The Queens County Handicap- $125.000 Purse
AQU- For Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile and One Eighth on the Dirt
December 21, 2019

Zee Unit ran on BC Day at SA early last month, running in the Marathon, and his performance there was very disappointing. That can be forgiven, but even the couple races that proceeded it were not very good. This made him a horse in need to a turnaround, and on Saturday, that would happen. Zee Unit is certainly a capable a horse, winning the Curlin at SAR in July before his slump began. Now, trainer Rampage Stable will hope this leads to more big things for him as we head into the new year! It is their first win in the stake, and that is also true for the rider, J Rosario. Congratulations to them! The time of the victory was 1:48.18. Before I get into the recap, I would like to thank everyone for reading and their support over this year, and which everyone a happy holiday season. I’ll see you after the break! Now, for the race!

(½ Mile- :47.45)- Shootfromthehip takes the early lead for Nakamura Stables after prevailing in an initial duel with his stablemate King Niagra going into the opening turn. Though that one would be held back just a little bit, and taking over the second position while in the turn would be our eventual winner from Rampage Stable, Zee Unit. Into the backstretch, Shootfromthehip ran the rail with Zee Unit content to run a length behind. After the third place King Niagra, who was about two lengths from the lead, it was another length to Mount Koya (Jokerjoes), who remained on the rail. Xmas Snow (Maxmillion Farm) and the veteran War Scent (Invicta Group Llc) ran side by side with Texas Flood (D J C Racing Stables) nearby. Banshee Star (RNP Stables) trailed the field, about five lengths out.

(3/4 Mile- 1:11.05)- Th next two furlongs do not see any changeover with the front six horses. Shootfromthehip maintains pace and the length lead over Zee Unit. King Niagra, Mount Koya, Xmas Snow and Texas Flood all maintain their positions. War Scent was a bit interesting to watch as he lost a little ground with a decision to move all the way to the rail. Banshee Star still trailed but was looking sluggish here.

(Top Of Stretch, 1.7F To Go)- Approaching the exit of the turn, things begin to get a lot more interesting as many try and look for the answers as to how they may win the race. At the front, Zee Unit is now even with the former KYD winner with King Niagra looking to come through between them. Running four wide was Xmas Snow, and he was only a length from the lead. Mount Koya was boxed in a bit, as had to hope to squeeze between Shootfromthehip and King Niagra. Texas Flood still had time for a move, but neither War Scent nor Banshee Star were looking good now.

(Finish- 1:48.18)- Zee Unit has no problem putting away Shootfromthehip in the stretch, but it was looking like our pick to win, Xmas Snow was going to outrun him to the wire. Then without about half a furlong to go, Xmas Snow was unable to make any further progress as J Rosario made certain that Zee Unit would not give away the lead. At the wire, Zee Unit gets the big win by a head. Xmas Snow beats King Niagra in a tight second place photo, and Mount Koya made some progress to get up for fourth, narrowly over Shootfromthehip. It was another length to Texas Flood, and one more to War Scent, then Banshee Star.

About The Winner- Zee Unit, trained by Rampage Stable and ridden to victory by J Rosario, is a three year old colt by Virtual Realism, and is out of Zees Sissy. He was bred in West Virginia by Rampage Stable as a yearling, and they have been together throughout. Congratulations to the connections! The win is his fourth in 15 starts, and his second stake win. His career earnings are now $211.380.

Track: Fast
Time: :47²  1:11   1:35²  1:48

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 5 – 2 Paid 30.30
$1 Trifecta: 5 – 2 – 4 Paid 75.00

Scratched: None

— NS

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded