'Old pro' Mind Control's winning streak in tact with Tom Fool victory
Mind Control made it interesting Saturday, coming from far off the pace to overtake Happy Farm late and score in the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap at Aqueduct.
The victory was Mind Control’s third straight overall, fifth in a graded stakes and fourth out of five starts at the Big A.
Jockey Junior Alvarado had the 4-year-old Stay Thirsty colt sixth early on in the Tom Fool, a six-furlong dirt sprint that drew a field of eight. Jason Servis trainee Happy Farm broke to the front and set fractions of :22.87 and :46.17.
Turning for home, Happy Farm enjoyed a comfortable lead with Mind Control gearing up from mid-pack in the center of the track. Alvarado urged the Grade 1 winner past Wonderful Light for third, past Wentz for second and, after making up several lengths in the final furlong, past Happy Farm for the win.
Mind Control crossed in 1:10.88, scoring by a length for a win that returned $4.80. Happy Farm stayed up for second, with Bon Raison in third.
"I was further back than I wanted to be, but he's an old pro and he knows where the wire is and when to put the run," Alvarado said. "As soon as I put him on the outside, past the three-eighths pole, he knew what was going on and started picking it up turning for home.
"I switched my stick to the left because it seemed like he responded to it. He was just flying. He was so strong at the end."
Gregg Sacco conditions Mind Control, who breeder Red Oak Stable campaigns alongside Madaket Stables, LLC. The colt is 2-for-2 as a 4-year-old, also winning Aqueduct’s Toboggan Stakes (G3) on Jan. 18.
Mind Control won Grade 1 events in both his 2- and 3-year-old seasons. Sacco said he'll target that level again for his next start, the $400,000 Carter Handicap (G1) on April 4 over the same Aqueduct track.
"He's like New York's darling horse and loves Aqueduct," Sacco said. "These stakes are rich and deep in tradition. As a trainer, you dream of running in them. It's a special thing to win them.
"New York is the crème de la crème of racing. To compete and win at the highest level is special for our team."