Gonzalez top two meet again
SANTA ROSA, Calif. Trainer John Anderson figures Conga Kaye is in the same situation in Sundays $50,000 Wine Country Juvenile Fillies Stakes that she was in her debut.
I think Broadway Hennessey is still the horse to beat, he said.
Conga Kaye beat Broadway Hennessey, the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained 1-5 favorite, by 1 1/2 lengths in her debut, the Juan Gonzalez Stakes at Pleasanton on July 6.
Conga Kaye did not break particularly well in the 5 1/2-furlong Juan Gonzalez and was last after the opening eighth of a mile. She still got a good trip, saving ground on the turn and making a strong move in the lane to win.
Anderson said he isnt sure if the extra half-furlong of the Wine Country favors Conga Kaye or Broadway Hennessey.
I still dont know why she didnt break that well, Anderson said. She should be sharper, but I think that could help Jerrys filly. I think the added distance will help mine, but if she sits closer, she may not finish as strongly. I think going three-quarters, the pace might be a little slower, and that could help Jerrys horse a little bit.
Broadway Hennessey came into the Juan Gonzalez off a six-length debut victory in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden race on the Tapeta at Golden Gate. She led most of the way in that race under Russell Baze, who rides her on Sunday.
Conga Kaye and Broadway Hennessey face a familiar rival in Got Tobe Rio, who battled head-and-head with Broadway Hennessey in the Juan Gonzalez before fading late. Also in the race is Fashionita, who cut out the pace in winning a July 18 maiden race at Solano.
Broadway Hennessey be able to sit behind those speed horses and make her move before Conga Kaye.
Anderson said that Conga Kaye, from the first crop by Congaree, has continued to train well since the Juan Gonzalez. He said he breezed her Monday at Pleasanton, which is her home base, but that there was no clocker there to record the move.
Anderson said he would gallop Conga Kaye over the Santa Rosa track and take her to the paddock, so she can acclimate to different surroundings.