Gierkink's review: Biamonte scores two wins, including stakes

Biamonte’s big day

Trainer Ralph Biamonte captured the $125,400 Bold Ruckus Stakes for the second time with Flashy Margaritta, who is a half-brother to the Biamonte-trained Citius, the 2011 Bold Ruckus winner. It was the third stakes victory for Flashy Margaritta, who led throughout his turf debut in the six-furlong dash, under Patrick Husbands.

Biamonte unveiled a rapid 2-year-old filly in the second, Unhindered, who won a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special by six lengths under a hand ride in 51.86 seconds. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Stormy Atlantic and an Unbridled’s Song mare looks like a future stakes winner.

Inside-biased Polytrack

The inside paths were preferred on the main track. All seven Polytrack winners raced near the rail on the far turn, including the late bloomer Checkered Past, who notched her first stakes in the $112,600 Trillium, after being angled wide for the drive by Eurico Da Silva.

Horses to watch

MANOFMANYVIRTUES
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Last race: June 14, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 64

He lacked a clear path throughout most of the stretch run before surging late to lose a heartbreaker to the longtime maiden Malbec. It was his first turf start, and the son of top turf sire Kitten’s Joy shouldn’t be a maiden much longer.

ROAMING
Trainer: Gail Cox
Last race: June 14, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 6
Beyer: 35

This 2-year-old first-timer raced quite wide throughout while closing belatedly behind a runaway winner, before galloping out in front of all the others. A move out from 4 1/2 furlongs to a longer distance should suit the daughter of freshman sire Quality Road.