Contact Information:
Bob Roberts (216-662-8600)
May 22, 2008
www.thistledown.com
Jockey Sanguinetti Making Run To Become Thistledown’s First Ever Female Champion
In the 55-year history of Thistledown, a female jockey has never won a saddle championship. Anne Sanguinetti, in just her fourth year of riding, could become the first.
The 27-year-old Michigan native and Pepperdine University graduate won Monday's third race to move into a tie for the lead of the Summit-Thistledown Meeting jocks' derby with Weldon Cloninger Jr. Both have 13 winners through the opening 15 days of the 46-day stand that will conclude on July 3. Jeffrey Skerrett stalks in third place with 11 winners.
Sanguinetti's title bid will be interrupted this week while she serves a seven-day suspension after her mount, True Market, was disqualified from first to fourth for interfering with a rival last week.
"It's the first time in my career that I've been taken down from first place," said Sanguinetti. "I'm not appealing. I'm going to take the days and go visit my parents over the Memorial Day weekend."
Sanguinetti will be eligible to return to ride at Thistledown on Friday, May 30.
This Saturday Is The Labatt Blue Putting Challenge
This Saturday we’re Putting with the Ponies! Take your best shot at the Labatt Blue Putting Hole Challenge from 12-3 p.m. – only three putts for $1. Sink a putt and you could win golf accessories, sporting tickets or the grand prize –tickets to the Memorial Golf Tournament including a dining gift card and a $100 gas card! All money donated benefits the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund.
There will be free kids’ activities including face painting and temporary tattoos. Plus, kids can putt for fun for a chance to win prizes such as toy store gift cards, a spot in the LeBron James Kings Academy Day Camp or a Nintendo Lite! Enjoy outdoor grilling and beer specials!
STAKE ON THE MENU --- The second added-money race of the young Thistledown season will go to the post Saturday when up to 10 fillies and mares could face starter Rick Walker in the third running of the $50,000 Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial Stakes. The six furlong dash is for Ohio accredited foals, and among the nominees are 2006 winner Imahoneytoo and last year's third place finisher, Money Card. Official entries for the Classen, a race that honors the memory of prominent Bainbridge breeder-owner Ted Classen, will be drawn on Wednesday.
THREE MUSKETEERS -- The training Faulkner brothers, Randy, Rickey and Rodney, all saddled winners at Thistledown on Thursday. Left out of the victory party was Joe Faulkner, their father, whose lone entry was unplaced in the ninth race. "He was mad about it, too," said Rodney Faulkner.
DEPT. OF OOPS -- It was reported in this space last week that the mother of jockey Jane Magrell, who won a race on Thistledown's Mother's Day program, was Dorothy Magrell. Mrs. Magrell's last name is Maxwell, not Magrell.
FEED BAG -- Delightful Kiss, upset winner of last year's Ohio Derby, is getting close to making his first start of 2008. Trainer Pete Anderson worked him a half-mile in 47 2/5 seconds Sunday morning at Calder. The move was the fastest of 22 at the distance at the Miami track . . .Trainer Angel Feliciano is off to another fast start on the Ohio stakes trail. He shipped Formal Arrangement to River Downs to capture last weekend's Tomboy Stakes, giving Feliciano two stakes victories in the first five added-money races of the year. His Pay The Man won the May 2 Angenora at Thistledown. Feliciano and fellow Thistledown horseman Tim Hamm each won seven Ohio stakes last year . . .Harlan's Holiday, voted Ohio Horse of the Year in both 2001 and 2002, remains one of the hottest young sires in North America. The stallion who was foaled at Double D Farm in Medina, had a daughter sell for $700,000 as the sales-topper at a recent auction in California . . .Thistledown will be open for evening simulcasts Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday of this week. Of course, the track is open each and every day for full-card afternoon simulcasting.
Get Hook’d From The Top
Each week Thistledown Announcer Matt Hook will share his thoughts on the Thistledown races and what to watch out for in coming weeks.
Thursday (5/15) One Dixie took the road less traveled to Thistledown. This horse finished second in a graded stake in his debut. He broke his maiden at the show in 2007. He arrived here for his third lifetime start after the second of two lengthy layoffs. He was in at the bottom for $4,000. On this day he was second best. However, if he can race back this time he could improve. I don't know what the problem is but I'm sure he has a significant physical issue. If that problem is in the past, he could be one to keep an eye on.
Friday (5/16) Padre returned for his yearly debut. I have always liked this horse. He prefers to go longer than the six panels scheduled on this day. He managed to finish a solid fourth. When he returns to a route race, go to the window. As long as he doesn't face any world-beaters he should be long gone. He might also pay a decent price. Add him to your horses to watch list.
Saturday (5/17) Another horse I've always enjoyed is Too Too Crafty. He showed tons of speed in this race before calling it a day and fading to finish last. He probably needed the race as it was his first off the layoff. Look for him to carry his speed much further in his next start. He will be a decent price. Another to add to your horses to watch list.
Sunday (5/18) One look was all it took for Watchin Senorita. How this filly paid 6-1 is a mystery to me. Trainer Richard Rettele had another entrant in the race who was coming off a runner up effort. However, the barn’s go to rider Ivan Gonzalez showed up on this first time starter. She may win her next start right back. It looks like this filly has a future.
Monday (5/19) Talk about a filly with a future. Silver Platters was ultra impressive in winning an allowance race. Since coming off the polytrack she has been nearly unbeatable. I think that she can win anywhere. At least anywhere there isn't a synthetic surface. Her chances were improved when Cruise Liner threw her jockey off at the start. We had her on the list last week and expected a battle between her and the filly above. It was not meant to be, but she will be back to fight another fight. If you played her this time and lost, play her back and win.