Separationofpowers, the Grade 1 Test winner last year at Saratoga made her long awaited first start as a four-year old in the Grade 3 Vagrancy Handicap at Belmont Park yesterday. She could do no better than third as Heavenhasmynikki used her early speed under Kendrick Carmouche to gain a clear lead she held wire to wire. Heavenhasmynikki is the horse Ron Loooch Paolucci wanted to run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies as a first time starting maiden. The entry was refused at the time.
The Grade 3 Peter Pan drew just five horses. Global Campaign under Luis Saez blitzed the field for trainer Stanley Hough. The colt is now three for four lifetime with his only defeat coming in the Fountain of Youth won by Code of Honor.
The Grade 3 Beaugay Stakes came down to Chad Brown. His Homerique making her first US start under Irad Ortiz Jr. ran down stablemate Competitionofideas under Joel Rosario capping the Chad Brown exacta. Homerique kept top company overseas and her strong stretch rally signaled she is one with a future here in the states.
Firenze Fire looked like a winner every step of the way in the Runhappy Stakes, even when he was sitting chilly in third. He appeared loaded under Irad Ortiz Jr. and once the rider moved him into the clear and pushed the button Firenze Fire surged to the lead and passed Recruiting Ready with ease. Jason Servis trains the winner.
The Grade 1 Man O’ War Stakes went to the Bill Mott trained Channel Maker. Joel Rosario timed the ride perfectly as they took the lead in mid-stretch and just held off a fast closing Arklow under Florent Geroux who was coming from way back in the field. Magic Wand, the European based filly checked in third for Aidan O’ Brien.
Always check with Past the Wire for the latest horse racing news…..
