Zaftig cruises in Acorn

ELMONT, N.Y. When Dance Gal Dance scratched from the Grade 1 Acorn, it looked as though Indian Blessing was a cinch as the lone speed.

But proving yet again there are no sure things in racing, Zaftig went right past Indian Blessing in upper stretch and romped to a 4 1/2-length victory over last years 2-year-old filly champion. Indian Blessing finished second by 17 1/4 lengths over Game Face. It was 13 3/4 lengths back to Golden Doc A.

Zaftig applied the early pressure to Indian Blessing, stalking the filly through fractions of 22.85 seconds, 45.34 and 1:09.68. Turning for home, Indian Blessing, under Garrett Gomez, attempted to open up, but Zaftig, under John Velazquez, was too strong and scored a surprisingly easy victory.

Zaftig, a 3-year-old daughter of Gone West owned by Susan More and M and M Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Jimmy Jerkens, covered the mile in 1:34.50 and returned $7.50.