Force scores upset in New York Derby

The complexion of the $160,750 New York Derby at Finger Lakes on Friday changed when 20-1 shot Breakin the Fever bore out on the clubhouse turn, carrying Damage Control wide.

In the run to the first turn of the 1 1/16-mile race, it appeared that Breakin the Fever and Damage Control were going to set the pace, with 3-5 favorite Ostrolenka taking up a stalking position behind them. But after Breakin the Fever bore out, Ostrolenka ended up on the pace along the rail, with Breakin the Fever and Damage Control to his outside.

Finger Lakes rider John Davila Jr., aboard Force, bided his time behind the skirmish and ended up in a sweet spot several lengths off the pace. Force advanced along the inside on the far turn, went outside the leaders for the drive, and proved best, holding off the late-running Battle of Evermore by two lengths.

Force paid $29.40 to win in the seven-horse field. Battle of Evermore was 1 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Intelligence, the longest shot on the board at 60-1. Force was timed in 1:45.49 after fractions of 23.81 seconds, 47.36, 1:12.28, and 1:38.79.

Force is owned by John Oxley and trained by Mark Casse, who won the 2005 New York Derby with Accountforthegold. Davila has now won the New York Derby three times.

Force, a son of Flatter, was making his first start against New York-breds and his first start in his home state. His first six races came in California and his most recent at Churchill Downs. He is now 2 for 8.

Ostrolenka set the pace to the stretch but tired to finish sixth.

Good Luck Gus, the second choice at 7-2, made a strong four-wide middle move late on the backstretch and brushed with Damage Control nearing the far turn. He gained a short lead entering the stretch but weakened to fourth.

Damage Control lost his best chance when he was carried wide on the first turn. He then brushed with Good Luck Gus nearing the far turn and tired to finish last.

New York Oaks: Temper Mint Patty romps

Temper Mint Patty won the $75,000 New York Oaks at Finger Lakes on Friday by 9 1/4 lengths despite getting carried out on the first turn and her jockey, John Velazquez, having to steady off a rival’s heels early on the backstretch of the 1 1/16-mile race.

Temper Mint Patty took the lead outside the pacesetting Jc’s Shooting Star on the far turn and then came home under a moderate hand ride.

Temper Mint Patty paid $2.20 to win and created a minus show pool as $26,598 of the $29,098 pool was wagered on her.

Temper Mint Patty, trained by Jeremiah Engelhart, added blinkers for the Oaks.

Jc’s Shooting Star held second by 3 1/4 lengths over Hail Mary’s Gold.

The splits were 24.22, 48.40, 1:13.16, 1:39.25, and 1:46.12.

Three scratches reduced the field to five starters.