FROM THE HORSES MOUTH
Contact: David Mattice
585-924-3232
A look back and ahead…
Trainer Michael LeCesse saddled the winners of both 2-year-old maiden races that were run this week. Vital Argument disposed of his male rivals by 13 and one-quarter lengths in Friday’s sixth race and Shesmyspite defeated her stablemate Azucaa Anne by three lengths in Saturday’s third race for fillies. Jockey Pedro Rodriguez guided both young horses to their respective triumphs.
Trainer Jamie Ness is expected to have horses stabled at Finger Lakes in the near future. The 34-year-old will move part of his outfit to "The Thumb" after the conclusion of the 2009 meet at Presque Isle Downs. Ness has been the top conditioner at Tampa Bay Downs the last three years and is currently the leading trainer at Presque Isle Downs by a margin of 33 wins. He is the third ranked trainer for most wins in North America with 185 victories in 2009.
Longshot of the Week: Strider’s Forest outran her odds to win Saturday’s first race by six and one-half lengths for trainer Edward Babcock. The 15-1 longshot made her way to the front before the half mile pole and widened her lead to win the event by the large margin. Jockey Emanuel De Diego guided the 5-year-old mare to her first win traveling one mile and seventy yards while making her twelfth start at the distance.
News and Notes
Davila, Jr. / Grabowski watch:
Both John Davila, Jr. and John Grabowski were relatively quiet throughout the four day racing week. Davila, Jr. recorded two victories and Grabowski had one during the short span. Davila, Jr. continues to lead Grabowski by three wins in the Finger Lakes jockey standings after 107 racing days.Jockey Multiple Wins: Friday, 9/11: Rodriguez (2)…Saturday, 9/12: Carr (2)…Monday, 9/14: None…Tuesday, 9/15: Rideout (2).
Trainer Multiple Wins: Friday, 9/11: None…Saturday, 9/12: D’Alessandro (2)…Monday, 9/14: Baker (2)…Tuesday, 9/15: LeCesse (2).
Upcoming
Saturday, September 19 / $2,500 Handicapping Challenge:
Participants select the winners of nine designated races (Races 1 – 9) at Finger Lakes and earn points based on the outcome of each race. The top three point earners win cash and the top 25 qualify for the Handicapping Finals in October. Entry forms are free and available at the Player Extras Station in the Upper Grandstand on the day of the event. Entry forms must be submitted prior to the start of the first contest race.
