Veteran Snatch Memorial
TheVETERAN SNATCH Memorial Purse: $35,000
Fillies and mares, 4 years old and up
One mile — Firm Turf
Since i wasn’t selected to ride in this race i didn’t geta chance to do a thorough scouting report prior to post. This fillies lined upon the turf with something to prove. TIZ RED from privetdriv stable poked her head in front right out of the gate and looked like she would hold it the entire race. TIZ RED had slumped in her last two races since posting3 straaight wins previously. The early part of the race was contested by UNOCAYENNE from the ceejaygee stable. UNO CAYENNE ran with TIZ NOW until about the 5 furlong mark, when she was shaken off by TIZ NOW.
UNO CAYENNE, who likes to win every other race, seemed like the fan favorite going into the race, getting a lot of applause on the post parade. DIXIE MUSIC Tfrom the highclaim stable, was third early on under the guidance of D MUTH. Coming off an allowance win in Maryland, this filly seemed poised to be a threat and MUTH seemed to haveher placed well early. By the 3rd call she had faded badly however. highclaim will have to decide whether this one should go back down to allowances or not.
STAR WEST from naracing2with PHINNEY aboard seemed to be going backwards the entire race, struggled tostay in fourth early, but was never a serious threat. This RAHY filly hasn’t wona race since 2552, probably was outclassed here.
A PERFECT SUNDAY of unshaded99and WAKING UP TODAY of g1robboseemed ok with staying in the middle of this group the entire race. A PERFECTSUNDAY was coming off 4 solid races in a row, and I think this race can be considered a bounce. I would expect a nice race next time out. WAKING UP TODAYis usually around the money and stayed true to form today.
POINT OUT(IRE) of tcrowellmade a nice move at the end of this race, but was never truly a factor. She mayhave benefited from the other fillies fading. The SINGSPIEL(IRE)filly probably need to make her move earlier than she did.
IT’S FOR LA ROSSA(AUS) of kaif015settled in about 7 furlongs from the lead and pushed forward as the others werefading, but could never get closer than 6 furlongs. She was then passed by ahard charging OJAI NIGHTS who came flying up on the stretch and caught theleaders. This closer was phenomenal on the stretch moving just about as fast aspossible. ojai4keithmust be proud as the filly posted a 106 SP with Drozd aboard for her second winin a row and 3rd win in 4 tries.
On a personal note, this week was my first at a new law firm.This is two weeks in a row that I missed the race preview, and i hope it will bethe last. I thank everyone for understanding, as I realize its hard to hearexcuses from a beat writer that hasn’t been doing this that long yet.