Retonova, A True Giant make stakes debuts in Times Square

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The debut winners Retonova and A True Giant seem to have found a relatively soft spot to make their stakes debuts – and second career starts – in Sunday’s $100,000 Times Square division of the New York Stallion Series on closing-day at Aqueduct.

Retonova, trained by Chris Englehart, broke a step slowly but got a patient ride from Trevor McCarthy and pulled away to win by four lengths at odds of 10-1 on March 17. Englehart said Retonova had shown potential in the morning, but he wasn’t expecting a first-out victory.

“I was a little bit surprised – pleasantly surprised, obviously,” Englehart said. “I really thought we were going to get some experience, to be honest with you. I didn’t think he was smart enough to win.”

Retonova, a gelding by Boys At Tosconova, ran six furlongs in 1:12.50 and earned an 80 Beyer Speed Figure in his debut. He came back with a solid half-mile work in 48 seconds last weekend over the Belmont Park training track.

“He does it easy, gallops out real good,” Englehart said. “He does better after the work than he does in the work. I’m kind of excited about him right now.”

Retonova will break from the outside post in the seven-horse field under McCarthy.

A True Giant won on the front end April 11 at odds of 5-1. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez said the horse had some issues in the gate in the morning, but that wasn’t evident in the race.

“In the morning, he’s been bad in the gate,” Rodriguez said. “The other day, he behaved well and broke very good. I hope he does that again.”

Rodriguez also will run Santo Antonio, a maiden who finished second in his debut at odds of 42-1. Rodriguez said he wasn’t surprised that the gelding by Frost Giant ran well, especially at a mile. He is a little concerned about backing him up to 6 1/2 furlongs.

Aqua Bel Sar pulled a 37-1 upset in the Great White Way division of the Stallion Series here in December. Most recently, Aqua Bel Sar finished sixth of seven in the Grade 3 Bay Shore.

Belleville Spring and Spectacular Kid, who finished second and third behind Aqua Bel Sar in December, are back in this field. Giant Boo Boo, second in his debut, completes the field.