December Dodger, trained by Richard Dutrow Jr., raced inside and with the pace (22.63, 46.26, 58.95) throughout only to be run down in the stretch by Preacher’s Tale when second, beaten a half-length, in her most recent start, a $19,000 maiden purse at Belmont Park on October 13.
     December Dodger and jockey Rudy Rodriguez, favored at .80-1 in the wagering, broke fifth from post position 4 in the field of seven fillies and mares, ages 3 and up, and shook off pace pressure from Crispy Cat only to come up second best late. Preacher’s Tale completed the six-furlong distance in 1:12.10 over a fast main track and earned a 64 Beyer Speed Figure; December Dodger received a 63. Super Cub finished 4 ¼ lengths behind December Dodger in third.
     Preacher’s Tale, a 4-year-old daughter of Tale of the Cat – Preachersnightmare, by Runaway Groom, returned $18.80 to win.
     The Equibase chart for the race read, “December Dodger contested the pace along the inside and dug in stubbornly along the inside in the stretch.” She earned $3,800 in purses for her owners.
     Senorita Ballado was scratched.
     December Dodger most recently was scratched from an $18,000 maiden purse at Aqueduct on Friday, November 17. Birds Up ($6.20) bested Derivative Trader by 4 ¼ lengths for the victory and completed the six-furlong distance in 1:11.16 over a fast main track. She earned a 66 Beyer Speed Figure for the win.
     IEAH Stables owns a minority interest December Dodger and her racing campaign is managed by Joe Torre's Diamond Pride LLC.
     LAST UPDATED: November 25, 2006