In all honesty, I had Chrystal Wizard as the long shot in the 2016 running of The Suburban Hcp (GII), and the betting public sent him off at 22/1 odds.  It’s a good thing Joshua Stables didn’t tell the 7yo gelding about all of this… it might have damped his mojo.  So the old boy just went out there and closed down like a freight train and won by a convincing three-lengths, stopping the clock in 2:00.85 and proved to be a heck of a buy for just $35.000, prior to this start.  The minor money was a bang-bang-bang affair with post time favorite Clouseau nosing out Secret King and Rajivs Roadblock another nose back for the minor share.

Chrystal Wizard is a 7yo gelded son of Chrystal Ball – Fair Juliet, by HRP-Reigh Count.  He was bred in AZ by Maxmillion Farm and as noted, was purchased prior to this race via the June 2016 Auction.  Now showing twelve wins from forty-two starts, he has earnings of $1,121.620 with $329.000 coming this season… so it’s easy to see that the old boy has some talent left and should be fun to watch throughout the season.

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast     Time: :47³  1:11²  1:36   2:00⁴
$1 Exacta: 1 – 2 Paid 242.80      $1 Trifecta: 1 – 2 – 4 Paid 1,059.20
Scratched: None

Chrystal Wizard  rated back after the start, responded when asked, moving up to engage at the top of the lane, kicked clear winning with something left.  Clouseau  was taken back, began to move forward into the stretch, nothing for the winner while game to hold the place.  Secret King  was forwardly placed throughout, could not go with he winner, nosed for the second spot.  Rajivs Roadblock  broke alertly, set the pace to mid-stretch, tired from there.  Macchiato off a step slow, moved up through the far turn to look like a threat, tired.  Port On The Horizon  contested the pace into the lane, nothing left.  Make A Fortune  just in behind the pace for five furlongs, steady retreat.  Swiss Bank Account  showed little while trailing thorughout.

Well, that does it for me…  the old COZMAN is hanging up the keyboard for a while.  Between my health issues and my mother being in declining health, it’s time for me to take a break and get life back where it needs to be.  Never good bye… just so long for now.  I wish the best to my colleagues at SRF and especially to Mike and Mauro… you won’t find two nicer gentlemen!  Take Care

================================================================================================

Categories: Grade II