PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 4, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
While the Breeders’ Cup grabbed most everyone’s attention this past Saturday,
there was still plenty of other racing being conducted across the country. For
instance, a preliminary allowance contest at Philly Park for fillies and mares
sprinting seven furlongs.
Like some of the results of the Breeder’s Cup, the winner of this race was a
bit hard to come up with. CHAMPAGNE CATHY (Wheaton), stepping up after two
nondescript efforts off a freshening, closed strongly in the stretch to take
control and win going away by 5 1/4 lengths at odds of 20-1. Snappy Tune (Tour
d’Or) rallied as well to finish second, a neck ahead of Miss Start Me Up
(Evening Kris), who broke slowly as the 2-1 favorite.
On Monday, early speed types dominated the results. That changed on Tuesday
as stalkers and closers fared best. When racing resumed on Saturday, stalkers
continued to do well. The track changed to extremely speed favoring on Sunday.
Outside paths were best on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Separate divisions of the South Carolina Residency S. will be featured this
coming Saturday. Separate contests for juvenile colts and geldings, and for
juvenile fillies will be held at 6 1/2 furlongs.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (10/24)
5TH – DIXIE AVENUE (Halo’s Image) finished a good second in his well bet/well
meant career debut. Vied for the lead with the winning favorite and held gamely
while clearly second best. A high-end maiden claimer fits him well.
7TH – TIBER TIME (Horatius) wilted disputing a fast pace in his Philly Park
debut. Held well until early stretch and understandably tired. Will become
eligible for a 4K restricted basement level claimer next month.
Tuesday (10/25)
4TH – SUNNY DAY FORECAST (Manastash Ridge) ran sneaky well off a layoff.
Carved out a very strong pace over a course that was unkind to front runners.
Would benefit from a cutback in distance and a class drop as well.
10TH – BE BOP BOBBIE (Danzatame) put forth a strong effort in an abbreviated
sprint but was compromised by an extremely wide trip throughout. Closed with
good energy while clearly second best chasing home a perfect trip winner.
Saturday (10/29)
4TH – PERFORMER INFLIGHT (State Performer) chased a very fast pace while
racing toward the deeper inside part of the track. Continued on gamely in the
stretch in a good effort. Has dangerous tactical speed and will be eligible for
$4K N1Y claimers very shortly.
5TH – TYRONE’S TERMS (Private Terms) was a strong second returning to a
sprint. Held gamely disputing the pace in a race that was fast throughout. Has
the ability to sprint or route, and can also rate from just off the pace.
Sunday (10/30)
4TH – MORDEDOR (Allen’s Prospect) finished a strong second dropping into a
basement level restricted claimer. Closed with good energy to get the place in a
race that quickened late. Prolific winner over this course fits well at his
current level.
7TH – LADY C (Chelsea’s Chance) closed with good energy to finish fourth over
a speed biased track. Would probably benefit from a drop to the $5K NW4L level.