NEWS
Fiddler’s Afleet scores tough win in Oklahoma Derby
Posted: Sunday, October 11, 2009 8:57 PM
FIDDLER'S AFLEET (inside) OUTFINISHES MASSONE AT REMINGTON
Dustin Arona Photography
To view a video replay of the Oklahoma Derby, click here.
by Patrick Reed
Stakes winner Fiddler’s Afleet pressed pacesetter Red Lead into the far turn, took command entering the stretch, and outlasted a late challenge from Massone to win the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby on Sunday at Remington Park.
The three-year-old Northern Afleet colt, who raced in Southern California and then in New York earlier in 2009, made his first trip to the Midwest a successful one with a half-length victory.
Sent off as the fourth wagering choice at 4.70-to-1, Fiddler’s Afleet settled in second under Channing Hill and provided modest pressure as Red Lead led the eight-horse field through an opening half-mile in :48.25.
Fiddler’s Afleet bid for the lead entering the stretch and opened a two-length advantage near the eighth pole as Massone mounted a challenge from well back and Red Lead continued along the rail.
Under strong urging from Hill, Fiddler’s Afleet withstood Massone’s rally in the final sixteenth, covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:51 on a track rated as fast.
Massone, who entered the Oklahoma Derby off a third-place finish in the Super Derby (G2) on September 19, settled for second, two lengths ahead of Red Lead. Iowa Derby winner and 2.20-to-1 favorite Duke of Mischief faded from a stalking third on the backstretch to seventh, while Sunland Derby winner Kelly Leak never fired and finished sixth.
New York-bred Fiddler’s Afleet showed potential as a two-year-old racing in his home state, placing twice in stakes, but disappointed in three starts early during his three-year-old campaign while in California, tiring badly in both the San Rafael Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park and the Affirmed Handicap (G3) at Hollywood Park.
Transferred back to New York to trainer Michael Hushion’s barn, Fiddler’s Afleet responded with a sharp 13 ¾-length score in a seven-furlong allowance race at Belmont Park on July 18. He followed with a neck victory going 1 1/8 miles in the Albany Stakes at Saratoga Race Course against state-breds on August 26.
With his second consecutive stakes win on Sunday, Fiddler’s Afleet improved his overall career record to four wins in 13 starts with earnings of $451,835. He is out of the stakes-winning Quiet American mare American Tango.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Patrick Reed is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
