NEWS
Dagnabit takes Tremont, Bold Union awesome in Astoria
Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 7:10 PM
BOLD UNION
Adam Coglianese/NYRA photo
by Mike Curry
Dagnabit remained undefeated with a half-length victory on Sunday in the $105,300 Tremont Stakes for two-year-olds at Belmont Park.
The Freud colt was rated in third by Cornelio Velasquez, advanced into contention on the turn, and gradually reeled in tiring pacesetter Regardlesofoutcome in deep stretch.
Dagnabit, who entered off a 1 1/4-length win on June 15 at Belmont Park for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., completed 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:06.68 on a track rated as fast.
“It wasn’t that much of a surprise because he ran well the first time out, and he’s been training really well up to this point,” said Dutrow, who trains Dagnabit for Lansdon Robbins III and Thomas Hansen. “I don’t know what’s next for him.”
Regardlesofoutcome was nine lengths clear of third-place finisher Essenceofthemoon.
Mr Mistoffelees, a $1.5-million purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training, bobbled at the start and finished last of five as the 0.35-to-1 favorite. Trained by Todd Pletcher for Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, the Storm Cat colt entered off a 9 1/4-length win in a maiden special weight race at Keeneland Race Course on April 24.
“He stumbled badly at the start. It took him out of his element,” Pletcher said. “Speed is his weapon, and he lost that in the first jump."
Bold Union uncoiled an explosive winning move near the quarter pole and surged clear to a dominant 9 3/4-length win in the $109,500 Astoria Stakes for two-year-old filles on Sunday at Belmont.
The Dixie Union filly improved to two victories in as many starts for trainer Kelly Breen and owners George and Lori Hall. Bold Union completed the 5 1/2-furlong race in 1:05.92 as the 1.85-to-1 favorite.
Out of Grade 3 winner Bold World, by Fortunate Prospect, Bold Union entered off a 10 3/4-length romp in a maiden special weight race on June 1 at Monmouth Park.
For the Equibase charts, click here.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
