Cacht Wells, a Group 1 winner in his native Argentina two years ago, notched his first stakes score in 11 U.S. starts in yesterday’s Grade 2, $150,000 Bowling Green Handicap, going mile-and-three-eighths over inner turf course at Belmont.
Ridden by Eibar Coa, the 5-year-old gelding pressed the pace set by Salic Law, then held off even-money choice Relaxed Gesture by a head in long stretch drive. Cacht Wells pulled up lame, was vanned off, as was Macaw, who was eased.
* Legendary Kentucky veterinarian Dr. Alex Harthill, known as “Derby Doc,” died yesterday at age 80.
1ST RACE – Red Down South, making first start since November for trainer Juliane Brida after finishing up track five straight last year, had blinkers off, was working like tiger on Saratoga training turf course for return, including five furlongs in :59.4 breezing around dogs. Off at 15-1 under Norberto Arroyo Jr., he sat outside off pace set by Jimmy the K pressed by Semper Fi, rallied to take lead in mid-stretch, won by daylight. It wasn’t until after he paid $33.80 we remembered getting tip on him weeks ago. Bethpage Black, one of many recent overbet favorites at 1-2 coming off 113/4-length maiden romp, tucked inside behind early speed duel but was being asked for run before they hit first turn by Eibar Coa, who soon went to whip. He swung out turning for home, ducked back inside for stretch run, lacked needed kick while getting up for second.
2ND RACE – In field of eight 2-year-old first-time starters, Stan Hough’s Trippi Appeal, a colt by top sprinter Trippi, was 6-5 favorite under Eibar Coa; Allen Jerkens’ Political Force, by Unbridled’s Song, was 5-2 with Jose Santos up. Those two dueled from get-go, with Trippi Appeal drawing clear deep stretch while drifting out. Disco’s Son, off at 13-1 for Phil Serpe with Jose Sierra up, tracked speed duel inside, finished well for third while weaving greenly, almost hitting rail.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 2-5-2-4-9-4
No winners
7 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $3,011
Carryover: $63,251
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