Litfin's review: Not much suspense

Wednesday, May 7 review

‘PLENTY’ OF BLOWOUTS

The suspense was over early through most of the card, as six straight winners romped home by four lengths or better, capped by Bay of Plenty (6th, $3.60), who ran off the screen by just over nine lengths against first-level allowance company.

Bay of Plenty, a Darley Stable homebred 3-year-old by Medaglia d’Oro, had been “promoted” to the blue-and-white silks of Godolphin Racing following an equally impressive maiden win at Aqueduct for Kiaran McLaughlin. He ran one mile in 1:35.97 on Wednesday, and earned a Beyer Figure of 94, and an obvious next step would be the $150,000 Easy Goer at 1 1/16 miles on June 7.

SPEED DOMINATES ON FAST TRACK

From six races on the main track, which played several ticks faster than par, Bay of Plenty was among five winners to lead virtually throughout.

Against the clock, the performance of the day was turned in by Readthebyline (5th, $6.60), a 5-year-old New York-bred gelding going first time off a March 8 claim by Michelle Nevin.

Readthebyline stepped out through fast splits down the backstretch, hit the quarter pole with an expanding lead after six furlongs in 1:09.60, and was geared down late by Jose Ortiz, who posted a three-bagger in his first day riding since a last-race spill at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day. Readthebyline’s mile in 1:34.79 translated to a career best 106 Beyer.

Five of the seven runners in the open $25,000 claimer changed hands, including the winner, who went to Bruce Brown in a three-way shake.

HOT START

All three turf winners prompted the pace from close range, beginning with McIlroy (2nd, $6.40), who received a perfect stalking trip with Jose Ortiz and drew off by four lengths. It was his third straight win for trainer Chad Brown, who is off to a 5-2-0 start with his first 10 starters at the meet, including a 4-for-5 record on the grass.

In the day’s co-feature, Auld Alliance (8th, $6.40) made her United States and seasonal debut for celebrity chef Bobby Flay and Graham Motion at 1 1/4 miles. The Montjeu filly sat the pocket in third, angled out past midstretch and finished strongly with John Velazquez to get the money over Precarious and Glorious Chant in a three-way photo.

HORSE TO WATCH

AWESOME LUTE
Trainer: David Jacobson
Last race: May 7, 4th
Finish: 4th by 9 3/4
Beyer: 40

Debuting gelding by Midnight Lute broke from the rail and was forced to check out of tight quarters as several others angled over battling for the early lead. He regrouped and finished with interest when he could’ve totally chucked it; claimed.