Classofsixtythree Takes Shot in Ruffian
When Classofsixtythree goes to the post in Sunday’s Grade 1 Ruffian, she’ll have her own cheering section – former classmates of her owner, Lee Pokoik, who was graduated from Tabor Academy in 1963.
“I am a trustee of the school, and what I have done in the past is name horses for people that are involved in the school,” said Pokoik of Tabor, a 9-12 prep school located in Marion, Mass. “I’ve named some for teachers, including Hoyle, Stroud, and Stokes, and this horse was named for the year I graduated.”
The informal class reunion – Pokoik said he expects perhaps a half-dozen alumni, as well as several members of the school’s development office – hopes to be rooting for another of Pokoik’s horses, Triple Latte, who is being pointed to an allowance race on Sunday.
After the races, the group will have dinner at Siro’s.
“Hopefully we’ll have something to celebrate,” said Pokoik.
Trained by Gary Contessa, Classofsixtythree is 2-0-4 from six starts this year and comes into the 1 1/8th mile Ruffian off a last-to-first victory in an allowance on Monmouth Park on July 9.
“If ever there was a time to try a Grade 1 race, this is it,” said Contessa. “Her confidence level is high, and if we can even get third in a Grade 1 race it would enhance her pedigree. I’m not saying she’s a Grade 1 horse, but she may be on Sunday.”