Hammersly's review: Ice Cream Truck comes into his own

Finally, the ‘Truck’ rolls in

You can understand if the connections of Ice Cream Truck were getting a bit frustrated, as well as those who had been backing the 4-year-old gelding at the windows the past few months. After all, despite seemingly being in a number of good spots, he couldn’t quite get over the hump, finishing second in six of his last seven starts.

Well, A.C. Avila claimed him May 11 for $20,000, brought him back for the same price with blinkers reapplied, and it all came together in race 2 as Ice Cream Truck ($3.60), under Tiago Pereira, stalked pacesetter Chattering Class, took over from that foe into the lane, and drew off to win with ease by 6 1/4 lengths and earn that overdue diploma. Avila did not lose him via another claim, too.

Taking advantage

Significant scratch in race 3, a 1 1/8-mile turf event for $32,000 claiming distaffers, as morning line favorite Smart N Dreamy, who was coming off a game win for this same price on this course April 10, came out. She was claimed that day by George Papaprodromou, the same guy who snatched up Imperative for $50,000 Dec. 21 and has turned him into a Grade 2 winner and Grade 2-placed runner this year.

The beneficiary was Heat Du Jour ($4.80). The daughter of Unusual Heat was coming off some improved form herself, having beaten N1X foes on the Golden Gate sod April 27, then rallying for second for $25,000 on the hillside course here May 10 (from which she was claimed by trainer Richard Baltas). She stalked the pace of Putahexonher, but when rider Kent Desormeaux hit the gas turning for home, she blew past the leaders and opened up to win a laugher by 5 1/4 lengths.

It looked as though Baltas made himself quite a claim. Well, here’s the trouble with the claiming game. Others have seen her potential as well, and Jerry Hollendorfer plucked her away from him for $32,000. He won her in a three-way shake. Up the ladder.

Back on his game

There was a time in early 2013 when Footbridge was considered possible Derby material. In fact, after his maiden win here in March 2013, the Godolphin boys shipped him to Keeneland for the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes. That was an unmitigated disaster, as after stalking the pace, he hit the brakes hard, fading to last of 14. He wasn’t seen again for nine months.

However, the son of Street Cry slowly but surely has progressed to the point his connections can start to think stakes again. After that long layoff, he ran fifth on turf here, fourth on dirt here, third on turf here, and won April 10 at Golden Gate. Footbridge ($8.40) continued to trend north with a smart win in race 6, a 1 1/16-mile optional claimer. Under a deft ride by Mike Smith he stalked pacesetter Tiz Dynamic, had no trouble going past that runner turning for home, and kept rival Airfoil at bay through the lane to win.

While things are looking up for Footbridge, there has to be some concern regarding Hear the Ghost. The winner of the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes here in March 2013, he hasn’t won since but was made the heavy 4-5 favorite after back-to-back seconds on turf here recently. However, the son of Ghostzapper failed to show much spark as he bided his time, made a mild move on the far turn, and flattened out to be a fairly well-beaten fourth. It may be back to the drawing board.

Horse to watch

INTOXICATING MOVE
Trainer: Michael Machowsky
Last Race: May 23, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4

The filly, who had won two of her previous four starts, all on the hill, was away a bit slowly but got position in fifth, chasing the pace, produced a smart run after coming over the dirt crossing, and while unable to get to the impressive winner Could Be Trouble, finished smartly to be a clear second. She was claimed for $40,000 by Philip D’Amato.