Riding with a purpose, jockey Anna Rose Napravnik guided
Liam’s Dream through a narrow opening on the rail to win the 18th
running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Cicada Saturday afternoon at Aqueduct
Racetrack. It was the first graded stakes score for both horse and
rider.
After checking the St. Liam filly at the start, Napravnik
saved ground on the turn and got through inside of Southern Truth, edging away
to hit the wire 1½ lengths in front of Romantic Hideaway.
Liam’s Dream covered six furlongs in 1:10.10 over the fast
inner track.
“In the stretch, when she came through on the rail, she
really fired,” Napravnik said. “She was very, very game today.”
Of her first graded stakes win, the rider added: “It seems
over the past few years I’ve been guaranteed to be third in every graded stakes
I’ve ridden. It’s good to get the first one.?
Liam’s Dream, who is owned by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren
Jr., was third in the Grade 2 Forward Gal at Gulfstream Park on January
31 after winning her first two starts in maiden and allowance company at
Philadelphia Park late last year. Today she ran her record to 3-0-1 from
four starts and boosted her earnings to $149,760.
“She’s always been a reliable filly,” said trainer Tony
Dutrow by phone from Florida.
“I really felt good throughout the entire race today. I’m really not sure
what’s next for her, but she’ll stay in New York
now, she likes it there.”
Sent off as the third choice at 5.80-1, Liam’s Dream
returned $13.60, triggering a double Pick 6 carryover of $134,895.64 into
Sunday’s card at Aqueduct.
Longshot Indian Burn rallied late for third and Fuzzy
Britches, Southern Truth, Bickersons, and Female Drama completed the order of
finish.
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