PHILADELPHIA PARK
NOTEBOOK
NOVEMBER 11, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
Saturday’s South Carolina Residency S., which featured males and female
divisions for two-year-olds, turned out to be a family affair at Philly Park
with trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. and brother Anthony walking away with the lion’s
share of the purse in each contest.
In the filly division, SMART AND FANCY (Not for Love) sat a perfect stalking
trip and proved to be a punctual 1-5 favorite, winning by 1 3/4 lengths. D.D.
Night Star (Clash by Night) moved in unison with the winner around the far turn
to challenge for the lead, but ultimately proved to be no challenge to that
rival late and finished second, more than eight lengths in front of One Slick
Chick (Elusive Quality).
LIQUOREUX (Carson City) captured the male division, shipping in from New York
to take down top honors. Equipped with Lasix for the first time and ridden
by Eriluis Vaz, who rode both stakes winners, Liquoreux made light work of an
overmatched field to win by 5 3/4 widening lengths. Voo Kan Do (Kokand) chased
the winner throughout and was easily second best. Guru Pasha (Kokand) finished a
distant third.
A change in venue got Delaware Park shipper HARLEY’S ROAD (Two Punch) back on the winning
track as he emerged victorious in his Philly Park debut on Sunday. Despite
leaping into the air at the break, the Scott Lake-trained runner quickly
recovered to secure a contending position down the backstretch in the
afternoon’s featured race. He moved quickly to seize the lead around the far
turn while racing outside of rivals and drew off in the stretch to win by 3 3/4
lengths. Leggo My Echo offered a wide late rally to gain the place, as Mr
Shaaanshu (Line in the Sand), who chased the early pace, tired in the stretch to
be third. Our Runaway (Groomstick), the 3-1 second choice in the wagering,
failed to display his usual early speed and finished fifth.
On Monday and Tuesday, the track played quite favorably to speed. When racing
returned on Saturday, early speed runners held a slight edge, but the course
played quite uniformly on Sunday.
The outside paths were favorable each day.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (10/31)
7TH – THATSMORELIKEIT (Forestry) offered a creditable third-place finish
returning to dirt off a brief rest. Set a quick and pestered pace toward the
deeper inside and tired. Will obviously be more fit in his subsequent starts.
9TH – TRIJONIA (Tri for the Gold) became embroiled in a four-horse speed duel
for the lead while racing along a dead rail. Gave way as the race quickened
late.
Tuesday (11/1)
3rd – KIZZIE’S GOLD (Banker’s Gold) finished a good third stretching out and
dropping. Exhibited much improved speed to chase a fast pace and finished evenly
late. Might benefit from a turnback to a sprint.
9TH – KENT HALL (Valid Expectations) wound up an improved fourth off the
Bruce Levine claim and switching to Philly Park. After chasing a lively pace,
she retreated some in the stretch but should have derived beneficial
conditioning from this effort. Possesses dangerous tactical speed when on her
game.
Saturday (11/5)
1ST – A STAR IN TIME (Bombardier) carved out a very fast pace in an improved
effort. Understandably tired in the stretch from her early exploits. Would
benefit from a return to the $5K claiming level while reverting to rating
tactics.
6TH – AMERICAN MUSIC (Ameri Valay) turned in a good second while racing along
the deeper inside. After forcing the pace, he finished with interest once angled
toward the better part of the course.
Sunday (11/6)
2ND – MONIKER (Cryptoclearance) dispensed a good middle move into a lively
pace returning to a dry track. Benefited from the class drop and a rider switch
to loom a threatening presence in the stretch, only to be out-finished late.
Fits well at the $25K maiden claiming level.
4TH – HANGING TREE (Western Echo) showed subtle improvement off his debut
effort. Even effort chasing a very enterprising pace. May be set for a career
best effort in his third start for a top trainer in Jayne Vaders.
7TH – TAIL GATE (Buckaroo) was ambitiously spotted in a sprint off the claim.
Forced to rally vs. a slow pace in a race that finished up well late. Best
efforts of late have come around two turns vs. slightly softer rivals.