Coming off of a close 2nd at the 8k claiming level, Revenue Virginius was dropped in for a 3200 tag this afternoon. Race 2 was a 3200 claimer for older fillies and mares going 1m on the main track. The daughter of Congrats pressed the lead in 2nd, and when jockey William Antongeorgi made his move, it was lights out. She began to open up on the field and kicked on strongly in the lane to win by a dominant 8 lengths. Key to Glory held on for 2nd by a nose over Life No Parole. Revenue Virginius gave trainer Ari Herbertson his 4th win of the meet from 17 starters. She ran the mile in 1:40.38, and was claimed after the race by trainer Jose Puentes.
The 5th race was the feature, and it was a 32k open claimer for fillies and mares 4yo and up going 1 1/16m on the main track. Smiling Ann sat in 2nd and pressed My Blue Bell from the outside. She would put her away rounding the turn, and kick on to score by 1 3/4 lengths. Since being claimed for $12,500 last June, she has run 10 times for trainer Jonathan Wong, and has had 6 wins and 2 seconds. This daughter of Trappe Shot has continued to improve her speed figures, and has shown versatility by being able to run well on both turf and tapeta. She stopped the clock in 1:45.97.
Lastly, in today’s 4th race, we saw Lyrically Violent win nicely on debut. The 3yo filly debuted at the 12.5k maiden claiming level for trainer Bill McLean. Despite being 15/1 on the morning line, she took a lot of money early and was odds-on at one point in the wagering– she would ultimately drift up and go off at 5/1. She sat in last on the backstretch and made a nice move in-hand on the turn. In the stretch, she ran on strong to wear down Hong Kong Flew and get up for a 1 3/4 length win. She covered the 6f in 1:13.04. I think it is safe to assume that she will be protected next time out, and it could be in a Starter Allowance. Along with a strong gallop out, the pedigree is there to suggest she could stretch out– she is by Violence and out of a Thunder Gulch mare.
Jockeys: William Antongeorgi had a nice afternoon getting 2 wins on the 7-race card.
- Cedillo *59* 2. Hernandez *45* 3. Martinez *33*
Trainers: All 7 races were won by different trainers.
- Wong *41* 2. Hollendorfer *15* 3. Wright *14*
Live racing resumes tomorrow with an 8-race card. First post is at 12:45pm. Top local sprinter and synthetic specialist Richiesinthehouse runs in the 3rd race.
Full results/charts for today’s races:
NorCal Horse Racing News 