Off-track specialist Dash Attack bests stubborn Dean's List in Long Branch
For Dash Attack, wetter is better. A sloppy, sealed track was just what Dash Attack needed to end a three-race losing streak and capture the $100,000 Long Branch Stakes by a half-length.
Dash Attack and jockey Samuel Marin loomed at the head of the homestretch like they’d run away with the Long Branch, but Dean’s List, the 11-10 favorite, wasn’t going down without a fight. Dean’s List had assumed command of the Long Branch at the quarter pole, swamping pacesetter Buff Hello, and three times in the final 1 1/2 furlongs he battled back along the inside, never quite able to get back on terms with Dash Attack, who edged slightly clear in the final strides.
Dash Attack ($5.60) was timed in 1:42.84 for the 1 1/16 miles. Smarten Up finished third but was five lengths behind the top pair, who dominated proceedings.
Dash Attack won his career debut Dec. 5 over a “good” track at Oaklawn Park and came right back to annex the Smarty Jones over a sloppy Oaklawn strip. Starting on dry dirt, Dash Attack then was fifth in the Rebel, seventh in the Southwest, and sixth in the Lexington before finding the right spot again Saturday.
“He’s handled the slop well, so it made the task a little bit easier for sure,” trainer Ken McPeek said. “We wanted to find an easy spot and get him back to his winning ways.”
Dash Attack a homebred owned by Catalyst Stable and Magdalena Racing, is by Munnings out of Circe Cay, by Hard Spun.
Marin, a native of Venezuela, was riding only his second race in the United States. McPeek said he has had a longtime relationship with Marin’s agent, Danny Mellul.
“I trusted Danny’s judgment here,” said McPeek. “Danny said, ‘Give the kid a shot,’ and I said, ‘Sure, let’s do it.’ ”
Spruce Fir: Alta Velocita pays $3.40
Odds-on favorite Alta Velocita won the $85,000 Spruce Fir Stakes for older New Jersey-bred filly-and-mare sprinters by about one length over 20-1 shot I’m Listening. Paco Lopez rode the winner for trainer Andrew Simoff and owners Imaginary Stable and M3 Racing Stable.
Alto Velocita ($3.40) ran six furlongs on the sloppy, sealed surface in 1:12.07. Bramble Bay finished third.
Six-year-old Alto Velocita is by Il Postino out of Over the Bridge, by Hit the Trail. She was bred by Law Legacy Stables.