Retonova rallies to Times Square triumph

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - On paper, the $100,000 Times Square division of the New York Stallion Stakes at Aqueduct had looked like a two-horse race between debut winners Retonova and A True Giant.

But the Times Square became a one-horse race when A True Giant reared in the gate and was ordered scratched by the track veterinarian.

Retonova became the 2-5 favorite and ran like it as he rallied past Aqua Bel Sar inside the eighth pole and drew clear to a 2 3/4-length victory in the race restricted to progeny of New York-based stallions. Spectacular Kid rallied for second, three-quarters of a length in front of Aqua Bel Sar. Santo Antonio and Belleville Spring completed the order of finish.

The win was the second in as many starts for Retonova, a gelding by Boys At Tosconova owned by My Purple Haze Stables and trained by Chris Englehart. He was ridden to victory by Trevor McCarthy.

The start of the race was delayed when A True Giant reared and was scratched. Rudy Rodriguez, his trainer, said he was unclear why A True Giant had to be scratched. Irad Ortiz Jr., A True Giant's rider, banged his knee a little, but was deemed fine to continue riding.

The horses had to stand a few extra minutes and McCarthy said Retonova was getting “a little worked up” behind the gate.

“I was a little nervous because he was getting a little hot, antsy, but when he broke he was doing go good - I was like ‘he’s in a perfect spot, there’s no excuse for him,' ” McCarthy said.

Retonova was fourth early, but only two lengths off the pace established by Belleville Spring. Aqua Bel Sar, a winner of a Stallion Stakes race in December, was a stalking second and took over from Belleville Spring in upper stretch. But he couldn’t match strides with Retonova when that one came to him inside the eighth pole.

“He seems like he still doesn’t know what he’s doing, he’s still a little green in the lane,” McCarthy said. “He shows a lot of ability, so I’m happy with him.”

Retonova covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.92 and returned $2.90 as the 2-5 favorite.

Retonova would seem like a prime candidate for the $125,000 Mike Lee Stakes for New York-breds at Belmont on May 28.