Itsaknockout Works Easy Half-Mile for Besilu Stables Florida Derby Pine Needles Impresses Again in Turf Test for Fillies
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Starlight Racing’s Itsaknockout breezed an easy half-mile in 49.58 seconds Saturday at Palm Beach Downs in preparation for a scheduled start in the $1 million Besilu Stables Florida Derby (G1) March 28 at Gulfstream Park.
The breeze was Itsaknockout’s second half-mile breeze since his victory by disqualification in the $400,000 Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth (G2) on Feb. 21.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, the 3-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid launched his career with a late-rallying triumph at Gulfstream on Dec. 7. He came right back to score a dominating 5 ¼-length entry-level optional claiming allowance victory on Jan. 4. In the Fountain of Youth, Itsaknockout finished 2 ¾ lengths behind Upstart but was placed first after the stewards blamed the race winner for interfering with the runner-up in the stretch.
Itsaknockout and Upstart are scheduled to meet again in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby. The Rick Violette Jr.-trained Lambholm South Holy Bull (G2) winner Upstart breezed six furlongs in 1:14.40 Friday morning at Palm Meadows Training Center.
Pine Needles Impresses Again in Turf Test for Fillies
Jon and Sarah Kelly’s Pine Needles ran her career record to 2-for-2 in Saturday’s seventh race, a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming allowance test for 3-year-old fillies. Trainer Christophe Clement’s promising star of the future overcame her far-outside No. 11 post to stalk the early pace before moving to the lead coming off the turn into the homestretch.
The daughter of Giant’s Causeway held off the late rally of Whimsicality to run 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.90 under jockey Luis Saez.
“It’s exciting,†Clement said. “We’ll sleep and dream a little tonight.â€
Pine Needle’s debuted at Gulfstream on New Year’s Day with a front-running score in which she fought back to win by a nose.
In the ninth race, a seven-furlong maiden special weight vent, trainer Graham Motion unveiled a 3-year-old colt with exciting potential. Donworth ($5.20), who had been working forwardly at Palm Meadows, graduated by neck despite being checked hard at the half-mile pole and being steadied on the turn into the homestretch.
Regis Racing’s son of Tiznow ran seven furlongs in 1:23.75 under Joel Rosario.
Sunday’s Rainbow 6 Carryover Jackpot Guaranteed at $100,000
The 20-cent Rainbow 6 Carryover Jackpot will be guaranteed at $100,000 for Sunday’s 12-race program.
The popular multi-race wager, which produced a $1.079 million jackpot on Thursday, will span Races 7-12.
Also, the Late Pick 4 pool will be guaranteed at $100,000 and the 50-cent Pick 5 pool will be guaranteed at $50,000.
First-race post time is set for 1 p.m.
Who’s Hot: Jockey Corey Lanerie and trainer Dale Romans teamed for victories with Taylor S ($6) in the Any Limit Stakes in the fourth race and Piceance ($16) in the sixth.
Trainer Brian Lynch also saddled two winners, including Shaman Ghost ($27.40) in the eighth and Silks Run Stakes winner Power Alert ($3.80) in the 11th.
Jockey Luis Saez doubled aboard Midnight Notes ($8.80) in the first and Pine Needles ($9.80) in the seventh. Rajiv Maragh also made two visits to the winner’s circle, taking the fifth aboard Monty Haul ($10) and the 10th on Heyaarat ($11.40).
Rainbow 6 Carryover: $100,000 GTY Super Hi-5 Carryover: $6,824.28
