In yesterday’s feature, three scratches reduced field to four; no show, no trifecta. Graynumberfive dashed to daylight lead, was joined turning for home by Kazoo and Lifestyle, who rushed up into fray after stumbling badly out of gate. But then Godolphin’s 5-year-old son of Seattle Slew, Council Member, even-money favorite in U.S. debut with first-time Lasix, making first start since last Oct., second since Oct. 2005 following undistinguished career sprinting on turf in Europe, after trailing field under Garrett Gomez, exploded past them all down stretch to win going away. Amazingly, Grand Slam wager returned $969, with just $21 worth of winning tickets out of pool of $13,573.
* Richard Bomze, best known as owner-breeder of Fourstardave and his full brother, Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Fourstars Allstar, has announced his retirement as president of N.Y. Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, effective late June. Bomze got entry into horse biz through his father, Henry, founder of American Turf Monthly magazine. He will be replaced by trainer Rick Violette.
* Congratulations to Ramon Dominguez for winning his 3,000th race Wed.
SEVENTH RACE: Has Big A bug bitten Belmont? At Aqueduct over past few winters, horses that are proven losers (0-for-14, 1-for-20, etc.) that would have been automatic throwouts in past have been winning, often easily, with regularity. If you thought things would get better with move to “classier” Big B, think again. Here, Tuffy Gold – 1 for-16, with no seconds, no thirds, and never better than sixth in four turf starts – was 17-1 returning to lawn for first time since Sept., circled field on turn, won going away under Jose Espinoza. Growing Wild spent most of stretch run looking for room; when he finally found it, settled for fourth.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 8-2-5-8-1-2
2 winners (6 of 6) each paid $61,913
139 consolation (5 of 6) each paid $215
No carryover