Weekend Roundup - February 11 & 12, 2006

By Marcie Heacox

 

February 11, 2006

Whirlaway Stakes

Aqueduct - Ozone Park, NY

Achilles of Troy has yet to show his post-Lasix weak spot as he sailed to an easy 4 3/4 length victory in the Whirlaway Stakes (ungraded). Since adding Lasix, he won his maiden and the Count Fleet Stakes by 14 lengths. The grey colt, trained by Jennifer Pedersen and owned by Ernie Paragallo, was as out of place against his rivals as his name (Achilles was of Greece). Jockey Ramon Dominguez gave only one whip coming into the stretch, and the pair completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 1/5. Platinum Couple, River City Rebel, and Eye For Style completed the superfecta. The Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr.II) is the likely next start for Achilles of Troy.

 

February 12, 2006

San Vicente Stakes

Santa Anita Park - Arcadia, CA

Too Much Bling held on to win the San Vicente Stakes (gr.II) by 1 ½ lengths on Sunday. The grey, Bob Baffert - trained colt set fast fractions 21 3/5, 43 4/5, and completed the 7 furlongs in 1:22 2/5 under jockey Garrett Gomez. Gomez, who recently lost his top Derby prospect Stevie Wonderboy due to injury, was "a little concerned because [he] knew [they] went pretty quick". Peace Chant drew within a length of the winner in the stretch, but lost ground. New Joysey Jeff finished third. Blazing Meadows Farm and Stonerside Stable own the winner, who will likely stay at sprint distances.