Quality Rocks gets jump on Consumer Credit in Florida Oaks

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Quality Rocks turned the tables on Consumer Credit on Saturday in the Grade 3, $200,000 Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs.

Under a well-judged stalking ride from Jose Lezcano, Quality Rocks got the jump on Consumer Credit in the upper stretch and went on to prevail by three-quarters of a length in the 1 1/16-mile turf race. It was another half-length back to Lismore in third.

Based at Payson Park with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, Quality Rocks returned $9.20 as second choice in a field of 11 3-year-old fillies after finishing in 1:43.39 over firm turf. It was her first victory in four attempts since being privately purchased by the partnership of Flavor Racing (Bobby Flay), Brous Stable, and Wachtel Stable.

In their last meeting, Consumer Credit won the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 24, with Quality Rocks second. They were scheduled to meet last Saturday at Gulfstream in the Herecomesthebride Stakes, but both were scratched when the race was rained off the turf.

Quality Rocks sat a pretty third for much of the trip behind Lismore and longshot Distorted Type. Turning for home, Lezcano deftly guided Quality Rocks around Lismore and suddenly opened daylight on Consumer Credit, the 6-5 favorite who also sat a good trip and was making her charge farther outside. The move proved decisive.

“She rated very well,” said Mott. “She wasn’t overly anxious and she finished up real well. Jose did a great job.”

Quality Rocks, a Florida-bred by Rock Hard Ten, now has won 3 of 6 career starts. She won her first two career starts when trained by Bill Helmbrecht, including the Arlington-Washington Lassie last September.

For a next start, Mott said he will consider the Grade 3 Appalachian on April 12 at Keeneland, a one-mile turf race in which the unbeaten Lady Eli is expected to return.

The $2 exacta (3-7) paid $23.60, the $1 trifecta (3-7-6) returned $69.60, and the 10-cent superfecta (3-7-6-4) was worth $26.16.