Patsy's Holiday storms home to win Desert Vixen Stakes

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Patsy’s Holiday stormed home, out-finishing Charm City Girl by a half-length Saturday to capture the $63,600 Desert Vixen Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the turf at Monmouth Park.

One of a trio of Todd Pletcher trainees in the field, Patsy’s Holiday posted her second straight win and third victory in the last four outings.

Pedro Cotto Jr. was aboard for her stakes debut.

The race unfolded with Patsy’s Holiday saving ground in mid-pack as Je Suis Enchantee set the pace.

On the final turn, Patsy’s Holiday started to angle off the fence as Charm City Girl began her rally on a three-wide sweep.

Charm City Girl had first run at the leaders while Patsy’s Holiday started to roll widest of all.

Once free and clear, Patsy’s Holiday was relentless, with a style that seems to suit her.

“She’s a one-run filly, and it seems to be working out now that we’re letting her run that way,” said assistant trainer Anthony Sciametta, Jr.

Patsy’s Holiday, owned by Starlight Racing, paid $8 to win, her fourth victory in 10 starts.

The time was 1:41.20 for the 1 1/16 miles on the firm course.

Alex Citron, rider of Charm City Girl, claimed foul against the winner, alleging interference coming out of the gate.

The stewards quickly dismissed the objection.

Super Sky was third, followed by Je Suis Enchantee, High Wire Kitten, Jane Peterson, Our Amazing Rose, Sawyer, Saintly Joan, Danalin, and She’s Curly.

** The Desert Vixen is the prep for the Grade 3 Boiling Springs on Aug. 30.

** Under the 10,000 ways to lose a race file: Souper Scoop, runner up in the 10th race, hit a goose that wandered onto the turf course.

Neither the horse nor the jockey Paco Lopez was injured.

No word on the goose.

** Winiliscious has been retired following a fifth-place finish in the Friday feature.

She did not come close to winning any of her three races this season.

While Chuck Spina, her trainer, was satisfied with the latest effort in the third-level allowance, it wasn’t good enough for the former $7,500 claimer.

“It’s the best race she’s run all year,” Spina said. “If it was a starter allowance, she would gallop. But she’s not eligible.”

She won seven races and was a factor in several stakes since Spina claimed her in May 2012.

Winiliscious will be bred to Uncle Mo and sold in foal in fall 2015.