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Photo Credit: Jim McCue/MJC
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BALTIMORE, MD. 5-17-08 –Rob Ry Farm and Jayne Marie Slysz’ Heros Reward rallied to win the $100,000 Old Mutual Turf Sprint. The gelded son of Partner’s Hero won five-furlong event on Preakness Day 2007, as well.
Ridden by Javier Castellano for trainer Dale Capuano, Heros Reward survived claims of interference by Jeremy Rose and Rosie Napravnik, the riders of True To Tradition and Blue Sailor, who finished second and third respectively.
He also had to outgame True To Tradition in the battle to the finish line. True To Tradition held the lead in deep stretch and appeared to be on his way to victory before Castellano aggressively urged his mount, who wrested the lead late to win by a neck in 59.19 seconds for the five-furlong distance on the good turf.
Heros Reward paid $5.60 as the post-time favorite.
Trainer and Jockey Quotes
Dale Capuano (trainer, Heros Reward, winner) – “That was a little nerve-wracking during the objection. I couldn’t see anything from where I was standing. This horse is unbelievable. He ran a tremendous race today. I believe he is ahead of where he was last year. From here we’re going to go to Woodbine for a Grade 3 and if all goes well, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint Turf.
Javier Castellano (jockey, Heros Reward, winner) – “He knew what we needed and when we needed it. It took an all-out effort.”
-MJC-