Witty much the best in Pennsylvania Nursery; gives trainer Hendriks first career win
Favored Witty delivered on expectations, running away with the $200,000 Pennsylvania Nursery for statebred juveniles by 5 1/2 lengths on Tuesday at Parx.
Witty ($6.60), with Carol Cedeno aboard, was steadied in tight traffic early, and found himself sixth of 10 after the opening quarter-mile of the six-furlong dash. He had advanced to third under his own steam by the top of the stretch and quickly shot clear when Cedeno gave him his cue, never seriously threatened en route to his final margin.
Uncle Buddy was a clear second by three lengths over the late-closing Vine Jet. The final time was 1:26.44 on the fast track.
Witty, a Great Notion gelding, races as a homebred for Elizabeth Merryman, and was saddled by her son McLane Hendriks. The Pennsylvania Nursery victory was the first career win for Hendriks. He had sent out five previous starters
This was the stakes debut for Witty, a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Caravel. He came in off a maiden special weight win on Oct. 25 at Parx, in his second career start.