Sinister G whiz in Lane's End
FLORENCE, Ky. - As the Kentucky Derby hopes of Birdstone and several other more well regarded 3-year-olds evaporated in a heavy mist that enveloped Turfway Park, a parade of longshots, led by New York invader Sinister G, dominated the $500,000 on Saturday.
Sinister G, a 16-1 shot, led from the start of the Grade 2 Lane's End before turning back several challenges and finishing 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Tricky Taboo, a 54-1 shot. Little Matth Man, a 10-1 shot, finished another three-quarters of a length behind in third, while Birdstone, the 3-5 favorite, labored home fifth with no apparent excuse, and Silver Minister, the 5-1 second choice, faded to last in the field of 11.
The victory by Sinister G set off an emotional celebration by the Toscano family of New York. Paul Toscano rode the Florida-bred colt for a partnership that includes his brother, John Toscano III, while John Toscano Jr., their father, trains Sinister G at Belmont Park.
"We'll take him back to New York and play it by ear," said John Toscano III. "This is a great win for our family."
Sinister G was coming off a nose defeat to Song by the Sword in a March 5 allowance at Aqueduct. "This was his second race in 15 days, so we'll have to let the horse tell us what he wants," said John Toscano III, adding that the April 10 Wood Memorial is a logical next race before a possible start in the May 1 Kentucky Derby.
Before an ontrack crowd estimated at about 19,000, Sinister G beat Silver Minister to the lead after breaking sharply from his far outside post. Down the backstretch, as Silver Minister began losing ground, That's an Outrage made a strong outside move and actually got ahead with about three furlongs to run.
But Sinister G battled back to draw clear at the eighth pole, and persevered under steady left-handed urging to finish 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.71 over a track rated fast. He returned $34.80 to win and led a $1,176 exacta and a $14,811 trifecta.
Birdstone, ridden by Jerry Bailey, was always in striking position, saving ground from several lengths off the pace, but showed no interest when it counted.
Sinister G, by Matty G, also is co-owned by Kim Corrado and Yamile Carlat. His victory made it the second straight year that a longshot from Aqueduct captured Turfway's premier race. New York Hero won last year at 14-1.