NEWS
Honey Ryder rallies to triumph in Orchid Handicap
Posted: Saturday, April 01, 2006
Honey Ryder impressed trainer Todd Pletcher by unleashing a powerful three-wide rally in the turn and drawing clear in the stretch en route to four-length win in the $150,000 Orchid Handicap (G3) on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.
The multiple graded stakes winning daughter of Lasting Approval rallied from fifth and won the 1 1/2-mile race for the second straight year, finishing in 2:23.07 on firm turf.
"I think this is probably the best race she's ever run, which is saying a lot because she's been such a good, consistent mare," Pletcher said. "It seems like the older she gets, and the more mature she gets, she seems to be able to rate better and better. And that was key to delivering this performance."
Trailing by four lengths for the first half-mile, five-year-old Honey Ryder used a quick move to power past Grade 3 winner Noble Stella (Ger) and open a one-length lead in early stretch. Olaya rallied from sixth to secure second, two lengths in front of Noble Stella.
"The race set up just the way I wanted," said winning rider John Velazquez said. "I was able to sit behind horses the way I wanted, and then at the half-mile pole, I moved on her, and it was all over from there.''
Glencrest Farm's Honey Ryder boosted her bankroll to $1,155,810 and earned her ninth win in 22 career starts. Bred in Kentucky by Wimborne Farm Inc., Honey Ryder is out of the Affirmed mare Cuando Quiere.
Three of Honey Ryder's wins last season were in graded stakes. In addition to capturing the Orchid, she also won the '05 editions of the Glens Falls (G3) and The Very One (G3) Handicaps.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
