Tioga Downs: Planet Rock bounces right back after first lifetime loss

Planet Rock, who suffered her first career defeat in her last try at Yonkers Raceway, got right back to her winning ways in the lone $110,200 New York Sire Stakes division for 2-year-old pacing fillies on Friday night at Tioga Downs.

John Campbell, who had driven Planet Rock in both her baby races back in June at the Meadowlands, got his first chance at driving her in a pari-mutuel contest, and he would drop her in fifth as Artrageous (Jim Morrill Jr.) charged to the front and chopped out the opening quarter in a quick 26 2/5. Campbell then sent Planet Rock first-over as they raced into the stretch for the first time, and she improved into third as Artrageous clicked off the half in just 57 seconds.

Planet Rock would continue to gain ground past the half, and up the backstretch she joined Artrageous in a fight for the lead. They matched strides at the 1:24 3/5 three-quarters, and that would continue until just before they turned for home, where Planet Rock got the advantage and was able to get down to the cones. Odds-on favorite Tequila Monday (David Miller) tracked Planet Rock's cover, but went an extra lane wide as she tried to mount a rally against Planet Rock.

Through the stretch Tequila Monday got straightened up and began to chip away at Planet Rock's margin, but Planet Rock would not relent, winning by a neck in 1:52 3/5. Robin J (Mike Simons) split the top-two finishers in the lane and wound up third.

"When I called on my filly, she really dug in," offered Campbell, who also praised Planet Rock's versatility.

A Rock N Roll Heaven filly trained by Linda Toscano for owner Ken Jacobs, Planet Rock is now seven-for-eight in her career with $189,651 in earnings. She is the sixth foal out of the Cam's Card Shark mare Vassar Hanover, making her a half-sister to the fast Fireyourguns (American Ideal, $346,556, 1:47 2/5 mark). Sent off at 5-1, she paid $13.80 to win.