Sharp Humor Is Back on Track After Injury
Sharp Humor, who gave Barbaro the toughest test of his too-short career in the Florida Derby on April 1 at Gulfstream Park, makes his first start since the Kentucky Derby in the $125,000 Hudson Handicap today at Belmont Park.
The six-furlong Hudson is part of the New York Showcase card, a series of stakes races restricted to New York-breds.
Owned by Purdedel Stable and trained by Dale Romans, Sharp Humor finished only half a length behind Barbaro in Florida but was injured while finishing 19th of 20, more than 33 lengths behind Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby.
A winner of half of his eight races, Sharp Humor will be returning to a track over which he is three for three. Edgar Prado will ride the son of Distorted Humor, who won a Showcase event, the Sleepy Hollow, a year ago.
The richest race today is the $250,000 Empire Classic, a 1 1/8 -mile race for older horses. Contenders include Naughty New Yorker, West Virginia, Carminooch, Funny Cide and two-time defending champion Spite The Devil.
Race of the day: Shaggy Mane, who could have been claimed for $8,000 this year, will try for her fifth consecutive win in the $100,000 William P. Kyne Breeders’ Cup Express Handicap today at Bay Meadows. Apprentice Luis Martinez will ride the 3-year-old Bertrando filly for owner Jim Kwong and trainer Lloyd Mason in the race at six furlongs. Vaca City Flyer, who has won five in a row, is also in the field.
One for the road: Quietly Mine overcame a poor start to break his maiden on the turf at Belmont Park and can win from behind again if he takes to the Polytrack in the sixth race today at Keeneland. Julien Leparoux will ride the 2-year-old Belong To Me colt for owners Susan Karches and Michael Rankowitz and trainer Christophe Clement in the $52,000 allowance at six furlongs.
Exotically speaking: A pick three using Sego Lily in the third; Beau Brio, Forgivable Bob and Thorpe in the fourth; and Ballado’s Thunder, Mango Kiss and Chelcee’s Hope in the fifth.
Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/61. Money: (previous day/meet total): $11.40/$343.60. Total money bet: $324.
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