Meadowlands notebook 10/13

MEADOWLANDS

NOTEBOOK

October 13

by Gary Granade

BALTO STAR (Glitterman) presented trainer Todd Pletcher with

an interesting decision following his victory Friday night in the

$500,000 Meadowlands Cup (G2).

With the Breeders' Cup looming on October 30, Pletcher could

elect to keep Balto Star on the dirt for the $4 million Classic (G1).

The Meadowlands Cup, his first run on the main track in over a

year, was a compelling argument for that course of action. On the

other hand, Balto Star is a Grade 1 winner on the grass, making

the $2 million Turf (G1) a viable option.

"We might cross-enter in both and take a look,"

Pletcher said. "The last time we went dirt to turf, he won

the United Nations (G1). We're thinking he'll like the Lone Star

turf course. That will probably be our first choice, but we'll

play it by ear."

John Velazquez kept the six-year-old in a stalking position

behind the pacesetting UNFORGETTABLE MAX (Northern Afleet). Balto

Star took the lead entering the final turn and opened up by 1 1/2

lengths at the top of lane.

DYNEVER (Dynaformer), making his first start since finishing

sixth in the Suburban H. (G1) on July 3, weaved his way through

traffic on the turn and came flying through the stretch.

A resolute Balto Star dug in to hold off the hard-charging

Dynever by a half-length.

Balto Star ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.68, recording his first

win in five starts this year, He returned $14.00 and topped a $37.00

exacta. GYGISTAR (Prospector's Music) was third.

Dynever ran second in last year's Meadowlands Cup and went on

to finish third in the Classic.

In the first half of the split $60,000 My Frenchman S.,

MANOFGLORY (Glitterman) rallied from last to first in the

stretch, posting a nose victory over his stablemate CUMBY TEXAS (Lit

De Justice) and RUDIRUDY (Jolie's Halo), the latter two finishing

in a dead-heat for the runner-up spot.

Trained by Lupe Preciado and ridden by Eibar Coa, Manofglory

covered the five furlongs over firm turf in :56.18 and gave back

$13.80 for the win.

The first half of the $60,000 Paterson S. went to FOREST GROVE

(Forestry) who covered the mile and a sixteenth over firm turf in

1:42.34.

Ridden by Velazquez, Forest Grove took the lead in the lane

and went on to score a 1 1/2-length victory over COMMENDATION (Capote).

GUNNING FOR (Dove Hunt) was another three-quarters of a length

back in third.

In the $60,000 Bill Wheeler S. at a mile and 70 yards for

Jersey Breds, UPTURN (Distorted Humor) showed his versatility by

running down TRUEAMERICANSPIRIT (Is It True) in deep stretch to

take a length and a quarter victory.

Upturn, trained by Dick Dutrow Jr. and ridden by Coa, had won

the Six-furlong Friendly Lover in his previous start.

The winner paid $4 as the even money favorite and topped a

chalky $8.20 exacta.

The second division of the Patterson went to GRAND HERITAGE (Grand

Slam) from the Bill Mott barn. Rated just off the pace by

Cornelio Velasquez, Grand Heritage was up in time to edge

HONORABLE BUCK (double Honor) by a half-length. DON'T KNOCK

AMERICA (Quiet American) finished third in a blanket finish. The

first four finishers were separated by less than a length.

The winner covered the mile and a sixteenth on firm turf in 1:43.12

and returned $6.20 as the 2-1 choice.

WORLDWIND ROMANCE (Frosty The Snowman) captured the second

half of the My Frenchman. He ran down the early leader, 12-year-old

SPORT D'HIVER Glitterman), and held sway by a 1 1/2 lengths over

WESTERN ROAR (Roar).

The winner was trained by Mark Shuman for the Michael Gill

outfit and was ridden by Ryan Fogelsonger.

Inside speed had the edge on Tuesday and Wednesday with the

main track playing fair on the other days. The turf course

favored closers on Saturday.

Apprentice Rajiv Maragh is still the leading rider with 8

wins, one ahead of Stewart Elliott and Joe Bravo. Coa is fourth

with 6 winners.

Patricia Farro has taken the lead in the trainers' race with 4

wins from 15 starts. Mott, Pletcher and Steve Klesaris each have

three.

HORSES TO WATCH

Tuesday (10/5)

1ST - LADY LYDIA (Private Interview) was plunged in class by

Lake, raising a condition question, but was pounded in the late

betting and won handily with no takers. Tough to beat right back.

2ND - ONETHINDIME (Tactical Advantage) had no chance rated 12

lengths off a walking pace, but did manage to close for the place.

Holds his good form and only needs an honest pace.

Wednesday (10/6)

3RD - DEFRILLS (Defrere) was making only her third lifetime

start and first with winners. Held on for the show after putting

away all of the other speed and taking a clear lead. Has improved

sharply each time out for Eddie Broome and is ready to win.

Thursday (10/7)

6TH - SONG OF NORA (The Vid) appeared well placed here but

suffered a brutal trip. She was roughed on the rail lacking room

midway on the final turn, eased out for the drive, built late

momentum and finished well.

Friday (10/8)

10TH - MILKY WAY GUY (Skip Trial) chased the pace from off the

rail, was checked severely from between rivals into the turn and

lost all chance.

Saturday (10/9)

1ST - LIEUTENANT DANZ (Gold Fever) had trained fast in New

York and pulled away to beat $20K maiden claimers by 10 in his

debut. Claimed by Sharon Huston, he should repeat if not too

ambitiously placed.

2ND - Q ONE FOR TWO (Lac Quimet) beat a very strong field in

fast time, improving sharply off the Farro claim. Has back class

and can jump a couple of levels and repeat.