Breakin the Fever eyes repeat in Reed Memorial
Breakin the Fever won the $50,000 Leon Reed Memorial at Finger Lakes last year as the only 3-year-old in the field. At season’s end, he was named the Finger Lakes horse of the meet.
On Wednesday, Breakin the Fever will face four of the horses he vanquished in this race a year ago and two new players as he tries to repeat in the Reed Memorial, a six-furlong stakes for New York-breds ages 3 and up. If Breakin the Fever is successful, he will again be a top contender for horse of the meet.
A fast son of Roaring Fever, Breakin the Fever is 3 for 3 at Finger Lakes this season, with wins in an allowance race, the George W. Barker Stakes, and an overnight handicap. His only loss as a 4-year-old came over the Tapeta surface at Presque Isle Downs, where he failed to make the lead and tired to finish ninth in the Karl Boyes Memorial.
Owned, bred, and trained by Debra Breed, Breakin the Fever will be favored in the Reed Memorial over the second- through fifth-place finishers from a year ago: Bigshotinthenews, Baime, Sundae On Sunday, and Frisky Warrior.
He will also face West Hills Giant, whom trainer David Jacobson claimed for $40,000 at Belmont Park on Sept. 17, and Smokem’s Charm, who has been racing in $5,000 starter company for trainer Charlton Baker.
Baime, who was second to Breakin the Fever in an overnight handicap Sept. 12, likely will be the second choice in the betting. Trained by Michael Ferraro, Baime has yet to finish ahead of Breakin the Fever in their three meetings, but the two are close in ability.
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.
Leon Reed Memorial, Race 8
Key Contenders
Baime, by Star Dabbler
Last 3 Beyers: 90-84-82
◗ He was favored over Breakin the Fever when second in an overnight handicap last out. He received three pounds from Breakin the Fever but will get six pounds (124-118) Wednesday.
Breakin the Fever, by Roaring Fever
Last 3 Beyers: 93-50-88
◗ He is 12 for 22 in his career with earnings of $325,000. He has won seven of his last eight Finger Lakes starts.
Frisky Warrior, by Desert Warrior
Last 3 Beyers: 63-84-75
◗ The 7-year-old is 20 for 52 in his career and has won three races at Finger Lakes this year for trainer Ralph D’Alessandro.
◗ Has the tactical speed to sit behind Breakin the Fever and Baime early.
West Hills Giant, by Frost Giant
Last 3 Beyers: 80-66-86
◗ If Breakin the Fever and Baime cook each other on the front end, the race could set up for this late runner.
Smokem’s Charm, by Smoke Glacken
Last 3 Beyers: 75-71-82
◗ He is in sharp form but takes a big step up in class.