3RD RACE – I Think I Can Fly was making his first start since being claimed by Joe Pantaleo. For this race he switched tactics and rated off the pace. He made a strong move on the far turn to reach contention and then drew off for the victory. It was the first victory for Pantaleo in New York since Feb. 19, 1998, with Dazl. That broke an 0-for-91 losing streak.
4TH RACE – A Shaky Affair saved ground while stalking the pace set by entrymate Regal Drive. At the top of the stretch, Robbie Davis asked Shaky for run. They split horses in midstretch to gain the lead and then held off the fast closing Time Release for the victory. Favored Special Class had the lead in the stretch but came up short and ended up third.
5TH RACE – Exogenous trailed the field early but then made a middle move on the turn to reach contention. At the top of the stretch she was wide but drew off for the victory. Favored Awesome was done by the far turn and ended up a badly beaten last.
7TH RACE – Race set up perfectly for a closer and Davis took advantage, winning his third race of the afternoon with Four Alert. After allowing Puncher and Romano Gucci battle for the lead, Four Alert made a wide move to gain the lead at the top of the stretch and draw off for the victory. Worthy Crane was bumped around at the start and then broke down on the far turn with a fractured ankle. He was put down on the track.
8TH RACE – Godolphin Stables may have a Triple Crown runner yet as E Dubai was very impressive winning this allowance race. After setting the pace under a hand ride, E Dubai faced some pressure from Gratiaen on the turn. Jerry Bailey just urged him slightly and E Dubai drew off to an imposing lead. He ran the mile and a sixteenth in 1:41.14 while being eased. He could be pointed to the Peter Pan or possibly directly to the Belmont Stakes.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIM
7TH RACE: Puncher ($75,000) by Richard Dutrow Jr.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 8-1-1-8-5-5
1 winner receives $27,802
24 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $386
No carryover.