By JOHN DaSILVA
June 22, 2008
Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux made a successful return to Belmont, completing his three-win day with a hard-fought victory aboard favored Mauralakana in the Grade 2, $242,000 New York Handicap. Dynaforce, making her US debut, was a neck back in second with Hostess another neck back in third. The Christophe Clement trainee became racing's newest millionaire with the victory, grabbing $150,000 to increase her career earnings to $1,013,012. She ran the mile and a quarter on the firm inner-turf course in 2:01.31.
1ST RACE - Bon Marie was cross-entered in the seventh race at Monmouth, but the connections decided to run in this spot. He rated off the pace while saving ground and then tried to angle outside for a clear run in the stretch drive. But Rajiv Maragh aboard Transit of Venus held him inside behind horses to force him to lose momentum. Transit of Venus then drew off for the victory with Bon Marie ending up third.
3RD RACE - The Mike Miceli entry worked successfully as a team for the victory. J. C.s Classic set the pace and kept Better Than Swiss outside as entrymate Who Is Lady stalked the pace on the rail. On the far turn, Who Is Lady got through to take the lead while Better Than Swiss had to work hard and lost ground while getting around the pacesetter. In the stretch, Better Than Swiss tried to run down Who Is Lady, but the loss of ground was too much and she ended up second.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 9-3-7-3-3-8
7 winners each pays $11,398
322 consolation (5 of 6 ) pays $93.50
No carryover
