EQUINICS – THE DOMINIC GALLUSCIO TRIBUTE
Vermont (VT) Saturday, August 6, 2016 — 2:10 PM EST | Race ID : 1646308
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EQUINICS – THE DOMINIC GALLUSCIO TRIBUTE
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Grade I / Group 1 – Sponsored – Purse : $1,000,000
4 Year Olds and Older, Fillies and Mares Only – Owner Restricted
8 Furlongs | ~1600 Meters | One Mile Fast Dirt
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From the state fair grounds in Rutland, Vermont we proudly bring you one of the many Equinics events, The Dominic Galluscio Tribute. This race will be contested at a flat mile (or ~1600 meters for the metric fans) over the mile dirt oval, with older fillies and mares battling it out for the winner’s share of the $1,000,000 purse, and for the glory and recognition that comes with a victory in one of these prestigious events. All of the Equinics trophy presentation ceremonies are a blast, and this should prove to be no exception.
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This race is named for Dominic Galluscio, who was a trainer on the New York racing circuit (Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga) for over 30 years. He was the trainer for the the two claiming partnerships your humble correspondent was a part of from 1995 – 2001. Dom was a great guy who always seemed to be in a good mood; unfortunately his life was cut short as he was a victim of pancreatic cancer at just 55 years of age. Salud, Dom !
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We have an overflow field of 20 older ladies, from some of the top barns in the SIM. A dozen Kentucky breds give the Blue Grass state a strong hand in this event, lead by 2015 Eclipse Award and Breeders’ Bowl Distaff winner Miss Mo. Four of the top five currently ranked routing distaffers are entered here, missing only the top ranked In The System. So, let’s take a closer look at them and see how they compare.
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WIDOW’S COLONY KY 4F thethumb15
GR Simsters PP 8 5/1
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Scratch bred Speightstown senorita (by Pleasant Colony x Lyphard) seeks her 4th straight after taking the Scimitarra listed stakes at 8.5 furlongs, sizzling a 116 SP# in a middle of the pack run. Bay four year old took the G1 Steadhemp/Mike Phipps Handicap one before that at 8.5 panels, scalding a 117 SP# with a similar trip. She started her win streak with a score in the G2 MD Distaff, also at 8.5 furlongs, snaring a 110 SP# with what has become her typical effort. Second ranked older female router is in top form right now, solid contender for thethumb15 racing conglomerate.
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MISS MO KY 4F kashbarn4
East West Connection PP 12 12/1
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2015 Eclipse Award winner and currently 3rd ranked, this light grey four year old folded late last out when 5th behind Widows Colony in the G1 Steadhemp/Mike Phipps Handicap, lasting for a 110 SP# after setting all the pace. Uncle Mo urchin, out of the sim mare Act Quickly (by Unbridled’s Song x A.P. Indy) wired the G3 The Route Sixty Six at 9 panels one before that, lobbing a 109 SP#. Her previous start was a facile wire to wire romp in the G1 Original Margarita Invitational, also at 9 furlongs, lashing a 114 SP#. Speedball from the kashbarn4 stable shortens up in this heat, the one to catch.
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OUTBACK ECHUCA KY 4F outback2
Midas PP 5 13/1
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Hailing from the outback2 stable is this bay four year old, who exits a disappointing 7th in the G1 Cosmopolitan Handicap at this route, snagging a 109 SP# after lagging in last early. Scratch bred Distorted Humor damsel (by Storm Cat x Monsun) showed some late interest one back of that when a closing 8th in the G1 Orange Blossom at 8.5 furlongs, scoring a 106 SP# from well back. In her prior try she flew home to get the money in the G1 The Santa Marina Handicap at 8.5 panels, scorching a 115 SP# moving from 12th of fourteen. Owns four wins at this distance, will need clear sailing to catch them all late in the lane.
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ANCIENT ASTRONAUT KY 4F dixiedotco
Vermont PP 1 11/1
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Distorted Humor dame, out of the Eclipse Award winning, Hall Of Fame sim mare Final Exit (by Dynaformer x Seeking The Gold) seeks 3rd straight win off a stalking triumph in the G2 The My Lady at 8.5 panels, zapping a 108 SP#. Bay four year old took a restricted allowance one before that, also at 8.5 furlongs, zipping a 108 SP# in a pace pressing performance. In her previous start she was a close 5th in the G1 Orange Blossom, again at 8.5 furlongs, zinging a 109 SP# from a bit further back than usual. Speedy runner from the formidable dixiedotco racing operation should be prominent early, may give them the slip at the top of the stretch dropping back to a mile.
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AW ROOT BEER TB KY 4F testbarn10
Minnesota Testbarn PP 20 12/1
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Brown four year old comes off an unimpressive effort when 10th in the G1 The Very Vane at 9 furlongs, tacking a 101 SP# while always in the rear of the pack. Scratch bred daughter of Street Sense (by Seeking The Gold x Liloy) was an even 6th one before that in the G1 Steadhemp/Mike Phipps Handicap at 8.5 panels, tossing a 110 SP#. In her prior try she closed well for 3rd in the G1 The Metropolitan Grill at 10 furlongs, throwing a 110 SP# from well back in the pack. Runner from the testbarn10 stable could be moving late in the lane, will need to fire best shot to factor here and over come far outside post.
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HIT THE RIVER KY 4F torrential
Blazing Saddles PP 17 13/1
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Speightstown senorita, out of the G3 winning sim mare Riverboat Queen (by A.P. Indy x Nureyev) tuned up for this with an open allowance victory at 9 furlongs, pasting a 108 SP# in a mid pack run. Brown four year old won the G3 The Northern Lights at 9 panels one back of that, pegging a 110 SP# with similar tactics. One before that she was a gaining 2nd in the G3 The Wiley Jenny at 8.5 furlongs, popping a 115 SP#. Torrential trainee should be in good position down the back stretch, could work out a smooth trip and be in contention in first G1 effort.
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PARKAWAY SKOR 4F skyranch
Universal racing Club PP 18 21/1
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Steps up to G1 company seeking her 7th consecutive win after tuning up for this spot with an easy hot race score at 8.5 panels, getting an 85 SP#. Scratch bred Ecton Park empress (by Aptitude x Unbridled’s Song) ran off with the G2 The Golfer’s Wager at 8.5 panels in her prior start, grabbing a 108 SP# from just off the early leaders. One back of that she won the Overstayed Welcome listed stakes at 8.5 furlongs, garnering a 111 SP# in a stalking trip. Improving runner from the skyranch racing group should be close up early trying to pounce ahead of the deep closers.
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ROBERTO’S QUEEN KY 4F soonerslew
Empire State Racing PP 15 11/1
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Late runner from the soonerslew racing outfit came on for 3rd in latest, the Cap The Deputy listed stakes at 8.5 furlongs, nabbing a 110 SP#. Macho Uno miss, out of the graded placed, stakes winning sim mare Queen Bluffy (by Gone West x Roberto) got 4th in the G2 Bumblebee Classic at this distance in her previous outing, notching a 107 SP# while unable to hold off the top three finishers. One before that, this light grey four year old was a good 3rd in the G3 Cubic Zirconia Path Stakes at 8.5 panels, nailing a 114 SP# moving from mid pack. Looks like she’ll be in the second flight down the back stretch, will need an effective jockey ride to contend in her G1 debut.
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CLOSE COMBAT LA 4F gcphantom2
Queensland PP 7 18/1
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Bay four year old exits a retreating 8th in the G3 Poor Mona Lisa Handicap at 9 furlongs, lucking into a 103 SP# over a “good” surface she may not have cared for. Closing Argument cutie, out of the graded placed, stakes winning sim mare Stays In Vegas (by Giant’s Causeway x Danzig) wired a local bred allowance at 9 furlongs one before that, landing a 94 SP#. In her previous try she was a nice 4th in the G2 The Ramp Art Handicap, also at 9 furlongs, lashing a 107 SP# from the middle of the pack. Versatile runner from the gcphantom2 racing stable is 4-3-1-0 at this trip, could benefit from shrewd jockey ride in first G1 start.
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TWO WEDDINGS JPN 5F handshob11
All Stars Racing PP 19 14/1
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Scratch bred Tanino Gimlet twinkler (by Mr. Prospector x Tapit) was a fast closing 3rd last time over in the G3 Vogue Handicap at 9 furlongs, copping a 109 SP# moving from 10th of fourteen. Bay five year old just missed when 2nd one before that in the G3 Cubic Zirconia Path Stakes at 8.5 panels, cashing a 115 SP# from far back in the pack. One back of that she got underway too late when a gaining 6th in the G3 The Khartoum Challenge II at 9 furlongs, casting a 105 SP# moving from last of 12. Stretch runner from the handshob11 barn owns a listed stakes win over this oval; should be coming late in the lane, but may need a bit more distance for best.
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HOW LUCKY AM I KY 6F liddlesk10
British & Nordic Racing PP 14 15/1
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Chestnut six year old exits a back pedaling 7th in the G2 The Northern Lights at 9 furlongs, flipping a 104 SP# chasing the early pace. Lookin At Lucky lady, out of the graded placed, stakes winning sim mare Scotian Saint (by Storm Cat x Alydar), was 3rd around the track one before that in the Pan Reject listed stakes at 9 furlongs, flinging a 105 SP#. She just missed in her prior try in the G3 The Exit Stage Left at 8.5 panels, flashing a 111 SP# in a stalking run. Liddleski trainee should be close early, but will need her best effort to figure in the result in her first G1 try.
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MEZTLI MAKER JPN 4F dannejaka2
Euro PP 2 12/1
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Owner/trainer dannejaka2 sends out this bay four year old off a fast closing 2nd in the Scimitarra listed stakes at 8.5 furlongs, scalding a 113 SP# from far back in the pack. Scratch bred Empire Maker enchantress (by Vindication x Broad Brush) came on for 4th one back of that in the G1 Steadhemp / Mike Phipps Handicap at 8.5 panels, snagging a 112 SP# moving from 10th of twelve. She was a gaining 2nd in her prior try in a restricted allowance at 8.5 furlongs, snaring a 107 SP#. Late runner will need an effective jockey ride to get into contention, but looks like she’d be better with a bit more distance.
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SOHEI KY 4F shinji23
Eh Team PP 13 24/1
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War Front wench, out of the graded placed, stakes winning sim mare Free The Buda (by Special Week x Unbridled) exits a tiring 5th in the G2 Bumblebee Classic at this route, ringing up a 105 SP# in her first grade/group try and ending a four race win streak. Bay four year old took the Octavia Razor listed stakes at a mile one back of that, rocking a 111 SP# in a stalking effort. One before that she wired a NW4L allowance at this trip, ripping a 110 SP# . Runner from the shinji23 racing operation should be prominent early, may hang on for a minor share on top try.
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ERENDIRA ZETA KY 4F vinotinto
Sim Hispano PP 4 16/1
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Light grey four year old comes of an OK 3rd in the Free Carson listed stakes at 8.5 furlongs, bashing a 108 SP# in an even trip. Tiznow tabby, out of the stakes placed sim mare Slew Haack (by Sadler’s Wells x Mr. Prospector) won an open allowance at 8.5 panels one back of that, busting a 116 SP# in a pace pressing performance. She won in the same conditions in previous outing, bagging a 106 SP# in a stalking run. Vinotinto runner should be an early pace factor, but makes her grade/group debut here against some tough customers, may find it tough to hang on late in the lane.
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PRIDE OF KENTUCKY KY 4F jbcri5
Elite Racing Club PP 16 20/1
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Representing my residency (Elite Racing Club) is this four year old roan speedster, who held for 2nd in her latest try, the Sophies Choice listed stakes at seven-eighths, cashing a 107 SP# after setting all the fractions. Zensational zipper, based on the stakes placed sim he-mare Ballad In G Sharp (by Giant’s Causeway x Elusive Quality) went wire to wire in her prior try in an open allowance at 7 furlongs, copping a 106 SP#. One before that she settled for 2nd after getting the lead in the Purely Academic listed stakes at this distance, casting a 106 SP#. Jbcri5 runner should be prominent early; she’s two for two over this oval, could surprise off an 11 week layoff.
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PRINT MONEY AUS 4F 2wide
Megalopolis PP 11 44/1
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Roan four year old makes her initial stakes try off a score in a local bred allowance at 8.5 furlongs, darting to a 103 SP# from just off the pace. One before that, Super Saver signorina, out of the graded placed, stakes winning sim mare Cashier (by Awesome Again x Private Account) was a terrible 6th of seven in an open allowance at 9.5 panels on the poly track, getting an 88 SP#. In her prior run she won a NW4x allowance at 8.25 furlongs, dashing off a 105 SP# in a stalking trip. Runner from the 2wide racing group steps way up here, seems up against it in this heat.
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LEAD FROM BEHIND KY 4F carsoncity
NWRC PP 3 16/1
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Scratch bred Take Charge Indy toughie (by Carson City x Polish Numbers) got 2nd with her late run in latest, an open allowance at this route, sizzling a 110 SP# moving from last of eight. Bay four year old got the money one back of that in a $150,000 starter allowance, also at this distance, scorching a 112 SP# in another late running effort. One before that she went last to first in an open allowance at 7 panels, snagging a 108 SP#. Reformed claimer from the carsoncity stable steps way up in class in her first stakes try; recent efforts have been inspired, may be along for a minor share.
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I KEN KEN YOU TRI 4F deepimpact
Comedy Central PP 6 39/1
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Owner/trainer deepimpact sends out this bay four year old off a retreating 7th in the Apt To Be listed stakes at 6.5 panels, getting a 100 SP# in her stakes debut. Brickyard Crossing babe, out of the sim mare Honest Note (by Read The Footnotes x Northern Prospect) took an open allowance over a sloppy surface one before that, grabbing a 104 SP# in a stalking run. She just missed in her prior try at 5.5 panels in an open allowance, gaining a 103 SP# in a mid pack trip. Stretches out from recent sprint outings, will need huge improvement to factor in this heat.
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AURORA LIGHTS KY 4F gcliffo17
Racing HQ PP 9 20/1
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Stretch runner from the gcliffo17 barn showed some late interest when 6th last time over in the G2 Delta Tau Chi Sprint, nabbing a 104 SP#. Scratch bred Malibu Moon madamoiselle (by Deputy Minister x Mr. Prospector) won the Sophies Choice listed stakes one before that, also at seven-eighths, nailing a 110 SP# moving from 8th of nine. Bay four year old failed to get untracked in the Technically T listed at this trip in previous start, notching a 107 SP#. Could be a late factor in the lane on best effort.
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SUMMERTIME BREEZE KY 4F miserman
Delpenn PP 10 28/1
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Point Given prancer, out of the G1 winning, million dollar earning sim mare Run For Summer (by Bluegrass Car x Northern Dancer) flew home for the place last time over in the Star Of The North listed stakes at 11 furlongs, punching a 106 SP# moving from last of eight. Brown four year old used the same tactics when 4th one back of that in the Cane Lois listed at 10 panels, producing a 106 SP#. She was a creditable 5th in her previous start in the G1 The Metropolitan Grill at 10 furlongs, popping a 108 SP# with her usual late run. Miserman miss shortens up from longer routes in this spot; improving runner will need to get in gear much sooner, but could surprise for a minor share with late rush.
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Good luck everybody. May they all come home fast, safe and sound.
