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by David Mattice
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Force won the 43rd running of the $161,425 New York Derby at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR) on Friday. He covered the one mile and one-sixteenth route for New York-bred 3-year-olds in a final time of 1:45.49.
The dark bay/brown colt owned by John Oxley was assigned an outside post but maneuvered to the rail to attain a ground saving trip. He stalked the early pacesetters under John Davila, Jr. and overtook his rivals in the stretch. He edged away from his challengers to win by a margin of two lengths for trainer Mark Casse.
“He ran against older at Churchill and he has been training really well”, said Casse “He seems to be getting better.”
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Force [bred by Sequel Thoroughbreds and JMJ Racing Stables] recorded his second victory in his eighth lifetime start and improved his career earnings to a sum of $147,850. The talented colt by Flatter out of Forever Valentine was successful in his first start in a race restricted to New York-breds.
“We had him in California and then he faced Commanding Curve”, said Casse “I knew he would be pretty good against State-breds.”
The 13-1 outsider was overlooked in the wagering and paid $29.40, $11.80 and $12.80. Battle of Evermore was second and returned $9.00 and $8.90. Intelligence rallied to be third and paid $25.80. [VIDEO]
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Temper Mint Patty was an easy winner of the $75,000 New York Oaks. The Jeremiah Englehart –trainee was guided to the nine and one-quarter length triumph in the third race by John Velazquez.
The classy filly [by Congrats out of His Beauty, bred by Gallagher’s Stud and] owned by Mark Stanley completed the 29th renewal of the one mile and one-sixteenth test in a time of 1:46.12. She notched her third victory in her ninth career start.
The $274,050 earner was the heavy favorite in the event for 3-year-old New York-bred fillies and paid $2.20, $2.10 and $2.10. Jc’s Shooting Star was second and returned $3.00 and $2.30. Hail Mary’s Gold was a distant third and paid $3.40. [VIDEO]
John Velazquez was a fan favorite at FLGR and signed autographs before the convincing victory in the New York Oaks. The Hall of Fame jockey is the all-time leading rider in North America for career earnings.
