Barese returns to statebred company, scores by four in New York Derby

Barese got back in the win column against his fellow statebreds with an easy four-length victory in the $150,000 New York Derby on Monday at Finger Lakes.

Barese ($4.90) got an ideal trip under Ricardo Santana Jr. in a field of four to score his first two-turn stakes victory. He stalked lightly raced even-money favorite Aggregation, a length back through a moderate opening half in 48.07 seconds on the good, sealed track, then began to inch up through three-quarters.

He easily took over around the turn and was never challenged in the stretch, finishing the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.70.

Best Idea was second, 4 1/2 lengths clear of Aggregation. State Planning rounded out the order of finish.

Barese, by the late Laoban, has now won four of seven career starts for trainer Mike Maker, including the Rego Park at 6 1/2 furlongs and the Gander at a one-turn mile, both against New York-breds at Aqueduct. He has acquitted himself well against open company, finishing fifth in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial - in which eventual classic winners Mo Donegal and Early Voting were one-two - and fourth in the Grade 3 Ohio Derby.

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