Philadelphia Park Notebook

PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK

JULY 15, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

The remnants of Hurricane Cindy wreaked havoc with racing up and down the

Eastern seaboard last Friday and Saturday. As a result, many turf races were

"washed" to the main track, causing a multitude of scratches. Also, there were

plethora of scratches on dirt because of very wet tracks, causing field sizes to

be reduced substantially. Every horseplayer has learned to live with these

annoyances, as we are all keenly aware that the safety of both horse and rider

is of paramount importance.

Philadelphia Park was also victimized as it's featured event on Saturday's

card boasted a field of but five after program scratches. The race was

an early level allowance contest for fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs and looked like it belong to Quickest of All

(Larrupin') due to scratches, at least on paper. The 4-5 favorite was able to dictate a rather

ordinary and uncontested early pace, but still could not parlay those advantages

into a victory. A resolute and unrelenting VIA SACRA (Will's Way), who stalked

the front runner from the outset, eventually wore the favorite down in deep

stretch to win as the rank outsider in the field of five. My Little Gracie

(Press Card) was 5 1/4 lengths farther back in third. Arrogance (Patton), who

was hammered down to 2-1 odds late in the wagering, finished last in a

non-descript effort.

Sunday's feature was also an allowance contest and drew seven runners

at seven furlongs. Handicappers settled upon Means to Win (Allens

Prospect) as the favorite, but he failed to live up to

expectations when he was unable to catch FAVORITE SWEEP (End Sweep), who wired

the field by 4 1/4 expanding lengths.

The winner obviously prefers a dry Philly

Park track after failing miserably in his only other effort over the oval. He was guided to the lead by jockey Pedro Cotto Jr. from his rail post

and was never seriously threatened in a very impressive victory. Means to Win

moved to challenge the front runner around the far turn, but could not keep pace

with that rival as he spurted away in midstretch. Strata Climber (Charismatic)

moved in tandem with the winner on the turn, but weakened under pressure and was

another 1 3/4 lengths farther back in third.

Speed did very well in sprints and routes on Monday and Tuesday. On

Wednesday, closers fared best in route contests. On Saturday and Sunday, early

speed types were dominant. There did not appear to be any discernible path

biases all week. Speed ruled over the turf on Monday and Tuesday, the only days

there was grass racing due to the weather.

Harry Vega continues dominant all riders, with Josiah Hampshire Jr. next in

the standings. Jose Flores, Frankie Pennington and Victor Molina complete the

top five.

Scott Lake increased his lead over Jayne Vaders to 11. Robert Seeger continues in third, with Armand

Correnti tied for fourth with Patricia Farro.

HORSES TO WATCH

Monday (7/4)

3RD – MINE SWEEP (End Sweep) was a fine tactical winner in a fast time. Dominated the

opposition and might be able to handle a hike in class in his next start.

Tuesday (7/5)

4TH – TOPCLOUD (Holy Bull) turned in a much improved third-place finish turning back to a

sprint in his second turf start. Finished with interest and just missed getting the

place over a speed biased course.

5TH – MARQUE'S ACCOUNT (Top Account) was clearly second best giving futile chase to

a Monmouth Park shipper who took a steep drop and benefited by setting a slow

and uncontested pace. Lone other route try was his maiden-breaking win, and he should

continue to move forward if kept at this current level.

Wednesday (7/6)

3RD – VIOLETTE JOLIE (Jolie's Halo) offered a much improved effort returning to her

home track on the drop. Set a pressured pace over a course that was unfriendly

to pacesetters.

4TH – HIGH PURR (Mountain Cat) wound up a creditable fourth dropping down to a

more suitable level while stretching out in distance. Dueled into defeat by a

multi-level class dropper, but held gamely nevertheless and was beaten less than

a length by a dominant winner.

Saturday (7/9)

3RD – RUBIX (Rubiano) delivered a creditable second-place finish off a freshening. Gained

the place as the race quickened late, chasing home an odds-on winning favorite

over a speed-conducive track.

4TH – DIRECT CALL (Family Calling) was hard used contesting a lively pace off a

brief rest. Won the pace battle but lost the war to a perfect stalking trip

winner. Should benefit from this effort, which was just his second start at Philly

Park.

8TH – EMILY WILD (Activist) finished a strong second in a grass race washed to the main

track. Held well stalking/setting the pace but found 10 furlongs a bit beyond her

scope. Appears better suited to middle distance events.

Sunday (7/10)

2ND – HOMESICK (Personal Flag) improved to second switching to a very live 5 lb.

apprentice rider. Exhibited improved speed to stalk the pace and finished with

good energy in a swiftly run race. Will be eligible for $4000N1Y company in the

near future.

4TH – ALEUTIAN FROST (Alaskan Frost) finished a game second stalking the early pace

throughout. Held well only to be outgamed by a much classier New York invader

who dropped to score. Continues to be eligible for much softer company.