Interesting non-call by stewards in sixth race: Foul doesn’t necessarily warrant DQ.
In typical traffic jam heading into clubhouse turn, New Age, Rich Migliore up breaking from post 2, shied from Hell Roaring Creek drifting over to his outside and slammed into Storm Uprising, racing along rail from post 1 under Pedro Cotto Jr., almost putting him over fence. Mig did good job yanking New Age off Storm Uprising, got him settled back in stride, rallied wide far turn, drew off to win as much best. Storm Uprising, far back early after incident on first turn, finished fast for fifth.
After long inquiry, stewards let New Age’s number stand, not wanting to disqualify 41/2-length winner despite admitting he bothered Storm Uprising, who wouldn’t have finished in-money even if New Age was taken down. Stewards cited their interpretation of broad new State Racing Board rule governing DQ’s that went into effect last year.
1ST RACE – John Parisella strikes again second straight day in opener with longshot maiden claimer dropping in class, coming off layoff after being beaten double-digits last out, winning gate-to-wire by open lengths. On Thursday it was Patriotforpeace ($18.20), racing first time for tag after being eased prior start at Saratoga. Here, Miss Discover, dropping from 35G to 25G in first start since Oct. 6, shot to lead under Julian Pimental, set pressured pace, kicked clear top of lane to pay $43.80.
4TH RACE – Organizer, even-money under Aaron Gryder breaking from post 11 in field of 12 going mile-and-eighth, gunned out of gate, angled quickly in toward rail, clearing all but Liquid Romance, whom Organizer bumped hard heading into clubhouse turn. Liquid Romance, under aggressive handling by Rafael Bejarano, stood his ground, clawed to lead along rail around first turn, dueled down backside with Organizer, put him away on far turn, drew off to win by pole.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 6-4-2-10-5-8
No winners
1 consolation (5 of 6) winner
winner receives $11,643
Carryover: $34,931.17