North Slope Powers Home in Evening Attire

Given a dream trip by jockey Junior Alvarado, North Slope powered away from a field of accomplished older runners in the $100,000 Evening Attire, the Sunday feature at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained North Slope relished a change in surface and scenery in the Evening Attire. The 5-year-old son of Elusive Quality had most recently finished ninth at 1 ½ miles on turf in the Grade 3 W. L. McKnight Handicap on December 27 at Gulfstream Park, and was making his first start on dirt since finishing second in an optional claimer on August 1 at Saratoga Race Course.

After breaking a step slowly, North Slope settled near the back of the pack as Village Warrior set fractions of 25.04 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 50.10 for the half, and 1:14.83 for three-quarters.

As the field entered the stretch, the pacesetter drifted out, giving a rallying North Slope plenty of room to make his run unencumbered. The bay gelding seized the opportunity, opening up a clear lead within a matter of a few strides and maintaining his advantage to the wire to prevail by 2 ½ lengths.

"He's an improving horse," said Arthur Magnuson, assistant to McLaughlin. "Kiaran made the right call by shipping him north after a lackluster performance on a turf course at Gulfstream Park that he didn't really like. The Saratoga team has told me a lot about him, to keep him fresh and happy. They nailed it; he ran great today. We weren't sure how fit we were, we've had some bad weather lately, but everyone is in the same boat."

North Slope, who completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.45, returned $17.80 on a $2 win wager and increased his bankroll to $370,707. The Godolphin color-bearer is possible for the $100,000 Stymie on March 22 at the Big A, according to Magnuson, but his versatility will give his connections options as they navigate his 5-year-old campaign.

"I really think he's an improving horse," said Magnuson. "This was his first win, but he's run well on dirt before. He seems to be getting better and better."

Village Warrior, part of a Mike Repole-owned entry with Micromanage, stayed on to be second as the 4-5 favorite. It was 1 ½ lengths back to Turco Bravo in third, who was 2 ¾ lengths clear of Micromanage.

Stormin Monarcho, Kid Cruz, and Mr Palmer completed the order of finish.

Source: NYRA Communications