DQ'd True Rose tough vs. same

JAMAICA, N.Y. - Trainer Bill Turner knew he had a good one on his hands in True Rose, but the trainer had to exercise some patience before the filly showed her true colors.

True Rose, a 4-year-old, has really bloomed for Turner this year, winning back-to-back allowance races over the inner track. In her last start on March 15 on the main track, True Rose crossed the finish line in first, but was disqualified and placed second for drifting out late under jockey Robbie Davis's left-handed whip and interfering with the runner-up, Belle Artiste.

On Wednesday at Aqueduct, True Rose is the one to beat in the eighth race, which carries the same third-level allowance conditions she ran for last time. The $47,000 feature, a six-furlong race, drew five fillies and mares.

True Rose, a daughter of Brunswick and the Cannonade mare, Reach for the Rose, raced four times as a 2-year-old without a win. Last year, she won one race in six starts, a $40,000 maiden claimer over Aqueduct's main track.

Turner, who trains True Rose for Anthony E. Guida, said he wasn't too surprised that it took True Rose time to come around.

"It goes with that breeding," Turner said. "All of the sudden she turned the corner and started to improve. She showed us early she had ability, but we really didn't feel she was ready to run well until she was a 3-year-old. In a sense, she was a disappointment because we were not getting out of her what we knew was in there."

Turner has been hot at Aqueduct's spring meet. Through the first 13 days of the meet, Turner has a record of 3-2-0 from five starters.

Davis, also enjoying a good meet with eight winners, keeps the mount on True Rose, who drew post 5.

True Rose, who will be coming from off the pace, should get an assist from the presence of a few speed horses to her inside.

Moorestown, Silent Serenade, and Home on the Hill could get involved in an early tussle.

Home on the Hill, a legitimate threat to True Rose, won four races last year at Aqueduct before heading to the sidelines in April with a leg fracture, which didn't require surgery. Trainer Errol Mattis returned the mare to the races on Feb. 27 and she finished second, beaten 5 1/4 lengths, at this level.

Home on the Hill, with apprentice Roberto Villafan aboard, gets in light at 109 pounds, 13 pounds fewer than True Rose carries.

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