Riley’s Choice impresses in maiden score

by | Oct 10, 2016 | Breaking, Maryland, MD Racing, Racing

Riley’s Choice breaks her maiden. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.

From a Maryland Jockey Club release

Sagamore Farm homebred filly Riley’s Choice, making the second start of her career and first since a disappointing July 1 debut, posted an impressive front-running victory in Sunday’s fifth race.

Riley’s Choice ($4.60) was sent off as the 6-5 top choice in a field of nine for the $40,000 maiden special weight. The juvenile daughter of Distorted Humor ran six furlongs in 1:11.09 over a fast main track.

In her debut, Riley’s Choice, a Maryland-bred daughter of Distorted Humor, came under a ride before the quarter pole and tired to fifth.  She was the 7-10 favorite that day.

“When she debuted we thought she would put in a good effort … and first-time experience kind of got to her probably,” winning trainer Horacio DePaz said. “Coming into this race she was working pretty consistently so we thought that she would perform but after the first race you’re always kind of wondering, making sure they’re not morning glory-type horses.”

Jockey Victor Carrasco sent Riley’s Choice from outside post 9 before settling her on the lead as Sympathetic and My Chesa Charm took turns stalking behind fractions of 22.28 and 46.71 seconds. Riley’s Choice extended her lead at the top of the stretch and accelerated again as Aiden’s Rag Doll made a belated run for second as Sympathetic checked in third.