NEWS
Musket Man’s win highlights Tampa Bay Derby card
Posted: Saturday, March 14, 2009 7:35 PM
MUSKET MAN
Stephanie Van Mino/Tom Cooley photos
by Mike Curry
A year after celebrating in the winner’s circle after Big Truck’s victory in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), owner Eric Fein savored a second victory in as many years in Tampa Bay Downs's signature race with Musket Man.
The Yonaguska colt reeled in runner-up Join in the Dance in the final strides to win by a neck and rebound from his first career defeat on February 14 in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa.
"It's unbelievable,” Fein said. “I probably buy five two-year-olds a year at mediocre prices, and just hope for the best and now I have two wins in a row in the Tampa Bay Derby."
Musket Man finished third in the Sam F. Davis, which was won by Tampa Bay Derby second betting choice General Quarters. Trained by Derek Ryan for owners Fein and Vic Carlson, Musket Man solidified his credentials for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) with his first graded stakes win in the $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby.
The $180,000 winner’s share, combined with $20,000 earned in the Sam F. Davis, gives Musket Man $200,000 in graded stakes earnings, which is used to determine the field for the Kentucky Derby if more than 20 horses are entered.
Fein, who received a big smooch on the cheek from one of his friends while doing a television interview, said he and Ryan will wait to see how Musket Man comes out of the race before cementing future plans.
Much of the attention entering the race focused on General Quarters, who was sent off as the 2.90-to-1 second choice, and Hutcheson Stakes (G2) runner-up Hello Broadway, a half brother to Grade 1 winner Nobiz Like Shobiz.
Neither General Quarters nor Hello Broadway seriously threatened in the stretch, however, leaving Join in the Dance, California shipper Justdontcallmejeri, and Musket Man to battle for the win.
After seizing command from pacesetter Perfect Bull at the quarter pole, Join in the Dance put away Justdontcallmejeri in the stretch and appeared poised to nail down his first stakes win. Musket Man, who was eighth after six furlongs, willingly accelerated when called upon in the stretch by jockey Daniel Centeno and inhaled Join in the Dance near the wire to prevail in 1:43.67 on a track rated as fast.
Join in the Dance was 2 1/2 lengths clear of Justdontcallmejeri, both of whom are eligible for a first-level allowance race. General Quarters was steadied on the first turn but closed from tenth to finish fifth, and 2-to-1 favorite Hello Broadway finished seventh.
Musket Man, winner of the Pasco Stakes at Tampa in his season debut, improved to four wins in five starts. He is out of stakes-placed winner Fortuesque, by Fortunate Prospect.
Don’t Forget Gil rebounds in Florida Oaks
Don’t Forget Gil seized command on the turn, repelled a bid from Ameribelle entering the stretch, and shook free to a four-length victory in the $200,000 Florida Oaks (G3).
Trained by Mark Hennig for Alan Brodsky, Don’t Forget Gil entered the 1 1/16-mile race for three-year-old fillies off a third-place finish on February 14 at Tampa in the Suncoast Stakes, won by Florida Oaks challenger Rock Candy.
Sent off as the 6-to-5 favorite, the Kafwain filly stalked the pace under Rajiv Maragh as Miss Ocean City set the tempo through an opening quarter in :24.06 and a half-mile in :48.17. Don’t Forget Gil advanced on cue on the turn to take charge approaching the stretch but was quickly challenged by Suncoast runner-up Ameribelle and Rock Candy.
Ameribelle briefly drew even with the winner, but Don’t Forget Gil put her away with a burst of speed to prevail in 1:43.65 on a track rated as fast.
“This horse is something special,” Brodsky said. “She's as good a horse as I've ever had, and I'm very happy with her. It's been a really enjoyable day."
Ameribelle finished five lengths clear of Rock Candy.
Don’t Forget Gil, who broke through the gate prior to the Suncoast, picked up her second stakes win in the Florida Oaks and improved to three wins in six starts.
Fast-finishing Backseat Rhythm wins Hillsborough
Grade 1 winner Backseat Rhythm closed with a sustained rally under Eibar Coa to collar game pacesetter Elusive Lady at the wire in the $175,000 Hillsborough Stakes (G3).
The four-year-old El Corredor filly completed 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:51.43 to improve to five wins in 15 career starts for trainer Patrick Reynolds and owner Paul Pompa Jr.
Elusive Lady controlled the pace unchallenged through six furlongs in a leisurely 1:16.32 and turned back Drop a Line in early stretch to take a clear lead with one furlong to go. Backseat Rhythm, who was rated in eighth early by Coa, unleashed her winning bid from the inside entering the stretch and nipped Elusive Lady by a nose in a thrilling finish.
For Equibase charts, click here.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
