| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2014
Contact: Najja Thompson
nthompson@nyrainc.com
(718) 659 - 2244
Good Luck Gus, Freudie Anne impress in Damon Runyon, East View
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - New York-bred juveniles took center stage on Sunday at Aqueduct Racetrack with a pair of impressive performances by Good Luck Gus in the $100,000 Damon Runyon and Freudie Anne in the $100,000 East View Stakes.
Trained by Rudy Rodriguez for owner Michael Dubb, Good Luck Gus' outside post in the 11-horse field caused initial concern for his connections.
"When we drew the No. 12, I said to Rudy, 'I would be fine waiting' because I have that much confidence in this horse," commented Dubb. "I liked this horse so much I wanted to run in the Jerome [Grade 2, January 3]."
However, the decision by owner and trainer to run in the Damon Runyon was rewarded.
With jockey Ruben Silvera in the irons, Good Luck Gus worked out a perfect stalking trip, tracking pacesetter Regal Minister through early splits of 23.21 and 48.17 seconds. Fifth early and improving to third on the backstretch, Good Luck Gus moved for the lead on the far turn. The Lookin At Lucky colt took over the lead at the quarter pole, holding off a game and fast-closing duo in runner-up Bullheaded Boy and third-place finisher Tizquick to win by 1 ½ lengths.
Returning $11 for a $2 wager, Good Luck Gus picked up his third win in seven starts for the year, and second stakes win following the New York Breeders' Futurity on October 4 at Finger Lakes. His career earnings are now $330,059.
"Since we got him he's been very special to us," said Rodriguez. The post position was a little hard; we were thinking of scratching, but I think we made the right decision, and he proved it today. I told [jockey Ruben] Silvera not to worry about losing ground, just be well placed. He fought on, and looked like he could handle 1 1/8 miles today."
The distance of one mile, 70 yards was completed in 1:45.80. Rounding out the order of finish was Fleeting, Regal Minister, Saint Joseph, Possilicious, Thrown of my Own, Masons Dream, J C's Not Brown, and Che La Luna.
In the East View, odds-on favorite Freudie Anne captured her first stakes victory by remaining on the lead throughout. Breaking sharply out of the gate under jockey Jose Ortiz, Freudie Anne set moderate fractions of 24.02, 49.11, and 1:14.40, with My Super Nova in close pursuit.
Entering the stretch, she spurted away and coasted to the finish to win by 9 ¾ lengths.
"She broke good. It seemed like there was a lot of speed in the race, but my filly was so game, and broke really sharp," said Ortiz. "I was able to get the lead easy; I thought I would have to go :23, :47 to get the lead, but everyone took back. My filly relaxed very well, and when I asked her to go I had a lot of horse."
Initially breaking her maiden on the turf on September 7 at Belmont, Freudie Anne returned $4.80 for a $2 wager. She is now 3-for-4 in her career with earnings of $141,500, and completed the one mile, 70 yards in 1:44.50.
"I think she's a versatile filly," said Eddie Kenneally, who trains the filly for Marc Detampel. "Originally, we scheduled to run her on dirt on closing weekend at Saratoga, but it didn't work out, and the next maiden race that came up happened to be on turf. She's as good or better on the dirt, and she showed that today." Hot City Girl was able to best Building Permit at the wire for second; followed by My Super Nova, Sweetpollypurebrd, and Classic Aussie completing the order of finish. -30-
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