Frosty Margarita Freezes Out Melodic in Key Cents
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Photo:
NYRA
After picking up back-to-back second-place finishes since initially making the jump to stakes competition in September, the third time was the charm for trainer Rudy Rodriguez and Gabrielle Farm's Frosty Margarita as she took control early under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and never relinquished her lead to win Sunday's $100,000 Key Cents for New York-bred 2-year-old fillies at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Breaking alertly from the rail as the 7-5 post-time favorite, the daughter of Frost Giant was quickly sent towards the front from the field of seven setting comfortable fractions of 23.04 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.54 for the half. Melodic, who saved ground throughout swung out three wide in pursuit of the leader at the quarter-pole but Frosty Margarita extended her lead in upper stretch to secure the victory by three lengths.
"I rode her before and after talking to Rudy I think we figured her out now," said Ortiz, Jr. who had three other winners on the day including his 1000th victory since coming to the United States aboard Island Therapy in the day's fifth race.
Returning $5.10 for a $2 win wager, the daughter of Frost Giant completed the six furlongs in 1:11.85. Earning her first career stakes victory, she boosted her career earnings $195,800.
"She ran the way we expected," said Rodriguez. "I told Irad to just break from there running and if someone goes crazy just let the other horse go. She got a nice comfortable lead and then she switched leads and took it home. [Cutting back to six furlongs] was the best thing we did. I still think she can stretch out. Hopefully next year she can stretch out to a mile. The main thing is we have to keep her sound and healthy."
Following Melodic in second was Surprise Cameo, Louisville First, Lemon Liqueur, Here Comes Rosie, and Taken by Surprise.
Source: NYRA Communications (Najja Thompson)
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