It's Tricky Draws Off in Busher

It’s Tricky recorded her third consecutive victory and first in a stakes as she drew off to an authoritative eight-length triumph in the $65,000 Busher Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack on Sunday.

After tracking pacesetter Portside through a quarter mile in 23.83 and a half in 48.30, It’s Tricky moved up to challenge the leader on the far turn. Hand-ridden by Eddie Castro, she widened her lead through the stretch, stopping the clock at 1:43.21 for one mile and 70 yards.

A debut winner at Aqueduct for Darley Stable on November 28, It’s Tricky made her second start in a first-level optional claimer over the inner track on January 26. Although slightly green around the first turn, the Mineshaft filly took command in the stretch to win that race by 4 ¾-lengths.   

“She was very professional on the first turn today,” said Artie Magnuson, assistant to winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “We were in the clear, which helped, and Eddie [Castro] indicated after last time that it wouldn’t be a problem and he was right. It was push-button steering today. She’s a nice filly, and we’re happy Darley is leaving this kind up North, too, as well as down in Florida.”

The 1-5 favorite in the field of five, It’s Tricky returned $2.70 and earned $39,000, boosting her bankroll to $93,000.

“She was really comfortable today,” said Castro. “She was very relaxed, and in the stretch she had a nice kick. I think she is getting more mature. This is only the third race for her. She’s really good.”

Daring Reality rallied from last to grab second, Portside faded to third, and Dance Quietly and Vixen’s Roar completed the order of finish.

Magnuson said It’s Tricky would be pointed for the Grade 3, $150,000, one-mile Comely on the Wood Memorial Day undercard at Aqueduct April 9.