Eight Town might have solid future sprinting

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Susan and Jim Hill’s up-and-coming 3-year-old sprinter Eight Town passed a major class test when turning back the older and vastly more experienced Abounding Legacy to capture Thursday’s main event for his third consecutive victory. Eight Town completed seven furlongs in 1:22.03 and earned a career-best 90 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He stepped up against a few older horses that have been solid hard knockers and won,” trainer Brian Lynch said. “He’s still learning. He did it the hard way today, on the lead the whole way, but I thought he boxed on gamely when he needed to.”

Lynch said he’d likely shop around for another allowance spot for Eight Town.

English classes offered

Classes to teach English to backstretch employees at the Palm Meadows training center got off to a strong start this week, with more than 40 grooms, hotwalkers, and exercise riders attending the initial session, according to Tom LaPointe, whose His Place Ministries helps oversee the program.

“We are bringing in teachers from the Palm Beach school system to help educate our people who work at Palm Meadows,” LaPointe said. “The program was spearheaded by trainer Carlo Vaccarezza and has been given financial support from both The Stronach Group and the Florida HBPA.”

The 12-week program offers classes twice a week in the trainers’ lounge at Palm Meadows.

“We had 82 employees sign up, and more than 40 showed up the first night, which I think is a great start,” said Vaccarezza. “I’m proud to have the support of Tim Ritvo and the entire Stronach Group as well as the HBPA and the chaplaincy in an effort to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.”

◗ Jockey Miguel Vasquez, with three victories, and Joe Catanese III, who posted a training double, were the stars of Thursday’s program, which also featured one winning ticket worth $98,309 in the 20-cent Rainbow 6.