Move the Race

See You At Peelers, as expected, was victorious in the $307,734 Art Rooney Pace at Yonkers Raceway last night, winning by 3+ lengths in a time of 1:53.1 over the fast half mile oval.  As a result, See You At Peelers is a perfect 16 for 16 lifetime and the first filly to beat the boys in a six figure race since 1992.  The Lady is a champ.



As impressive as the race was, it is important to realize that the lady did not exactly beat the 'A' list horses; most of these horses were definitely second stringers if not third string.  Rest assured if an A list roster of horses entered the race, See You At Peelers would have remained in the Lismore with the rest of the fillies.

Quite honestly, I don't know how much longer Yonkers Raceway will, or for that fact, should continue to offer the Art Rooney; at least offering that type of money.  I realize Yonkers has more money than they know what to do with, but to offer purses like this for this caliber of horses seems to be a waste of money.  The reality is none of the top colts are going to race in a race like this a week before the North American Cup eliminations and the Meadowlands Pace has been contested.  If Yonkers chooses to continue to offer such a high profile race, they would be wise to offer the race in the late summer once the Meadowlands closes or better yet, after the Little Brown Jug.  Then, after owners have had their chances in the million dollar races, they may be more inclined to have their top colts take a tour around the Old Hilltop oval. 

In the filly companion stake, the $197,634 Lismore, JK Owhatanite rode the pocket to score a 2+ length victory over Honky Tonk Woman in 1:53.3.

 


Meanwhile, a funny thing happened on the way to the coronation of Big Jim as the 3yo Pacer of the year, a small bump in the road occured at Mohawk Raceway in a $100,000 division of the Somebeachsomewhere when Up The Credit upset Big Jim in a stakes record 1:49 (the race used to be known as the Burlington).  Shocked that Big Jim lost?  You shouldn't be, as a three week layoff against this class of horse tends to leave a horse short against top level competition.  However, you can't blame Big Jims' handlers (unless you wagered on him) for the defeat as the North American Cup eliminations are being held next week.  We will see a different Big Jim next week; one that is much tighter than he was this week.