Fifty Five rallies for Ticonderoga victory

ELMONT, N.Y. - Fifty Five returned to state-bred company for the first time since winning her maiden nearly a year ago and returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since mid-March by rallying to a one-length decision over Flipcup in Saturday’s $200,000 Ticonderoga at Belmont Park.

Fifty Five, graded stakes-placed twice in her last three starts against open company, was seeking her first victory since winning the Grade 3 Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs with a last-to-first rally March 11. She used similar tactics to win the 1 1/16-mile Ticonderoga, trailing early before finishing full of run down the center of the course to best Flipcup. The latter also rallied from the rear of the field to gain the place, checking home a head in front of Ancient Secret.

Tizzelle, who went postward the slight second choice behind the winner, broke poorly, raced wide and finished a tiring fourth in a field of eight New York-bred 3-year-old fillies.

Both the winner and Ancient Secret are trained by Chad Brown.

Fifty Five, a New York-bred daughter of Get Stormy, is owned by Peter Brant and was ridden to victory by Javier Castellano. She paid $7.10 after negotiating the distance in 1:41.65 over a firm course.

“The drop back in state-bred company made it easier for her today, albeit she had to face older horses for the first time in her life ,” Brown said. “Javier rode a great race. We went back to her previous tactics, which is just to make one run. She’s a horse who likes to be left alone early and come with one run, and it really set up for her the right way today."

Brown said he was also pleased with Ancient Secret’s performance even in defeat.

“It was a much better effort from her today, it seems like she may have turned the corner of late,” Brown said.