Eloquist ($33.80) noses Barese in Discovery Stakes
Eloquist, at 16-1, edged favorite Barese by a nose to win his third straight race Sunday in the $150,000 Discovery at Aqueduct.
It was another five lengths back in third to Naval Aviator.
The Discovery, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles, was run over a muddy, sealed track. It was one of three stakes on the card.
Eloquist ($33.80) moved to the lead soon after the start of the Discovery, and proceeded to set fractions of 24.07 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.49 for the half-mile and 1:13.51 for six furlongs. Barese was a constant threat through the stretch, and the two went hoof to hoof late with Eloquist winning in a photo finish. He covered the distance in 1:53.33.
“It was close, but when we got close my horse kept going and I thought I had it at the wire today,” winning rider Paco Lopez told the New York Racing Association.
“I rode him the last two races and I knew the longer distances would be better for this horse. A mile is a little too short for him.”
Butch Reid trains Eloquist. The horse came into the Discovery off back-to-back conditioned allowance victories, one at Parx Racing in September and the other at Delaware in October.
Eloquist is a son of Nyquist who races for Cash Is King and LC Racing. He has now won 5 of 12 starts for career earnings $243,010.
Maiden takes Tepin
Sweetlou’sgotaces won her maiden in the $120,000 Tepin, when she led throughout for a four-length victory over Smokie Eyes. It was another head back in third to Alluring Angel.
The Tepin was a one-mile turf race for 2-year-old fillies. The course was good.
Sweetlou’sgotaces ($6.50) set fractions of 24.76 for the opening quarter, 49.23 for the half-mile and 1:14.01 for six furlongs. She spurted clear through the lane, while covering the distance in hand in 1:38.49.
Joel Rosario was aboard the winner for trainer Raymond Handal.
Sweetlou’sgotaces is a daughter of Constitution who races for the partnership of Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Twin Sports Racing. From four starts, she has earned $104,750.
Star Devine takes Autumn Days
Star Devine was always prominent for a 1 1/4-length win over Change of Control in the $150,000 Autumn Days. It was another length back in third to Lady Edith.
The Autumn Days was a six-furlong turf race for fillies and mares. The course was good.
Star Devine ($8.40) tracked the pace set by Athwaaq, who led through fractions of 23.05 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.83 for the half-mile. Star Devine put in a steady, determined run through the stretch to cover the distance in 1:11.78.
Jose Ortiz was aboard the winner for trainer Jorge Abreu.
Star Devine is a daughter of Fastnet Rock who races for Lawrence Goichman.
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