Altissimo easily handles turf in Gendelman Memorial

In his first start since being named the Ohio-bred horse of the year, Altissimo left no doubt about his continued prominence in the state, winning the $75,000 Sydney Gendelman Memorial Handicap on Saturday at Belterra Park, despite stretching out and switching surfaces to turf.

The repeat victory in the Gendelman Memorial was the seventh career stakes win for Altissimo ($7.40), a 6-year-old Noble Causeway gelding who is trained by Richard Zielinski. He began his 2019 season by winning the Edward Babst/Albert Palacios Memorial Handicap on April 27 at Belterra. In May, he was recognized as Ohio's horse of the year at an annual ceremony for his 2018 season, during which he won five stakes including the Best of Ohio Sprint on the annual state showcase program.

Altissimo, under regular rider Christian Pilares, broke from post 8 in the field of 12 and quickly assumed command in the Gendelman Memorial, leading by a length or more through splits of 22.93 seconds and 46.44 seconds. He extended his lead to four lengths through six furlongs in 1:10.84 and the outcome was never seriously in doubt from there, as he continued rolling through the lane. The final time was 1:40.99 for the 1 1/16 miles on a turf course officially rated good.

Cape Rojo rallied from eighth after a half to finish second, five lengths clear of Gliding Alone, who raced fairly evenly throughout, in third. They were followed, in order, by Magna Man, two-time Ohio horse of the year Mo Dont No, Gabe's Flag, Spinning Top, Over Icce, Murry Spur, Inspired to Rock, Let'scalliteven, and Cake Pop.