The weekend at Aqueduct Racetrack was filled with thrilling performances that showcased the talent and potential of several promising horses. Flood Zone made a significant impact on the Kentucky Derby trail by securing a decisive victory in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure (BSF) of 98. Meanwhile, Drexel Hill emerged victorious in the Listed Busher Invitational, positioning her as a top contender for the Kentucky Oaks. Full Moon Madness also shone in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Stakes, achieving another impressive BSF of 98. Additionally, Bank Frenzy continued his streak of strong performances with a win in the Listed Stymie Stakes, marking his fifth consecutive race with a BSF over 90.
Flood Zone’s triumph in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes was a pivotal moment for the horse and trainer Brad Cox. Under the guidance of jockey Reylu Gutierrez, Flood Zone led early but allowed other contenders to take over before making a powerful move in the final stretch. The one-turn mile race saw Flood Zone crossing the finish line 3¼ lengths ahead of Sand Devil, clocking a time of 1:39.62. This performance not only earned Flood Zone a BSF of 98 but also secured him valuable points towards the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Trainer Cox’s assistant, Dustin Dugas, praised the horse’s recovery and readiness for future races.
Drexel Hill’s win in the Listed Busher Invitational was equally remarkable. Despite a rocky start, the filly rallied under jockey Ben Curtis to secure a narrow victory, earning a BSF of 79. Trainer Whit Beckman noted that the race was initially challenging due to Drexel Hill’s stumble at the break, but she recovered impressively. This win places Drexel Hill among the leading contenders for the Kentucky Oaks, joining stablemates Simply Joking and Her Laugh. Beckman expressed optimism about Drexel Hill’s future, particularly as she adapts to different distances and conditions.
Full Moon Madness’s victory in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Stakes was a standout moment for trainer Michelle Nevin. The gelding engaged in a fierce battle with Top Gunner but ultimately prevailed by 1¼ lengths, recording a BSF of 98. Nevin highlighted the significance of this win, noting it was a full-circle moment given the horse’s lineage. The trainer is considering pointing Full Moon Madness to the Grade 2 Carter Stakes next, though the distance remains a question. Nevin emphasized the importance of a good start, which Kendrick Carmouche successfully executed, contributing to the horse’s success.
Bank Frenzy’s win in the Listed Stymie Stakes marked his first open-company stakes victory. Trained by Rudy Rodriguez, the gelding overcame an initial setback at the start and made a wide move through the turn, eventually winning by 3½ lengths. Rodriguez praised Bank Frenzy’s resilience and training, attributing the win to the horse’s ability to quickly regain rhythm after being squeezed at the start. The trainer is exploring options for Bank Frenzy’s next race, including the state-bred Haynesfield Stakes, while acknowledging the horse’s consistent high-performance record.
The weekend at Aqueduct Racetrack demonstrated the competitive spirit and exceptional abilities of these horses. Flood Zone, Drexel Hill, Full Moon Madness, and Bank Frenzy each delivered memorable performances that will undoubtedly influence their paths in upcoming major races. As trainers and owners assess their next steps, fans can look forward to more exciting moments from these promising athletes.
Maysam, trained by Bob Baffert, secured a narrow victory over Supa Speed in the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita. The race featured only four three-year-old fillies due to last-minute scratches, reducing the Kentucky Oaks qualifying points by half. Despite this, Maysam's win earned her valuable points and significant purse earnings. The thrilling finish saw Maysam and Supa Speed neck-and-neck until the very end, with Maysam edging out the win by a nose. This victory marks a comeback for Maysam after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Sunland Park Oaks just two weeks prior.
A Narrow Triumph on the Fast Track
The Santa Ysabel Stakes showcased an intense competition between Maysam and Supa Speed. With only four starters, the stakes were high, and the points reduced by half. Under the guidance of trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Juan Hernández, Maysam took the early lead and maintained it through the challenging 1 1/16-mile race. Supa Speed stayed close, creating a nail-biting finish as both horses raced shoulder to shoulder. In the final stretch, Maysam managed to secure the win by a mere nose, clocking in at 1:45.62 on the fast main track.
Maysam’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She led from the start, navigating through fractions of 23.45, 47.74, and 1:12.31 with precision. Supa Speed, closely following, kept the pressure on but could not surpass Maysam. The two horses remained side by side throughout the race, adding drama and excitement for spectators. Maysam’s resilience and strategic riding by Hernández were key factors in her narrow victory. Her stablemate Howin finished third, well behind the leaders, while Just as Fancy lagged in fourth place.
Points and Earnings Boost for Maysam
Maysam’s win in the Santa Ysabel Stakes significantly boosted her Kentucky Oaks qualifying points and purse earnings. Although the race had fewer than five starters, leading to a 50% reduction in points, Maysam still earned 25 points, bringing her to ninth place on the leaderboard. The $60,000 first-place prize increased her total earnings to $98,500. This victory is particularly notable given Maysam’s recent sixth-place finish in the Sunland Park Oaks, where she faced stiff competition as the favorite.
Despite the reduced points, Maysam’s performance underscores her potential for future races. Owned by Michael Lund Petersen, she demonstrated remarkable improvement from her previous outing. Supa Speed collected 12.5 points, Howin added 7.5 points to reach a total of 9.5, and Just as Fancy earned 5 points, totaling 11 points overall. Maysam’s sire, Game Winner from Lane’s End Farm, also adds prestige to her lineage. This win sets the stage for Maysam to continue her journey toward the Kentucky Oaks with renewed confidence and momentum.
The recent critique by The New York Times has sparked a wave of discussions within the horse racing community. This commentary, focusing on animal welfare, human exploitation, and economic disparity, has elicited strong reactions. Despite swift responses from industry advocates like Light Up Racing and prominent figures such as Bill Finley and Ray Paulick, the incident highlights an ongoing challenge: the need for the horse racing industry to connect more effectively with the general public. The sport is vibrant, passionate, and globally connected, yet it struggles to resonate with evolving societal values. A potential solution lies in forging alliances between horse racing and equine-assisted services (EAS), which could enhance public perception, expand audience reach, foster sustainability, and redefine the role of horses in society.
In the wake of recent criticisms, the horse racing industry faces a critical juncture. The sector, renowned for its passion and adrenaline, must now address the disconnect with the broader public. One proposed strategy involves integrating racing with equine therapy initiatives. By doing so, the industry can demonstrate its commitment to both horse welfare and societal contributions. For instance, thoroughbreds have already made significant strides in various sectors, particularly in mental health and wellness programs. These collaborations not only highlight the versatility of racehorses but also emphasize their value beyond athletic performance.
Enhancing public perception is paramount. Integrating racing with EAS showcases the industry's dedication to responsible practices and animal care. This partnership positions racing as a caring and socially conscious sector, valuing horses not just for their speed but for their integral role in human development. The bond between horses and humans is profound, making them indispensable partners in therapeutic settings. Such initiatives counteract negative narratives and present a more nuanced view of the sport.
Expanding audience reach is another key benefit. By aligning with EAS, the racing industry can attract a more diverse and engaged audience. Individuals interested in therapy, animal welfare, and community programs may find new reasons to support the sport. This broader appeal can introduce racing to demographics that might not otherwise engage, thereby securing long-term support and growth. Additionally, these partnerships can highlight the post-racing life of horses, showcasing their continued value and contributions to society.
Fostering sustainability is crucial for the future of horse racing. Collaborations with EAS demonstrate the industry's adaptability and commitment to evolving standards of animal care. Horses can transition into new roles after their racing careers, ensuring they remain valued members of society. This approach secures the sport's future by aligning with public expectations and promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, it underscores the integral role of horses in social change and healing, providing transformative experiences for individuals who may not have had access to such opportunities before.
The path forward involves exploring existing programs like ABIJAHS at Canterbury Downs in Minnesota, Stable Recovery, and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s prison program. Encouraging racetracks, sales companies, equine suppliers, farms, owners, and trainers to partner with accredited EAS programs can increase exposure and support for both entities. By educating ourselves and spreading awareness, we can change the narrative and create a more inclusive and sustainable future for horse racing.
This strategic shift offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the horse racing industry and the public. By embracing innovative partnerships, the sport can showcase its commitment to animal welfare, broaden its appeal, and contribute positively to society. Ultimately, this collaborative approach can redefine the role of horses in our communities and ensure a brighter future for all involved.