The highly acclaimed Slevin, as if on an afternoon walk in the park, easily won the 7.5-furlong featured seventh race Sunday in his debut at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack in a not-too-shabby time of 1:31.1.
While the pricy Slevin, who has competed in much higher classes than most of his rivals, lived up to his billing, some local fans were a bit underwhelmed.
“Yeah, he won the race as he should, but I expected more from that caliber of horse. He better come good Oct. 9 or he could be embarrassed,” exclaimed one unimpressed spectator in the stands.
As expected, Green Sand set the early pace in the race with Slevin in second. Carse and Political Reporter were close in third and fourth, with Puerto Rican Emblem bringing up the rear.
Slevin took over the lead midway down the backstretch and from that point on the race would be for second. He cruised around the far turn with an easy lead, and when jockey Miguel Sanchez gave him a few taps of the whip at the top of the stretch he opened up on the field to win by a margin of 3.5 lengths, which was widening as he crossed the wire. Political Reporter came on for a game second, while Puerto Rican Emblem got by Groomsman for third.
In the fourth race, Leggy Blonde extended her winning streak to four, with a come-from-behind victory. Leggy Blonde, who prefers the two-turn distances, was last early but showed her class when she collared Destiny Arrival in mid-stretch, passing Destiny for a one-length victory at the wire. Sarasota May Bell outduelled Paul’s Gift for third.
The rest of the day’s results:
Race1 7 F Classes N-6, Jockey
Time: 1:30.4
1. Jalisharose, Elmo Barnes
2. Joe Boss, Jose Hernandez
3. Deuces Halo, Steven Powell
Race2 7 F Class I-5, Jockey
Time: 1:27.4
1. According to Jesus, Jose Hernandez
2. Tulsa Boy, Sunday Diaz
3. Far Rumor, Elmo Barnes
Race3 7F Class I-5, Jockey
Time: 1:27
1. Big Thunder Reflec, Alphanso Claudio
2. Salty Glider, Edwin Soto
3. Ala Cat, Alberto Ojeda
Race5 7F Classes N-3, N-4, & N-5, Jockey,
Time: 1:28.2
1. Express to Cali, Winston Hurst
2. Irie Ites, Christian Soto Jr.
3. Papa Berin, Jose Hernandez
Race6 7 ½F Class I-4 & I-5, Jockey
Time: 1:33.3
1. San Viron, Jesus Guadelupe
2. Stop Play’n, Elmo Barnes
3. Black Machine, Alberto Ojeda
Race8 1M Class I-4 M/F, Jockey
Time: 1:40.2
1. Rasta Queen, Winston Hurst
2. Prodefrere, Jose Hernandez
2. MJ Kailahsafe, Jesus Guadelupe
