Vicarino sets record in Harvest Festival Futurity

FRESNO, Calif. - Vicarino ($2.40) set a new track record of 1:07.34 for six furlongs as he cruised to an 11-length victory in the $40,750 Harvest Festival Futurity at the Big Fresno Fair on Friday.

The heavily favored 2-year-old colt inherited the lead when Stormy Passion did not break well. It was smooth sailing all the way as he built a 3-length (three one-half) lead at the quarter pole. He was 12 in front at the eighth pole.

Second-choice Scoonerwharfbardog was second, two lengths in front of Preferred Yield.

"Just past the quarter pole, I chirped to him, and he accelerated so fast, he must have put five lengths on them," winning jockey Russell Baze said. "I was slowing him down the final eighth."

Trainer Greg Gilchrist was pleased with the performance.

"He was the best horse and supposed to win," he said. "When the filly broke slowly, it left him out there."

Vicarino's first stakes victory was worth $22,150. The Harry Aleo-owned colt has won two and suffered a nose defeat in his second start. His career earnings are now $43,625.