RACE ONE – One of the warriors of claiming Baltusrol notched his eighth career victory from 36 starts with a hard-fought effort after being slowly out of his starting stall. Baltusrol has changed stables so many times it is difficult to keep track. On Sunday, he raced for leading trainer Jason DaCosta with champion jockey Anthony Thomas in the saddle. Of course, Baltusrol was claimed, this time by Renex Burrell for owner David Pottinger.
RACE TWO – Consistent claimer Special Counsel (Christopher Mamdeen) continued her steady path with his third victory from six starts with a total of 43 overall starts. Noticeably, this six-year-old grey mare has earned over $4.5 million. For trainer Lawrence Freemantle it was his sixth success in 2022.
RACE THREE – Timetosaygoodbye has set his stall over the straight course. His last eleven starts have been down the straight chute and on Sunday, Timetosaygoodbye with the tongue tie taken off by trainer Donovan Russell took advantage of his chute likeness to serve up win number four from 37-lifetime starts.
RACE FOUR – While Dracarys tasted his third success, attention was placed on winning jockey Odeen Edwards. Edwards made an eloquent start to his riding career with the winners flowing at a consistent rate. Then suddenly he fell off the map going into a long tamarind season. The hope is for this young man to find himself again by getting more rides and winners. Dracarys was Edwards’ first on the day with the same holding true for trainer Phillip Lee.
RACE FIVE – Racing at the four-year-old and upwards (non-winners of four) level at 5 ½ furlongs, the Richard Azan trained, Dick Cardenas ridden Artesia pulverized more seasoned rivals with a fast clocking of 1:06.0. This was an inspiring performance by the Sensational Slam – Runaway Julie offspring, to reach the Overnight Allowance grouping after 20 races in her hoofs. Well done, to her connections.
RACE SIX – Bridal Blush made full use of the outside draw coming down the chute to give the combination of jockey Odeen Edwards and trainer Phillip Lee their second on the day.
RACE SEVEN – Trainer Richard Azan was bubbling with joy when his consistent charge Laban delivered a win, his first since December 12, 2021. Laban was well handled by the prolific Dane Dawkins.
RACE EIGHT – One of the few times three-year-olds were travelling the two turns of nine furlongs and 25 yards. After four attempts, I Realise let loose of the maiden tag by going to the front and thereafter held firm to win by 7 ½ lengths for Anthony Thomas, his second on the day, and trainer Al Brown.
RACE NINE – The 2000 Guineas will be the subject of a separate article.
