Racing continued without an audience this afternoon on another beauty day at our East End oval. The seven race Tuesday program did see a few loyal racing supporters sitting in lawn chairs with coolers outside the gates near the paddock creating a bit of atmosphere showing eagerness for when the green light is given for fans to return to the races.
Two-year-olds were in the spotlight in the opener as seven well turned out youngsters were set to go three and a half furlongs to kick off the day. The toteboard was heavily tilted to the left as GREAT GASBY was hammered early and often in both the WIN and SHOW positions. When the gate was sprung he hopped a bit at the start from the dreaded inside post which really compromised his chances and had to watch the very alert ANOTHERSUNNYDAY (13.40) scoot off to a quick three length lead approaching the far turn and always looked a winner for owner Peter Redekop and conditioner Keith Pedersen. GREAT GASBY outgamed his filly stablemate HOLLYWOOD MISTRESS for the runner-up spot. The final time was a rapid 39.27.
Gord Christoff’s HEFTY RANSOM relaxed nicely off of the speed through the opening stages then proceeded to challenge the pacesetting PIPPA nearing the three-eighths pole under Lenny Seecharan and those two dueled down to the line with HEFTY RANSOM just lasting over a stubborn PIPPA with a fast closing SIMPLY GOLDEN checking in for third. The John Snow trainee paid $6.70 for the win.
The Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds PORTER GENT (3.10) was by far the most impressive winner on the day as he cruised to a 6 ¼ length win under Amadeo Perez. The son of Second in Command tugged Amadeo to the lead going through easy opening fractions (22.61, 46.29) and when ASTRONOMICAL came to make things interesting on the stretch turn PORTER GENT simply went from being on idle to top gear in a matter of strides and drew away easily for the victory for trainer Christine Ammann. ASTRONOMICAL fought on gamely to save second money.
The Sandown Racing Club’s BIG TIME LOUIE (8.90) was a popular winner and showed amazing resiliency in battling between horses for much of the first half-mile then fending off BAKKEN AND EGGS to get his first career visit to the winners circle. BAKKEN AND EGGS looked a winner on the final bend as he made the lead in between calls but BIG TIME LOUIE had another gear and gained the lead and held everyone at bay. Silvino Morales was in the saddle for trainer Maryanne Baumgartner.
As a handicapper you can’t delve too deep into a race to find something that simply isn’t there. Sometimes you have to respect the obvious and simply go with jt and that was the case in the fifth. BLUEGRASS ANGUS ($5.00) is a premier race horse and he showed his class winning off by 3 lengths. The former BC Derby runner-up was all business from the start. He settled beautifully just off of the speed while racing wide but that didn’t matter as he built up a comfortable advantage on the final turn and crossed the line well clear of his rivals. BILLS SMOKN BULLET and SANAWAR rounded out a $194 Triactor.
Don Danard and Mel Snow’s CASCADE BILLY (23.60) stayed clear of trouble and raced out in the three path throughout and cruised to a 3 3/4 length win. He was away well and settled in behind the contested fractions (21.62, 45.19 ) being set by FLYUNDERTHEGRAYDAR and TORIADOR rallied past them all on the turn and was never threatened in the stretch. HE’S RELENTLESS, SET TO SHINE and ALONGTHEWATCHTOWER were in a heated duel for the runner-up spot.
Gary Johnson, Zeta Hannah, the Sharlea and Pumpking Stables ZETAMARIE (9.90) broke on top but allowed BAD AND BOUGIE to race on her inside heading into the first turn and those two raced together throughout the backstretch run. BAD AND BOUGIE seemed to be sneaking away but Perez started shaking the lines at ZETAMARIE and she asserted her superiority to win by a length and a half. OUREVELADY rallied late to get the second place cheque. BAD AND BOUGIE looked like a winner on the turn but flattened out late and had to settle for third.
The only tough one to get in the Pick 5 sequence was CASCADE BILLY so it was hit today and there were 13 winners that took home the $2,410.25 payoff.
Silvino Morales and Amadeo Perez both had riding doubles.
The stallion Second in Command had two wins.
Racing resumes next Monday and Tuesday with two stakes as headliners , the $40,000 Chris Loseth for three year old Colts and geldings and the $40,000 Supernaturel stakes for three year fillies.
Of note, the RACING associations presidents are fighting hard to try and get owners onto the track to watch their races. Please continue to be patient as they work with GCGC and Public Health on this subject.
First race on Monday is at 1:15pm.
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