You Go West Girl rallies late to repeat in Ticonderoga

ELMONT, N.Y. - You Go West Girl saved her best for last, unleashing a powerful stretch kick under Jose Lezcano that brought her from 10th to first in Saturday’s $125,000 Ticonderoga Stakes for New York-bred fillies and mares at Belmont Park.

In recording a repeat victory in the Ticonderoga, You Go West Girl beat Chorus Music by two lengths, spoiling what could have been a perfect day for trainer John Terranova, who won the first three races on Saturday’s 10-race program. It was a half-length back to Exclusive Scheme in third.

It was the first victory for You Go West Girl since she won the Ticonderoga last year. In the interim, she had lost six starts, including tough-luck losses in the William B. Fasig and Yaddo at Saratoga. Most recently, she was beaten two lengths in the John Hettinger here on Sept. 26.

“We’ve kept her pretty much in the New York-bred program all year, with the exception of a race or two,” trainer Tom Proctor said. “We were hoping she’d give a good account of herself, and if she did, she’d be right there. I was a little nervous with 70 yards left.”

You Go West Girl was last down the backside while Exclusive Scheme ran an opening quarter-mile of 25.15 seconds before being overtaken by a headstrong Chorus Music. You Go West Girl appeared to be advancing along the inside midway down the backside, but Lezcano took a hold of her at the half-mile pole not wanting her to go just yet.

Turning for home, You Go West Girl still had only one horse beaten. In upper stretch, Lezcano set her down and she went past Chorus Music with about 50 yards left to gain the victory. You Go West Girl, a 6-year-old daughter of Mr. Greeley owned by Craig Bernick, covered the 1 1/8 miles over a firm inner turf course in 1:49.32 and returned $8.40 as the favorite.

“There was a lot of speed in the race, so I sat back and made my move,” Lezcano said. “She came running. I think she was the best filly in that spot.”