Philadelphia Park Notebook

 PHILADELPHIA PARK

NOTEBOOK

NOVEMBER 11, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

Saturday's South Carolina Residency S., which featured males and female

divisions for two-year-olds, turned out to be a family affair at Philly Park

with trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. and brother Anthony walking away with the lion's

share of the purse in each contest.

In the filly division, SMART AND FANCY (Not for Love) sat a perfect stalking

trip and proved to be a punctual 1-5 favorite, winning by 1 3/4 lengths. D.D.

Night Star (Clash by Night) moved in unison with the winner around the far turn

to challenge for the lead, but ultimately proved to be no challenge to that

rival late and finished second, more than eight lengths in front of One Slick

Chick (Elusive Quality).

LIQUOREUX (Carson City) captured the male division, shipping in from New York

to take down top honors. Equipped with Lasix for the first time and ridden

by Eriluis Vaz, who rode both stakes winners, Liquoreux made light work of an

overmatched field to win by 5 3/4 widening lengths. Voo Kan Do (Kokand) chased

the winner throughout and was easily second best. Guru Pasha (Kokand) finished a

distant third.

A change in venue got Delaware Park shipper HARLEY'S ROAD (Two Punch) back on the winning

track as he emerged victorious in his Philly Park debut on Sunday. Despite

leaping into the air at the break, the Scott Lake-trained runner quickly

recovered to secure a contending position down the backstretch in the

afternoon's featured race. He moved quickly to seize the lead around the far

turn while racing outside of rivals and drew off in the stretch to win by 3 3/4

lengths. Leggo My Echo offered a wide late rally to gain the place, as Mr

Shaaanshu (Line in the Sand), who chased the early pace, tired in the stretch to

be third. Our Runaway (Groomstick), the 3-1 second choice in the wagering,

failed to display his usual early speed and finished fifth.

On Monday and Tuesday, the track played quite favorably to speed. When racing

returned on Saturday, early speed runners held a slight edge, but the course

played quite uniformly on Sunday.

The outside paths were favorable each day.

HORSES TO WATCH

Monday (10/31)

7TH – THATSMORELIKEIT (Forestry) offered a creditable third-place finish

returning to dirt off a brief rest. Set a quick and pestered pace toward the

deeper inside and tired. Will obviously be more fit in his subsequent starts.

9TH – TRIJONIA (Tri for the Gold) became embroiled in a four-horse speed duel

for the lead while racing along a dead rail. Gave way as the race quickened

late.

Tuesday (11/1)

3rd – KIZZIE'S GOLD (Banker's Gold) finished a good third stretching out and

dropping. Exhibited much improved speed to chase a fast pace and finished evenly

late. Might benefit from a turnback to a sprint.

9TH – KENT HALL (Valid Expectations) wound up an improved fourth off the

Bruce Levine claim and switching to Philly Park. After chasing a lively pace,

she retreated some in the stretch but should have derived beneficial

conditioning from this effort. Possesses dangerous tactical speed when on her

game.

Saturday (11/5)

1ST – A STAR IN TIME (Bombardier) carved out a very fast pace in an improved

effort. Understandably tired in the stretch from her early exploits. Would

benefit from a return to the $5K claiming level while reverting to rating

tactics.

6TH – AMERICAN MUSIC (Ameri Valay) turned in a good second while racing along

the deeper inside. After forcing the pace, he finished with interest once angled

toward the better part of the course.

Sunday (11/6)

2ND – MONIKER (Cryptoclearance) dispensed a good middle move into a lively

pace returning to a dry track. Benefited from the class drop and a rider switch

to loom a threatening presence in the stretch, only to be out-finished late.

Fits well at the $25K maiden claiming level.

4TH – HANGING TREE (Western Echo) showed subtle improvement off his debut

effort. Even effort chasing a very enterprising pace. May be set for a career

best effort in his third start for a top trainer in Jayne Vaders.

7TH – TAIL GATE (Buckaroo) was ambitiously spotted in a sprint off the claim.

Forced to rally vs. a slow pace in a race that finished up well late. Best

efforts of late have come around two turns vs. slightly softer rivals.