House of War has an easy time in Notebook Stakes
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House of War got some class relief in Sunday’s $175,000 Notebook Stakes at Belmont and got the job done as the favorite under Manny Franco in the one-mile turf event for New York-bred juveniles.
After breaking from the rail, House of War raced about 2 1/2 lengths behind pacesetter Miracle Morrow along the inside on the backstretch and then awaited room behind the leaders late on the turn.
Franco angled House of War wide for the drive and they hit the front at the eighth pole before holding off a charging Howard’s Hope to score by a half-length, in a time of 1:35.36 over the firm ground.
Captain George checked in third after a three-wide stalking trip. He was followed by Epic Prayer, Billy Bucchero, Soldier’s Glory, Miracle Morrow, Road Show, and Cuylle.
"I had the trip that I wanted,” Franco said. “I wanted to be behind the speed going a mile today. I feel like I had the best horse in the race, so I tried to ride him that way and the race set up the way I wanted. When he got in the clear, I asked a little bit and he made the front. At the same time, I knew I had more, so I just kept asking him to give it to me and he did.”
After landing his debut in a two-turn maiden special for New York-breds under Franco, House of War was beaten just two lengths when fifth in the Grade 2 Pilgrim with Antonio Fresu up.
Trainer Jorge Abreu said House of War didn’t have the best of trips in the Oct. 3 Pilgrim.
“He was compromised by the pace, sitting behind a wall of horses and Fresu didn't know him very well,” Abreu recalled. “After he passed the wire, he galloped out in front of everybody. We know the ability is there and I think the more distance he gets, the better he's going to be. He doesn't have to be against New York-breds - he's capable of running open company.”
Abreu said there were a few anxious moments in the Notebook.
"At the quarter-pole, I was a little concerned because there was a wall of horses, but Manny rode a perfect race,” Abreu said. “He found his moment and stuck him outside.”
A son of War Dancer, House of War ($3.04) collected $96,250 for owner/breeders The Warwick Stable and Joseph Hinkhouse.
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