Aardie B Miki N and Jason Bartlett captured the first Grade 1 stakes race in North American history, taking Friday's (May 9) $490,000 Blue Chip Matchmaker at MGM Yonkers Raceway for her fifth straight victory in the U.S. in a time of 1:53 3/5 over a track rated wet-fast.
As the 1-5 favorite, Aardie B Miki N started from the pole position, but Bartlett had company early as Silk Cloud A and Jordan Stratton left strongly, as did Rocket Deo. Bartlett yielded to Silk Cloud A but then was in a bind as Scott Zeron took Walkin On Sunshine from the three-hole and was making a quick move to get the front. Bartlett noticed in enough time to squeeze out with the favorite and secure the front before the 26 1/5 opening fraction.
Walkin On Sunshine was chased to gain control of the field into the second turn but paid a price to get there. With an accelerated half of 55 1/5, Stratton moved once again with Silk Cloud A, followed on the outside by Rocket Deo and Talk Curdy To Me. The pace remained strong as Walkin On Sunshine and Silk Cloud A battled it out through a wicked 1:23 2/5 three-quarter clocking while virtually on even terms. Rocket Deo and Andy McCarthy were struggling to keep with cover, while at the same time Bartlett didn't appear to have much room from the two-hole.
Late on the final turn Bartlett was able to knife out of the pocket just as Silk Cloud A was retreating and blew by the leader with ease. Seaside Diva and driver Yannick Gingras had improved position along the pylons, overcoming post eight and having a clear shot at the winner. The 75-1 Seaside Diva made it interesting but settled for second with Talk Curdy To Me out-kicking Rocket Deo for the third spot and Turn The Page N coming on late for the final check.
Aardie B Miki N is owned by M T Stables Ontario and trained by Per Engblom. The victory increased her seasonal earnings to $345,000. Aardie B Miki N paid $2.40 to win with the exacta coming back $117.50 and the trifecta a healthy $1,181.
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"The last place I wanted to be was in the two-hole," said Bartlett following the victory. 'I've driven that mare (Walkin On Sunshine), and I know she runs out in the stretch, so I had to make a decision."
Bartlett quick-moved Aardie B Miki N and was more than thrilled by the results.
"She's a pleasure to drive. I'm going to have fun driving her this summer," Bartlett said with a keen eye on major stakes races the 5-year-old daughter of Always B Miki has on her schedule.
In the $100,000 Blue Chip Matchmaker consolation, Bartlett guided second choice Cheryls Shadow to a wire-to-wire victory, holding off seven rivals in a 1:53 1/5 mile.
Cheryls Shadow used the rail to advantage, discouraging leavers while Bartlett allowed her to sprint an opening quarter in 27 2/5 before taking a hold. With a 57 1/5 half, favored Tarapasta moved on the third turn to challenge but Cheryls Shadow accelerated with a 27 2/5 third quarter, keeping the favorite stalled on the outside. Cheryls Shadow cruised to victory with High Flyin' Filly following in second and Coachellabound N on the scene late for third.
Owned by Kyle Warren and Brian Loman, the victorious 6-year-old Shadow Play-sired mare is trained by Doug Dilloian Jr. Cheryls Shadow paid $5.20 to win and keyed a $24.40 exacta and $73 triple.
MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday/Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday live racing schedule with post time each night at 6:45 p.m. (EDT).
--press release (Yonkers)--