Good Luck Gus, Freudie Anne Win at Aqueduct
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New York-bred juveniles took center stage Dec. 14 at Aqueduct Racetrack with a pair of impressive performances by Good Luck Gus in the $100,000 Damon Runyon Stakes and Freudie Anne in the $100,000 East View Stakes .
Trained by Rudy Rodriguez for owner Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables, and the Elkstone Group, Good Luck Gus' outside post in the 11-horse field caused initial concern for his connections.
However, the decision 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. 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 1/2 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 Oct. 4 at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. His career earnings stand at $330,059.
Bred by Fred W. Hertrich III out of the Deputy Minister mare Tacticmove, Good Luck Gus was a $97,000 buy at the Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga 2013 preferred New York-bred yearling sale. Kim Valero, agent for Dubb, made the purchase out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment.
"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 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. Navy Blue was a stewards scratch.
In the East View, 7-5 favorite Freudie Anne captured her first stakes, 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 pursuit.
Entering the stretch, Freudie Anne spurted away and coasted to the finish to win by 9 3/4 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.
Initially breaking her maiden on the turf Sept. 7 at Belmont Park, Freudie Anne returned $4.80 for a $2 wager. She is now 3-for-4 in her career with earnings of $141,500 after completing the one mile and 70 yards in 1:44.50.
"I think she's a versatile filly," said Eddie Kenneally, who trains Freudie Anne 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."
Bred by Delaney Stable out of the Toccet mare Lake Toccet, Freudie Ann was a bargain $9,000 purchase as a Keeneland September yearling in 2013 by Jayne Johnson, agent. Hunter Valley Farm consigned.
Hot City Girl was able to best Building Permit at the wire for second. They were followed by My Super Nova, Sweetpollypurebrd, and Classic Aussie to complete the order of finish.