Concrete Rose Wins Middle Jewel Of Turf Tiara
Concrete Rose has won six of her seven starts and with aplomb.
And it gets better. In addition, the daughter of Twirling Candy has just won the second leg of the New York Racing Association's inaugural Turf Tiara the US$695,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes, one month after winning the first leg, the Gr.1 Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes.
The filly trained by Rusty Arnold for Ashbrook Farm and BBN Racing, was cruising along after turning for home, while rivals behind her shuffled for position.
In the stretch, jockey Leparoux gave her a nudge with the whip and the belle took off, completing the distance in a final time of 1:55.34 over firm turf, the jockey affectionately patted the filly's neck and let her coast home.
Happen got up for second, 4 3/4 lengths behind the winner, and Kelsey's Cross held for third. A steward's inquiry involving fourth-place finisher Coral Beach and fifth-place Olendon did not result in a change in order.
The final jewel of the NYRA Turf Tiara is the US$1,000,000 Jockey Club Derby (1 1/2 Miles, Turf) to be held on September 7 at Belmont Park which also offers the winner a berth in the Breeders' Cup Win and You're In Turf Division