Navesink River, favored at 4-5 under Mike Luzzi, went wide most of mile-and-five-eighths trip, still drew off to win Big A’s traditional New Year’s Eve marathon, the Grade 3, $75,000 Gallant Fox Handicap, by 5½ lengths yesterday. It was the fifth win in 18 starts for Todd Pletcher’s distance-loving 4-year-old.
1ST RACE – Psychotic Reaction, N.Y.-bred 2-year-old colt from Rick Violette barn, odds-on in first two starts, was 3-5 trying two turns for first time, coupled with Dr. Zippett. “Reaction” went to front from post 1, dueled with Philly Frenzy around clubhouse turn, eased to clear lead down backside when Ramon Dominguez threw hammerlock on Philly Frenzy. Nearing far turn, Jose Santos gunned Indian Hawke up outside to go after Psychotic Reaction; those two went head-to-head around far turn. Down stretch, Psychotic Reaction kicked away to clear lead, looked home free, but Epirammatic came with sudden late rush to nail Psychotic Reaction in final yard.
2ND RACE – Rossetta, 2-year-old filly from Pletcher barn, 2-1 favorite dropping into claimer for first time, set pace down backside under Jose Santos, pressed by Cat’s Prize. Around turn, first-time starter Expiration Day, Eibar Coa up, made sudden outside move to hook Rossetta top of stretch, drove to lead inside final furlong as Rossetta began to back up, then was all-out late to hold off late charge of Precocious Penny.
6TH RACE – Canadian invader Jungle Fighter went to front under Jose Santos, hugged rail around clubhouse turn, set pace under pressure down backside under snug hold, repulsed determined bid from Manchurian turning for home, kicked clear at 3-1. Crown Point, 5-2 favorite, got perfect trip under Ramon Dominquez tucked inside behind pace, continued to save ground around far turn, came up empty.
7TH RACE – Crafty Brutus dashed to daylight lead under Pablo Fragoso, still led by open lengths top of stretch, dug in gamely when challenged by Golden Man a furlong out, held him off to wire, but had to settle for second when 18-1 Expeditious, Fernando Jara up, came from out of nowhere with furious rush up rail to blow by Crafty Brutus nearing wire.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 4-8-2-11-4-11
winners (6 of 6) receive $22,976
consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $105
No carryover
