Despite breaking slowly and ducking in at start, Sweet Sweet was able to stalk pace and edge away in stretch to win the $116,000 Bouwerie Stakes for 3-year-old New York-bred fillies at seven furlongs. Brushme On was second, 1 1/4 lengths behind winner, and Party Maker was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third. Mike Hushion, meet’s leading trainer with four victories, trained undefeated daughter of Honour and Glory. Sweet Sweet was ridden by Edgar Prado, replacing Jose Santos, who had to take off his mounts because of infection in his gums.

1ST RACE – Run of bad luck for favorites continued as June The Tiger broke slowly and trailed early. She was never a serious threat and ended up fourth. Golden Trieste stalked pace while in hand, split horses in stretch to gain lead and drew off for victory.

2ND RACE – Mister Hennessy stalked pace and took over lead nearing stretch. Defrere’s Vixen was closing powerfully on outside and looked as if he would overtake “Hennessy,” who dug in gamely and held on for victory. Norberto Arroyo Jr. aboard Defrere’s Vixen claimed foul on Mister Hennessy for interference in stretch drive. Replays showed Defrere’s Vixen lugging in and making contact with winner, so stewards rightfully dismissed foul claim.

3RD RACE – If you had an opportunity to bet on a horse in a maiden race that finished 1 ½ lengths behind Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo in Sham Stakes last out, you’d think this horse would be sent off at 1-5. Chekhov, making first start since Sham, easily handled field and drew off under hand ride to win by 8 1/4 lengths, running mile and a sixteenth in 1:41.35 and paying $3.80. For this race, owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith flew in Gary Stevens from Kentucky. The $3.3 million purchase at Keeneland sale in April 2004 is very highly regarded and it would not be a surprise to see him in major stake next race or two.

9TH RACE – Hustings broke sharply and went to lead, but by time field reached far turn, Soulshine had taken over lead. First time starter Meniscus joined him and the two ran together through stretch, with Meniscus edging away for victory. There was stewards’ inquiry into stretch drive. Replays showed both horses bumping each other, with each taking turns moving toward the other. Stewards left order of finish as is. Red Haze was pulled up in stretch and vanned off. After first week of racing, favorites are 8-for-45. Maybe the detention barn is leveling off the playing field at NYRA.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 1-1-5-3-1-6

No winners

4 consolation (5 of 6) winners each receives $3,532

Carryover: $42,387.37