NY Horse Racing

CHARLTON BAKER OWNS MEMORIAL DAY STAKE

5.26.2008 - Stablemates run 1-2 giving trainer his fifth consecutive George W. Barker win

Contact: David Mattice
Publicity Dept.
585-924-3232 x234
NEWS RELEASE


FARMINGTON, N.Y. – The 2008 stakes season got underway at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Monday with Johnie Bye Night holding off stablemate Mr. Bourbon Street to win the 25th running of the $50,000 George W. Barker Handicap. It was the third consecutive year that the 6-year-old gelding won the Memorial Day Stake restricted for New York-bred 3-year-olds and up.

The 122-pound highweight battled to get the early lead and still had enough left in the stretch under jockey John Davila, Jr. to score a three-quarters of a length victory. The $264,688 earner completed the six furlong dash in a final time of 1:10.65 to win his fifth career stake at his home track.

It was the fifth straight season that owner and trainer Charlton Baker saddled the winner of the George W. Barker Handicap. Baker won the 2004 and 2005 running of the event with Top Shoter. He then took the last three with Johnie Bye Night, who prepared for this year’s race with a second place finish in the Alpha Handicap on April 19.

"He definitely needed his last, I didn’t (train) him as hard this year", said Baker. "He’s alright now".

Johnie Bye Night was the post time favorite for the feature race and paid $4.70, $3.00 and $2.50. Mr. Bourbon Street finished second to his stablemate for the second consecutive year and returned $6.30 and $3.90. Zipperoo faded after pressing the early pace and paid $2.90 to show.

The next stakes race at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack will be run on Sunday, June 15. The $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap, a 6-furlong sprint for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up, is scheduled for that day.