Dream Rush ends run of longshots

On a day of improbable results that included a $144,358 pick four, a $76,652 superfecta, and an average win mutuel of $37.40 through the first seven races, Dream Rush restored order with a thoroughly comprehensive victory as a prohibitive favorite in the $206,600 Nassau County Breeders' Cup for 3-year-old fillies.

Dream Rush was never headed. She out-broke the rest of the field under Eibar Coa to quickly establish a clear lead, and laid down fractions of 22.62 seconds, 45.35 and 1:09.62 while widening her advantage at every call. She completed seven furlongs in 1:22.04 on a fast track under mild urging, and left Lady Marlboro 9 1/4 lengths behind in second.

"After she broke so sharp and came back to me, I was very happy," said Coa. "I think she'll stretch out because she relaxed so great today."

Changeisgonnacome was third, Cash's Girl was fourth, and Lia's Luck was pulled up in the stretch.

Dream Rush ($2.70) was making her first start since winning the Old Hat Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 10, but showed no ill effects from a brief illnesses that caused her to miss the Forward Gal and the Beaumont. She has won 4 of her 5 starts, with a combined margin of victory of 22 lengths.

"She's a pretty nice filly," said winning trainer Rick Violette Jr. "She had her ears pricked and was really on cruise control. When she did that, we knew everyone behind her was in trouble. God willing, everything comes out well, she'll be in the Acorn [June 9]."

* In race 1, the 3-year-old Al Basha rallied to a clear lead and appeared en route to a decisive maiden victory in deep stretch, but swerved in sharply and unseated Rajiv Maragh. Miraculously, the eight trailing horses avoided the fallen rider, and Academy Royale inherited the win.

Maragh was taken to North Shore University Hospital for precautionary X-rays to rule out a possible concussion.

* In race 4, first-time starter Conduct of Honour ($135.50) came from off the pace to win a New York-bred maiden sprint for trainer Gregg Matties. The 3-year-old by Honour and Glory was the longest-priced winner of the year on the NYRA circuit.