FROM THE HORSES MOUTH
Contact: David Mattice
585-924-3232
John Davila, Jr. has been the top Finger Lakes jockey the last seven consecutive years, but is in a close battle for the honor this season with John Grabowski. Davila guided Mucho Gusto to victory in Tuesday’s second race to earn him his first visit to the Winner’s Circle since Monday, August 24. The drought that lasted five racing days opened the door for Grabowski to tighten the race for the jockey title. After 98 racing days, Davila is clinging to a two win lead over Grabowski. With the exception of one year, either Davila or Grabowski have been the leading jockey at Finger Lakes since 1993. Robert Messina was first in the jockey standings at the conclusion of the 1997 meet after Grabowski surrendered a sizeable lead due to a season ending injury.
Longshot of the Week: Beaus Tune scored an upset victory on Monday to make amends for a 33 and three-quarter length loss in her prior start on August 24. The Neville Henry-trainee battled for the early lead from her rail post and held on to win the second race by one-half length. Jockey Rafael Rohena, Jr. guided the 7-year-old mare to the surprise win at odds of 41-1.
News and Notes
Jockey News:
Ezequiel Perez returned to ride on Monday after being sidelined for almost six weeks with a broken collarbone. Perez sustained the fracture after falling during the running of the sixth race on July 19 at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pennsylvania. He won the first race on Tuesday aboard his second mount since coming back from the injury.Jockey Multiple Wins: Friday, 8/28: Rodriguez (2)…Saturday, 8/29: Camejo (2)…Sunday, 8/30: Grabowski (2)…Monday, 8/31: Gomez (2)…Tuesday, 9/1: J. Davila, Jr. (2)…Yang (2).
Trainer Multiple Wins: Friday, 8/28: None…Saturday, 8/29: Grusmark (2)…Sunday, 8/30: Buckley (2)…M.A. Ferraro (2)…Monday, 8/31: None…Tuesday, 9/1: Barrera (3)…C. Englehart (2).
Upcoming
Monday, September 7 / Family Fun Day at the Races:
The $100,000 (est.) Lady Finger Stakes and the $100,000 (est.) Aspirant Stakes for 2-year-olds are scheduled to be run 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 ($5.00 for children under eight).
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