By Ray Cotolo, for the Meadowlands
Racetrack
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Leading a
tightening bunch after leader Jack Fire, Dee’s Red Delicious emerged victorious
in the $207,570 Kindergarten Classic for two-year-old trotting colts and
geldings on Saturday (Nov. 6) at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Driver Corey Callahan floated Dee’s
Red Delicious into fourth to a :28 first quarter as 3-5 favorite
Lindsymusclemania broke into a gallop entering the backstretch. Straightening
to the backside, Jack Fire circled to the top out of third and posted a :57.4
half while Callahan gave Dee’s Red Delicious his cue.
Into the far turn Dee’s Red Delicious
loomed closer with Peter Haughton champ Zenith Stride in tow to three-quarters
in 1:26.2. Jack Fire clung to command as the charge closed in, with Zenith
Stride angling three wide, Royson’s Punch trying to squeak up the pylons and
Bee Forever lodged between horses. But Dee’s Red Delicious kept the compact
late threats to his back and slid to a three-quarter length victory over Jack
Fire. Bee Forever finished third in the 1:54.3 mile while Zenith Stride took
fourth.
“He’s really been kind of the perfect
horse,” trainer Bruce Saunders said of Dee’s Red Delicious, whose poised to
compete in the Valley Victory on Nov. 21. “When he got beat it wasn’t his
fault, it was my fault and maybe Corey’s fault. Last week we were stunned that
he was so flat—he had some respiratory issues that fortunately we were able to
get cleared up.”
Owned by Joseph Martinelli Sr., Dee’s
Red Delicious scored his sixth win from 12 starts, banking $460,861. The Credit
Winner-Apple Plush gelding paid $15.40 to win.
While Insta Glam fast-stepped her way
through the early portions of the mile, Anoka Hanover readied her attack, and
the 4-5 choice successfully reeled in the tiring pacesetter for driver Todd
McCarthy to win the $252,340 Kindergarten Classic for two-year-old trotting
fillies.
McCarthy landed Anoka Hanover in
fifth while Insta Glam ground to the lead by a :27.2 opening quarter. Insta
Glam continued on an uncontested lead to a :55.4 half as Anoka Hanover edged
wide off the pylons with Mazzarati on her back.
Anoka Hanover made gains first over
into the final turn, but caught cover to three-quarters when Wet My Whistle
angled off the cones from third. Insta Glam meanwhile expanded her lead by the
three-quarters in 1:24.1 but grew leg weary into the stretch. McCarthy took aim
with Anoka Hanover to the center of the track and slid to a one-and-a-quarter
length victory with ease while stopping the clock in a lifetime-best 1:52.3.
Insta Glam held second with Mazzarati finishing third and Hot As Hill fourth.
“She’s always been very clever, very
easy going on herself, not nervous at all,” trainer Noel Daley said of Anoka
Hanover, whose next start will come in the Goldsmith Maid on Nov. 21. “It’s
easy to work with a trotting filly when they’ve got the brains. She’s not the
prettiest going thing, but she just had the guts.”
A Donato Hanover-Aunt Mel filly owned
by Daley along with L A Express Stable LLC and Caviart Farms, Anoka Hanover
collected her ninth victory from 13 starts to push her bankroll to $379,461.
She paid $3.60 to win.
Each division of the Kindergarten
Classic was presented by sponsor Diamond Creek Farm.
