Moore pondering next start for Takethemoneyhoney after tough defeat
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Trainer Michael Moore believes Takethemoneyhoney might have run the best race of her career in the $200,000 Barbara Fritchie on Saturday at Laurel. It hurt that she did so in defeat, coming up a nose short to Passage East in a thriller.
“Whatever number you want to look at, they all came back as the fastest race she’s ever run in her life, despite being beat,” Moore said.
While Passage East, an eight-time winner in her last nine starts for trainer Hugh McMahon, got the perfect stalking trip in the Barbara Fritchie, Takethemoneyhoney had every reason to quit after a grueling early duel. Dry Powder, who last ran in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, fired from the rail to prevent the three-time stakes winner from getting an uncontested early lead.
Takethemoneyhoney, bet down to 1-5 near the starting gate, dispatched of her front-running rival on the far turn, but as soon as she did, Passage East was alongside her and preparing to drive past. In her eight prior starts, Moore’s mare had never lost by more than a head, and she dug in again in the toughest race of her career. She didn’t give another inch, but Passage East had all the momentum on the outside and prevailed. Both runners earned career-best 92 Beyer Speed Figures.
After such a bittersweet performance, Moore is left with an awkward puzzle for Takethemoneyhoney’s next start. The $100,000 Conniver, a state-restricted race at Laurel, would likely be a much softer spot, but she would have to be ready to run again on March 7.
“You see right away that Laurel has the Maryland-bred race coming back,” Moore said. “But it’s three weeks, which is kind of quick. You certainly look at that and go, well, she’s going to be 1-9 [odds] in there, so you weigh your options and the benefits of each spot time-wise.”
If Moore chooses to avoid the short turnaround, he could be forcing his mare into another tough test, though she would also have more rest. If he declines to ship to Colonial Downs in mid-March, the trainer may have to wait until the very end of March or early April for her next start.
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