Cachinnated seeks clean, straight run

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Cachinnated, denied victory on a disqualification last time out, will try the third-level allowance condition again Tuesday at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

She faces seven rivals in the $43,000 race for fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Trainer Greg Sacco has his fingers crossed for a cleaner, and straighter, trip this time.

Cachinnated made all of the pace in her most recent race, a similar contest at Monmouth Park on Aug. 25. She drifted out late, carrying Witch Woman wide in the process. Cachinnated beat that rival by a nose but the stewards reversed the finish following a lengthy review.

"It was probably due to Jose Lezcano trying too hard and getting caught up in the heat of the moment," Sacco said. "If he had gone right-handed instead of hitting her lefty, it would have straightened her out and she would have won by a length. She came out. I don't think she hit the other horse, but she did intimidate the other filly."

Cachinnated makes her third start for Sacco following an ownership transfer by the Silly Goose Racing Stable. In her first race for the new barn, Cachinnated prompted the early pace on the main track in Monmouth's Lady's Secret Stakes to set up a winning rally by entrymate Prop Me Up.

Speed is her game, and Sacco expects more of the same Tuesday with Lezcano getting the return call.

"She came out of the last race very well and we're looking forward to another good effort," Sacco said. "She's a little headstrong and will probably find herself near or on the lead. We'll leave the rest up to Jose to dictate the pace."

Handicappers looking for a closer will give Maria's Dance a long look. She was a rallying third behind Cachinnated and Witch Woman last time out in a change of tactics. Jockey Rajiv Maragh took her back to last in the seven-horse field before unleashing a late run that carried her within a half-length of the top two.

Maragh, just back from a 10-day suspension, rides again.

Bridal Path is the only runner entered for the $50,000 claiming price. She debuts for owner-trainer Peter Kazamias, who claimed her for $25,000 from a winning effort at Monmouth on Aug. 31. Jose Velez Jr. picks up the mount.

Completing the field are Shapira, Regina Madre, Mila's Fame, In Return, and Power Du Jour.