Punch Appeal surprises White once again

MIAMI - Trainer Bill White got away with running Punch Appeal under a $40,000 claiming tag when she launched her career here May 17. On Saturday, Punch Appeal, a 2-year-old filly, became a stakes winner, slipping through along the rail to a decisive 4 1/4-length victory over the previously undefeated Aclassysassylassy in Calder's $100,000 J J'sdream Stakes.

Punch Appeal, a daughter of Successful Appeal, won her debut by 8 1/2 lengths. Fortunately for White and owner Dianne K. Waldron, there were no takers.

Punch Appeal got a perfect trip under jockey Julio Garcia in the 5 1/2-furlong J J'sdream. Saving ground while racing five lengths off the pace of My Kip, Punch Appeal remained along the rail and found ample room to challenge for command near midstretch, then easily pulled away from Aclassysassylassy in the final sixteenth. Aclassysassylassy gained a brief advantage inside the eighth pole, and, although she was no match for Punch Appeal, she was easily second best, finishing four lengths in front of Spinning Jolie.

Yes It's Gold, purchased privately following a 14 1/4-length victory in her only previous start, went off the even-money favorite, but she failed to show the same kind of speed as she did in her debut. Yes It's Gold finished a tiring sixth after being forced to steady briefly in early stretch.

Punch Appeal covered the distance in 1:06.95 seconds over a fast track and paid $30. The victory was the third on the day for White.

"This goes to show you how much some trainers know," said White. "I would have told you before the race that my other horse [Tricky Ridge] had a better chance."

Tricky Ridge, an easy maiden winner in her only previous start, finished last in the field of nine juvenile fillies.

Punch Appeal is a Florida-bred but is not eligible for the Florida Stallion Stakes.