Calder: Twilight Road draws clear

MIAMI - Twilight Road had never won a race around two turns coming into the $100,000 Memorial Day Handicap, a 1 1/16-mile race. But the 7-year-old ran like he had handled a route of ground all his life when he drew off to a 5 1/4-length victory over Hear No Evil and 10 others in the Grade 3 event.

Twilight Road steadied behind rivals in the run to the clubhouse turn after breaking from post 1 under jockey Phil Teator. Racing in midpack down the backstretch, Twilight Road suddenly settled into stride around the second turn, easily caught Hear No Evil nearing the eighth pole, and drew off strongly in the final furlong. Hear No Evil set a lively pace but proved no match for the winner while finishing a length clear of Gold Dollar.

Supah Blitz, the 6-5 favorite, was jostled briefly by two-time Memorial Day winner Dancing Guy and was never a serious factor, finishing seventh.

During the recently concluded Gulfstream Park meet, Twilight Road was turned over to trainer David Fawkes by his owner, the Donamire Farm. A son of Cahill Road, Twilight Road won a division of the seven-furlong That's Our Buck Handicap here on opening day.

Twilight Road covered the distance in 1:45.79 over a fast track and paid $17.20.

"Obviously he loves this track," said Fawkes. "The jock has been working with him to get him off the bit and relax a little better because he has been so aggressive."