Eye of Taurus draws clear in Athenia

Harvey A. Clarke's EYE OF TAURUS (Aldebaran) uncorked her rally leaving the

far turn and quickly took command in Saturday's $100,000

Athenia

S. (G3), drawing clear to a convincing three-length score. Two-for-two in

her career on "off" turf, including a win in the 2009 Valley View S. (G3), the

Kiaran McLaughlin-trained filly relished the soft conditions at Belmont Park,

completing 1 1/16 miles over the inner course in 1:47.

Giant Mover (Giant's Causeway) showed the way from her rail post after the

break, establishing moderate opening splits in :26, :51 2/5 and 1:16 4/5. Jockey

Eddie Castro settled Eye of Taurus into a perfect stalking trip in fourth during

the early stages and began to gradually advance on the pacesetter upon reaching

the far turn. The bay four-year-old entered the stretch three wide with plenty

of momentum and struck the front approaching the eighth-pole, striding clear

with a strong turn of foot.

Off as the near 6-1 fourth choice, the winner returned  $13.60, $5.80

and $3.90. Mary's Follies (More Than Ready) offered a good run from off the pace

to finish a clear second and the slight 2-1 favorite paid $4.10 and $3.60. It

was 1 3/4 length back to 22-1 outside Missit (Ire) (Orpen), who edged 5-2 second

choice Strike the Bell (Mizzen Mast) by a head for third and gave back $7.90.

Miss Catalyst (Mr. Greeley), Darjeeling (Cat Thief), Giant Mover, Tottie (GB)

(Fantastic Light) and Trix in the City (Friends Lake) completed the order of

finish. Exquisite (NZ) (Golan [Ire) and Way with Words (Sefapiano) were

scratched and main-track only runner McVictory (Victory Gallop) remained in the

barn.