Whiskey Blu survived a demanding opening panel and rolled to a comfortable victory in the James Manderino, a $36,995 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, on Saturday (July 10) at The Meadows.
Capstone, the 3-5 favourite, parked Whiskey Blu past the quarter in :27.3, but winning driver Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. indicated he wasn’t unduly concerned about that tough early journey.
“I had to steady him to make sure he got through the first turn,” Wrenn said. “But once I got to the lead, I was pretty confident in my horse. I kept his attention late, but he had a lot more trot. He’s nice. There’s a reason he’s already won 11 times this year. I imagine he’d be really good on a big track, but he was strong today.”
Frankly My Dear saved ground through three-quarters, then moved powerfully first over to capture Friday’s Ned McCarr, a $38,345 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for three-year-old filly trotters, at The Meadows.
Once Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. asked her for trot, the daughter of Southwind Frank-Temple Of Athena had little trouble overtaking May Karp and downing her by 2-1/4 lengths in a career-best 1:55.1. Dazzling Reign completed the ticket.
Wrenn said it was his plan to put Frankly My Dear in a spot where her brush could be most effective.
“Last time out in the Currier & Ives, she got in a bad spot,” he said. “She was on the right line, and it was a little tough to steer her in the last turn. Today, I just wanted to get away decent. She has one really good move, and I was able to use it. She’s a nice filly, but she’s more of a trip horse.”