NY Horse Racing

TIGHT FINISH IN SUSAN B. ANTHONY

6.15.2008 - Wishing Wishes holds off Talking Treasure to win Father's Day feature

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


FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Edward Lipton’s Wishing Wishes held off Talking Treasure by a neck to win the 29th renewal of the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Sunday. The 4-year-old filly completed the six furlong sprint for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up in a time of 1:11.39.

The $158,569 earner took over the lead in late stretch after stalking a quick early pace. She then responded to the urging of jockey Jeremias Flores and outbattled Talking Treasure to the wire giving trainer Donna Bireta her sixth career stakes win.

"She trained well over the track", said Bireta. "I knew the competition was tough but I expected her to do well."

The stakes victory aboard Wishing Wishes was the first in almost ten years for jockey Jeremias Flores. Flores achieved his only other career stakes win on July 4, 1998 while still an apprentice. He guided Charioteer’s Wand to victory that day in the $30,000 Wine Country Handicap.

It was the fifth victory in the eleventh career start for Wishing Wishes who paid $11.60, $5.40 and $3.60. Talking Treasure ran second while making her 2008 debut and returned $7.30 and $4.40. Sweet Lorena held third after setting the early pace and paid $5.30.

The next stakes race at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack will be run on Friday, July 4. The $50,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap, a one mile and one-eighth route for 3-year-olds and up, is scheduled to be part of the Independence Day festivities.