Monday, June 30, 2008
Calder barn notes 6/29/08
Wolfson Pair Sharp in Drills for ‘Summit of Speed’ Engagements
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (June 29, 2008) - Trainer Marty Wolfson had two of three prospects he is preparing for the $1.3 million ‘Summit of Speed’ Graded stakes to be run at Calder Race Course on Sat., July 12 on the track Sunday morning to post strong half-mile workouts.
Live Oak Plantation’s 4-year-old gelding Rockerfeller was timed a ‘bullet’ half-mile in 48 flat while Milkin Stable’s 5-year-old mare Dixie Dreamer went the same distance in 48 2/5, second fastest of 35 horses timed at the distance over the fast track. Rockerfeller will run in the $400,000 Smile Sprint Handicap (G2) on ‘Summit’ day while Dixie Dreamer is targeted for the $400,000 Princess Rooney Handicap (G1).
Rockerfeller and Dixie Dreamer are two-for-two at the meet, including victories in the $100,000 Ponche Handicap and $100,000 U Can Do It Handicap on ‘Summit’ PREVIEW day, June 12; and M375 Thoroughbreds and Saurez Racing’s 3-year-old colt Golden Spikes captured the $100,000 Unbridled Stakes on a big afternoon for the Wolfson stable. A son of Seeking the Gold, Golden Spikes is set for the $250,000 Carry Back Stakes (G2) on ‘Summit’ day.
Wolfson also had Denholtz Stables’ 3-year-old filly Shes All Eltish on the track for a workout Sunday morning, breezing a half-mile in 49 flat. The daughter of Eltish finished a game second in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) on Preakness weekend at Pimlico on May 16 after finishing fourth behind Ginger Brew in the Calder Oaks here on Apr. 26.
Shes All Eltish is being pointed for the $500,000 Delaware Oaks (G2) at Delaware Park to be run the same day as the ‘Summit of Speed’ on July 12 on what will be a busy day for the Wolfson barn that ranks second in the current Calder standings with 14 victories from only 35 starters.
Cruz Draws Closer to Lopez after Saturday Triple
Apprentice jockey Paco Lopez leads the Calder Race Course rider standings with 47 victories after 40 days, or approximately the one-third mark of the session, but the 22-year-old has been on the sidelines this weekend serving suspension days and will not get back aboard until July 10.
That has left the door open for his rivals to make up ground, led by veteran Manoel Cruz, who rode three winners on Saturday to move within two of Lopez with 45 tallies, followed by Javier Santiago third with 33, Eduardo Nunez fourth at 32 and Ariel Smith fifth with 31.
Leading trainer Kirk Ziadie extended his lead in the standings as he defends his 2007 meet title with two winners on Saturday, including Dukes Flying Tiger in the $36,000 Heckofaralph overnight stakes to bring his total to 23 victories from 80 starters, followed by Marty Wolfson with 14 and Eddie Plesa, Jr., Dan Hurtak and Joe Calascibetta in a three-way tie for third at 13 apiece.
Chelly B Appears in Good Spot Thursday
Trainer Larry Bates had Brylynn Farm’s homebred 4-year-old filly Chelly B entered in Saturday’s $36,000 Liberada overnight stakes at Calder, but scratched her in favor of Thursday’s ‘two other than’ optional/allowance feature scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on turf and Ariel Smith named to ride.
A Kentucky-bred daughter of Royal Anthem, Chelly B may rule the choice in the field of 10 fillies and mares after a good second-place finish under the same conditions last out over the course on June 14. Chelly B finished 3 ½ lengths behind Saint Knows in that race and the latter came back to win the Liberada Saturday.
Completing the field for Thursday’s test are John Sutton’s Richie London, Irish Rose’s Harmony Found, Lynn Tarpy and Max Moore’s Hap E to Run, Alan Benning’s Lady Tropicana, Carolina Stable’s Luckey Greeley, Santa Cruz Ranch’s Catonia, Karen West’s Cut for Luck, John Cruise Racing’s Joan’s Royal Dawn and CBM Stable’s Keri’s Angel.
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