 Tommie
Morelos / Coady Photography
Iplaytricks wins $110,000 Sydney Valentini
Handicap in a driving finish
Sunland PK, NM - February 18, 2012 - In dramatic finish, Iplaytricks
upset heavily favored Rose’s Desert by three quarters of a length to
win the $110,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap on Saturday at Sunland
Park Racetrack and Casino.
With a masterful trainer job from Joel Marr, Iplaytricks continued
her success at one mile or more and beat one of the hottest New
Mexico-bred mares in the process. Iplaytricks responded brilliantly
under a strategic ride from Ken Tohill. The four-year-old filly by
Desert God tackled Rose’s Desert at the quarter pole and the pair
remained interlocked in battle for nearly the entire stretch run.
Iplaytricks gradually pulled clear of Rose’s Desert in the final
stages after a terrific duel. The winner is a perfect three for
three in races of one more or more and has won four of six races
over Sunland Park soil. She won last year’s New Mexico Breeders’
Oaks.
Iplaytricks parlayed her stalking trip to victory in the route
feature and was timed in a solid 1:38.46. She picked up a $66,000
first prize check for owner Michael Stinson of Ft. Worth, Texas. Her
sterling record improved to 7 wins from 14 starts. The worthy 7-1
shot paid a generous $16.40 to win.
The Valentini victory was the fifth stakes win of the meet for red
hot trainer Joel Marr who is currently in third place among the
Thoroughbred trainers.
$110,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission champion Rose’s Desert
ran her heart out for jockey Juan Ochoa. The 2-5 favorite forced the
pace throughout after breaking from the #10 post position. The dark
bay filly looked poised for victory when racing past Elvira Who down
the back stretch, but a fresh challenger emerged in the form of
Iplaytricks. Todd Fincher’s charge dug in gamely and tried to repel
the challenge for nearly a quarter mile. Rose’s Desert was valiant
in defeat coming off a 2-month layoff. The runner-up earned $23,100
for owner Joe Peacock of San Antonio Texas. She was coming off four
straight wins.
Soaring Goddess finished eagerly to get third place. The 37-1 long
shot ran well and was beaten on 1 and 1/2 lengths. Multiple stakes
winner Cali Baby was rolling late also and finished a good fourth
beaten less than two lengths.
Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:25 p.m. The $110,000 NMHBA
Quarter Horse Stakes (5th race) starring Shue Fly winner First
Blazin Love is the main event.
|
