Philadelphia Notebook

PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK

OCTOBER 28, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

Who'll stop the rain? Unseasonably wet weather continues to plague the East

coast. And as a result, it maintains its impact on racing on both turf and dirt.

Grass racing is on the backburner at Philly Park for the moment, and who knows

when or if it will resume this year.

On a brighter note, Delaware Park and the Meadowlands will close next month.

This means fuller fields at Philly Park in addition to the return of Friday

racing. First post remains at 12:25 p.m. (ET).

Saturday's featured race was reduced to only six starters due to program

scratches. There was yet another defection when Means to Win (Allen's Prospect)

was declared a non-starter. It seems that he was lodged in the starting gate

just prior to the start, and therefore did not have a means to win when the

gates opened. Of those that made it out of the gate cleanly, Jose Flores, a

replacement for jockey Anthony Black, took full advantage of this opportunity,

guiding MAN OF CONQUEST (Conquistador Cielo) to a popular front-running victory

as the slight 6-5 favorite. The pair were able to dispose of early pace pressure

in the form of Pasta (Formal Dinner) shortly after entering the stretch, and

then edged clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Pasta was clearly second best,

finishing three lengths clear of City Line Ave (Line in the Sand), who finished

evenly late to gain the show.

An optional claiming field took the spotlight at Philly Park on Sunday with

seven runners sprinting six furlongs. TIE BREAK (Storm Boot), making his first

start at Philly Park, responded favorably to the change in venue and the speed

biased course, wiring the field while posting an upset victory. Trained by Scott

Lake, the winner spurted away from the gate to gain an early daylight lead.

Graded by Results (Honor Grades), the eventual runner-up, came within a length

of the winner around the far turn, but simply could not overtake the front runner

while continuing on gamely to the finish. Olivers Success (Oliver's Twist) did

well to take down the show, rallying from off the pace and reducing his deficit

with every stride in deep stretch. Lucky Gamble (Dove Hunt), the 7-5 favorite,

chased the early pace before dropping back steadily.

On Monday, runners who showed early speed did well in sprints, while route

contests were biased somewhat towards stalkers and closers. The main track

played favorably to speed on Tuesday in both sprints and routes, and remained

that way over the weekend as well.

The outside paths were best on Monday and Tuesday.

HORSE TO WATCH

Monday (10/17)

6TH – PRINCESSCA (Wheaton) held gamely dueling along a deep rail on the drop.

Fits well at her current class level. Usually she prefers to sit and make one

run.

7TH – TAIL GATE (Buckaroo) turned in a creditable third-place finish stretching out.

Stalked a fast pace for the class level, but gave way over a course favoring

runners from off the pace. Would definitely benefit from softer competition.

9TH - CLASSIC EXAMPLE (Maria's Mon) is a classic example of a horse who was allowed to

drop too far off a pedestrian pace. Rallied from last around the far turn, but

could not overhaul the front runner in a race that quickened noticeably late.

Tuesday (10/18)

4TH – LIL BIT STORMY (Storm and a Half) finished a good third in his Philly Park debut for

trainer Scott Lake. Set a strong pace towards the deeper inside and held

reasonably well late. Fits best against straight three-year-old rivals.

10TH – MR SHAANSHU (Line in the Sand) gave an even effort chasing swift fractions in

an improved outing. Has good tactical speed and would benefit from a return back

to the $7,500 claiming level.

Saturday (10/22)

2ND – SHEPHERDSVILLE (Exploit) was a sharp second dropping and returning to a route of

ground. Simply outfinished late as the race quickened. Fits well at the $6,250

level.

10TH – DANCE TO DIXIE (Dixieland Heat) appears to be slowly rounding into

form off a long layoff. Exhibited much improved speed chasing a fast pace and

tired. Would benefit from a cut back to an abbreviated sprint.

Sunday (10/23)

5TH – LINDA'S LION (Lion Hearted) gave a creditable debut effort for trainer John Servis. Flashed good early speed before retreating to finish third behind a well

meant/well bet Belmont Park shipper who dominated the field. Can benefit from

her initial career outing.

8TH – OLIVERS SUCCESS (Oliver's Twist) closed with good energy to finish third

over a speed-biased track. Fits well at this level, but may need more distance

to be at his best.