Finger Lakes Gaming

GOLD FOR THE QUEEN STRIKES IT RICH IN FIRST ATTEMPT AT A ROUTE

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

FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Gold for the Queen won the 24th renewal of the $75,000 New York Oaks on Sunday at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. She completed the one mile and one-sixteenth stake for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies in a time of 1:47.37.

The Charlton Baker-trainee had never competed in an event longer than six and one-half furlongs prior to Sunday’s feature event. However, she had been preparing for her first ever route attempt even before making her last start in a sprint at Saratoga on August 16. Prior to that successful six furlong race, she had a one mile workout at Finger Lakes on August 6.

"We always knew she would go long and she’s been training well," said Baker after the race.

Gold for the Queen earned her first stakes triumph despite contesting a lively early pace with graded stakes winner Doremifasollatido. After surviving the battle with that rival she drew away to take the eighth race by three and three-quarter lengths under jockey Jeremias Flores.

The $149,894 earner owned by Francis Paolangeli was purchased at auction for only $2,000 when she was a yearling in 2007. She notched her first lifetime stakes victory on Sunday and paid $18.60, $7.60 and $3.50. Sapphire Sky was a clear second and returned $3.70 and $2.10. Doremifasollatido faded to be a distant third and paid $2.10.

Two stakes races for New York-bred 2-year-olds are scheduled to be run on Monday, September 7. The $100,000 (est.) Lady Finger Stakes and the $100,000 (est.) Aspirant Stakes are slated as part of the Labor Day festivities. There will be live music and children’s entertainment as well as a chicken barbeque under the pavilion for $9.95. First race post time is set at 1:10 p.m.