The $125,000 Justenuffhumor Ticonderoga boasts
Gitchee Goomie's return to state-bred company following a fifth-place
showing in the Grade 1, 1 ¼-mile Flower Bowl Invitational, where she was
rerouted when the John Hettinger for New York-bred fillies and mares
was taken off the turf on September 25.
"It was a small
field [in the Flower Bowl] and there was a lot to gain," said Rick
Violette who trains Gitchee Goomie for Patsy Symons. "At some point we
were going to try and swing for the fences a bit and we figured we'd
take a shot. She didn't embarrass herself - she probably doesn't want to
go a mile and a quarter. A mile and an eighth might be the end of her
scope, but nothing ventured, nothing gained."
The ultra
consistent daughter of City Zip had been first or second in all six of
her 2011 starts prior to the Flower Bowl, three of those in state-bred
company, and Violette said the 1 1/16-mile Ticonderoga had been on
Gitchee Goomie's calendar for some time.
"We had this penciled in if she bounced back well from the Flower Bowl, and I think she has," Violette said.
With
regular rider Alan Garcia aboard, Gitchee Goomie will leave from post
position 2 in the field of 12 fillies and mares and was made the 9-5
favorite.
Rogue's Jewel, who lost a nose decision to
Gitchee Goomie in the August 19 Yaddo at Saratoga Race Course will
attempt to turn the tables Saturday. Most recently third in the
off-the-turf John Hettinger, Rogue's Jewel has blossomed in three turf
starts this year, with an optional claiming win and two second place
finishes on grass.
"She's a nice, improving horse and
she ran a big race to Gitchee Goomie in Saratoga," said trainer Carlos
Martin. "We got rained off the other day, and we look forward to running
her [in the Ticonderoga]. She's doing well right now. Hopefully the
turf can take her to the next level."
The Blue Devil
Racing Stable color-bearer drew post position 9 under Javier Castellano
and was tabbed at 8-1 on the morning line.