DELAWARE PARK NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 26, 2007
by Albie Johnson
Delaware Park participants in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup have completed
their preparation for the big day and have gathered at Monmouth Park.We’ll have
more on the local participants in the Trainer’s Notebook. As far as the live
racing here, eight Thoroughbred races headed by the $100,000 Blue Hen S. for
two-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles will take place. Post time on Saturday
will be 10:45 a.m. (EDT).
A budding star, CAVE’S VALLEY (Stephen Got Even), ran his record to a perfect
three-for-three by taking the $101,650 Dover S. in very easy fashion. As has
been the case most of the season, a very small field of six faced the starter in
the 1 1/16-mile race for two-year-olds. Cave’s Valley, who had previously won
a maiden race and then took the Whirling Ash S., went virtually unchallenged here
in taking command at the start, rating nicely for Ramon Dominguez and drawing
off at will to reach the wire 5 3/4 lengths clear of Atoned (Repent).
Cudjo (Yonaguska) finished third, missing the place by a neck. The order of finish was
the same as in the Whirling Ash, but that race wound up in a three-horse photo,
while Cave’s Valley left no doubt as to who the better horse was today. Mike Trombetta trains the colt for Spectacular Bid’s owner Harry Meyerhoff.
The final
time of 1:44.84 certainly could have been much faster if winner had wanted it
that way. Talented runner looks to have a bright future.
Very small fields and a come-from-behind bias highlighted the card for
several days. On Saturday and Sunday, the usual parade of speed or stalkers did
well, while on Monday and Tuesday many runners were able to close from well
behind to get the job done. Wednesday’s card returned to many wire-to-wire and
close-up winners with outside paths being very poor this day. Overall quality of
the cards has deteriorated as the meeting is nearing its end.
There is no grass racing scheduled for the remainder of this meet which ends
on November 5.
One thing of note that has become apparent lately is that any horses who have
raced over the artificial surface at Presque Isle come back dead-fit and ready
to run well. There have been many examples of this, and I feel safe to say that
there is enough evidence to support a definite trend.
HORSES TO WATCH
Saturday (10/20)
1ST — LIGHT THE CANDLES (Mutakddim) wound up going five wide in a five-horse
race. Not an easy task to accomplish. Made some headway late and was only beaten
two lengths. Look for a better run next out.
4TH — UNPLUGGED (Untuttable) made her second start off a two month freshening
and was also switching surface and dropping down. Went off favored but had the
misfortune to run up against a classier filly who also dropped down. Chased her
all the way around, bid several times, but could make no inroads. Stayed on well
for the place.
Sunday (10/21)
3RD — PROUD KENTUCKIAN (Proud Citizen) bobbled at the start in first time
with blinkers, circled while losing valuable real-estate to get near the lead,
then predictably tired from that effort. Stayed on for fourth, beaten five lengths.
If he gets in one more start here he should make amends.
5TH — REFORMATION (Pulpit) chased the pace of an impressive wire-to-wire
winner in his debut at five furlongs before tiring to finish fifth.
A $800,000 Saratoga yearling purchase in ’06, he had worked up a storm at Fair Hill
for his unveiling and unless he’s put away by trainer Steve Klesaris, should win
next out.
Monday (10/22)
1ST — GRACEFUL BAY (Marco Bay) stumbled and was pinched badly at the start in
her two-turn debut. Proceeded to get within range as they hit the far turn, then
chestnut filly could not keep pace late. Would like to see her in the entries
one more time at the meet.
Tuesday (10/23)
2ND — SAMYAKSAM (Buddha) showed a lot of grit here as everything conspired
against him. Several scratches reduced the field to four, and took out the main
speeds. Stalker looked beaten at every point, but launched a determined late
rally to get up to dead-heat for the win. Impressive performance by gelding
making his first try here after shipping from Florida and running second at the
Meadowlands in Northeast debut. He showed a lot of determination.
Wednesday (10/24)
5TH – PLEASANT (Pleasant Tap) moved up on the outside just past the half and
appeared to have a lot of run. Unfortunately another runner moved at the same
time forcing him three-four wide and in the worst part of the track. Stayed on well to
run third.
TRAINER’S NOTEBOOK
Notebook would like to wish good luck for the three participants from this
track that will compete this weekend at Monmouth Park.
MIRACULOUS MISS (Mr. Greeley); trained by Steve Klesaris; Filly and Mare Sprint
PROUD SPELL (Proud Citizen); trained by Larry Jones; Juvenile Fillies (G1)
HARD SPUN (Danzig); trained by Jones; Classic (G1)
And one last note, at the completion of Wednesday’s card, local favorite and
Hard Spun’s jockey Mario Pino had a total of 5995 victories, leaving him five shy
of a of 6000, a number that only 14 other riders have reached.