| Saturday, October 4, 2014
By the Moon springs upset in G1 Frizette
By Sean Morris
ELMONT, N.Y. - Trainer Michelle Nevin earned her first Grade 1 victory on Saturday at Belmont Park when 24-1 long shot By the Moon outlasted a field of promising 2-year-old fillies in the Grade 1, $500,000 Frizette.
By the Moon broke on top under Jose Ortiz, but was content to let Grade 2 Adirondack winner Cavorting grab the early lead. The Indian Charlie filly shadowed Cavorting through quick splits of 22.66 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.11 for the half, as Grade 1 Spinaway Condo Commando winner loomed menacingly in third.
With minimal urging, By the Moon inherited the lead turning for home and turned back all challengers to prevail by 2 ¼ lengths over Wonder Gal, and Feathered checked in third. Condo Commando, the 4-5 favorite, finished fourth.
"I know she handled the slop at Saratoga wonderfully, but I guess it was a different type of mud today," said Joe Bravo, rider aboard Condo Commando. "It was obvious - the first jump out of the gate, she just stumbled and she fell away from there. What I felt was even worse, around the turn, was her action. Before the race, she felt great and I didn't think we could get beat. When it got to the footing on the ground, she wasn't content with it at all. It's a shame because in my eyes, she is the best filly in the race."
The decision reversed the outcome of the Spinaway, in which By the Moon was beaten 13 ¼ lengths by Condo Commando at Saratoga Race Course. By the Moon completed the one-mile distance of the Frizette in 1:39.42, running her last quarter in a shade under 28 seconds over the sloppy, slow track.
"She's always been extremely smart and very professional," said Nevin. "In her first race she did everything she was expected to do as a racehorse. Even in her second race it wasn't the greatest trip; she had to go a little wide and maybe it was speed biased that day. She still tried to make her run. Today, she just took control."
By the Moon's win earned her an all-fees paid berth to the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies as part of the "Breeders' Cup Win and You're In" series. The dark bay or brown filly returned $50.50 on a $2 win bet and enhanced her bankroll to $419,800.
Caymon Croc, Ring Knocker, and Cavorting completed the order of finish.
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