Nevin: By the Moon's Frizette Win 'Overwhelming'

 

Grade 1 Frizette winner By the Moon came back in good order, according to her trainer Michelle Nevin, and in all likelihood will make her next start in the Grade 1, 1 1/16-mile Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita Park.

 

Run over a water-logged main track at Belmont Park, the Frizette boasted a field of very promising 2-year-old fillies, which relegated By the Moon to the role of outsider at 24-1. As soon as the gates opened, however, it was apparent that the daughter of Indian Charlie was a live long shot.

 

By the Moon shot to the front, but was content to let Grade 2 Adirondack winner Cavorting grab the early lead, with Grade 1 Spinaway winner Condo Commando off her flank in third. Turning for home, By the Moon briskly shed the two more accomplished fillies and splashed home in front to give Nevin her first career Grade 1 victory.

 

"I think it's everyone's goal to win a race like [the Frizette]," said Nevin. "I was overwhelmed."

 

The decision reversed the outcome of the Grade 1 Spinaway at Saratoga Race Course, in which Condo Commando defeated By the Moon by 13 ¼ lengths over a sloppy track. By the Moon prevailed by 2 ¼ lengths in the Frizette and earned a 78 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort.

 

"It was a different scenario between the two sloppy tracks," said Nevin. "She was a little sharper, got good position, and [jockey] Jose [Ortiz] was able to give her a perfect ride."

 

Two big question marks hang over By the Moon's head going into the Juvenile Fillies - how she will handle shipping to California and how she will fare on a fast track - but Nevin doesn't foresee either being a problem.

 

"So far she's done everything we've asked her to do," said the trainer. "She's always been very professional and doesn't get too revved up. If it was a dry, fast track [for the Breeders' Cup], it wouldn't be a big issue for us. She's always worked over dry track leading up to her races and has performed well over it."

 

Source: NYRA Communications