NY Horse Racing

TIN CUP CHALICE REMAINS UNDEFEATED

7.12.2008 - 3-year-old gelding wins New York Derby on Saturday

Contact: David Mattice
Publicity Dept.
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NEWS RELEASE


FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Tin Cup Chalice kept his undefeated record in tact with a gate-to-wire victory in the 36th renewal of the $159,600 New York Derby at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Saturday. The local hero held off a late challenge by Almighty Silver to win the one mile and one-sixteenth route for New York-bred 3-year-olds in a final time of 1:45.97.

The bay gelding co-owned by Scott Vanlaer and his trainer Michael Lecesse won the second leg of the Big Apple Triple by one and one-half lengths. It was the same margin of victory that he recorded in the first leg, which was the $100,000 Mike Lee at Belmont Park on June 22.

To keep his win streak alive is what were striving for more than anything", said Lecesse. "You don’t see too many undefeated horses."

Jockey Pedro Rodriguez notched his 78th career stakes win aboard the $225,720 earner who has earned five of his six career victories at Finger Lakes.

He’s got a lot of speed", said Rodriguez. "He’s a good horse…he knows what he’s doing."

Tin Cup Chalice is expected to make his next start in the $150,000 Albany at Saratoga on August 20. He will earn an additional $250,000 if he wins the one mile and one-eighth stake. No horse has been able to receive the bonus since the introduction of the Big Apple Triple series in 1999.

He was the popular choice in the wagering and paid $3.50, $2.60 and $2.10. Almighty Silver rallied to be second and paid $3.40 and $2.40. That’srightofficer was third and returned $2.50.

NIAGARA STAKES

Karakorum Katie out kicked Afleet Alexandra to the wire to win the 28th running of the $50,000 Niagara Stakes for 3-year-old New York-bred fillies by a nose. The $87,147 earner owned by Karakorum Farm completed the six furlong distance in a time of 1:12.11

The James Jerkins-trainee got involved in a spirited stretch duel with Afleet Alexandra after chasing down pacesetter Amalfi Drive. The two rivals bumped during the battle that resulted in a tight finish.

Karakorum Katie was guided to her third career win by leading jockey John Davila, Jr. and paid $4.50, $3.20 and $2.60. Afleet Alexandra was a close second and paid $2.40 and $2.10. Amalfi Drive faded to be third after setting the early pace and returned $3.90.

The next stakes race at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack will be run on Sunday, July 20. The $50,000 Ontario County Stakes, a six furlong sprint for New York-bred 3-year-olds, is scheduled for that day.