Breakin the Fever defeats older foes in Leon Reed Memorial

Breakin the Fever, a fast New York-bred 3-year-old bred, owned, and trained by Debra Breed, defeated older rivals for the fifth time this year in the $50,000 Leon Reed Memorial at Finger Lakes on Friday.

Breakin the Fever is now 7 for 12 this year and 8 for 17 in his career. He has earnings of $252,681.

Breakin the Fever moved up inside horses to take the early lead in the six-furlong race, set quick splits of 22.71, and 45.94 seconds on an open lead, and then was all out to last by a neck over fast-closing Bigshotinthenews, the longest shot in the seven-horse field at 68-1.

Breakin the Fever, ridden by Oscar Gomez, paid $6.80 as the second wagering choice behind 2-1 Geaux Mets. The $2 exacta of Breakin the Fever and Bigshotinthenews paid $258.50. Breakin the Fever was timed in 1:10.97. He covered his final furlong in 12.85 after running five furlongs in 58.12.

Breakin Fever was pursued early by three horses - Geaux Mets, Frisky Warrior, and Baime. Frisky Warrior dropped back from between horses on the turn, and Geaux Mets had had enough by upper stretch.

Baime, who raced wide on the turn, continued willingly to be third, beaten one length. Frisky Warrior finished fifth and Geaux Mets was sixth.

Bigshotinthenews trailed to the stretch, and then finished fast from well out in the track.

The Leon Reed Memorial is named in honor of the assistant starter who died after being kicked in the chest while loading a horse in the gate at Finger Lakes in November 2005. Reed worked at Finger Lakes for 21 years. He was 47 years old.

Finger Lakes canceled two days of racing after he died.

Reed’s widow, Lisa, presented the trophy to the winning connections after Friday’s race, and a large contingent of jockeys attended the presentation.