Trainer Michael Pino reaches 2,000 wins
The Biz- January 30, 2023
Trainer Michael Pino entered Monday on the cusp of a milestone: just two wins shy of 2,000 for his career. But he only had two runners entered today, so getting there seemed it might be a challenge.
No matter: both Pontiffany and, later, Holdthelight registered dominant victories to get Pino to the mark.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In the second race, a $7,500 claimer for fillies and mares, jockey Mychel Sanchez piloted Pontiffany, the 3-5 favorite, to an easy three-length score. Never far back in third early, Pontiffany moved to even terms on the turn and inched away in upper stretch to win in 1:14.51 for six furlongs on a fast track.
Four races later, Sanchez guided Holdthelight (3-1) to a similar, if even easier triumph. In the first-level allowance/optional claimer, Holdthelight cruised to a 9 1/2-length score in 1:45.12 for a mile and 70 yards.
NOTABLE
Pino’s 2,000 wins have come in 9,634 starts, roughly a 21% strike rate in a career that began in 1983… Won more than 100 races in three consecutive seasons, from 2003 to 2005… Has logged 10 graded stakes wins in his career… His best trainee, Ten Keys, won six of those graded events and earned more than $1.2 million… Other graded winners are Boston Common, Smooth Maneuvers, and Wallyanna… Has won 55 stakes since 2000, according to Equibase, including five, from 11 starts, in 2022, with four courtesy of Fortheluvofbourbon… Has six wins from 25 starts this year, with a trio of two-win days providing all the wins…
CONNECTIONS
Ponitffany
- Trainer Michael Pino
- Jockey Mychel Sanchez
- Owner Bing Cherry Racing, Inc.
Holdthelight
- Trainer Michael Pino
- Jockey Mychel Sanchez
- Owner Bing Cherry Racing, Inc.
Photo: Trainer Michael Pino (holding sign on right) celebrates his 2,000th career victory after Holdtheflight wins an allowance/optional claimer on January 30, 2023 at Parx Racing. Photo by Barbara Weidl/EQUI-PHOTO.
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