David, who most recently ran second in the Grade 2 San Bernardino Handicap at Santa Anita, was confirmed as a starter for the Grade 2 $600,000 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs.
“He worked [this morning], he went great,” said trainer Mike Hushion. “He went seven-eighths over the Belmont main track in 1:25 3/5, I would call it breezing. Aaron Gryder was aboard for the work and will ride him in the Mass Cap.”
Gander, the Suffolk Downs-based horse who was named champion three-year-old New York-bred last season, continues to train forwardly for his Mass ‘Cap start although trainer Charlie Assimakopoulos is still undecided about naming a jockey.
“I’m going to get a rider from New York,” said Assimakopoulos. “It’s not finalized yet, so I’d rather wait on making an announcement. We are going to work Gander on Monday after the break, five-eighths of a mile.”
3rd RACE – Despite finishing second to Pentatonic last out, Marigalante was sent off the 7-5 favorite in this race. Marigalante rated off the pace and then angled outside entering the far turn. Pentatonic went with her when she made her move and forced Marigalante to go four-wide. At the top of the stretch, Pentatonic had the lead while Marigalante was flattening out. Nikita split horses to challenge Pentatonic but could not get by her for the victory. Marigalante ended up a disappointing fourth.
4th RACE – Keep Dancing broke sharply and set the pace. Sweep The Slate showed improved speed and stalked the pace alongside Right Ascension. On the far turn, Keep Dancing drew away from the field to a comfortable lead. But Secret To Life made a strong move on the turn to reach contention and at the top of the stretch was on even terms with Keep Dancing. Secret To Life still had plenty left and drew away for the victory. Sweep The Slate closed well on the rail to gain the place spot.
6th RACE – Waitforcindy rated off the relaxed pace while saving ground. On the far turn, Procession made a move to the front and Comedy of Errors made a wide move to go along with her. Waitforcindy was caught behind the tiring early pacesetters and lost some momentum. Once clear she angled outside and started gaining ground on Procession, but the loss of momentum cost her as she could not catch Procession before the wire.
8th RACE – In the Carter Handicap, Jerry Bailey was on Unreal Madness and sent him to the front. In this race, Hector Rosario rode Unreal Madness and stalked the pace set by Puncher while saving ground. At the top of the stretch, Puncher was still going strong while Unreal Madness was stuck behind him on the rail. Rosario tried angling him outside in midtsretch, and bumped Truly Topflight. Unreal Madness was gaining ground on Puncher but ended up second. There was a stewards’ inquiry to the stretch run and after a review, Unreal Madness was disqualified from second and placed third behind Truly Topflight.
9th RACE – Dontoverdoit broke sharply and set the pace, with Nine Ways chasing in second. At the top of the stretch, Dontoverdoit started to pull away from Nine Ways. But Mark de Triomphe, who broke slowly and was far back early, made a strong wide move on the turn to reach contention. He still had the momentum in the stretch and overtook Dontoverdoit for the victory, even though he was tiring at the end.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIMS
1st RACE – Hay Lo Blase ($14,000) by Matthew Kilstein.
5th RACE – Tejano Couture ($70,000) by Kevin Joy.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 5-5-2-3-11-6
33 winners; each receives $4,267.00
719 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $47.80
No carryover.