Expression Relishes the Slop in the Garland of Roses
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Coming from off the lead on a sloppy inner-dirt track, Expression made a bold four-wide move in the stretch to pass a game Winning Image to take the $100,000 Garland of Roses on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Beneath Manuel Franco, Expression broke midpack and sat a few lengths off a measured pace of 22.94 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.92 for the half set by second betting choice Bridgehampton and Winning Image.
"Charlie told me try to rate good, and see what happens at the top of the stretch," said Franco. "When I got her to the outside, she started running again. I used my whip left-handed, and she responded very good."
Entering the race, owner and trainer Charlton Baker was concerned with the off going, but the setup of the race proved to be key to the 5-year-old mare picking up her first win of 2014. The Garland of Roses was also Expression's first stakes victory and first win on an off track.
"I was definitely concerned about a wet track," said Baker. "Her numbers have stayed the same [on a wet track], but she's never seemed to run her race. Today set up great. Two speed horses were going head-and-head, and she was sitting back."
Expression completed the six furlongs in 1:13.25 and returned $14.40 on a $2 wager. Her bankroll has now improved to $364,194.
Pleased with her performance, Baker was already looking forward to where she will be placed next.
"My tentative plan is to go to the Interborough [on January 17 at Aqueduct Racetrack]," he said.
Winning Image was three-quarters of a length ahead of post-time favorite Willet. Sounds of the City, Jonata, and Bridgehampton completed the order of finish.
Source: NYRA Communications
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