Cosmopolitan Handicap G1 race review

Cosmopolitan Race Recap

Grade 1 NY

On a rainy Saturday in New York two sets of connections came out of this race thrilled. the fact that a trainer would be thrilled by a second place finish is unusual in a graded race that was so evenly matched heading in.  I will explain how that is in a minute but first, I must tell you a story about a funny thing that happened to me on the way to the window.

  I was standing on line to get my bets in for the Cosmopolitan and as usual I was running late.  Only minutes before post I was still two or three punters from the front and was getting nervous I would not get my bets in.  The clock was ticking and just as I was about to get up to the window I was accosted by several very excited sim trainers. MTK76,  Kloie, and Seamhead were all talking hurriedly and Kloie even grabbed my arm knocking my bet sheet out of my hand into a puddle of warm beer.  They wanted to tell me something, but I wanted to get my bet in and now without my scribbles I could not remember the exotics I wanted play.  I told them to hold their thoughts a second and just plunked my “race allowance” down on Staff Trouble my top pick.  Slightly annoyed that I only had a win bet I turned to hear their story.  It seems they were starting a new residency called Blazing Saddles ( Blazingsaddlesresidency.com ) and wanted me to join up with them.  I looked at them and said “sure, I’ll join your residency, but only if I cash this win ticket.” The 4 of us made our way over to the track and settled in to watch the race.

  When the gate opened Who Do You Love PP 2 ML 11-1 (Lenny), broke alertly for the lead along with Farseer PP 11 ML 13-1 (Devilo1) from the outside and Halo Me Down PP 12 ML 6-1 (Sdmf4).  While those three went for the lead it was clear the triumvirate of  Al Hirt PP 10 ML 15-1 (Zoomr), Superdrive PP 6 ML 12-1 (Sdmf7), and Perfectly Pleasant PP 4 ML 7-1 (Cougar) had no interest in running on a wet track. These three dropped to the back never to be heard from again. Thunder Punch PP 3 ML 7-1 (Cream) found a spot along with the 3 year old Jesus Walks PP 5 ML 34-1 (Milesius) about four lengths from the lead trio and right along side Rocket Go Boom PP 8 ML 11-1  (LaLakers42) Spitfire MK I (Buffy8) and Staff Trouble PP 1 ML 10-1 (Zaza). Several of this group would be heard from shortly while Narcisus PP 7 ML 9-1 (TC1,) Spaniard PP 9 ML 12-1 (Spqr and) San Pelligrino PP 13 ML 7-1 (super12) had their hopes evaporate before the third call, when Staff Trouble mad a huge move to the lead.

 It was at this point in the race thatStaff Trouble made it clear he was the one to catch. He went by the leaders liked they were nailed to the rail. In fact no one could match strides with my choice. Rocket Go Boom tried but perhaps waited to long and would finish a well beaten third. The surprising three year old Jesus Walks exploded late and would light the tote board finishing an amazing second.  Spitfire MK I was the only horse that made up any ground and closed out the super finishing 4^th.   Staff Trouble would not only post the best speed figure in the race, a 118, but that number was also the best in the entire sim this week. The 4 year old son of Storm Cat x Mr. P x TV Commercial boosted his lifetime bankroll to a cool 1.5 million and added the Cosmopolitan G1 trophy to the case.

 While the day belonged to Staff Trouble the huge win over shadowed an amazingly impressive performance by the 3 year old Jesus Walks. Jesus Walks ran second in his first effort against older horses posting an eye opening 114. As I was thumbing through my dead presidents (quite a few) I remembered my pre race conversation about The Blazing Saddles Residency. I kept my promise and joined up. I put a share my winnings to buying a nice new 63 inch flat screen for the expansive new clubhouse. If you want more info on a fun new residency get in contact with MTK76 or go to blazingsaddlesresidency.com. Tell em Otis sent ya!