January 12, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Where’s Your Decorum?
Operating with the tenacious spirit of an underdog, Classy Judy G made plenty of noise in the $100,000 Bob F. Wright Memorial Stakes on Saturday afternoon at Fair Grounds.
Running as the first of two Louisiana-bred stakes at the New Orleans-rooted track, the 6-furlong Bob Wright appeared destined to fall within the grasp of 4-5 favorite Manama Gold, who like Classy Judy G was eyeing her first stakes title.
The latter, however, had zero trouble denying the former with a decisive 2 ¼-length gate-to-wire victory.
The 4-year-old filly’s first win of the season, and third overall through four starts (3-0-0), paid $10 even.
Herbs and Spices
Fair Grounds’ upset parade continued two races later in the oval’s second feature for Louisiana locals, the $100,000 Gary P. Palmisano Memorial Stakes.
This time around it was 5-year-old gelding Not On Herb and rider Jareth Loveberry teaming up to stun another 4-5 favorite in Geaux Sugar.
The pair worked diligently to remain within a striking distance of Geaux Sugar before making their move in the late stages to slide a head past the pack leader for the tally.
The third stakes trophy of Not On Herb’s career also put an end to a four-race winless drought that started in November.
At 4-1, the David Terre trainee paid $10.60.
Steamroller Coming Through
As Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson were busy running over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 6-year-old mare Tizzy in the Sky did some bulldozing of her own at Aqueduct in the $150,000 Ladies Stakes.
Leaving post one as the 3-5 favorite, Tizzy in the Sky, with assistance from rider Kendrick Carmouche, toyed with the competition en route to a commanding 3-length triumph.
Saturday’s smooth score was the second in a row for the Todd Pletcher mount, who previously found the winner’s circle on Dec. 7 in the Go for Wand (G3), also at Aqueduct.
Tizzy in the Sky’s latest success paid a modest $3.30.
Worth the Wait
After crossing the finish line first in her professional debut, Dancing Magic had to wait 190 days before doing so again.
The long overdue moment came this past Saturday, when the 3-year-old filly came storming back to steal the $82,500 Gasparilla by 2-lengths.
Making her second consecutive appearance at Tampa Bay Downs (third in the Sandpiper on Dec. 7), Dancing Magic found her rhythm from the two spot following an off-beat start to the 7-furlong tilt.
The youngster’s first stakes score in four attempts also paid dividends for those who sided with the board’s third choice.
As the 7-2 victor, Dancing Magic paid $9 flat.
Lightning Strikes… Eventually
It took a moment for him to strike, but Lightning Tones found a way to rally for the hard-fought triumph in Saturday’s $75,000 Sunshine Classic Stakes.
Competing inside the familiar confines of Gulfstream Park (home to all 26 career starts), Lightning Tones looked lost in the early goings.
That changed down the stretch when steady handling from rider Jorge Ruiz sparked a late push that ultimately resulted in a 1 ¼-length conquest over fellow 6-1 hopeful One Sharp Cookie.
The determined dash also ended Lightning Tones’ scoreless drought at nine.
It paid a cool $15.40.
