Gregorian Gold (SV Photography)
by Dave Mattice
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Talented young horses displayed their class in a pair of 2-year-old New York-bred stakes on Friday at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR). The $115,749 Aspirant Stakes and the $119,613 Lady Finger Stakes were the co-features of the nine race card. Jockey John Davila, Jr. was aboard both victors of the rich events. He earned the triumphs in similar gate-to-wire fashion.
Gregorian Gold won the 37th renewal of the Lady Finger Stakes with an aggressive ride by Davila. The bay filly was sent to the front by the veteran journeyman and established a significant lead on her rivals. She sustained her speed and won the rich event for 2-year-old fillies by a margin of four and one-quarter lengths.
The $86,367 earner, [who is bred], owned and trained by Richard Lugovich completed the six furlong distance of the fourth race in a final time of 1:12.51. She scored her first victory in her second career start and paid $5.50, $3.20 and $2.70. Celestial Sighting rallied to secure the place position and returned $3.50 and $3.10. Pont de l’Alma was third and paid $3.90. [VIDEO]
Love That Jazz (SV Photography)
Love That Jazz was also guided to a front running victory by Davila. The bay colt owned by Happy Face Racing Stables scored a one and three-quarter length triumph in the $115,749 Aspirant Stakes. He completed the 41st running of the six furlong dash for 2-year-old colts and geldings in a time of 1:11.56.
The Steven Asmussan-trainee [bred by Saratoga Glen Farm] improved his lifetime earnings to a sum of $99,800 and paid $9.30, $4.00 and $2.30. Dr. Shane was second and returned $3.80 and $2.30. Inside Straight was third and paid $2.10. [VIDEO]
John Davila, Jr. has recorded a total of four stakes victories during the 2015 season. The tally includes a triumph aboard Force in the $161,425 New York Derby at FLGR on July 3. The 51-year-old from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico is currently second in the local rider standings with 115 wins.
The Aspirant Stakes and the Lady Finger Stakes are held annually as preparation races for the New York Breeders’ Futurity. The Futurity is a six furlong sprint for New York-bred 2-year-olds with an estimated purse of $200,000. The annual stake is scheduled for October 17.
