Casino Drive romps in Belmont’s Peter Pan Stakes
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/225393/
NEW YORK — Unbeaten Casino Drive is on his way to the Belmont Stakes. Making only his second start,
Ca-3 sino Drive romped to a 5 / 4-length victory Saturday in the $ 200, 000 Peter Pan Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park. The Peter Pan is the traditional prep for the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, on June 7. Casino Drive, whose previous start was 1 an 11 / 2 length win in Japan in February, made the long journey worthwhile for trainer Kazuo Fujisawa and owner Hidetoshi Yamanmoto. Casino Drive was a bit nervous in the paddock while being saddled and broke a step behind the pack. He quickly caught up on the long run down the Belmont backstretch, settling into fourth before making his move turning for home. Casino Drive needed only mild encouragement to draw clear, stopping the clock in 1: 47. 87 for the 1 / 8 miles on the fast track.
1 The demanding 1 / 2 mile distance in the Belmont should not be an obstacle for Casino Drive, based on pedigree. A $ 950, 000 yearling purchase in 2006, Casino Drive is closely related to the past two Belmont winners: Jazil (2006 ) and the filly Rags to Riches (2007 ). Kent Desormeaux, who won the Kentucky Derby last week with Big Brown, was aboard for Casino Drive’s U. S. debut. “He’s a phenomenal talent,” Desormeaux said. “We’ve got our hands full with this one. It’s going to be ultimately exciting for all the fans. He’s got that stride.” Mint Lane finished second with Ready’s Echo third. Casino Drive earned $ 120, 000 and paid $ 4. 50, $ 3. 90 and $ 2. 80 as part of an entry with sixth-place finisher Spark Candle. Mint Lane returned $ 13. 40 and $ 7. 40. Ready’s Echo paid $ 3. 50.