Gierkink's review: Delegation euthanized

Sunday, May 11 review

VIGIL STAKES TRAGEDY

The Grade 3 Vigil Stakes was marred by the fatal breakdown of Delegation, one of most talented runners on the grounds. Really Sharp broke outward and bumped Delegation lightly at the break. Shortly thereafter, Patrick Husbands pulled up Delegation, who had fractured his left hind leg badly.

Really Sharp went on to win the seven-furlong sprint as the longest shot in the field ($59.10), after pressing a slow pace under Steve Bahen. Occasional View, the favored Kentucky shipper, rallied wide on his left lead to finish second over Go Blue Or Go Home, whose rider carried no whip. The final time was a quick 1:21.83.

COMING-OUT PARTY FOR NIIGON EXPRESS

The fourth race was supposed to be a walk in the park for the 3-5 favorite Coltimus Prime, but it was another Queen’s Plate prospect who stole the show, Niigon Express. A son of Plate winner Niigon, Niigon Express rallied four wide from well off a lively pace under Husbands to prevail by a length over Coltimus Prime. Under Husbands, the winner ($8.90) covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.49 in the Ontario-sired allowance.

MEET LEADERS

Eurico Da Silva, last year’s Sovereign Award-winning jockey, won three of the last four races to vault him into third in the standings with 14 wins. Luis Contreras scored twice and leads by a 23-17 margin over Husbands, who also doubled up on the card.

Leading trainer Mark Casse won with favored Eye of the World and 15-1 outsider Conquest Outlaw, before suffering the loss of Delegation. His 13 victories from 51 starters at the meet have yielded a positive return on investment of $2.50.

HORSES TO WATCH

LADY ST CLEMENTS
Trainer: Danny Vella
Last race: May 11, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 38
She missed the break and gave the others about a four-length head start in her debut. After awaiting room on the turn, she made up some ground along the rail before galloping out strongly.

OVERTONE
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last race: May 11, 5th
Finish: 5th by 10
Beyer: 53
She ran 68 feet farther than the winner after going five wide on both turns in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special on the Polytrack. The daughter of Smart Strike can handle either local surface, and could graduate at a square price next time.