July 8, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Use your Head
Trikari channeled his inner Mikel Merino with a heads-up effort in Saturday’s $750,000 Belmont Derby (G1) at Aqueduct.
Like the Spanish midfielder, who delivered a stunning game-clinching header in the 119th minute of last Friday’s quarterfinal matchup with Germany, at Euro 2024, Trikari needed his head to steal the 1 3/16-mile contest from fellow 5-1 runner White Palomino.
The scintillating finish put a stamp on what’s been a stellar ride for the Graham Motion trainee, who’s now 4-1-1 with two graded stakes trophies across seven starts on the professional circuit.
The Belmont Derby score was a fruitful endeavour for both Trikari and horseplayers, as the former is now less than $4,000 shy of the $1 million lifetime earnings mark, while the latter received a $12.40 payout on a $2 win bet.
Belle of the Ball
It was a fairytale ending to the Belmont Oaks (G1T) for 3-year-old filly Cinderella’s Dream.
Competing in her first event on North American soil, the 7-2 challenger came out of nowhere to capture the $500,000 affair by three-quarters of a length over Segesta (7-1) and top rider Irad Ortiz Jr.
Running from the eighth post position in the field of nine, Cinderella’s Dream dealt with heavy congestion up until the three-quarter mark. When she did find space, however, the Charles Appleby charge took full advantage.
Under the guidance of rider William Buick, Cinderella’s Dream flew to the front of the pack for the win, setting a track record in the process (1:53.42).
The historic performance paid $9.30.
Aced it
The 2024 season has been especially kind to 3-year-old colt Dragoon Guard, who stayed perfect through three starts with a decisive 2 ½-length win in Saturday’s $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Following a string of dominant outings at the claiming level, Dragoon Guard graduated to the graded tier for what was supposed to be his most challenging test to date.
The Brad Cox trainee handled the rise in difficulty with ease, leading throughout the 1 1/16-mile romp.
Sporting a near perfect 3-1-0 through four career attempts, it appears Dragoon Guard may even be ready for another jump up ranks.
Until then, bettors can be grateful for the $5.80 return from Saturday’s score.
Hey, Neighbour
While not as hyped as the meeting of the Kelces in Super Bowl LVII, a pair of closely connected competitors recently squared off with a Cornhusker (G3) crown on the line.
Stablemates Red Route One and Unload ended up finishing one-two in the $300,000 event, giving trainer Steve Asmussen and owner/breeder Winchell Thoroughbreds plenty of reasons to smile on Saturday afternoon.
The more accomplished of the two, Red Route One, closed as the board’s third choice at 7-2. The much more lightly raced Unload (seven starts, compared to 21 for his bunkmate) landed at a whopping 66-1 on the closing line.
Bettors who placed a $2 5-3 exacta on the Winchell tandem received a staggering $366. Those who simplified things and took Red Route One to win still earned $9 on a $2 win wager.
Step Right Up
It took a moment for a leader to emerge in Sunday’s $500,000 Delaware Handicap (G1), but when the time came, Honor D Lady was more than willing to take charge.
The 4-year-old filly took command of the 1 3/16-mile contest down the stretch to easily secure her third career graded stakes trophy. Before the Delaware, Honor D Lady found the winner’s circle in the Remington Park Oaks (G3) and Royal Delta Stakes (G3).
Sunday’s effort was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Jose Ortiz mount after a disappointing ninth in the Apple Blossom (G1) on Apr. 13 – Honor D Lady’s last attempt at the graded tier.
The dominant get-right showing paid $6.20.
