PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK
JULY 8, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
There was a plethora of stakes races across the country this past weekend due
to the July 4th holiday, and Philadelphia Park would not be out done. The Lyman
Sprint Championship H. for registered Pennsylvania-bred runners was scheduled
for Saturday as was the Dr. James Penny Memorial H. over the grass.
The Lyman was pared down to seven runners after program scratches, but
nevertheless produced a formful and exciting result when BANJO PICKER (Swear by
Dixie) rallied off a contested early pace and was able to withstand a late run
from Nittany Express (Quarry) to take down the victory. The second-place
finisher closed smartly in the stretch and just missed overhauling the 8-5
favorite by a short neck. North Potomac (Not for Love) improved his position to
loom a menacing presence in midstretch, but weakened under pressure and could do
no better than third.
The Dr. James Penny Memorial for fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up,
at 1 1/16 miles produced a mild upset as SPRING SEASON (Seeking the Gold), a
Delaware Park invader, blew past the beleaguered pacesetters in the stretch to
win going away by three lengths. Sunup (Smart Strike), who was part of the
mutuel field for wagering purposes, finished with interest to take down the
place, a neck in front of Ernabel (Power of Mind), who disputed the early pace
from the outset and held reasonably well.
Sunday’s featured race was a preliminary allowance contest and drew a field
of six runners. GOOD TIP (Crafty Prospector), who dispensed a nondescript effort
on the turf in his most recent start at Delaware Park, demonstrated that his future
lies over the main track as he wired the field to win by nearly four lengths,
completing six furlongs in a sprightly 1:09.69. Actaeon (Elusive Quality)
gave futile chase to the dominant winner while finishing a creditable second, 1
3/4 lengths ahead of Mr Shaanshu (Line in the Sand) in third.
Speed did well in sprints on Monday while off the pace runners fared best in
route contests. Speed ruled on dirt on Tuesday, and remained that way when
racing resumed on Saturday. The track appeared to play more uniformly on Sunday.
There did not appear to be any glaring path biases all week. No particular
running style seemed advantaged on grass.
Harry Vega continues to lead Josiah Hampshire Jr. in the jockey standings,
with Jose Flores, Frankie Pennington and Victor Molina making up the rest of the
top five.
Scott Lake maintained the top spot in the trainer standings with Jayne Vaders
in second. Robert Seeger, Patricia Farro and Guadalupe Preciado are third,
fourth and fifth, respectively.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (6/27)
5TH – NICKNAME (Dance Brightly) faced tougher here off a tactical victory and
ran an even third. Failed to improve her position in the stretch in a swiftly
run race. A slight class drop would be a benefit in subsequent starts.
8TH – WOODEN STONE (Sticks and Bricks) appeared to dislike a wet Philly Park
main track while racing out of conditions. Maryland shipper appears better suited to
turf or a dry course.
Tuesday (6/28)
4TH – MR. LUXURY (Sword Dance [Ire]) set very enterprising fractions
stretching out to a route of ground. Understandably tired in his first effort
around two turns since March. Dangerous wire-to-wire threat if his speed is
rationed properly.
8TH – A. M.’S SPIRIT (Wild Again) closed resolutely to gain the place as the
race quickened over a speed favoring course on a class rise. Still eligible for
softer $5K NW4L claimers.
Saturday (7/2)
1ST – SPEEDING TICKET (Dusty Screen) was a sharp second in her career debut.
Held well arguing the pace throughout from an outside post in a swiftly run
race. Hails from a sire and trainer who are not especially known for their
prowess with first timers.
7TH – MILITARY LASS (Lost Soldier) was an improved third competing over the
wrong surface. Strong showing setting a pressured pace and held well late as the
pace quickened noticeably in a turf race washed to the main track. Has never won
on dirt, but is perfect at Philly Park on grass.
9TH – HEY RUBE (Carnivalay) set a pestered pace on the front end and may have a
regressed a bit as well in his second start off a layoff. Clearly at his best in
an abbreviated sprint.
Sunday (7/3)
5TH – TOP SWORD (Sword Dance [Ire]) turned back to a sprint on the dirt and
was a useful fourth-place finisher on the drop. Finished with interest late
despite a modest pace. Best efforts thus far have come over a distance of
ground.
8TH – ACTAEON (Elusive Quality) used wrong tactics vying for the lead against
an odds-on superior speed rival who wired the field. Prefers to sit and make one
run.