Condo Commando Romps in Gazelle

 

Owned by Michael Dubb and Bethelem Stables and trained by Rudy Rodriguez, Condo Commando entered the Gazelle off back-to-back front-running victories at the Big A, taking the Grade 2 Demoiselle last November by 11 ½ lengths and the Busher by 4 ¾ lengths.  

Breaking alertly from the gate with Joel Rosario in the irons, Condo Commando was challenged for the lead by Puca before seizing control through the first turn. Leading the field through early fractions of 23.11 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.06 for the half, Condo Commando extended her lead in the stretch to win by 2 ½ lengths while completing the distance in 1:52.17

"I was surprised to see [Puca] going with me early," said Rosario. "I didn't know how fast we were going but it seemed like a good pace. I just sat quiet on the outside for a little bit to see what [Manuel Franco, rider aboard Puca] would do. When he took back, I went [to the front]."

Picking up 100 qualifying points for the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, Rodriguez and Dubb were ecstatic with her performance and optimistic about her chances moving forward.

"She broke well today. I was very happy," said Rodriguez. "I told Joel [Rosario] if she broke good, just take it from there. She's a very nice filly. I don't know if we will have the favorite for the Kentucky Oaks], but hopefully we can make it. It's still a long way to go. Hopefully, she stays sound and we'll take it from there. That's our goal [Kentucky Oaks].

"She's just the real deal and I hope people realize that now," commented Dubb. "They said she had to have the lead, but Puca came through, and that was no problem for our filly. I don't want to sound too much like a cheerleader, but I'm a proud papa."

Leaving the gate as the post-time favorite, Condo Commando returned $3.30 for a $2 wager and increased her career earnings to $748,600.

The Bill Mott-trained Puca held on for second with Oaks plans still a possibility for the daughter of Big Brown.

"She broke well," said the Hall of Fame trainer. "I think she had a pretty good trip. She looked good, but I think she was just second best today. We will talk to the connections and see if that's the way they want to go [Kentucky Oaks], but she's probable."

Finishing third was Money'soncharlotte. Wonder Gal, Sweet Corine, Noble and a Beauty, and Jacaranda completed the order of finish.