PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
JUNE 10, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
In my opinion, Philadelphia Park conducted one of its best days of racing in
2005 on Memorial Day. The track showcased the Turf Monster H. for
three-year-olds and up going five furlongs on grass. In addition to that
contest, it also carded a preliminary allowance event on turf as the final race
of the day, as well as running its first “baby race” of the year.
The Turf Monster was won by WORLDWIND ROMANCE (Frosty the Snowman) for
controversial owner Michael Gill. Since being claimed in 2003, Worldwind
Romance had won two handicap races for his new connections and the
seven-year-old can now include
the Turf Monster on his resume as well, as he swept past the pacesetters around
the far turn and drove clear in the stretch to win by more than five lengths.
The winner was within striking distance during the early stages of the race
before effortlessly displacing runner-up Cumby Texas (Lit de Justice) on the
lead, and went on to score with speed in reserve. Cumby Texas set the early pace
and held well to finish second, a half-length in front of Nolimosforyou (Robyn
Dancer).
It looks like Worldwind Dancer will be a dominant force in the Mid-Atlantic
turf sprint division this year if he remains healthy. He is unbeaten in his last
five starts at five furlongs, all at different racetracks.
The final race of the Memorial Day holiday card was also extremely formful as Leal Stables’ odds-on entry of KSCHESSINKA (Nureyev) and Tell No One
(El Prado [Ire]) ran 1-2 in the allowance contest for fillies and mares at
a mile on the turf. Kschessinka responded favorably to having the hood removed
off the layoff as she stalked the early pace down the backstretch. Seizing the
lead, she held on gamely to withstand the late rally of her entrymate. Tell No
One raced toward the back of the pack down the backstretch and finished well
late to take down the place, a neck in front of Tuff Partners (Partner’s Hero).
This was the first victory in the United States for Kschessinka, as both of
her wining efforts have come without blinkers. She has won sprinting in the
past, but now appears well suited to a middle distance of ground.
The were no running style biases on the main track on Monday or Tuesday of
last week, although the track was somewhat speed favoring on Wednesday. On
Saturday and Sunday, speed continued to do very well.
The outside paths were best to begin the week, but after the rains came on
Friday, the inside played much fairer than it has in days, and it was almost on
par with the outside over the weekend. The turf course played quite fairly all
week.
Harry Vega maintains a considerable lead over Josiah Hampshire Jr. in the
jockey standings with Jose Flores, Frankie Pennington and Victor Molina third,
fourth and fifth, respectively.
Nothing changed in the trainer standings last week with Scott Lake
maintaining his advantage over Jayne Vaders in the race for top honors.
Robert Seeger, Patricia Farro and Guadalupe Preciado complete the top five.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (5/3)
5TH – APPEALING FUTURE (Appealing Skier) returned to Philly Park and showed
dramatic form reversal in his second start off the shelf. Exhibited much
improved speed to duel for the lead on the drop and held well in a race that
finished up well late. Fits well in a restricted claimer.
7TH – BEAUTIFUL MISTRESS (Line in the Sand) dominated her competition
stretching out to a distance of ground. Swept to the lead on the far turn and
then distanced herself from the field. Could possibly handle a preliminary
allowance field in her subsequent start for trainer Robert Mosco, who is
starting to come alive after a bit of a dry spell.
Tuesday (5/31)
6TH – CATAMAN (Tomorrows Cat) was a good second chasing home a loose
wire-to-wire winner in a race that was very fast for the class level.
Wednesday (6/1)
3RD – DIXIE DANCE (Dixieland Heat) finished a good second dropping down to a
career-low claiming level. Gave resolute chase to a front-running, multi-level
class dropper over a speed conducive course. Appears ready to register that
illusive first career win providing she is kept at the current level.
8TH – I FOLLOW YOU (You and I) put forth a creditable effort despite being
hiked into a preliminary allowance event. Ran on to be a distant third in a race
that was fast throughout. Is better suited to a NW4L claimer, and would also
probably benefit from a stronger rider as well.
9TH – STRATA CLIMBER (Charismatic) woke up with a good third-place effort in
a very fast race. Ran sneaky well as he improved his position behind a dominant
winner over a speed favoring course. One run closer needs a lively pace scenario
up front to produce a top effort.
Saturday (6/4)
1ST – ARCH MADNESS (Arch) was a fine third stretching out to seven furlongs.
Carved out a pressured pace before giving ground grudgingly late. Would benefit
from a cutback in distance.
7TH – SAVVY GIRL (Valid Expectations) finished an improved third while
dropping back down to the 5K level and returning to her home base. Finished with
interest to take down the show in a race that was extremely fast for the class
level.
9TH – GOLD TANGO (Sword Dance [Ire]) turned back to a sprint and ran a
heartbreaking third. Forced to overcome ordinary fractions and finished with
good energy to just miss as the race quickened noticeably late. May stretch back
out to two turns off this effort.
Sunday (6/5)
3RD – LISSEN LISSEN (Migrating Moon) dropped to the 10K level, which was
probably a wise move. Exhibited an improved turn of foot to stalk a superior
speed rival and continued on well for third. May be set for a career best effort
in his next start.
9TH – JOHN CALVIN (Take Me Out) showed good turnaround switching back to
turf. Finished well to take down the place despite a wide trip from an outside
post.