COMPETITIVE FIELD FOR LEON REED
Contact: David Mattice
Publicity Dept.
585-924-3232 x234
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – A field of nine rivals are set to do battle in the fourth renewal of the $50,000 Leon Reed Memorial Handicap on Saturday at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. The six furlong sprint for New York-bred 3-year-olds and upward is expected to be a competitive wagering event.
Dr. W is the slight morning line favorite for the annual dash. The 5-2 program choice has a total of nine career victories and has amassed a sum of $350,202 in purse earnings. His latest triumph was achieved in the $60,000 Billy Redcoat Stakes at Aqueduct on April 21.
The 124-pound highweight was claimed out of his last start by Todd Pletcher for Repole Stable. He was acquired for $75,000 out of an Optional Claiming Allowance race at Saratoga on July 26.
Pletcher has enjoyed recent success at Finger Lakes with Ibboyee. The eclipse award winning trainer won three stakes at the Western New York track with the $595,258 earner, including the $161,600 New York Derby on July 17.
Horses owned by Repole Stable have made frequent visits to the Finger Lakes Winner’s Circle. The outfit has registered 16 victories at "the thumb" in 2010.
Dr. W will break from post eight and will be ridden by jockey Paul Nicol, Jr. Nicol was also listed on $50,000 Genesee Valley Breeders’ Handicap winner Too Tough Pete, but opted to ride the Pletcher-trainee.
The $50,000 Leon Reed Memorial Handicap, formerly the Wine Country Handicap, was established in 1973. The name was changed in remembrance of the Finger Lakes employee who tragically lost his life on November 19, 2005.
The feature event is slated as the eighth of Saturday’s nine race card. Beginning at 11:30am, the first 750 Members to check in at Player Extras may request to receive five Finger Lakes Jockey Trading Cards. Featured riders may be available for autographs at designated times (to be determined). Post time for the first race is scheduled for 1:10 p.m.
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