Time and Motion looks like rising star in Wonder Again

ELMONT, N.Y. - The list of outstanding turf fillies to come through trainer Jimmy Toner’s barn is an imposing one and includes the likes of Winter Memories, Soaring Softly, Memories of Silver, and Wonder Again.

Now it might be time to start thinking about adding another name to that group, the 3-year-old Time and Motion, who followed up her victory earlier this spring in the Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct with an equally impressive half-length decision over tepid favorite Harmonize in Sunday’s $200,000 Wonder Again Stakes at Belmont Park.

Time and Motion remained undefeated since teaming up with jockey John Velazquez at the beginning of her 3-year-old season. A homebred daughter of Tapit owned by Phillips Racing Partnership, Time and Motion was reserved near the rail in midpack off the early pace of Taralena, who set splits of 23.46 seconds, 48.46, and 1:12.05 for the opening six furlongs over the firm course.

Time and Motion had to wait briefly for clearance nearing the stretch, angled out at the top of the lane, and then finished full of run once clear. She engaged Harmonize near midstretch and edged away late.

Harmonize raced just outside and in company with the winner for six furlongs, got first run on that rival around the second bend, took the lead approaching the sixteenth marker but could not match strides with Time and Motion at the end. Last Waltz rallied belatedly for third.

Time and Motion completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.48 and paid $9.20.

“It got a little hairy around the turn there, but Johnny said he was just waiting to get around horses,” said Toner. “Once she got clear, I could see she was kicking and she was going to get there even though it was close at the end.”

Toner said it was extra special to again win a stakes named after a horse he trained.

“We’ve had a lot of them. We’ve been fortunate,” said Toner. “She’s got big shoes to follow, but she’s been exciting and she’s pretty good. She’s still got a long ways to go [to be like the others], but she’s working her way there.”

Toner said the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Oaks on July 9 would be his next objective for Time and Motion.