TurfPublicists: PHIPPS HOMEBRED KEEPS WINNING 'STREAK' INTACT

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Contact: Jon Forbes

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PHIPPS HOMEBRED KEEPS WINNING 'STREAK' INTACT

ELMONT, N.Y. – Streaker, a well-bred 3-year-old filly from the barn of Shug McGaughey, easily defeated older opponents in today's featured race at Belmont Park to remain unbeaten in three starts.

Carrying the colors of her breeder, Phipps Stable, Streaker used her tactical speed to stalk the pace in second after breaking from post position 1. She skimmed the rail as she engaged the pacesetter with a half mile left, and needed only light urging down the stretch to report home a 2 ¼-length winner under Javier Castellano, who rode the sophomore for the first time.

"I think it's difficult to bring 3-year-old fillies against older horses this time of year, so I was pleased with what I saw today and I think there is room for improvement," said McGaughey. "When she made the lead, I think she got a little bit lazy."

Streaker, who paid $3.30 as the odds-on favorite, covered the one-mile distance in 1:38.98 and has now earned $76,200 so far in her brief career.

Debuting at Gulfstream Park on February 20, the bay drew off to win by four lengths, then doubled her tally at that venue on March 27 when she annexed an optional claimer by three-parts of a length while racing under a snug hold.

"She trained well before I left here last fall and I decided to back off on her," said McGaughey. "She also trained well at Payson Park. Her maiden race was a good race – the filly who was second [Muhaawara] came back and won [at Aqueduct on April 18]."

Streaker is a half-sister to Pine Island, who won a pair of Grade 1 races in New York in 2006 – the Alabama at Saratoga and the Gazelle at Belmont – before she fatally broke down in that year's Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff. Other close relatives include the 2005 Distaff winner Pleasant Home and multiple graded stakes winner Country Hideaway.

A tilt against graded competition could be next for Streaker, who has cleared the first two allowance conditions.

"I don't think there will be any three-other-thans on the dirt, so I'll have to take a look," said McGaughey. "The Acorn [Grade 1, June 5] would be a possibility."

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