Litfin's review: Pletcher gets the money to pass Lukas

Monday, May 26 review

PLETCHER BREAKS $ RECORD

Todd Pletcher swept three progressively richer stakes on the new-look Memorial Day program, as Red Velvet (2nd, $7.90) blitzed the $100,000 Jersey Girl, Gala Award (4th, $7.40) nipped Flamboyant in the $200,000 Pennine Ridge, and Jack Milton (8th, $7.70) finished explosively to win the $300,000 Poker going away.

Jack Milton’s win with a career-best 104 Beyer Figure enabled the six-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer to surpass mentor D. Wayne Lukas with $268,512,294 in earnings; through Memorial Day, Lukas’ total stood at $268,467,262.

“I think it’s a product of inflation … it’s still a satisfying milestone for the team and a record to be proud of,” said Pletcher. “(Jack Milton) knocked on the door several times in some nice races last year, so it’s gratifying to see him win a big one. I think the mile distance suits him well, and we’ll look at stepping him up a notch, maybe in a Grade 1 down the road.”

Gala Award edged Flamboyant by a head after a long drive in the Pennine Ridge. The top two finishers both earned automatic invitations to the $1 million Belmont Oaks on Saturday, July 5.

Pletcher sent out the first three betting choices in the six-filly Jersey Girl – named for his first Grade 1 winner – and Red Velvet simply ran the others off their feet through a half in 44.55 seconds and remained clear by nearly six lengths. Elena Strikes chased her stablemate all the way and lost second late to Size. Meanwhile, the most highly regarded of the Pletcher trio, Our Amazing Rose, beat one horse at 4-5.

UP CLOSE, FAR BACK

All four winners on the main track Monday either led or raced in second position at the first call. All six turf winners – three each on the Widener and inner – were no closer than third in the early going.

HORSES TO WATCH

PLAINVIEW
Trainer: Greg DiPrima
Last race: May 26, 8th
Finish: 4th by 5
Beyer: 93

This speed merchant caught a difficult pace match-up against the even-speedier Peace and Justice while making his first start of the year in the Poker. He gained a short lead after six furlongs and faded late. Just needs a touch softer, a tad firmer, or slightly longer.