Pickapocket makes amends for tough beat by taking Bonnie Heath

MIAMI – Pickapocket returned to the scene of one of the toughest losses of his career to register his gamest victory to date when he outlasted the even-money favorite Bim Bam by a nose to capture Saturday’s $125,000 Bonnie Heath Turf Cup at Calder. The Bonnie Heath was the third of eight stakes on Saturday’s Florida Million program.

Pickapocket, a 6-year-old son of Mecke owned and bred by Martin Cherry, was beaten a half-length by the favored Soldier’s Dancer after forcing the pace from start to finish in the 2009 Bonnie Heath Turf Cup. On Saturday, Pickapocket parlayed a similar trip into a narrow victory. He stalked early leader Mean Sax, wrested a short advantage entering the stretch, and withstood a strong bid from Bim Bam through the final furlong. Tannersville was third.

The victory was the seventh in 32 career starts for Pickapocket ($8.40), who covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.39 over a good turf course. Pickapocket was ridden to victory by Jermaine Bridgmohan for trainer Marty Wolfson.

Racing Aptitude delivers as favorite

Racing Aptitude proved a prompt favorite in the $100,000 Arthur Appleton Juvenile Turf Stakes, overcoming early trouble and a brief stewards’ inquiry to register a 2 1/2-length victory over The Best Glacier, with And I Like It Too another head farther back in third.

Racing Aptitude paid $4.20 after going 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.72 on the grass. The win was the second in a row for Racing Aptitude, a homebred son of Aptitude who is owned by Donald Dizney and trained by Howie Tesher. He was guided to victory by Luis Saez.

“Each time he’s run and tried something new he’s improved,” said Tesher. “His pedigree would indicate he would like the longer distance and turf.”

Tesher said Racing Aptitude would make his next start in the Grade 3 Tropical Park Derby here on New Year’s Day.

Devilish Lady romps at 17-1

Devilish Lady ($36.20) surged from just off the pace to a surprising 7 3/4-length victory over Beso Grande in the $100,000 Joe O’Farrell Juvenile Fillies. Lily’s Hope, the 3-2 favorite, finished fifth following a poor start.

Devilish Lady was claimed for $16,000 on Sept. 16 by her owner, the Cairoli Racing Stable, and trainer, Anthony Sano.

On Saturday, she stalked the early pace of Come a Callin under jockey Daniel Centeno, took control on the far turn, and steadily increased her advantage. Beso Grande had early trouble.
Devilish Lady ran seven furlongs on a fast track in 1:25.39.