Philadelphia Park Notebook

PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 16, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

Most handicappers like wagering on grass races because they are usually very

contentious affairs. There are typically full fields in these contests, and form

sometimes takes a holiday.

DONCEL (Arg (Mutakddim) had never raced on turf and did not let

that deter him as he rallied determinedly in deep stretch to win the Saturday

feature by a head at odds of 12-1. The Argentinean-bred runner exhibited new

found tactical speed with the addition of blinkers and switch in surfaces. He

was resolute in his pursuit of the pacesetting Six Rings (Phone Trick), finally

overtaking that runner in the final sixteenth and then withstanding a strong but

belated rally from Copper Moccasin (Wild Wonder) in deep stretch. The runner-up

leveled off suddenly in the final furlong and closed with a vengeance to just

miss in a sharp effort. Six Rings attained a daylight advantage in midstretch,

but began to tire slowly and ultimately settled for third.

Sunday's main event was a five-furlong optional-claiming contest on turf for

fillies and mares. THE RODEO EXPRESS (Rodeo), who won a similar race over this

course in mid-July, returned to Philly Park to wire the field as the 1-2

favorite. Quickest of All (Larrupin') kept pace with the winner until early

stretch before tiring slowly. He managed to hold on to finish second, a

half-length in front of Double Dream (Brz) (Chadeer), who ran a much improved

third cutting back to a sprint.

The main track played to speed runners on Tuesday and Wednesday in both

sprints and routes. That trend continued over the weekend. The turf course was

partial to early speed types. The inside paths were best on Tuesday and

Wednesday. However, the track seemed quite uniform over the weekend.

Harry Vega remains on top in the jockey standings, with Jose Flores and

Josiah Hampshire Jr. holding on to the second and third spots, respectively.

Frankie Pennington and Tony Black round out the top five.

Scott Lake continues to lead all trainers, Jayne Vaders is second and

Robert Seeger remains in third.

HORSES TO WATCH

Tuesday (9/6)

3RD - J B JOLIE (Mister Jolie) was a useful third-place finish off a brief

freshening. He wilted in the stretch after chasing a dizzying pace in a race

that was fast throughout. Fits well at his current class level.

7TH - FAVORITE GOLD (My Favorite Grub) was an improved third returning to

Philly Park on the drop despite a tardy start. Hampered by a slow beginning

breaking from the rail. Hustled to stalk the early pace and finished with

interest late.

8TH - PARADO (Rouse the Louse) was a creditable effort off a layoff. Finished

well for second but could not overhaul a loose wire-to-wire winner over a speed

biased track. Should move forward in second start off the shelf.

Wednesday (9/7)

4TH - COMES A TIDE (Storm Broker) ambitiously spotted off a career best

effort vs. restricted claimers. He was dueled into defeat carving out a fast

pace. Would definitely benefit from some class relief.

5TH - MR SHAWKEE's (Shawaf) fifth-place showing is better than it first

appears. He was unable to match strides with a superior pace rival who dominated

the field. Very dangerous speed, especially in a shortened sprint.

Saturday (9/10)

6TH - TRACIBEE (Carson City) continues to hold her form returning from a

freshening. Held well giving futile chase to a superior speed rival in a swiftly

run abbreviated sprint. Prefers to sit and make one run.

7TH - SINGING LAUR (Sky Classic) was a creditable third on the class hike in

her Philly Park turf debut. Finished with purpose to take down the show despite

being compromised by a pedestrian pace. A win machine, she clearly needed the

race off a well earned rest.

8TH - BALANZA (Lord at Law) finished a heartbreaking second while returning

to Philly Park. Finished strongly, losing a tight photo to the odds-on winning

favorite. May be primed for a career-best effort making her third start off an

extended layoff.

Sunday (9/11)

2ND - WHIP (Foxhound) finished with interest to gain the place off slow

fractions. Clearly best of the rest chasing home a multi-level class dropper

over a speed favoring course. Wants more distance and a dry track.

6TH - GOLDEN TICKET (Deposit Ticket) finished an improved fourth off the

Mosco claim. Set a very lively pace before weakening. Would benefit from a

slight class drop and a cutback in distance.

7TH - SNAPPY TUNE (Tour d'Or) returned to her favorite track and recorded a

fine wire win in good time. Disposed of all early pace pressure and drew clear.

Would fit best at the 5K level in her next start when facing open company

rivals.