December 1, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Short and Sweet
Scratches to Audacious and Just Music shortened the number of contestants for Saturday’s $200,000 Comely (G3) to five, and the added space ended up paying dividends for Pretty Ana.
Leaving from post one, the Jose Lezcano mount never secured a firm hold of the lead – she maintained a head’s difference for most of the 1 1/8-mile tilt – but had just enough in the tank to hold off 3-5 Alpine Princess for the decision.
It was Pretty Ana’s first trip to the winner’s circle since a Feb. 14 claiming conquest at Fair Grounds.
The 3-year-old filly gave the Aqueduct faithful something to cheer about, returning $9.40 on a $2 win bet.
Walk the Walk
Formidable Man may have earned himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after a standout performance in Saturday’s $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1T) at Del Mar.
Originally staged for a supporting cast role as the fourth choice (5-1) in an 11-horse field, Formidable Man shed that billing with a confident late-game charge for the narrow score over fellow 5-1 rival King of Gosford (GB).
The triumph was the third in as many starts for the Michael McCarthy trainee, who stayed hot following victories in the Oceanside Stakes and Del mar Derby (G1T).
The win that improved Formidable Man to 10: 5-2-0 lifetime paid a cool $12.60.
Grand Slam
Good Cheer’s already ascending stock price reached sky-high heights this past Saturday when the 2-year-old filly nabbed the $400,000 Golden Rod (G2) – her first graded stakes title – to remain perfect to begin her career.
Off to a flawless 3-for-3 start leading into the 1 1/16-mile affair, Good Cheer left zero doubt that the auspicious introduction was for real.
Trained by Brad Cox, the compelling youngster made quick work of six challengers in a 2 ½-length triumph at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.
As the clear 3-5 favorite, Good Cheer and rider Luis Saez paid $3.32 for the victory.
Enjoying Your Stay?
A five-star outing from First Resort gave the 2-year-old colt the advantage over 4-5 choice Jonathan’s Way in Saturday’s $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs.
Despite closing as the board’s second choice, First Resort (6-1) still remained a healthy margin behind projected clubhouse leader Jonathan’s Way.
But the pre-race positing was all for naught as the former gamely outdueled the latter by 2 ¼-lengths to steal his first graded trophy in three tries at the level.
Now sporting a 2-1-0 line from four starts, First Resort has also banked nearly $340,000 along the way.
The sensational Jockey Club showing paid a strong $14.66.
Time Traveler
Clock Tower (4-5) made quite the first impression in his maiden west coast voyage this past Sunday at Del Mar.
Competing in the $100,000 Cecil B. DeMille (G3T) after four starts across the Kentucky and New York circuits, Clock Tower looked right at home in the Sunshine State with a gate-to-wire 2 ½-length score.
The afternoon trouncing was par for the course for the Wesley Ward charge, who has now landed in the money in all five lifetime starts (2-1-2 record).
Clock Tower paid a modest $3.80 for the commanding score.