Mucho Macho Man Strolls Home at Big A
Mucho Macho Man returned with a stylish victory at Aqueduct on Wednesday, strolling home by almost six lengths under Ramon Dominguez.
A field of six went to the gate in the 3rd race at the Big A on November 9, a $55,000 flat mile optional claiming event for 3-year-olds and up, and Mucho Macho Man took the early initiative through splits of :23.32, :46.32, and 1:09.86.
Post time favorite Southern Ridge took up pressing duties but got tired of chasing the eventual winner and weakened to 4th. Gallant Fields tried to make a dent but had to settle for the place. Praetereo finished 3rd. More Than a Reason and Silent Money trailed.
“We just let him do what he wanted to do," said winning trainer Kathy Ritvo. "He’s
feeling really good today. He’s been training great, so I thought he would run
well today. I really didn’t expect anything – I just wanted to get a good race
into him for a comeback. We definitely have some options, but we’ll wait to see
how he comes out of the race and go from there.”
Mucho Macho Man stopped the clock in 1:34.72 and paid $4.90.
Ramon Dominguez was pleased with the winning effort. “We didn’t have an established plan; we were
just kind of playing it by ear. I wasn’t going to be surprised if both the four
(Gallant Fields) and the five (Southern Ridge) would go for the lead, but he
broke superb and made the lead very much within himself, very easy. He was just
on cruise control; turning for home he switched leads right and just took off
again. Very, very, nice.”
Dean Reeves, owner of Mucho Macho Man, is happy to have his 3-year-old colt back on the beam. “It is wonderful to have him back. He looked very
impressive out there today. He is a young 3-year-old and Kathy [Ritvo] has done
a tremendous job with him, by taking the time needed and allowing him to mature.
We hope he is going to be a major player next year.”