IEAH Stables’ and others’ Wishful Tomcat, trained by Richard Dutrow Jr., most recently finished second, beaten 4 ¾ lengths, in a $50,350 optional allowance purse at Aqueduct on Sunday, February 7.
     Wishful Tomcat, heavily favored at .40-1, broke on top from post position 2 under rider Ramon Dominguez, made his way to his typical spot on the pace (23.60, 48.63, 1:13.83), and was overtaken in the stretch to come up second best behind More than a Reason. Wishful Tomcat finished 6 ¼ lengths clear of Lord Justice for the place award.
     More than a Reason led by a head at the stretch call (1:38.25) and then drove clear for the win with 1 1/16 miles complete in 1:44.19 over a fast inner dirt track. He earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure; Wishful Tomcat received an 88.
     More than a Reason ($26.80) is a 5-year-old horse by More than Ready – Sab’s Reason, by Sabona.
     The Equibase chart for the race read, “Wishful Tomcat away from the gate in good order, fought the bit while being rated on the lead, finally settled down midway during the run down the backstretch, continued to show the way slightly off the inside until the furlong grounds, failed to stave off the top one’s bold stretch charge, despite being put to urging, but had plenty left to be well clear of the remaining twosome for place honors.” He earned $10,600 in purses.
     The scratch of Reflect Times reduced the number of starters to five, with National Pride stumbling at the break and unseating his rider.
     The race was open to ages 4 and up which have not won $40,000 twice since August 1 or which have never won four races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or restricted, or optional claiming price of $100,000.
     LAST UPDATED: February 17, 2010