CHIEF'S LAKE WINS NY DERBY

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FARMINGTON, N.Y. –A stewards’ inquiry decided the outcome of the 35th  running of the $163,000 New York Derby at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Saturday afternoon. Chief’s Lake was placed on top after original winner Berry Bound was disqualified for interference during the stretch run. It marked the first time since 1987 that an inquiry decided the winner of the stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds.

Berry Bound, with jockey Joseph Rocco in the irons, set the pace of the one mile and one-sixteenth route with Chief’s Lake tracking in second under jockey Channing Hill. The two rivals battled throughout the stretch while bumping several times before Berry Bound won the head bob to get the initial nose victory before being disqualified and placed second. "His horse (Berry Bound) was running a little green and I had to check at the top of the lane when he came out before switching leads", said Hill. "I would have (won outright) if we didn’t bump".

It was the fifth victory in eight career starts for Chief’s Lake who now has amassed $284,830 in lifetime purse earnings. Three of his five wins have been accomplished in stakes. The Steve Asmussen-trainee also won the $100,000 Sleepy Hollow Stakes and the $100,000 Mike Lee Handicap at Belmont Park.

The 3-year-old gelding owned by Vinery Stables has now swept the first two legs of the OTB’s Big Apple Triple, and has an opportunity to be the first horse in the nine year history of the series with a win in the $150,000 Albany Stakes at Saratoga on August 22. A victory in the Albany would also earn him a $250,000 bonus.

Chief’s Lake was the second choice in the betting and paid $7.50, $4.70, and $3.00. Berry Bound was returned $17.20 and $7.80 while Stunt Man was an unthreatening third and paid $5.00.

NIAGARA STAKES

Lewis and Isabelle Gannon’s Cool Paradigm was a three and one-quarter length victor of the 27th renewal of the $50,000 Niagara Stakes earlier in the afternoon.

John Grabowski was aboard the $82,772 lifetime earner, who took over the lead at the half mile pole before drawing off to win the six furlong sprint for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies in a final time of 1:10.94. It was Grabowski’s seventh career Niagara stakes victory. His first came in 1989 aboard Proud Puppy.

It was only the second career win for Cool Paradigm who paid $4.70 to win and $2.80 to place. Talking Treasure, the 3-5 post time favorite, returned 2.10 to place. Klassic Kayla finished third.

New York-bred 3-year-olds will battle again in the next stakes race at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Sunday, July 22. The $50,000 Ontario County Stakes is scheduled to be run at a distance of six furlongs.