Rainbow Heir returns to form in Teddy Drone

OCEANPORT, N.J. - New Jersey-bred Rainbow Heir started his career last season with four straight wins for owner Eb Novak's New Farm and trainer Ben Perkins Jr. The wheels kind of came off after a failed journey to Saratoga for the Grade 2 Amsterdam, but after a winter freshening, Rainbow Heir proved he has more to give with an emphatic score in the $130,000 Teddy Drone Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday.

Ribo Bobo, a winner of 13 of his last 16 starts, was sent off the 7-5 favorite in the six-furlong Teddy Drone, with Rainbow Heir's odds dropping late to 7-2. Black Hornet sprinted off to a clear early lead and set an opening quarter of 21.67 seconds while being stalked by Rainbow Heir and Ribo Bobo. Rainbow Heir, with Angel Serpa aboard, moved up to take the lead entering the stretch through a half in 44.11 and was not seriously threatened thereafter, drawing off to a 3 1/2-length score. His final time was 1:09.02 and he paid $9.80.

"Last year there were some races where he wasn't breaking sharply," Perkins said after the race. "But when he breaks he can wait and then finish. We've had this race in mind for him for a while.

Trickmeister was up late to take second by a half-length over Ribo Bobo. Black Hornet faded to finish sixth.

Rainbow Heir is a son of Wildcat Heir, whom Novak bred and owned and Perkins trained. Perkins commented after the race that Wildcat Heir had won the Teddy Drone in 2005. Wildcat Heir is a three-time Florida stallion of the year (2013, 2011, and 2010).