BAKER ENTRY FAVORED TO WIN INDEPENDENCE DAY FEATURE
Contact: David Mattice
Publicity Dept.
585-924-3232 x234
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – The coupled entry from the stable of trainer Charlton Baker is favored to win the 30th renewal of the $50,000 Niagara Stakes at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Sunday. Stablemates Sweet Hot Toddy and Helyna’s My Mom are listed at 7-5 for the six furlong sprint for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies.
Francis Paolangeli is the owner of both fillies who each registered a victory in their most recent starts on May 31. Sweet Hot Toddy scored a two and one-half length victory in the Memorial Day opener under jockey Dennis Carr and Helyna’s My Mom earned a one length triumph in the sixth beneath apprentice Aadil Khan. Both Carr and Khan will be back aboard their respective mounts on Sunday.
Charlton Baker has saddled a total of 25 career stakes winners including the 2003 Niagara Stakes victor Storm On the Lake. Last year’s 3-2 early favorite of the Independence Day dash was also from the barn of Baker. Gold for the Queen was fourth in the 2009 running of the event but has won two stakes at Finger Lakes since the off the board finish. She scored a one and one-quarter length triumph in the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap on June 12 for Baker.
The annual stake is part of the festivities planned for "Family Day at the Races" on July 4 at Finger Lakes. There will be live music, an outdoor chicken barbecue, and activities for the kids. The first 2,000 Members to check into Player Extras will receive a free t-shirt. Jockeys will be available for autographs and the "All-Star Buglers" will perform the call to the post and other anthems throughout the day.
.jpg)
