November 24, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Start the Bus
Thanks to a dominant showing from 3-year-old filly Two Sharp, this Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki (G3) had the feel of an early afternoon game between the undefeated Oregon Ducks and lowly 0-8 Purdue Boilermakers.
Leaving from post four as the even-money favorite, Two Sharp toyed with a septet of competitors for the smoothest triumph of her young career.
With the 5 ¾-length victory now officially on record, the Junior Alvarado mount improved her career line to an impressive 3-2-0 through five starts.
Two Sharp paid $3.94 for the trouncing at Churchill Downs.
See it Through
At first, it appeared Lagynos was headed for a ninth consecutive winless outing.
However, a late surge from the 3-year-old colt and rider Flavien Prat turned the $300,000 Commonwealth Turf (G3T) on its head.
After struggling to find space in the early going, the pair eventually maneuvered their way through a congested eight-horse field to break free for the hard-fought decision.
The determined effort netted Lagynos his first ever stakes title in what his 10th career attempt at the level.
For not disappointing in the second leg of Churchill Downs’ Saturday stakes double feature, Lagynos paid $9.12.
Skinner!
Those who wanted to see more from Skinner got their wish this past Saturday when the 4-year-old colt rallied for the late score in the $100,500 Native Diver (G3) at Del Mar.
It had been a long time coming for Skinner, who prior to the Native Diver conquest, had not found the winner’s circle since February of 2023.
While the John Shirreffs trainee did mix in his fair share of seconds and thirds during that time (five combined), that true breakthrough moment remained elusive.
Finally back on track, Skinner paid an even $9 for the 1-length win.
Chart Topper
Pop Idol had Woodbine’s Saturday crowd cheering for an encore after delivering the performance of a lifetime in the $150,000 Shady Well Stakes.
Competing in her second ever stakes event, the 2-year-old filly was in perfect rhythm throughout the 6-furlong Shady Well.
Under the steady hand of jockey Sahin Civaci, Pop Idol bounced out to an early lead and watched it balloon to as many as 3-lengths before crossing the finish line 2 ½-lengths ahead of 24-1 hopeful Nata Trouble.
Bettors who sided with Pop Idol also left on a high note, as the Katerina Vassilieva charge paid a cool $12.90 for the victory.
Comeback Player of the Year
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Following a disastrous last place finish in the Empire Classic Stakes on Oct. 27, the 5-year-old gelding came out of nowhere to steal the $125,000 New York Stallion Series Stakes by a neck at 20-1.
The improbable comeback, which required Cicciobello to storm back from second-last, left the Aqueduct faithful in a frenzy.
It was an equally riveting finish for Cicciobello bettors, who were rewarded with a healthy $43.60 payout on a $2 win bet.