Clean break helps Wilburnmoney score 20-1 surprise in Franklin Square
Racing last month in an allowance at Aqueduct, the filly Wilburnmoney broke last of nine, and though she kicked into gear late, her early deficit proved insurmountable and she settled for third.
Sunday’s $100,000 Franklin Square Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies proved a different story, both at the start and at the finish. This time, Wilburnmoney broke sharply among the field of 10, secured a forward racing position in fourth down the backstretch, swept into contention on the turn, and pulled away for a two-length victory over stubborn front-runner Bluegrass Flag to score a 20-1 upset.
“She broke great,” said winning rider Angel Arroyo. “I got the best trip. In the final stretch at the eighth pole I knew I had horse and she rallied all the way to the finish.”
The race marked the first stakes victory in six starts from Wilburnmoney ($42.80), a daughter of Wilburn owned by Bob Petersons Stables and Frank Bellavia, and trained by Gary Gullo. She raced six furlongs on a fast track in 1:11.88.
Bluegrass Flag, who set the pace with splits of 22.67 and 46.46 seconds, proved superior to the rest of the field, finishing 3 3/4 lengths clear of third-place Luna Rising, with Overnegotiate a nose back in fourth.
Maple Mo faded to sixth after chasing the pace as the 7-5 favorite.
Racing resumes at Aqueduct on Monday for Presidents’ Day, with the $100,000 Jimmy Winkfield for 3-year-old sprinters highlighting the card. There is also a $42,051 carryover in the pick six.