Calder: Balino runs away from rivals in Naked Greed

Balino dictated the terms throughout to take the $75,000 Naked Greed by six lengths Saturday at Calder Race Course. Statutorial was second in the 7 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds run over yielding turf, while it was another 4 1/2 lengths back in third to Midnight Cello.

Backseat Memories, the favorite off a dead-heat win in the $75,000 Showing Up at Gulfstream Park, was ninth. The Showing Up co-winner, Grand Tito, finished fifth.

Balino ($12.40) was clear through fractions of 23.88 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.02 for the half-mile, and 1:12.49 for six furlongs. He separated himself from his rivals in the later stages to cover the distance in 1:30.86.

Orlando Bocachica was aboard for trainer Robert G. Smith.

The win was the first in a stakes for Balino, who earlier in the Calder meet was second to Backseat Memories in the $50,000 Mambo Meister. Balino has now won 3 of 10 starts and $94,598. He is a Florida-bred son of Mr. Elway and races for his co-breeder, Vivi Serena.

Also on the card, Nicki Starshine forged past Love to Score and Creative License late to win the $75,000 Crystal Rail, a 7 1/2- furlong turf race for 3-year-old fillies. Love to Score and Creative License dead-heated for second.

Nicki Starshine ($11.40) covered the distance on yielding turf in 1:34.05. Pedro Monterrey Jr. was aboard for trainer William White.

Nicki Starshine picked up her second stakes win in the Crystal Rail, behind the John Franks Juvenile Fillies Turf at Calder last November. She was making her first start since that race on Saturday. Nicki Starshine is a Florida-bred daughter of Milwaukee Brew who races for her breeder, Sunshine Thoroughbred Corp.