Weekly Rulings: June 14-June 20

Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

CALIFORNIA
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/17/2022
Licensee: Rolf Gustafsson, owner/assistant
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Restoration of good standing
Explainer: Owner/Asst. Trainer Rolf Gustafsson, having complied with the provisions of California Horse Racing Board rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility – $2,380.00 to Trainer Jorge Periban) is restored to good standing. LATS #175 ruling issued at Santa Anita Park on May 27, 2017, is set aside.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Ruben Alvarado, trainer
Penalty: $400
Violation: Late registration of Lasix
Explainer: Trainer Ruben Alvarado is fined $400 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1845 (Authorized Bleeder Medication – late registration) of Apprehend in the eighth race on June 17, 2022, at Santa Anita Park.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Juan Hernandez, jockey
Penalty: $500
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Juan Hernandez is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on June 17, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Ryan Curatolo, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Ryan Curatolo is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on June 17, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 06/19/2022
Licensee: John Byrd, veterinarian
Penalty: $400 fine
Violation: Failure to submit Lasix documentation
Explainer: Veterinarian John Byrd is fined $400 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1845 (Authorized Bleeder Medication – Failed to submit Lasix Documentation to the Receiving Barn) of Classic Rewind in the fifth race on June 18, 2022, at Santa Anita Park.

NEW YORK
Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/16/2022
Licensee: Rodolfo Rodriguez, jockey agent
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: failure to tend to business in a professional manner
Explainer: Agent Mr. Rodolfo Rodriguez is hereby fined the sum of five hundred ($500.00) dollars for failing to tend to business in a professional manner.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/16/2022
Licensee: George Weaver, owner-trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Unreported shockwave treatment
Explainer: Mr. George Weaver is hereby fined the sum of five hundred ($500.00) dollars for failing to report a shockwave treatment.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/17/2022
Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer
Penalty: Ten-day suspension, $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Having received a report from the NYS Gaming Commission Equine Drug Testing Laboratory of the finding of Phenylbutazone in the post-race sample taken from Horse “Profusion” (#6) which raced in the 4th race and finished 6th on April 8th 2022. Trainer of record Mr. Jeffrey Englehart having been notified of the post race positive and having waived his right to appeal is hereby fined the sum of one thousand ($1,000) dollars and suspended ten Calendar days effective Wednesday June 22nd, through Friday July 1st 2022, inclusive.

Furthermore, the Stewards order horse “Profusion” disqualified from any part of the purse and the purse redistributed as follows:

  1. (#5) Casalsa
  2. (#1) Truebelieve
  3. (#3) Brockmoninoff
  4. (#4) Conformist
  5. (#7) Exxtop

Ordered that during your period of suspension, you shall not directly or indirectly participate in New York State pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privilages and use of the grounds of all racetracks, you are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payment. Every horse is denied the privilages of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that (a) is owned or trained by you, or by any individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension: or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advise or other information or otherwise assist with any aspect of the training of such horses.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 06/18/2022
Licensee: Luis Saez, jockey
Penalty: $1,500 fine
Violation: Failure to conduct business in a proper manner
Explainer: Mr. Luis Saez is hereby fined the sum of one thousand five hundred ($1,500) dollars for failing to conduct business in a proper manner.

KENTUCKY
Most of the following rulings were not posted on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website in time for inclusion over the past few weeks.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Colby Hernandez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Colby Hernandez, who rode Reigning Spirit in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on May 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Colby Hernandez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
strong>Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Joseph Rocco Jr., jockey
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Joseph Rocco Jr., who rode On the Rise in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on May 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (4th offense). Joseph Rocco Jr. is hereby fined $1,000 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Corey Lanerie, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Corey Lanerie, who rode Bama Breeze in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on May 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Lanerie was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Corey Lanerie is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/26/2022
Licensee: Santo Sanjur, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Santo Sanjur, who rode Cloud Without Reim in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Sanjur was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Santo Sanjur is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/26/2022
Licensee: Chris Landeros, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Chris Landeros, who rode Kunshan Bridge in the ninth race at Churchill Downs on May 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Chris Landeros is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/26/2022
Licensee: Joe Talamo, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Joe Talamo, who rode Tango Charlie in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on May 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (3rd offense). Joe Talamo is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/28/2022
Licensee: Tyler Gaffalione, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Towhead in the third race at Churchill Downs on May 26, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Tyler Gaffalione is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 05/28/2022
Licensee: Tiago Pereira, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Tiago Pereira, who rode champagne Sister in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 26, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Pereira was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Tiago Pereira is hereby suspended 3 racing days, May 30, June 2 and June 3, 2022 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/02/2022
Licensee: Tyler Gaffalione, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Gate Runner in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 30, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (3rd offense). Tyler Gaffalione is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/02/2022
Licensee: Mario Rodriguez, exercise rider
Penalty: Revoked license
Violation: Falsified license application
Explainer: The license of Mario Rodriguez is hereby revoked by the Board of Stewards. Mr. Rodriguez falsified his license application, failing to reveal his current suspension in Delaware, in addition to other disciplinary actions in Arkansas.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/04/2022
Licensee: Martin Garcia, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Martin Garcia, who rode Heartyconstitution in the eighth race at Churchill Downs on June 3, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Martin Garcia is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/04/2022
Licensee: Reyluis Gutierrez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Reyluis Gutierrez, who rode Teewinot Pass in the second race at Churchill Downs on June 3, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Reyluis Gutierrez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/04/2022
Licensee: Rene Diaz, jockey
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rene Diaz who rode Ferryboat in the second race at Churchill Downs on June 3, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (4th offense). Rene Diaz is hereby fined $1,000 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/05/2022
Licensee: Francisco Arrieta, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After failing to appear at a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Francisco Arrieta, who rode She's All Wolfe in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 4, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Arrieta was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Francisco Arrieta is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/05/2022
Licensee: Luis Saez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Luis Saez, who rode Pauline's Pearl in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 4, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Saez was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Luis Saez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/05/2022
Licensee: John Velazquez, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, John Velazquez, who rode Admission Office in the eighth race at Churchill Downs on June 4, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Velazquez was given the option and chose to pay a fine. John Velazquez is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/08/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Santana, Jr. jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Ricardo Santana, Jr., who rode Dalika in the ninth race at Churchill Downs on June 5, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. Ricardo Santana, Jr. is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/08/2022
Licensee: Nick Bush, owner-exercise rider
Penalty: Suspended license
Violation: Disorderly conduct
Explainer: Nick N. Bush is hereby suspended pending his appearance before the Board of Stewards for his falsification of license application, alleged disorderly conduct, and his formal ejection from Keeneland that occurred on May 27, 2022. During his suspension Mr. Bush is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/10/2022
Licensee: Jack Gilligan, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Jack Gilligan, who rode Waywardness in the eighth race at Churchill Downs on June 8, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (3rd offense). Jack Gilligan is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 15 through June 17, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/10/2022
Licensee: Carlos Villasana, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Carlos Villasana, who rode North Bay in the sixth race at Churchill Downs on June 8, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Villasana was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Carlos Villasana is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/11/2022
Licensee: Adam Beschizza, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Adam Beschizza, who rode What A Country in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on June 10, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Beschizza was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Adam Beschizza is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/11/2022
Licensee: Jose Santos Jr., jockey agent
Penalty: $200 fine
Violation: Failure to honor call
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Jose Santos Jr. is hereby fined $200 for failure to honor the call on Lock Up in the eleventh race at Churchill Downs on June 11, 2022.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/11/2022
Licensee: Rene Diaz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rene Diaz, who rode Amani's Eagle in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on May 10, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (5th offense). Rene Diaz is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 17 through June 19, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/16/2022
Licensee: Rafael Mojica, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rafael Mojica, who rode Tequilas Ranger in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 12, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Mojica was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Rafael Mojica is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 24 through June 26, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 06/19/2022
Licensee: Agustin Gomez, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Agustin Gomez, who rode Dot Marie in the fourth race at Churchill Downs on June 17, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Gomez was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Agustin Gomez is hereby suspended 3 racing days, June 24 through June 26, 2022 (inclusive) for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

 

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Wilkes Sends Out Modern Science, Princess Causeway In Kentucky Downs Previews At Ellis

Trainer Ian Wilkes will team with jockey and son-in-law Chris Landeros and Modern Science in Saturday's $100,000 Kentucky Downs TVG Preview Dueling Grounds and Princess Causeway in Sunday's $100,000 Kentucky Downs TVG Preview Ladies Mile.

Landeros is having a huge meet, his 13 wins out of only 38 mounts ranking second in the jockey standings behind Brian Hernandez Jr.'s 18 after taking Saturday's first race on his father-in-law's horse. Wilkes, whose son Brodie is also Landeros' agent, also is second in the trainer standings with 10 victories out of 34 starters. Only Brad Cox (11 for 28) has more wins.

Modern Science went from winning a maiden race to finishing third by two heads in Canterbury Park's Mystic Lake Derby.

“He's a big colt and an improving colt, just getting better with age,” Wilkes said. “Just very pleased with the way he's trained and since he's done since.”

Princess Causeway finished fifth in last year's Ladies Mile held over very soft turf. In her only start this year, she was second in the $100,000 Lady Canterbury.

“She's stakes-placed now, we'll see if we can get a stakes win on her,” Wilkes said. “Last year, she came back and won on the dirt and I was giving her a shot to be a dirt horse. But this year I'm concentrating on her being a grass horse at anything up to a mile. I think she's won five races. She's a Giant's Causeway and has some talent. She's not the easiest horse to train, but she's tough. If we can get her to do that in the afternoon, I think we'll be fine.”

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Moretti Goes For Second Straight Birdstone At Saratoga

Repole Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' multiple graded stakes placed Moretti will attempt to defend his title against a talented field of older horses in Thursday's $120,000 Birdstone, a 1 3/4-mile main-track marathon at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, the Medaglia d'Oro bay, out of the Grade 1-winning Concerto mare Rigoletta, is a half-brother to millionaire 2017 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Battle of Midway.

Purchased for $900,000 at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, Moretti blossomed last season, posting a record of three wins and three seconds in six starts, including stakes scores in the Flat Out at Belmont Park and Birdstone at Saratoga to go along with a runner-up effort in the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont.

Pletcher, a five-time Birdstone winner, said Moretti is working well into Thursday's repeat bid, including a five-eighths breeze in 1:01.88 on July 29 on the Spa main track.

“He's doing well. We know he likes the distance,” Pletcher said. “It's just a matter of keeping him happy and fit. He's coming off a couple of solid efforts and we're looking forward to giving it a try again.”

Irad Ortiz, Jr. will be tasked with engineering the title defense from post 4.

“I think the main thing is to get into a comfortable rhythm rather than worry about who's on the lead or stalking,” Pletcher said. “In these types of races, you just want to get into a good rhythm. You don't get many opportunities at this distance, so we'll give it our best shot.”

Flying P Stable's Lone Rock made the grade last out, romping to an 11 1/4-length score in the 12-furlong Grade 2 Brooklyn presented by Northwell Health on Belmont Stakes Day June 5.

Claimed back by trainer Robertino Diodoro for $40,000 out of a winning effort in November at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Lone Rock captured a 1 1/16-mile optional claimer in February at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., in his next outing.

The 6-year-old Majestic Warrior gelding has made his last four starts at 1 1/2-miles, finishing second in the Temperence Hill in March ahead of an optional claiming score on April 11, both at Oaklawn Park. He returned on short rest to capture the Isaac Murphy Marathon on April 27 at Churchill Downs ahead of an eye-opening effort in the Brooklyn that registered a career-best 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

Lone Rock posted a bullet half-mile on the main track in :46.60 on July 22 and worked an easy half-mile in :52.19 Friday over sloppy going on the Oklahoma training track.

“He's a horse that loves his job and he's training great. He bounced out of that race like it was nothing,” Diodoro said. “On Belmont day, it was a little warm, and to run that far, you'd think it would take a little bit out of him but he's come back like a monster.”

Ramon Vazquez retains the mount from post 3.

Centennial Farms' multiple graded stakes-winner Rocketry has finished third in the last two editions of the Birdstone.

Trained by Jimmy Jerkens, the 7-year-old Hard Spun bay finished off-the-board last out in the Brooklyn and will look to return to the form that saw him capture the 1 5/8-mile Grade 2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in November at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

“That one horse [Lone Rock] looks like a standout in that category. If ever he's going to beat horses like that, it's going this distance,” Jerkens said. “That's what happened in Kentucky. The pace was just too sharp for going that far and they came back to him and he went by them in the very end.”

Ricardo Santana, Jr. picks up the mount from post 7.

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Lothenbach Stables' Ry's the Guy, sixth last out in the Brooklyn, broke through at stakes level in September, taking the 12-furlong Champions Day Marathon at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Ian Wilkes, the 5-year-old Distorted Humor bay breezed a half-mile in :48.44 Thursday on the Saratoga main track.

“He came out of the last race good and I'm happy with him. It won't be an easy assignment; we'll be facing some of the same horses,” Wilkes said. “He has no problem with the track. He's trained here and got over it fine. His works have been solid. I'm very pleased with his breezes here. We've had a little bit of cool weather and that's helped.”

Ry's the Guy will exit the inside post under Chris Landeros.

Final Turn Racing Stable and Noda Brothers' You're to Blame, runner-up in last year's Birdstone, made an impressive first start Sunday for trainer Orlando Noda with a 9 1/2-length off-the-turf optional claiming romp traveling nine furlongs over a fast main track.

The 7-year-old Distorted Humor bay, a veteran of 37 career starts who captured the 2018 Grade 3 Greenwood Cup at Parx, will exit post 6 under Jose Ortiz.

Rounding out the field are graded-stakes placed He's No Lemon [post 2, Manny Franco], and stakes-placed Shooger Ray Too [post 5, Joel Rosario]

The Birdstone is slated as Race 9 on Thursday's 10-race card. First post is 1:05 p.m. Eastern.

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Storms Interrupt Colonial Downs Card: Violenza, Eons Rally For Stakes Victories

A neck and a head were the difference makers at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Va., on Monday in the Andy Guest and Buckland Stakes, while Mother Nature was the difference maker in the Da Hoss Stakes, which was cancelled mid-card due to thunderstorms in the area. Both stakes were contested over the Secretariat Turf Course, which was labeled good after the rain departed.

Seven of the track's nine races scheduled were run. The fourth and fifth fell victim to the storms which caused an hour-plus delay.

Randall Bloch, Six Column Stables LLC, John Seiler, David Hall & David Kirk's Violenza edged Mucha Mezquina on the outside after a thrilling finish that saw the pair trailing by nine lengths halfway through the 5 1/2-furlong $100,000 Andy Guest Stakes. Both made moves together exiting the turn and at the top of stretch, moved into striking position. Violenza ended up prevailing in a blanket finish where the top five finished within 1 1/2 lengths of each other.

Regular jockey Chris Landeros came in from Kentucky solely to ride Ian Wilkes' winning 4-year-old Violence filly. Sheldon Russell piloted Anthony Spinazzola's Mucha Mezquina for trainer Mark Salvaggio. Beantown Baby, going for her fourth straight win, finished third, just a neck behind the runner-up.

“She's good, she's nice and she's as honest as they come,” said Landeros of Violenza. “I think the pace up front really helped us. She doesn't mind a little bit of soft going so it was in our favor today. I know they skip over it early when there's a little bit of moisture in the ground. It favors a closer so I knew I had a little bit of an advantage coming into it today.”

Mark Grier's Eons and BBN Racing LLC's Kentucky Ghost encountered a similar scenario in the 1 1/8-mile, $150,000 Buckland, which followed next on the card. Both were among the three trailing horses at the half in the field of seven and both powered forward coming out of the final turn. Eons edged Kentucky Ghost by a head while Godolphin, LLC's Pixelate, highest money earner in the field with $493,350, took third, 1 1/4 lengths behind the runner-up.

“After the rain delay, all horses had been coming off the pace,” said winning jockey Mychel Sanchez. “I really liked my horse. I started out in the middle of the pack and by the time we got to the half I was last. But I knew he would close. I just wanted him to relax because he can be really tough but he can run. We got a lot of rain but the turf course here is amazing.”

With his fifth lifetime win, Eons' career bankroll increased to $428,615. The 5-year-old Giants Causeway horse is trained by Arnaud Delacour. The Kentucky-bred is out of the Hansel mare, Golden Antigua.

Colonial Downs hosts a nine-race card Tuesday at 1:45 PM. The season continues through September 1 with racing every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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