He
eventually dueled that rival into defeat, but had to deal with Count On Me, who
displaced him on the front end while gaining a half-length lead at the furlong
marker. Trained by John Scanlan, Tapsomegoldfordan refused to throw in the towel
and re-rallied in deep stretch to get the nod by a scant nose. Unfortunately,
the runner-up was simply second best with Dun Roamin Hero (Partner’s Hero)
closing for the show.
The track favored runners who either stalked or rallied from off the pace
from Monday through Wednesday. Over the weekend, the course played more
uniformly, with front runners able to score once again. The outside paths were
preferable all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (11/7)
5TH – DUCK SAUCE (Allen’s Prospect) finished a good second dropping down to a
more suitable level. Held well until the stretch over a course that was unkind
to front runners. Can continue to move forward off this effort and would benefit
from a cutback in distance.
6TH – ADMIRATION (Marquetry) closed well while racing wide to get the place
in a race that finished up well late. This was a useful effort as he was forced
to chase home a multi-level class dropper.
8TH – REGAL CRUISER (Regal Classic) ran an even third stepping up off a
freshening. Continued on well in the stretch in a race he clearly needed. Most
recent win came at seven furlongs.
Tuesday (11/8)
2ND – ANOTHER DILEMMA (Sword Dance [Ire]) put forth an improved effort
returning to a dry track. Finished with interest while closing along a deep
rail.
6TH – GERIGAN (Siphon [Brz]) faltered badly in the stretch after gaining the
lead. May have distance limitations and appears better suited to sprints.
Wednesday (11/9)
4TH – HOLLY DRIVE (Malibu Moon) carved out a very fast pace in a much
improved effort. Understandably tired in the stretch from her early exploits and
held well to save the place. Would benefit from a cutback in distance.
6TH – BABY MADISON (West Acre) displayed an encouraging debut effort at long
odds. Broke a tad slowly from her inside post before rallying toward the deeper
inside around the far turn. Sustained that rally when maneuvered to the better
part of the track and may ultimately be best around two turns.
Saturday (11/12)
9TH – To the Crowd was a good third forcing the pace in her Philly Park debut
for trainer Scott Lake. May revert to rating tactics in subsequent starts and
would benefit from some additional class relief.
Sunday (11/13)
5TH – SIMPLY STYLIN (Danzatame) chased a very fast pace and finished well to
hold the show returning to a dry track. Still has room for improvement and may
prefer to sit and then make one run.
7TH – CASH EXCHANGE (Pleasant Tap) gained command before a half-mile and then
proceeded to run away and hide from the opposition in his second start off the
Ramon Preciado claim. Can win right back if not ambitiously spotted in his initial
start against winners.