Daring Dancer Delivers for Motion

The victory by Sagamore Farm’s homebred Daring Dancer in Thursday’s Appalachian (G3) Presented by Japan Racing Association capped a three-win day for trainer Graham Motion’s barn. It was the first three-win day for a trainer at the Spring Meet, which enters its 11th day today.

“So what have you done for us today?” said David Rock, assistant to Motion, with a mirthful laugh. “We have five in today and we’ll try again.”

Rock said Daring Dancer came out of the turf race well as she extended her undefeated streak to three.

Next for Daring Dancer likely will be the $100,000 Hilltop going 1 1/16 miles on the grass on May 16. The race at Pimlico is basically right in Sagamore’s front yard.

With the trio of victories, Motion is tied atop the Spring Meet’s leading trainer standings with Mark Casse and Wesley Ward. All have six wins. Motion also saddled two winners on opening day, April 14.

Jose Hernandez, assistant to trainer Chad Brown, said Appalachian runner-up Sweet Acclaim (IRE) and fourth-place finisher Kitten Kaboodle came out of the race fine and would be headed to New York soon.

Also heading to New York is Recepta, who finished third as the favorite in her 2014 debut.

“She’s OK this morning and ran well for her first start back,” trainer Jimmy Toner said.

So, would the Sands Point at Belmont be next for Recepta?

“Nope,” Toner said with a laugh. “The Wonder Again. They renamed the race. I trained Wonder Again, so I will be in the winner’s circle one way or another.”

Wonder Again was a two-time Grade 1 winner and earned more than $1.4 million in her career.

The Wonder Again carries a $200,000 purse and is 1 1/8 miles on the turf on May 25.