July 23, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
No Slowin’ Down
The summer of Dornoch remains in full force after another successful trip around the track in the $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park.
Running from the first post position, Dornoch and rider Luis Saez jumped out to an early lead over the field of six challengers.
The pair ceded control of the 1 1/8-mile affair around the three-quarter mark but were able to regain the lead in the stretch to claim the Haskell by a clean 1 ¼-lengths over 4-5 closing line choice Mindframe.
Saturday’s stellar performance marked the 3-year-old colt’s second straight Grade 1 score (Kentucky Derby) and fifth win in nine career starts (5-2-0).
Dornoch paid $8.80.
Still Got it
Seasoned competitor Get Smokin gave it his absolute all to hold on for a narrow victory in the $600,000 United Nations (G2T) at Monmouth.
Making his 29th career appearance on Saturday, the 7-year-old gelding showed spectators that his competitive fire is still burning with a gritty effort to stave off a late surge by 23-1 dart throw Grand Sonata.
At 1 1/8-miles, the United Nations proved to be the perfect distance for Get Smokin, who got the job done by a nose.
The fourth graded trophy of the Mark Casse trainee’s lengthy career pushed him over the $2 million lifetime earnings mark (7-7-2 line).
An underdog himself at 9-1, Get Smokin paid a cool $20.20.
Focus…
While it took a few moments to lock on her target, Thorpedo Anna eventually focused in to run away with the $465,000 American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga.
The dominant 4 ½-length decision represented the 3-year-old filly’s fourth win in as many starts this year and third straight Grade 1 title.
Following a successful rookie campaign that saw the Kenneth McPeek trainee register a 2-1-0 record, Thorpedo Anna broke out in a major way in her sophomore season.
The Brian Hernandez Jr. mount’s magical season has already translated into nearly $1.8 million in earnings, and with five months still left on the calendar, it’s not hard to imagine said figure climbing above $2 million.
At a miniscule 1-5 , Thorpedo Anna paid an equally modest $2.50.
Scene Stealer
Pounce stayed true to her name when she came out of nowhere to steal the $175,000 Lake George (G3T) on Saturday afternoon at Saratoga.
Leaving the gate, it appeared the 3-year-old filly was going to be swallowed up by the deep field of nine challengers after a few bumps stymied her rhythm.
Looks can be deceiving, however, as Pounce and rider Dylan Davis battled back slowly to give themselves a chance going in the stretch.
The pair’s patience paid off when they found a seam and slid in late to swipe the one-mile contest from 2-1 choice Oversubscribed (GB) by three-quarters of a length.
The comeback victory pushed Pounce’s lifetime line to 7: 4-0-1 and paid a cool $13.80.
Challenge Accepted
A step up in difficulty proved no issue for Iscreamuscream, who remained perfect through three starts after leading gate-to-wire in the $200,000 San Clemente (G2T).
It wasn’t the safest of win margins at three-quarters of a length, but the 3-year-old filly stayed in command through the entire one-mile journey around Del Mar’s turf.
Under the tutelage of trainer Phil D’Amato, Iscreamuscream looked more than ready to compete on the graded stage following two triumphant tilts at the maiden and allowance levels.
A strong ride from jockey Hector Berrios held the ship steady and gave the young horse a chance to run uninhibited.
The sharp team effort returned $4.40 on a $2 win bet.
