Calder: Placido all the way

Placido, victimized by unlucky starts in 2 of his 3 races this spring at Gulfstream Park, broke alertly and withstood an early pace duel to register a game head decision over True Love's Secret in the $40,000 Reappeal Stakes at Calder.

Placido battled through a 21.31-second opening quarter with Sam's Concorde and disposed of that rival leaving the backstretch. He settled into the stretch with a clear advantage after a 43.85 half-mile split and was all out to withstand True Love's Secret.

True Love's Secret raced well placed behind the dueling leaders and continued willingly after easing outside the winner in early stretch. Simmer finished another neck back in third.

Gin Rummy Champ, the 5-2 favorite in a field of 10, finished fifth. Storm Harbor broke down near the quarter pole.

Placido, a 5-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic, won for the fourth time in six starts over his home course and paid $27. Final time for the five furlongs was 55.75 over the firm turf.

Placido was ridden to victory by Alfredo Clemente for trainer Robert Hale and the Mr. T Stables.