Michael Miceli’s TAMBURELLO (Chi) (Rich Man’s Gold) rallied to the lead
leaving the far turn and drew off to a 3 3/4-length decision in Wednesday’s
$82,700 Gallant Fox H. at Aqueduct. Group 1-placed earlier this year in Chile,
the Miceli-trained five-year-old gelding earned his first stakes victory when
completing 1 5/8 miles over the fast inner track in 2:43 4/5 with Norberto
Arroyo Jr. in the saddle.
Sent off at nearly 8-1 in the eight-horse field, Tamburello returned $17.60,
$4.80 and $3.20 to his supporters. Colita (Grindstone), the 4-5 favorite,
out-dueled Hydrogen (Pleasant Colony) by a nose for second. New York Hero
(Partner’s Hero) took fourth and was followed by Country Be Gold (Summer
Squall), Dr. Rockett (Regal Classic), Limero (Arg) (Ride the Rails) and American
Style (Quiet American). Salic Law (Deputy Commander) was scratched.
Hydrogen set slow early fractions of :49 1/5 and 1:13 3/5 while Tamburello
was content to lag behind in midpack. The winner began picking up rivals on the
far turn and swept to the lead approaching the quarter pole. The chestnut
recorded his first U.S. win in his seventh attempt and now shows a 27-8-7-3
overall mark with $111,380 in earnings. He’s out of the Roy mare Lampedusa.