Delaware Park 2019 horses to watch: June 22
by Frank Vespe
Delaware Park has an eight-race card on tap for Saturday, and they are off the turf. Some horses to watch:
Race 2 – Starter allowance
- Fillies and mares three and up that have started for a claiming price of $8,000 or less since October 22, 2017 will go 1 mile 70 yards on the main track.
- Last time out #1 Sweetest Yet (3-1) dominated at this level, winning off by five lengths in a one-mile starter event. Whatever trainer Miguel Penaloza has done with this six-year-old Drosselmeyer mare, it’s worked wonders; since he claimed her for $16,000 in February, she’s won two races, including an allowance, and run second in a stake. Overall this year, she has three wins and has been in the money in seven of eight starts. Penaloza had a pair entered here — including Crazy Daisy — but has scratched the latter. That leaves this one wide open for Sweetest Yet to win her second straight, as she appears both the best horse and the controlling speed. Pablo Rodriguez will ride.
- Selections: 1-4-2
Arabian Watch
Thanks to Stephanie Ruff and Arabian Finish Line for giving us insights to the Arabian racing at Delaware Park.
This 5-furlong maiden race for fillies is full of first time starters. Two of them come from powerhouse stables – Amys Little Diva AA from trainer Torrez and owner Gillis is a full sister to graded stakes-placed winner Big Ben AA, and RB Kinetic from trainer Torrez and owner Rosebrook Farm who is out of the dam of RB Kinkie Boots, RB Kinkie and RB Kindle. Another first time starter worth mentioning is Big Zell, by So Big Is Better. She is owned and trained by new trainer Nicole Ruggeri who just won the grade 1 President of the UAE Cup S. at Churchill Downs.