Sunday, November 30, 2008

SPRINGSIDE UPSETS SKY DIVA IN DEMOISELLE

Springside, dismissed at 5-1, overtook heavily favored Sky Diva in the lane and continued on to 9 ½-length upset Saturday afternoon in the 87th running of the Grade 2, $200,000 Demoiselle for two-year-old fillies at nine furlongs at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Owned by James and Alice Sapara, the Awesome Again filly was vanned off following her victory, which came in 1:51.71 on the fast main track. According to Dr. Anthony Verderosa, chief examining veterinarian for the New York Racing Association, Springside suffered what appears to be a fracture of the right-front pastern and was taken for x-rays. It was her first start on a conventional dirt track.


“When she was galloping out, she swapped leads and I heard a pop,” said jockey Garrett Gomez, who kept his mount off rank front-runner Ain’t Love Grand, who set the pace of 24.09, 48.20 and 1:12.65 while being shadowed by Sky Diva. “She never indicated that anything was wrong. Hopefully, I got her stopped in time.”

Springside made her move coming off the turn home, and easily went by struggling Sky Diva. She returned $13.20 to win for her third straight victory after two losses.

“All the way around, she was very willing,” Gomez said. “When I moved her to the outside, she was really impressive. It is a shame that whatever happened, happened.”

Boleyn, at 33-1, nosed Sky Diva for the place to complete a $2 exacta worth $243.50.

Ain’t Love Grand, Bluegrass Princess and Stormy’s Smile trailed.


DEMOISELLE QUOTES

Winning jockey Garrett Gomez of Springside (No. 4): “When she was galloping out, she swapped leads and I heard a pop. She never indicated that anything was wrong. Hopefully, I got her stopped in time.

“All the way around, she was very willing. When I moved her to the outside, she was really impressive. It is a shame that whatever happened, happened.”

Ramon Dominguez, jockey of beaten favorite and third-place finisher Sky Diva (No. 5): “She was throwing her head around and the horse on the inside of me bothered her a little bit. She is better than she showed today. She will be better next time.”

Dr. Anthony Verderosa, Chief Examining Veterinarian for the New York Racing Association, regarding Springside: “She suffered what appears to be a fracture of the right-front pastern. She is being taken for x-rays.”

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