Philadelphia Park Notebook

PHILADELPHIA PARK NOTEBOOK

OCTOBER 14, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

Things are getting back to normal around this Bensalem, Pennsylvania, track

now that jockey Angel Cordero Jr. has left the building, and the thrilling

renewal of the Cotillion H. (G2) is in the books.

Except for maybe the constant deluge rain that has pelted the East Coast of

late, causing the interruption of racing and many turf races to be switched to

the main track. One can only hope for drier days in the going forward.

The Pistol Packer H. for Pennsylvania-bred fillies and mares three-year-olds

and at 1 1/16 miles served as the Saturday feature. With two program scratches,

a field of five runners faced the starter. Slight favoritism in the race fell

upon Immune to Gloom (Citidancer), a Delaware Park shipper. However, it would be

the home team who would carry the day as VALLEY OF THE GODS (Valley Crossing), a

close second choice in the wagering, wired the field to win by open lengths over

a sloppy track. Fresh from a strong second-place in the Steve Van Buren H. last

month, Valley of the Gods used her fine early speed to gain the lead entering

the backstretch. She was really never threatened after making the front end, as

Immune to Gloom gave futile chase throughout while obviously second best. Mae

and Ree (Waquoit), sent off at odds of 3-1, was three lengths farther back in

third.

The 122-pound highweight in the field, Valley of the Gods made her triumph

look easy despite spotting weight to all. She once again demonstrated her

affinity for the Philly Park main track, notching her fourth victory in 10

starts over the Bensalem track. The winner was bred in the Keystone State by her

owner, and is trained by Keith Lebarron.

On Sunday, Philly Park had planned to showcase two steeplechase events. Those

races were canceled due to heavy rain, which has inundated the Philadelphia

area, thus leaving the turf course in a "bog like" state.

The main track favored speed in sprints, but closers in routes on Monday.

Early speed runners and stalkers fared best on Tuesday, with the track playing

uniformly when racing returned on Saturday. Closers dominated the results on

Sunday.

The grass course played to early speed types when in use. The outside paths

were definitely the place to be last week, with the bias varying in degrees of

intensity.

HORSES TO WATCH

Sunday (10/9)

6TH – BULLETTHEBLUESKY (Known Fact) displayed an improved showing taking a

substantial drop in class. Finished with good energy behind ordinary fractions

over a speed conducive track to get the place. Has much better tactical speed

that he demonstrated in his most recent effort.

7TH – NEW YORK TOKEN (Gold Token) was a daylight winner in a fast time off the

Ramon Preciado claim switching to Philly Park. Controlled the pace from the

outset and drew off when ready. Can handle a class hike in his next start.

Saturday (10/8)

1ST – CHUBBY BUBBY (Harry the Hat) displayed an encouraging second-place

finish in his career debut, despite his trainer's anemic record with first time

starters. Rallied with a purpose in an abbreviated sprint while racing wide as

the race quickened. Should improve with added distance and experience.

5TH – SENORITA LOUISA (Louis Quatorze) showed a sharp second in her debut

chasing home another well bet/well meant first timer. Raced a bit greenly in the

stretch under pressure, but continued on gamely to be well clear of the show

horse. Hails from a winning family who were victorious in sprints and routes.

6TH – WEBERS DRIVE IN (Accelerator) closed well late against the grain of a

speed biased track returning to the level at which she was claimed. Has room for

additional improvement if kept at this level.

Tuesday (10/4)

3RD – PERU (Lindsey's Roberto) was an impressive winner in his well bet/well

meant career debut. Stalked the early pacesetters and subsequently drew away to

win by daylight under modest encouragement. Can win right back if not

ambitiously spotted off this effort.

3RD – FLIGHTCONTROLTOWER (Unbridled Jet) underwent a baptism of fire to begin

his career. Broke tardily from his rail post. Proceeded to improve his position

while racing wide around the far turn. Should benefit from this experience and

may appreciate more distance.

Monday (10/3)

1ST – STATE PROSPECTOR (Allen's Prospect) showed an improved effort returning

to Philly Park. Vied for the lead and held gamely chasing home the odds-on

winning favorite in a race that quickened noticeably late. Would benefit from a

cutback to six furlongs, the distance of his lone win.

6TH – NOTHING BUT TRUTH (Is It True) had little chance turning back to a

sprint. Penn shipper was unable to run down the heavy favorite who controlled

the pace from the outset. Appears to be better suited to middle distances.