INDIAN DANCE CAPTURES HARRISON JOHNSON STAKES
LAUREL, MD. 03-27-10---Sondra Bender’s Indian Dance was methodical in victory as the overwhelming race favorite, rallying from just off the pace to win the $70,000 Harrison E. Johnson Memorial Stakes for older horses at Laurel Park.
Sent to post as the 3-5 favorite under Luis Garcia, the gelded son of Indian Charlie beat four others in the nine-furlong test, completing the distance in 1:51.04 and winning by two lengths. Zarroc edged Eddie C. by a neck to finish second.
“Even though this wasn’t a tough race on paper, it was difficult,” Garcia said. “They were walking up front and he was dragging me. He went to the lead too soon which he doesn’t like-he wants a target in front. He ran really green today but he still won for fun.”
The 4-year-old, who is trained by Larry Murray, paid $3.40. In his previous start, Indian Dance rallied in the same manner as today to finish a game second in the John B. Campbell Stakes here on Feb. 15.
“The lack of competition seemed to make him lackadaisical,” Murray said. “I was a little concerned Luis was going to make the lead too early and he didn’t finish as well as he usually does but he is still learning. I have no complaints. He is a nice horse.”
Indian Dance is now four for six lifetime with earnings of $107,575.
OLIVER CASTILLO SCORES 1,000TH WINNER IN SATURDAY OPENER
Jockey Oliver Castillo joined the 1,000 winners club in today’s first race after scoring a narrow victory aboard Veer for owner Linda Payne and trainer August Martin.
Castillo and Veer raced in last place for much of their seven furlong journey but down the stretch they passed every other runner in the field to win by a half-length in 1:26. The son of Mecke paid $17.
“I am happy to reach the milestone but it was just another race,” Castillo said. “I treat every race the same whether it is a big or little one.”
A native of Santiago, Chile, Castillo notched his first domestic winner aboard Yeah Ribbon at Tampa Downs 13 years ago. The 33-year-old was a regular in Maryland from 2006-08 and recently returned to the colony with agent Gina Rosenthal after a stint at Penn National.
“Things have been going really well,” added Castillo. “I got married last summer and have a home in Baltimore so when Gina called and asked if I wanted to come back, I jumped at the opportunity.”
About a dozen other members of the jockey colony met the popular rider back in the winners’ circle to help celebrate his milestone.
Castillo returned to the winners’ circle two other times during the card with Undaunted Spirit ($15-fifth) and Italian Gambler ($13-sixth). He is nine-of-48 at Laurel during the current winter meeting.
-mjc-
Mike Gathagan
Vice President-Communications
Maryland Jockey Club
410-578-4461 (Pimlico)
301-470-5461 (Laurel Park)
240-876-7403 (Mobile)
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