3 AQU    The Bay Shore(GIII)

                $250.000            7f  Dirt          3yo            122lbs

Sophomores can be a tough lot to figure out, and The Bay Shore (GIII) proves exactly why.  Only four lengths from first to last and another blanket finish that took a photograph to call Julius Caesar the winner by a head and only a nose between Gothic Heart ad Doom for second and third.  The final time was a zippy 1:21.92 for the seven panels.

The field got away from the gate in fine order with Parti People showing speed from the outside, Julius Caesar giving chase with Fusaichi Pegasus to his inside, drop down to Blue Cobra and then Chip Away on the rail.  Gothic Heart in behind that line, Forward Pass out wide, Cold Case on his inside, then Doom and Green Leaves was the early trailer.

They made the long run down the backside and were headed into the far turn with three and a half furlongs to run ad Parti People continued to show the way by two.  Julius  Caesar a clear second, then drop to the rail for Chip Away, Blue Cobra on his flank and Fusaichi Pegasus three wide.  A gap back to Doom three wide, Gothic Heart on the rail and Cold Case between horses, then another gap to Green Leaves and Forward Pass was now the at the back of the pack.

Into the lane and now at the furlong marker, Julius Caesar up to take the lead by a half length as Parti People drifted out five wide, Chip Away now moving forward up the rail, the trio of Gothic Heart, Fusaichi Pegasus and Blue Cobra moving together, Doom down the outside, then a gap to Cold Case, Green Leaves and Forward Pass in the rear.

Deep stretch and to the finish, Julius Caesar in front but the were coming after him fast… Gothic Heart full of run down the inside, Doom flying down the outside… the three of them hitting the wire and it was up to the stewards in this one.  After viewing the video replace, Julius Caesar hung on by a head with Gothic Heart narrowly nosing out Doom for the place.  It was another half length to Chip Away in fourth, then Fusaichi Pegasus in fifth.  Cold Case was sixth, Parti People tiring to be seventh, Blue Cobra eighth, Green Leaves ninth and Forward Pass closed out the field.

Julius Caesar is a 3yo bay gelded son of Claudius – Chanel, by Tree Of Knowledge, and he was bred by Due Process Stable in WV.  Acquired via private sale prior to his racing career for $75.000, this was his third win from five starts, his first win this season, his first graded stakes score, and he now has $208.800 in earnings.

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast           Time: :22¹  :45   1:09   1:21⁴
$1 Exacta: 6 – 3 Paid 44.80          $1 Trifecta: 6 – 3 – 7 Paid 463.20
Scratched: None

Julius Caesar broke alertly, tracked the pace setter, up to take over turning for home, held on, won driving.  Gothic Heart rated back soon after the start, steady gain with an inside move into the lane, just missed.  Doom was allowed to settle back, swung seven wide for the drive, full of run.  Chip Away was forwardly placed throughout, out-finished in a good effort.  Fusaichi Pegasus gave an even effort.  Cold Case lacked early pace, some late gain while not a threat.  Parti People broke alertly, set the pace for five furlongs, nothing left for the drive.  Blue Cobra showed some early interest, tired.  Green Leaves was outrun.  Forward Pass trailed throughout.

Categories: Grade III