Saratoga: Teen Pauline sets track record in debut

When a horse is named after a close family member, she better be good.

Teen Pauline announced herself as a good one Wednesday at Saratoga.

Teen Pauline, a 2-year-old filly named after owner Barbara Banke’s 84-year-old mother Pauline, won her debut by 4 3/4 lengths Wednesday, setting a track record of 56.53 seconds for five furlongs, lowering by 0.01 the mark set by J C’s Pride last year.

Banke runs horses under the Stonestreet Stables banner of her late husband Jess Jackson, which campaigned champions Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. Last year, Banke co-owned My Miss Aurelia with George Bolton. My Miss Aurelia, who won her debut at Saratoga and went on to be crowned 2-year-old filly champion, was named after Bolton’s mother.

“For a homebred named after my mom, [a track record] means everything,” Banke said. “It’s great, it’s wonderful. After Aurelia last year named after George’s mom, I had to name a good one after my mom, so we did.”

Teen Pauline, a daughter of Tapit, is trained by Steve Asmussen.

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It was the second talented debuting 2-year-old filly Stonestreet sent out in six days. Last Friday, on opening day, Kauai Katie, trained by Todd Pletcher, won her debut by 12 lengths.

Velazquez fourth in return to races

The track-record-setting performance of Teen Pauline spoiled the return to the saddle of John Velazquez, who rode Lucky Friend to a fourth-place finish in that race.

The mount on Lucky Friend was the first for Velazquez since he suffered a fractured collarbone in a spill at Churchill Downs on June 16.

“Actually, I’m better than I thought I would be right after the race,” said Velazquez, who was scheduled to ride Stephanie’s Kitten in the Grade 2 Lake George later on the card.

Velazquez, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 10, received a warm ovation from the fans on his way from the jockey’s room to the paddock.

“It’s wonderful to be here, and the way the fans reacted was very nice,” he said.