Finder’s Fee, winner of the Grade 3 Cicada last out, is the co-starting highweight in today’s Grade 3 Comely Handicap. Carrying 121 pounds, the Shug McGaughey trainee seeks her fifth career victory and fourth stakes. She will be ridden by John Velazquez.
Co-starting highweight with Finder’s Fee is Jostle. The winner of the Grade 2 Demoiselle last year, she has been beaten badly by Shawnee Country in both starts at the Fair Grounds this year. Stewart Elliott, who rode her to victory in the Demoiselle, comes in for the mount.
2ND RACE – During post parade, Octavio Vergara was dumped to track on clubhouse turn by his mount Iron Cop, who then ran off. Iron Cop was caught midway down backstretch while Vergara sat on track, his wind knocked out of him. Vergara sat waiting for ambulance but it remained parked at chute on backstretch. Finally, Vergara got up, limped to outside rail and then started back to paddock. By that time, ambulance was on its way and received Bronx cheer from crowd. When ambulance reached Vergara, he gave its occupants few choice words and then walked away. Vergara went to first aid, where he walked out feeling sore but not seriously hurt. Hopefully, there will be quicker response to fallen jockey if this situation happens again.
3RD RACE – No one wanted lead, so Evil Deed went to front. She had lead entering stretch when Rainmom, who was racing three wide, made move to front and drew away. Evil Deed held on well for finish. Natalaria stalked pace and just missed getting place spot.
5TH RACE – Flint River was bumped at start by Dapper Sal but then rushed up to take lead after quarter-mile. Flint River and Don’t Not battled for lead in stretch, but couldn’t hold off Celtic Tower. Dapper Sal was last early after bumping incident, made wide move on turn and closed well to finish third.
6TH RACE – Rosie Dooley stalked pace then rushed to lead. She was comfortably in front turning for home and drew off despite racing on wrong lead and jerking head around during stretch drive. Sound of the West was last under stout hold by Robbie Davis, not urged much turning for home but finished full of run on rail to gain place.
7TH RACE – Visit the Circle raced with bar shoe on last out but did not run with it here. He set pace and had lead turning for home, but Funny Toy, who rated under strong hold by Cornelio Velasquez, angled outside for drive and overtook pacesetter. Visit the Circle held well for second.
9TH RACE – Shaun Bridgmohan was named to replace Oscar Chavez on Alice Nevada. Bridgmohan rated off pace and then had to check slightly to avoid traffic on turn. He then angled Alice Nevada outside and closed well to win it. Sweep the Slate saved ground early while stalking pace and then put in good late run inside to gain place. Pacesetting After Gloria (25-1) was bearing out in stretch but held on to finish third.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIMS
4TH RACE – Delta Quick ($35,000) by Faustino Ramos.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 2-1-10-1-2-4
No winners
107 consolation winners (5 of 6)
each receives $248
Carryover: $109,005.74