Barry Schwartz’s RODMAN (Malibu Moon), fresh off a 7 3/4-length entry-level
allowance score over Aqueduct’s main track, made a successful transition to
graded stakes company with an overpowering score in Saturday’s $107,500
Queens County H. (G3) over the Big A’s inner dirt. Sensing a dawdling pace
passing the stands for the first time, jockey Javier Castellano sent the
four-year-old to the lead approaching the first turn, set comfortable splits of
:24 4/5, :49 3/5 and 1:14, then drew away in the stretch to win by 5 3/4
lengths. The final time for 1 3/16 miles over the fast strip was 1:57. The 3-1
second choice, Rodman paid $8, $3.70 and $3.30.
Researcher (Two Smart), seeking to become the first horse in nearly six
decades to win consecutive editions of the Queens County, gradually improved
position from midpack and edged the late-closing longshot More Than a Reason
(More Than Ready) by a head for second. The 8-5 favorite Researcher returned
$3.20 and $2.50, while the 21-1 More Than a Reason gave back $5. The exacta paid
$28, the trifecta $230 and the 6-2-5-8 superfecta with 4-1 co-third choice Storm
Play (Smart Strike) gave back $807. Following that one under the wire were
Naughty New Yorker (Quiet American), Stud Muffin (Raffie’s Majesty) and Honour
Devil (Arg) (Honour and Glory). Lord Kipling (Kipling) was scratched.
“The race looked like he could have ended up on the lead; we knew he was
going to be a little strong,” winning trainer Mike Hushion said. “You can see
the way he acted in the paddock, when he’s on it, he’s on it.”
Rodman won at first asking over Aqueduct’s inner track in January 2008, then
struggled to make an impact in four subsequent starts over the same course. The
colt’s form took a turn for the better during the Saratoga meet this summer with
back-to-back scores, one in a claimer and the other in a starter allowance.
After two losses on turf, Rodman cruised in the aforementioned November 11
allowance at one mile. His 106 BRIS Speed rating for that win, a career-best,
signaled his readiness for the class hike to the Queens County. With this
victory, Rodman boosted his bankroll to $200,552 from a line of 12-5-2-0.
“These late developing horses are great; they’re fun, and it looks like he’s
got some more fun in front of him,” Hushion added. “I would consider (the Donn
H. [G1] on February 6), why not? It’s time to step up, I think.”
Bred in Kentucky by David Hager II, Rodman brought $150,000 at the 2006
Keeneland September sale. Produced from the Affirmed mare Crystal Gem, a
half-sister to stakes winners Silver Haze (Silver Deputy) and Silence Dogood
(Grand Slam), Rodman is a half-brother to an unnamed yearling filly by Posse.
Rodman’s third dam is the multiple Grade 1-winning producer Taisez Vous (Silent
Screen). Multiple Group 1-winning producer Bint Pasha (Affirmed) also hails from
this family.