The only filly in the field started out of the gate second to last to turn on the after burners and run past the boys in the last 1/16 of the race.

Wins Alw 53000 n1x (3up)

Yo Karakorum under a careful ride by Cornelio Velasquez held on to the place spot after setting all of the fractions up to the quarter pole. She could not hold off the rapidly improving Lots of Stones, who drew off to win by three lengths. Yo was entered for the $35,000 optional claiming price as she has already annexed this condition. Clearly, her last two starts show that she is rounding back into form.

Karakorum Legend made his return from vacation a winning one as he drew clear to annex his last state-bred condition in impressive style. David Cohen was able to get Legend to settle outside of come Undone for the first three quarters while they set fractions of :48 2/5 and 1:11 2/5, reasonably honest for the distance. Then, David Cohen asked Legend to respond and he ran home in :24, making the final time 1:35 2/5 winning by 2 1/2 lengths. Out of NY-bred conditions, Legend will look to find open company allowance races or state-bred stakes.

It was over for Elektra right at the start when she got bumped and wound up in the back of the field. Starfish Bay wound up wiring the field while setting a new track record over the Monmouth truf course. Elektra wound up passing a few horses but could finish no better than 7th. She came out of the race fine and will look for something to do before the Saratoga meeting, if possible.

Showing fisrt as expected, Yo Karakorum, under Edgar Prado who replaced Kent Desormeaux who didn't take any mounts this day, ran her heart out off the brief layoff. She had the lead to the eighth pole, but could not hold off the closers. She held on for fifth and should be ready to come back quickly.

Karakorum On Black was no match for the favorite, Geno Green, who led every step of the way. But, as if in his own race, Blackie held second throughout and started off a four race day with a good performance.

Yo Karakorum hasn't lost any of her early zip, but she has been stopping badly between the three-sixteenths pole and the eighth pole in her recent races; today was no exception despite dropping into an optional claimer for $25,000. She doesn't have any physical problems that account for her lackluster finishes. We'll just have to figure out what to do to get her back into the winner's circle.

After breaking his maiden in his first start off and eight month layoff, Digger returned in two weeks to romp against beaten NY-bred claimers by four lengths. He same in the style as his first start, breaking well then settling into stride, closing in on the leaders on the far turn, and drawing clear in the stretch. Yet to need Lasix, Digger Karakorum has more room to improve and should be setting his sights on the NY-bred allowance races. He really looks like he'll be the story of the year for 2010.

The blinkers did it. So did the weak competition. That's the beauty of the winter program in NY. The incremental improvement and soundness of the Karakorum horses coupled with the deterioration of the competition led Bella to a stunning victory at 15/1. Maylan Studart's ride was flawless and relentless. The final time betrayed the performance, but clearing this hurdle was of major importance for the big filly.

Way to Karakorum was feeling good Sunday and broke right on top in the 7th race, an allowance race for NY-breds that have never won a race "other than." Shot Gun Gal had too much early speed, however, and quickly made the lead under C.C. Lopez. Maylan Studart kept Way to K. in second and the pair ran around the track well in front of the rest of the pack. Beboblues Art pressed from fifth to get up for the Show spot while favored Pretty Cozzy, who lost all chance at the start, was able to get up to fourth, filling out the logical superfecta.

Blinkers made the difference as Kim ran closer to the pace in Saturday's 9th at Aqueduct. She still had plenty of run left in the tank to get up for place, however Picnic Rock was long gone. Kim is still improving and should clear this condition this meeting.

No one seriously considered a return to racing a possibility after Digger suffered an injury in a race on May 10, 2009. He was $0.55 to $1.00 that day, an overwhelming favorite. When he failed to catch the leader in the stretch the anger and disappointment was universally felt. That all turned to dread when he loaded onto the horse ambulance. Trainer Jeff Odintz took on the project of repairing and training Digger against all odds. After a long period of rehabilitation, Digger progressed enought to return to the races. Jeff entered him into the easiest spot he could find. Trailing the early leader by 4 1/2 lengths at the half-mile pole, Digger closed within 2 on the turn. with a determined run, Digger caught Big Meese at the quarter-pole and drew off, winning by 4 1/2. He came out of the race in good shape; we expect him to have a successful racing career.

It was almost a replay from his last race as Prix de Karakorum hooked up with Wana Play right from the start. C.C. Lopez was happy to relax about a length behind Gabriel Saez until the half-mile pole. By the three eighths pole, it was clear that Wana Play didn't have the goods to duel with Prix. By the quarter pole, it was over. Prix de Karakorum drew off in the stretch and won easily by over two lengths giving the stable its first win of the new year. He will progress from here possibly working his way up in class to the allowance ranks.

Mount Karakorum ran an even race, just missing fourth place, but getting his first official check coming in fifth. The half-brother of Starlet is likely to continue to improve as he gains experience.

Entering the stretch with a three length lead was not enough as Yo Karakorum battled a gusty headwind and couldn't hold off Daily Star. Sound and solid, the diminutive daughter of Yonaguska should have a productive winter.

Chernobyl's Hero saved ground to get up for Show in his first start for 2010. He continues to get good checks and should have a productive year.

Prix de Karakorum showed the way early and held on to get second money in his second start of his career. Trying to get out all the way, Rudy Rodriguez did an amazing job keeping Prix from banging into the outside horses while riding a brilliant race on the front end. Prix was passed by two different horses in the stretch, but he came back on both of them. He was no match for Capridge, who ran by him to get the win, yet Prix hung on stobbornly for second. Prix de Karakorum will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming months.

Facing $50-40,000 3yo fillies, Yo Karakorum broke right on top from the seven post on the outside. Edgar Prado allowed her to relax and Purrfect Bluff, the favorite, rushed to the front from inside. Yo was comfortable sittng second until the turn where she made a bid to pass the leader. She was easily repulsed, but hung on stubbornly to maintain the place spot in a race that went in 1:09 4/5.

This time, Karakorum Legend broke on top, but he was almost immediately bumped, prompting Legend to take up a bit. Meanwhile, Compliance Officer showed speed from the outside and found himself alone on the lead and down on the rail despite breaking from post 10. Essentially, that was it. No one challenged Compliance Officer, Legend ran fifth practically throughout. Legend will make his way to Florida for 90 days of pasture. He will resume his training there and come back to Belmont for the spring turf season.

Maylan Studart, subbing for C.C. Lopez, worked out a brilliant trip to garner the place spot in a Jeff Odintz stable one-two finish. Jeff asked her to get the filly by Roaring Fever to relax and avoid an expected speed dual in the early going. Breaking sharply, Way to Karakorum let the more headstrong speedsters gain a two length lead on the backstretch. As those three began to tire approaching the quarter pole, Maylan took her charge off the rail to pass them on the outside in the run down the lane. In deep stretch, stablemate Token Special, furthest outside, passed Way to K. and lugged in, bumping Way to K. to into Red Hot Baby. They finished one-two and survived a stewards inquiry.

Yo Karakorum faced some real heavy hitters in Sunday's allowance race. With trainers like Todd Pletcher, Shug McGaughey and Bob Baffert entering fillies, there was a good chance that this race was going to challenge Yo. She streaked off to make a :21.84 first quarter and followed up with a :23.96 quarter. That's was too much; by the eighth pole, the field has swallowed her up. Jeff Odintz plans to find an easier spot for her next start.

Karakorum Legend was clearly best as he rallied down the stretch to miss by a head. He had a bad break at the start. His head was not straight when the gate opened and he banged into the side. Instead of jumping out in front of the field, as he has become accustomed, he wound up last,several lengths behind the field. Moving down the hoemstretch for the first time, he cut the corner beautifully and found himself already up to fourth. Cramped inside, however, he wound up shuffling back on the turn and was last at the top of the stretch. Moving to the outside to find room, Legend rumbled down the outside passing all the horses but Extra Zip, who held a half of a head advantage at the wire. He'll get 'em next time.

Despite being virtually lone speed, the best Yo Karakorum could do today was hold on for third. She popped right out of the gate as usual and immediately took a one length advantage. She opened up by 2 1/2 on the turn and had 3 lengths by the quarter pole. While she has a ton of heart, she can't quite maintain enough pace to get 6 furlongs against the better open company allowance fillies. She did get a nice check, however, and she still can run in this lucrative condition.

The plan was to run down the speed, but Smarty popped out the gate, took the lead and held on for second. For those using Winning Grievance, the $471 exacta was huge, adding the Gyamarti entry resulted in a $2,312 signer trifecta. In addition to improved performance, Smarty's race started off a Showcase day which resulted in plenty of good value races, including the return of Haynesfield to the top of the NY-bred circuit in the Empire Classic. Smarty, on the other hand, promises an Aqueduct meet with plenty of good performances in the lower claiming levels.

Karakorum Elektra took a ride up to Woodbine in Canada to run in the Nearctic Stakes-G2 for $500,000 going 6 furlongs on turf. The "win and you're in the Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint" conditions attracted a field of eleven. Elektra wasn't able to keep up with the fast pace and the classy field never came back to her, either. She was only beaten by 5 1/2 lengths, but finished ninth. She's back in her stall at Belmont, and is scheduled to ship to Pat's farm in Ocala for a much deserved winter vacation. She'll be back in the spring.

Sergeant Karakorum had trouble with the starting gate, spotting the field a dozen lengths before coming out. He'll get re-trained and then go back to the races. We know he can run, we just have to get him to start!

Elektra finally got the bold type she desrved by winning the Memories of Silver Stakes, a six furlong turf sprint for open company fillies and mares three and up. After tracking legitimate fractions on the good going set by Mohegan Sky and Tar Heel Mom, Cornelio Velasquez took the angle coming into furlong grounds to move to the outside after saving all the ground on the turn just inside Suzee Sunrise running third and fourth respectively. Meanwhile, on the front end, it looked like Tar Heel Mom was going to put Mohegan Sky away, but the little grey NY-bred dug back in on her and returned the favor. At that point, however, Elektra began a relentless drive on the outside with strong momentum and looked like a sure winner until the wire. In the last jump, Mohegan Sky came back and appeared to win the head bob. The photo showed otherwise, and Elektra's number was on top. Not only was this Elektra's first stakes win or placing, this was the first open company stake ever won by a Karakorum Farm horse.

Chernobyl Princess was compromised by a slow break and then had to race on a less than ideal surface. She came out of the race in good shape and will try again, soon.

Chernobyls Hero got stuck on the rail in an allowance race. He made a bit of a move on the turn, but wound up running into a thick spray of dirt while trying to handle the worst part of the surface. He came out of the race well.

Sergeant Karakorum looked great in the paddock and strong on the track as he rallied in his first start as a gelding to get fourth. He broke slowly as usual, but he stayed pretty close to the pack this time and reletnlessly sustained his run. He has the look of a horse that will continue to improve.

Karakorum Jete made her first start. She was well mannered in the paddock but raced greenly, breaking slow and ultimately trailing the field. She'll need a couple of races and a few changes, but she'll be okay.

Karakorum Fugitive filled out the trifecta once again in an overnight stakes. She negotiated a mile and a sixteenth but was no match for the top two finishers. Sound and solid, versatile in distance or surface, Fugitive has become a reliable earner for the stable.

Smarty Karakorum broke well and was outrun to the quarter pole, saving ground. Weaving around tiring horses, Mike Luzzi rallied Smary into position drifting out badly in the stretch causing a stewards inquiry. He passed the favorite, Gallant Afleet, easily in deep stretch to win going away by 2 1/4 legnths, paying $31.40 to win.

Chernobyl Princess felt good Sunday, possibly too good. After breaking nicely, Princess decided to drag Kent Desormeaux up to the flank of the eventual winner, Driven By Seattle, who led every step of the way. The early effort cost her in the late going and she had to settle for third. Mercy's Delight, a sustained runner, cruised by on the outside to grab the place money. Honest and consistent, Princess, sound and reliable, should get through this allowance level.

Chernobyl's Hero stepped up in class to gain a show spot in a tough level one allowance race. Mike Luzzi seems to have a handle on the nuance necessary to maximize his races. Hero benefitted from the time off after his last race and Mike thinks he will eventually win this condition.

Karakorum Elektra took a bad step entering the turn forcing Alan Garcia to take up on her. She had been chasing a fuious pace duel to no avail as Ahvee's Destiny and Silver Timber carved out fractions that were too fast for Elektra to contend with. Cannonball, the graded stakes placed homebred from the Ramsey's barn, just barely nailed those two at the wire. Elektra came out of the race okay and was completely normal the next day.

Breaking a step or two behind the pack from the eight post, Jose Lezcano decided to wrangle Fugitive back and take her to the rail to save ground entering the clubhouse turn. Meanwhile, Ramon Dominguez slowed Mother Russia down to a crawl on the front end. The race was essentially over after a half mile as Mother Russia was never challenged. Fugitive spent much of her energy arguing with the Jockey at the start; the slow pace only made matters worse as none of the horses really tired and Fugitive's closing kick was ineffective. Finishing sixth, it was the first time Fugitive missed the trifecta.

Chernobyl Princess got off to a slow start on a sealed muddy track at Saratoga, Sunday. Hot and Bothered led every step of the way and Anjorie couldn't get to her. The mud was not to Princess's liking, and she could not hold on to third place. She will be back at Belmont for another try at the allowance condition.

The soft turf didn't seem to bother Karakorum Legend, but Laurie's Lion, expected to be the early speed, wouldn't quit. Legend tracked tenaciously in second position, losing ground every step of the way as he ranged up to Laurie's Lion's outside. But that one wouldn't quit. In deep stretch, Missinglisalewis passed them both and Piazza Di Spagna came flying on the outside to nail the win by a nose. Legend got his nose in front of Laurie's Lion to get the show money on the wire. Legend galloped out strong and will be ready to try again at Belmont.

With twenty-five minutes to post, the sky opened and the rain poured. It rained so hard and thundered so loud, that it seemed like we were about to experience a biblical event. As the track, already sealed, turned into a muddy mess, the odds flip-flopped. Karakorum Fugitive went from being the odds on favorite to second choice as the money poured in on Sapphire Sky as fast as the water filled the Saratoga Racecourse. Equipped with her new blinkers, a full cup on the left and a "cheater" cup on her right, anticpation for a big effort from Fugitive was mounting. She broke well, held the rail and gradually made the front by the half mile pole in the seven furlong Bioggio's Rose stakes. She had the lead all the way around the turn and up to the quarter pole, but Sapphire Sky, down on the inside, began to edge closer and closer, going right by in the stretch and winning her fourth race in the wet at her favorite distance. Karakorum Fugitive held well to place after digging in. She'll be back, soon.

Yo Karakorum took on $50,000 starter allowance fillies and mares in a 6 furlong scramble. Calvin Borel took the mount and found her easy to relax right behind Credit Limit, who was hustled right to the front by Kent Desormeaux, who was more than aware that Yo was a pace danger. It was to no avail as East Breaks, Uno Peso, and Spina passed the early leaders to come home in 1:10 flat on a track that was playing a bit slowly. Yo lost by six lengths in what was a decent effort against tough company. She may look to run against NY-breds as a $50,000 claimer in an optional-claiming/non-winners of "two other than" allowance race.

Sent off as the 5/2 favorite, Karakorum Legend did not disappoint. He broke well and was hustled up to take the lead at the rail entering the clubhouse turn on the inner turf course. He had a comfortable lead down the backstretch and then was challenged on the turn by Joey's Chance. Legend had something left as he cut the corner entering the homestretch, opening up by a couple of lengths. That was it. The field chased in vain as Ramon Dominguez drove to the wire to win by a length and a quarter over Woodrunner and Onzain.

A bump after the break, a check on the backstretch left Kent Desormeaux no choice other than to save ground on the rail. Coming into the stretch, it appeared that Elektra had plenty of run left. Down on the inside, however, she was dressed up with nowhere to go. No holes opened while Ahvee's Destiny drew clear and held off Smart and Fancy's late charge. Elektra will be back soon.

Fugitive's start in the Fleet Indian Stake was alert enough to put her in the race from the beginning, but she relaxed to the point that she dropped to the back of the race-pack, about eight lengths off the lead. The track, which had been sealed continuously for at least two days, became lightening fast, permitting Dance Gal Dance to set ferocious fractions of :22.38 and :22.28 for a half mile in :44.66! She wasn't done. She completed the next quarter in :23.93 and the final furlong in :13.12 for a 1:21.71 seven furlong final time, clearing Doremifasollatido by 2 1/4 lengths. Fugitive sustained her run, passing the field in the stretch on the outside, but only getting to within a length of Doremifasollatido. It was a solid effort. She's completely sound and will be ready for the next race, which could come later in the meet.

It was over as soon as it began. The gates opened, Elektra took the lead and led to the wire. Saratoga is up next.

Entered as "Main Track Only" in the level one state-bred allowance race, it came as a surprise that Chernobyl Princess ran at all. Her race was the only one on Saturday's card to be ruled off the turf. Races ruled off the turf are given a 20% purse bonus, making them substantially more valuable as the purse ballooned from $43,000 to $51,600! Princess wasn't involved in the early pace, but she ran down the leaders in the stretch to only miss by about three quarters of a length!

The fireworks started a day early for the team as Yo Karakorum instantly got a length in front of the field as the gates opened. She never even felt the hot breath of any competitors after the start. Kent Desormeaux sat chilly for most of the ride, only providing mild reminders in the stretch. The public holiday provided the opportunity for a large group of team members to make it to Belmont for a happy photo.

Smarty made it into the trifecta for the first time on Friday. After checking at the break, he found himself back in fifth position. Not rushing, he retained enough energy to pass some horses in the stretch to get third.

After winning his last race, Chernobyl's Hero stepped back up to allowance company. He ran close to the pace and tired entering the stretch but hung on to fourth to earn another check.

Karakorum Bella had no early speed at all in her debut, but she had no quit at the end either as she passed all but the top three finishers in her debut race.

Karakorum Fugitive was sent off again as a prohibitive favorite and again failed to live up to her billing. Quisom, setting stunning fractions, got the early lead and never looked back. Jose Lezcano straigtened Fugitive out after an awkward break and settled her in second, just a length off the leader. He asked her to take on Quisom midway on the turn, but Quisom had plenty left in the tank and drew clear. Fugitive sustained her run well enough to hold off the late charge of Loquacious Lil and got the place money.

On a day when early speed was king, Karakormsweetheart took a pressing position about four lengths from the front. She caught up to the leaders entering the stretch, but couldn't get past them. She finished fourth with interest, and may try the turf in the future.

Mike Luzzi, subbing for injured Maylan Studart, gave Chernobyl''s Hero a perfect inside trip to get his second victory. Luzzi was also on board for Hero''s maiden win in 2007. Relaxing but keeping his interest early, Luzzi kept to the inside and gradually caught up to the pack after Hero''s typically slow beginning. Staying on the rail on the turn, Hero caught up to the leader and then, past the quarter pole at the final turn, Luzzi angled out past the tiring Brassy Event, took the lead and drew off with mild encouragement. Hero liked the mud so much, that Mike Luzzi couldn''t pull him up after the race. By the time they returned to the winner''s circle, the group, which included representatives from the "Race Against MS," was soaked from the steady rain. No one seemed to mind!

Karakorum On Black made a valiant effort in the opener on Belmont Stakes day. John Servis and Jeremy Rose made the most of the added purse money taking 60% of the $53,000 pot, winning with Inger Management. Blackie is still eligible to improve; he may get a chance to run on the turf in the future.

Yo Karakorum, dismissed at 14/1, broke from the outside under Kent Desormeaux. This time, she ran with the pack instead of gunning for the lead. As a result, she held on for third despite losing tons of ground on the turn. Neither favorite, Carry My Colors or Akilina, made the top four, so the exotics were huge. Yo ran a great race and Kent Desormeaux looks forward to her next race.

Karakorum Sergeant broke badly again, leaving himself numerous lengths behind the leaders. Sebastian Morales settled him and did not give up despite having 15 lengths to make up. He seemed to fly down the stretch as the front-runners tired badly, passing the prohibitive favorite by a head at the wire at 20/1. While he needs to improve his breaking ability, Sarge will get a chance to go a longer distance, perhaps a mile next time.

Chernobyl Princess took a ground saving trip in the Sunday state-bred allowance sprint. She did not have enough to get to Chicks Are Better. Sent off as the favorite, despite big gaps in her career, the Bruce Levine trainee took the overland route to lead most of the way and was too much for our Princess to pass in the lane. The $8600 prize for second is nice, however, and the Chernobyl Children Project International will appreciate their share.

Karakormsweetheart broke on top and then settled back in third. At the top of the stretch, she moved up for second, but was passed by Lover of Dreams. The winner, Read The Post, looked the best in the paddock and ran off by over seven lengths, leading every step of the way.

Karakorumkonichiwa ran in the 2nd today but never got involved. He waits for a chance to get up to the Finger Lakes, where he should find some easy pickings.

This time, Karakorum Fugitive broke alertly and settled in fourth behind Gattinara, Olde Glamour and Stormys Smile, abut four lengths from the lead. She gradually moved up to third and then made her patented move on the outside to take the lead coming out of the turn into the stretch. The rest of the race was uneventful, as she scampered home without breaking a sweat. After the race, Jimmy Jerkens said, "We have to get her on the turf."

Both Smarty Karakorum and Karakorum Tornado tried the turf on Memorial Day. Neither horse had a good result. Class relief would be the quickest way to get either of these to hit the board.

Karakorum On Black came up the inside to beat a tiring Wandas Double in the Sunday opener at Belmont. That makes two wins in a row for the stable, both Elektra and On Black were sired by Freud.

Sharp off her seven month layoff, Karakorum Elektra broke on top of the ten horse field in a $50,000 starter allowance going six furlongs on the inner turf at Belmont. Alan Garcia immediately got her to relax as Eibar Coa and Purely By Chance hustled up to take the lead. Elektra, never far back, gradually found herself fading to fifth, surrounded by horses all the way to deep stretch where she seemed to try to go right through the leaders. Baton Rouge took the lead with John Velazquez while Alan Garcia wrangled Elektra back and to the right to find running room outside that one. With less than a sixteenth of a mile to go, Elektra unleashed a furious late charge to catch Baton Rouge one step before the wire, passing him by a head on the next jump. Not only an impressive win, but Jason Blewitt made it the highlight of the day on Belmont in 30.

Karakorumkonichiwa broke in the air, but was close up to the pace at first. Sebastian Morales allowed him to settle and he wound up driftin back to nearly last. He made a move on the turn, came up the inside, split horses and just missed third at the wire by the smallest of noses. Social Escalade, who was taken down in his last start against Karakorum On Black, finally broke his maiden at 3/5.

Yo Karakorum held the lead as long as she could in the third today at Belmont. The strong gusty winds slowed down the race as they carved out splits of :22, :24, and :28! Jovanna got past her at the wire as Summer Palace, the 6 year-old mare in for the $25k tag, won by a length and a half.

Smarty Karakorum ran an even race, in 7th for most of the way. He made a wide move on the turn and improved to 5th, where he finished. The top three were the three favored choices after the scratch of Mustang Island; the fourth was selected by our newsletter as a horse to use. After two tries on the turf, Smarty Karakorum should expect to make a start at Finger Lakes in the near future.

Chernobyls Hero ran fifth in the Wednesday opener at Belmont. With a record of one win in thirty starts, he will transfer to Finger Lakes to find softer competition.

Digger closed valiently for second place on Mothers Day. After spotting the leaders four and-a-half lengths, Kent Desormeaux took Digger four wide to make a stretch run. In the stretch, Digger Karakorum sufferd a soft-tissue injury, preventing him from passing City Sneakers. He only lost by a head, after which Kent pulled him up as soon as possible. He walked onto the horse ambulance and walked ok the morning after the race.

Sergeant Karakorum, despite getting retrained in the gate, was slow after the break and gave the field a substantial head start. Sebastian Morales kept him to the inside on the turn and ran up the rail to pass all but the top two finishers in the $50,000 maiden claiming sprint. His ability to sustain his run suggests a successful future, possibly in longer races.

Sebastian Morales got caught in a speed duel with Alan Garcia, showing a new dimension for Karakorum On Black. Putting that one away, he stubbornly held on for fourth place while being caught down on the rail, possibly the worst part of the track that day.

Chernobyl Princess appreciated the return of Sebastian Morales to the saddle as she split horses and rallied for third in the allowance sprint. She needs to improve her break form the gate as she bobbled again at the start. An honest filly, she gives her all every time out and should generate plenty of purse money as she works her way through the "a other than" NY allowance condition.

Karakorum Fugitive redeemed herself somewhat by getting up for third in the $100,000 Bowerie Stakes on Sunday in the slop. Yo Karakorum set the early pace in torrid fractions along with Goodday. The day was not favorable to early speed with the exception of the third and tenth races, but the first quarter under :22 and the half under :45 was fast enough to ensure the finish for the pressers and closers. Sapphire Sky got the jump at the top of the stretch and drew away, Ampart Ridge moved on the inside to get second and Fugitive, who trailed early, came widest of all to get third. The positions were unchanged from the eighth pole on, as the three placing horses flattened out to run the last eighth in :14. Favored What A Pear finished a disappointing fifith. Both of our horses came out of the race in good order and should return in allowance company in the near future.

Smarty Karakorum settled nicely in third behind the early leaders in a $35k maiden-claiming mile event on the Belmont lawn. He lodged a three-wide bid on the turn to pull within a length of the lead, but he faltered at the top of the lane to finish unplaced.

Karakorum Tornado returned to the turf to face ten other state-bred allowance sprinters. He raced in traffic while in midpack in the early going through fractions of :21.32 and :44.15. Jose Espinoza swung him 4-wide on the turn, but had to steady in upper stretch and finished unplaced while beaten only three lengths for second.

Way to Karakorum pressed the early pace against eventual winner, Softly Spoken, going four wide. Rajiv Maragh tried to angle to the inside, but Way to Karakorum tired. Despite being a starter allowance, this was an especially tough and talented group of open company fillies. She should move forward versus state-breds in her next start.

Digger Karakorum had quite an adventure in his third start. He broke fairly well, then dropped back after checking at the half mile pole. As the early front-runners began to tire, Rudy Rodriguez took Digger five wide to make a late run down the stretch. Digger rallied well, but ran out of time as Her Latest Flame, who had the lead from start, held Digger off by one length. A little better trip could have given Digger a better chance. He threatens to win his next start. We should have an exciting season with Digger going forward.

Karakorum On Black made his first start in nearly four months a winning one when Social Escalade came over on him in deep stretch. Breaking a little slower than the rest, On Black cruised up along the rail saving ground on the turn. Sebastian Morales angled to the outside to begin the stretch drive, closing steadily on Social Escalade. Under the shadow of the wire, Rajiv Maragh switched to his right hand to tap Social Escalade who had switched to his wrong lead. Suddenly, Social Escalade veered to his right, pushing On Black about two or three paths to the outside. The next jump had Social Escalade winning by a head. The stewards took a long look and decided that the rules of racing were violated when On Black was slammed, losing his running path, resulting in a disqualification of Social Escalade and awarding the victory to Karakorum On Black.

Chernobyl's Hero endured a horrendous trip in this $15k state-bred non-winners of two lifetime test at 6-furlongs. Under Maylan Studart, Hero raced well back in the early going. He then moved out on the turn but was blocked behind a wall of horses. Hero then was swung 5-wide at the quarter pole but then had to alter course in upper stretch. He then rallied belatedly to finish third, a mere two lengths behind the gate to wire winner.

Jockey Eddie Castro may have taken Karakorum Fugitive out of the race when he took her back at the start, allowing Mike Luzzi to set a :25 1/5 first quarter in the one mile from the chute (off the turf) allowance race. After fighting with Castro down the backstretch, Fugitive had nothing left for the stretch and wound up third. Jimmy Jerkens plans to wheel her right back in the Bowerie Stakes on Sunday.

Yo Karakorum broke quickly in a state-bred non-winners of two allowance sprint but was soon joined by Greg's Lassy. The two carved out wicked fractions of :22.26 and :45.33 before Yo put that rival away and opened up in deep stretch. But the fractions took their toll as two other rivals benefitted from the duel and wore her down late. Yo continues to show good speed in her races. She can win in this condition if she can get a clear early lead.

Returning under Jorge Chavez and facing state-bred allowance foes, Chernobyl Princess was outrun early through a quarter in :22.53. She rallied along the rail leaving the turn to pull within five lengths of the leaders. But, Princess flattened out down the lane to finish fifth.

Facing $112,5k state-bred maiden claimers, Karakorumkonichiwa was rated along the inside in fifth place under Winston Thompson for the first half mile. After waiting a bit on the turn, he closed well after splitting rivals in deep stretch to just miss at the wire in a three horse photo. A repeat performance like this could land Konichiwa in the winner's circle soon.

Chernobyl's Hero raced in traffic near the back of the pack in a $25k state-bred non-winners of two lifetime mile race. He lodged a bid while four wide on the turn to close the gap. But Hero flattened out down the lane to gain fourth.

Facing $15k state-bred maiden claimers, Karakormsweetheart raced in third early on behind two speed burners through fractions of :22.38 and :45.82. She failed to mount a serious rally behind Top Lass and claimed the fourth spot under the line while only beaten two lengths for second. Itsd just a matter of time before Sweetheart finds a field she can beat.

Facing $25k claiming fillies, Way to Karakorum, under Chuckie Lopez, broke well and battled head-to-head for five furlongs with Partners Star through fast fractions of :22.52 and :46.84. After putting that rival away,she could not hold off the heavy favorite Spunky but easily pulled clear of her other rivals to finish second and garner another nice check. Way to Karakorum has been a gem of consistency in 2009.

Smarty Karakorum faced $25k maiden claimers going two turns in the Aqueduct fog. He saved ground most of the way and swung out three wide on the turn but failed to rally and finished unplaced.

On the first day on the main track, Chernobyl's Hero was stretched out to 6 1/2 furlongs in a $15k state-bred non-winners of two lifetime sprint. He was off a few lengths slow and trailed the field by as much as a dozen lengths after a quarter in a relatively slow :23.05. Hero continued to trail as they turned for home but began to rally along the rail. His sustained rally fell short in a six horse photo for second place behind the wire-to-wire winner. Hero has improved with each race following a long layoff and could get the main prize in one of his next starts.

Chernobyl Princess, with new rider Jorge Chavez up, again contested a state-bred filly and mare non-winners of one sprint but her chances of winning were basically eliminated at the break. She checked between rivals at the break and found herself ten lengths from the lead. Princess made a steady rally from the backside to the top of the stretch and reached striking distance in midstretch. She continued to slowly close ground but fell short by a length at the wire while in a six-horse photo finish. A better trip clearly puts her closer to the top prize.

Karakorum Tornado was dropped in class to the $15k claiming sprint level and got bumped soon after the start. He was at the back of the pack after a quick quarter in :22.71 but never really reached contention while passing one rival down the lane. The ironhorse Tornado will continue to do battle when the main track opens up.

Chernobly's Hero dropped back to a sprint in his second start off a long layoff verus $15k state-bred non-winners of two claimers. After breaking well under Sebastian Morales, Hero settled about eight lengths off the lead through a brisk quarter of :22.99. He was then angled to the inside on the far turn as he moved closer to the leaders. Down the lane, Hero slowly cut into the deficit to finish fifth while beaten a mere three lengths for all the money. Hero should improve further next time out and may even stretch out again.

Smarty Karakorum was entered back again versus $12.5k state-bred maiden-claimers and again showed speed from the start. Smarty tracked the early leaders along the rail in third place behind quick fractions of :22.53 and :46.18 and turned for home still in contention. But he faded at the top of the lane to finish unplaced. Smarty will continue to knock heads with this kind until he finds a field he can beat.

Karakormsweetheart broke sharply under Sebastian Morales in this $15k state-bred maiden-claiming sprint for fillies and mares. She then settled just off the favorite Theromanceisover through fractions of :23.44 and :48.98. Sweetheart then collared the leader at the top of the stretch only to be challenged and overtaken by Isyouis. That rival won by a couple of lengths and Sweetheart was well clear of the third place finisher. Sweetheart should break her maiden in the near future.

Karakorum Tornado broke well versus four other state-bred non-winners of one allowance foes. But, he was outraced for the lead by longshot System Restore and had to settle in third after an opening quarter. Tornado was still in contention turning for home but failed to make an impact and finished unplaced.

Karakorumkonichiwa was dropped to the $12.5k state-bred maiden claiming level and broke quickly from the gate but was soon joined by Clonen. After a head-to-head quarter in :23.83, a few other rivals closed in on them. Konichiwa then backed off along the inside and gave way down the lane to finish in the middle of the pack. Konichiwa wasnt beaten by much and could land a bigger share of the purse next time out.

Way to Karakorum was dropped to the $18k claiming level for three year-old fillies and quickly took the lead under C.C. Lopez at the start. She was soon joined by the 8/5 favorite Saturdaynitesandy and the two drew clear of the field. Way shook off the favorite on the turn but was joined by Green Harbor to her outside as they turned for home. Way gamely fought off that rival in deep stretch and edged clear to win going way in a game performance. Way to K earned her second 2009 victory and increased her earnings to over $50k.

Smarty Karakorum, fresh off a two month layoff, was dropped to the $12.5k state-bred maiden claiming level. Smarty was again a bit slow from the gate but quickly reached contention just behind the early leaders. He then challenged the leaders and was three abreast turning for home, after fractions of :22.67 and :46.46. Smarty slowly gave way down the lane to finish in midpack. But this was an improved performance by Smarty, and with a clean break, he can make his presence felt at this level.

Karakormsweetheart stepped up a notch to the $15k state-bred maiden claiming filly and mare level but her chances were compromised at the start. She stumbled at the start and had to settle in midpack about a half dozen lengths from the leader. She gradually worked her way past rivals on the turn and into third at the top of the lane. She couldnt get to the runaway winner and only missed the place spot by a length. Sweetheart should break out with a win in the near future in this condition.

Chernobyl Princess broke slowly from the gate on her return engagement versus seven other state-bred allowance fillies and mares. After briefly trailing, she gradually worked her way to the leaders, splitting rivals and then swinging four-wide approaching the stretch while chasing fractions of :22.40 and :46.31. Princess moved on even terms with the leader in upper stretch but couldnt sustain her bid and tired a bit while just being overtaken for the place spot approaching the wire. Princess continues to be a gem of consistency over the inner track.

Sergeant Karakorum, with Sebastian Morales aboard, made his debut in a state-bred maiden special weight sprint at Aqueduct. Sergeant broke very slowly from the gate and trailed the field by as much as a dozen lengths in the early going. He did make a middle move to move closer turning into the stretch. But Sergeant failed to sustain his bid to finish unplaced, while galloping out strongly. Due to the bad start, this race is a complete toss out and Sergeant should fair better next time he starts.

Chernobly's Hero returned to the races after a nine-month absence and was entered in a $15k non-winners of two lifetime claiming race goinga mile and seventy yards. Under Sebastian Morales, Hero broke well from his extreme outside post but was carried very wide going into the first turn. He settled just off the leaders for the first half mile while chasing fractions of :24.01 and :48.66. But, Hero gave way on the far turn and finished unplaced. With this race under his belt, Hero should improve in his next race.

Karakorum Fugitive, undefeated versus state-breds, was entered in an open company non-winners of one allowance test for three year-old fillies going a mile and seventy yards. Under new rider Eddie Castro, Fugitive broke well and saved ground along the rail while settling just off the even-money and regally bred Flashing. She rallied along the inside nearing the quarter pole and then angled outside in upper stretch to move into second. But Fugitive could not cut into the lead of the wire-to-wire winner and wascaught right at the line for the place spot. Fugitive showed she can compete against open class fillies, so this gives Jimmy flexibility for her future races.

Yo Karakorum was entered in a state-bred non-winners of two allowance sprint for fillies and mares and faced as tough a group as there is at this level. She broke well under Jose Espinoza and held a narrow early lead just inside Calling My Colors who was riding a big winning streak. The two drew clear from the others while setting quick fractions of :22.26 and :45.58. But the duel and fractions took its toll on Yo Karakorum as she faded at the top of the lane to finish unplaced behind the winner. Hopefully, this race doesnt come up as tough next time out.

King of Karakorum was dropped in class to the $10k maiden-claiming sprint level and showed speed right of the gate. Under Rudy Rodriguez, he settled just in behind Gimme Getme through a quarter in :23.86. King remained in contention turning into the stretch but could not challenge the two leaders down the lane and faded to finish fourth. King can garner one of the top spots at this level.

Karakormsweetheart dropped in class to the $10k maiden claiming level for fillies and mares. Under Sebastian Morales, Sweetheart rushed up at the start to take a short early lead only to be joined by two other rivals. The three battled for the first half mile, setting fractions of :23 and :46.84. Mama Brown took command in deep stretcg to win going away as Sweetheart continued to fight on and held third place. Sweetheart can annex this condition in the near future.

Karakorumkonichiwa,with Winston Thompson in the saddle, was stretched out to a mile going two turns in his third start versus seven other $15k state-bred maiden claimers. He chased the early leaders three wide heading to the first turn and moved to within two lengths of the lead on the backside. But Konichiwa began to tire on the far turn and finished unplaced. This route race should set up Konichiwa nicely for a return to a sprint race.

Following two consecutive low level claiming wins, Chernobyl Princess stepped up in class to contest a non-winners of one allowance for state-bred fillies and mares. Breaking from the rail under Eddie Castro, Princess was a bit slow out of the gate. She soon moved up amongst rivals chasing a slow quarter in :24.45. After steadying in traffic at the half mile pole, Princess moved to within a length of the leaders turning into the stretch. She continued to chase the leader while also inside Muffy, the heavy favorite. Princess finished willingly for third while lacking some room during the stretch run. Princess showed she can compete and, with a little luck, win at the allowance level in the near future.

Digger Karakorum, a first time gelding, made his second start versus similar $25k state-bred maiden claimers. Digger raced 4-wide for the first half mile while about six lengths from the leaders through fractions of :22.99 and :47.37. Although the two leaders raced away for the top spots, Digger continued to battle with several rivals down the lane and gained third place at the wire. Continued improvement by Digger could land him a much bigger share of the purse next time out.

King of Karakorum dropped to the $12.5k maiden-claiming sprint level for colts and geldings. After breaking well, King raced about six lengths off the leaders while racing in midpack. He dropped back a bit on the far turn and then failed to mount a serious rally down the lane while just missing fourth place on the line. King can make an impact at this level next time out.

Way to Karakorum, with Channing Hill aboard, returned to the $35k claiming level for three year-old fillies. She broke well but was outrun for the early lead by familiar rival Jenay Benay and 7/5 favorite Softly Spoken. Chasing fractions of :22.58 and :45.88, Way was only three lengths off the leaders when they turned for home. But she drifted wide and then gave way to finish unplaced.

Karakorum Cayu broke alertly from the rail position in a state-bred maiden claiming sprint for fillies and mares but was outsprinted by Wiseman's Jet for the early lead. She was in striking distance for the first half mile of the race but tired down the lane to finish unplaced.

Karakormsweetheart, dropping back in distance, drew the services of Maylan Studart to contest a $15k state-bred maiden-claiming sprint for fillies and mares. She broke well and settled in third behind the two favorites, Billy's Girl and Green Harbor. After slow fractions of ;23.64 and :47.90, the two leaders sped away, but Sweetheart continued to fight on and outdueled another rival to gain a clear third on the wire. Continued improvement can gain Sweetheart a bigger chunk of the purse.

Say Karakorm Sandy, with Sebastian Morales in the saddle, stepped up a notch after his recent victory to contest a $10k claiming sprint at Aqueduct. He was bumped at the start and trailed the field in the early stages. Even though he never made a serious rally to threaten the top spots, Sandy will continue to fight on in the lower claiming ranks.

King of Karakorum stepped up a notch to the $16k maiden sprint level for three and up colts and geldings. After breaking well from the gate under Maylan Studart, he raced in midpack while between horses for the first three furlongs and chasing fractions of :22.39 and :45.51. But King failed to menace one they turned into the stretch and finish unplaced.

Karakorumkonichiwa, with Winston Thompson in the saddle, made his second career start and faced eleven other $15k state-bred maiden-claiming three year-old colts. Konichiwa settled about five lengths from the leader, Time Study, in the early going through an opening quarter in :22.69. He saved ground most of the way but failed to make an impact on the top spot as the leader ran away to an easy win. Konichiwa was still beaten only five lengths by the place finisher, so further improvement in his third start could garner him a bigger share of the purse.

Karakorum Fugitive,fresh after a first out score, was stretched out to face older fillies and mares to contest a state-bred non-winners of one allowance. After getting bumped at the start, Fugitive settled nicely under Rosie Napravnik behind the early leaders for the first half mile. On the far turn, she ranged up to the leaders and took over with a strong burst at the head of the stretch. Fugitive opened up a clear lead and held Tulipmania safe to win by almost two lengths and remain perfect for Jimmy Jerkens. A possible stake outing might be in her future.

Karakorum Tornado broke well from his outside post in a $12.5k claimer for older sprinters. Tornado then settled in midpack a few lengths off an early speed duel. He was still in contention turning for home as Sebastian Morales swung him 5-wide at the quarter pole. Tornado then finished well between horses to just miss in a blanket finish. He can win at this level in the near future.

King of Karakorum was a bit slow from the gate while dropping a notch to the $12.5k maiden claiming sprint level for three years old and up colts and geldings. King was then rushed up to press the pacesetter Gimme My Dough while hitting the quarter in :23.00. Approaching the far turn, he found himself between horses as other rivals joined the frey. King then gave way at the top if the lane and finished unplaced.

Karakorumkonichiwa made his debut versus seven other $15k state-bred maiden claimers. Under Rudy Rodriguez, he steadied at the break to trail early but rushed up along the rail to reach contention through an opening quarter of :23.18. Konichiwa faded on the turn to finish unplaced but should improve with further racing experience.

Chernobyl Princess, fresh off a win in early January, stepped up to the $15k claiming level to face seven other fillies and mares. Under Sebastian Morales, she broke a step slow from her inside post but eagerly moved up between horses behind Indy's Forum's opening quarter of :23.16. Princess lost a few positions on the far turn but then split rivals and moved to the rail straightening into the stretch. After waiting for room, Princess courageously bullied her way through, while touching the rail, to gain the lead and win going away for her second consecutive win in 2009.

Karakorum Cayu was dropped a level to face $15k maiden claiming state-bred three year-old fillies and mares. She broke well under apprentice Maylan Studart but found herself in a duel for the lead with 9/5 favorite Karlita's Way. Cayu battled between several rivals for over a half a mile before giving way at the top of the stretch. If Cayu can get a clear lead, she can make her presence felt at this level.

King of Karakorum was dropped a notch to the $15k state-bred maiden-claiming level for three year-old colts. He raced three-wide for the first half mile while about six lengths off the leaders chasing fractions of :22.74 and :47.06. King was still in contention turning into the stretch but he soon gave way to finish unplaced.

Way to Karakorum, fresh off her maiden win, stepped up to face open-class winners in a $35k claiming sprint for three year-old fillies. Under apprentice Maylan Studart, she saved ground in midpack for the first half mile while chasing fractions of :22.54 and :46.56. Way to K then rallied between rivals in midstretch to move into second and gain the place spot at the wire behind the 5/2 favorite Jenay Benay. She was only beaten two lengths for all the money and should advance through this condition in the near future.

Say Karakorm Sandy was dropped again to the $7.5k claiming level for non-winners of two lifetime male sprinters. After being pinched back at the start, he was slow into stride early on and trailed the field by about ten lengths for the first half a mile through fractions of :22.77 and :46.29. Sandy then launched a 4-wide rally turning into the stretch. Sebastian Morales found a seam between horses in midstretch and Sandy rallied strongly to gain the lead in deep stretch and then held off 4/5 favorite Mr Shortcake in a thrilling finish.

Smarty Karakourum was stretched out to a mile and dropped to the $25k maiden claiming level for state-bred three year-olds. He unfortunately steadied and clipped heels leaving the gate and therefore had to settle in midpack about a half dozen lengths from the 6/5 favorite and leader Holy Toledo. Smarty did make a middle move while between horses down the backside to move close to the leader but tired thereafter. Due to the bad start, this race can be tossed out. A better break and a turnback to a sprint might bring a better result next time out.

Karakorum Surprise was dropped in half to the $10k non-winners of two lifetime level for fillies and mares. She broke well under Rudy Rodriguez to take a narrow early lead only to be challenged by several other rivals while hitting the quarter in a quick :22.70. Surprise then had to steady inside of rivals on the far turn while still close to the lead. But she faded at the top of the stretch to finish unplaced. Surprise should continue to improve in her third start off the layoff.

After showing improvement last time out on the dropdown, Karakormsweetheart was stretched out to the mile distance versus the same $15k state-bred maiden-claimers. Sweetheart sprinted from her outside post in a field of ten fillies to take a narrow early lead heading into the turn, but had to settle behind 3/5 favorite Just Another Story who had the inside post. As that leader opened a big lead through fractions of :23.74 and :47.85, Sweetheart continued to pursue in second for about 6-furlongs but then gave way to finish unplaced. This effort should set her up nicely for a return to a sprint at this same level.

Say Karakorm Sandy was entered back at the $10k non-winners of two lifetime claiming level but his chances were compromised right at the start when was pinched back between horses at the break. Under Sebastian Morales, Sandy then made a steady rally along the rail from the backside to the top of the stretch to move within a few lengths of the leaders. But, he failed to sustain his bid down the stretch to finish in the middle of the pack while still only four lengths behind the second place finisher. Sandy can win at this level provided he gets a clean trip.

Karakorum Surprise returned from an almost 8-month layoff to start in a $20k non-winners of two lifetime sprint for fillies and mares. Under Rudy Rodriguez, Surprise pressed the 4/5 favorite Sweet Bama Breeze from the outside behind a quarter in :23.12. She was still in contention turning into the stretch but understandably faded to finish unplaced. Off such a long layoff, Surprise should carry her speed further in her next start.

Karakormsweetheart, with Rudy Rodriguez, was dropped from the $25k to $15k maiden-claiming state-bred level for three year-old fillies. She was reserved early about five lengths from the early pacesetter behind a quarter in :23.07. Sweetheart rallied between horses while 3-wide on the far turn to move within three lengths of the leader. Even though she failed to maintain her rally down the lane, she still finished fourth in an improved effort and should make her presence felt at this level.

King of Karakorum broke well in a $16k open class maiden-claiming sprint for three year-olds. He settled back in second behind the early leader, First Communion, through fractions of :23.21 and :47.39. King then rallied to move on even terms with the leader at the top of the lane. As two other rivals rallied wide for the top spots, King only tired late to just miss third place. This was an improved effort by King and, with his speed, he can win at this level in the near future.

Digger Karakorum, Starlet’s half brother, made his belated debut in a $25k state-bred maiden-claiming sprint versus ten other male rivals. After being pinched back at the start, Digger was also slow into stride to trail the field early while about ten lengths from the leaders. Approaching the far turn, Digger made a wide middle move to get closer to the leaders. But, turning for home, he was carried 6-wide and then failed to make his presence felt down the lane. Due to the tough trip he endured, this effort by Digger can be thrown out. We expect him to improve with each passing start for conditioner Jeff Odintz.

Entered back soon after a bang up second-place finish, Way to Karakorum was made the 2/1 favorite versus similiar $25k state-bred three year-old maiden claiming fillies. She sprinted away from the gate and gained a clear early lead over 5/2 second choice Big Bonnie. Way set comfortable fractions of :23.32 and :47.31 and after turning for home, Chuckie Lopez set her down for the drive. She then quickly drew clear in upper stretch and was merely hand ridden to the wire to win convincingly by over seven lengths.

For her initial start, Jimmy Jerkens entered Karakorum Fugitive in a state-bred maiden special for three year-old fillies going six furlongs at Aqueduct. After breaking a bit slowly and then steadying behind rivals during the early stages, Fugitive raced along the rail in midpack while just behind the early pacesetters. Jockey Rosie Napravnik patiently moved her outside of rivals on the far turn while chasing fractions of :23.42 and :46.99. Fugitive quickly unleashed a strong rally to challenge her rivals at the top of the stretch. She then poured it on late to win by four expanding lengths in a fine time of 1:11.21 in a visually impressive career debut.

Yo Karakorum skipped over a condition and was entered in a non-winners of one lifetime allowance for open class three year-old fillies. Once again, Yo broke alertly from her outside post and sprinted clear of her rivals while being closely pursued by the 4/5 favorite Liza Too. After a quick quarter in :22.94, she turned for home with a two length lead. Yo continued to hold the lead in deep stretch as the field began to close in. But she tired a bit late to finish third – only two lengths from the winner, J.J. Cuvee who benefited from a ground saving trip. Yo has now earned $66,300 while finishing on the board in all four starts.

Say Karakorm Sandy, after closing well last time out, was wheeled back in the same $10k non-winners of two lifetime claiming sprint. He was off a bit slowly and trailed the field early on by close to a dozen lengths. On the far turn, he moved to within six lengths of the lead, but then failed to maintain his rally down the lane to finish unplaced.

Karakorum Tornado was dropped to the $12.5k claiming sprint level over the inner track at Aqueduct. He broke outward at the break under Jose Espinoza and settled outside of horses about a half dozen lengths from the leader and 9/5 favorite Confirmondi through fractions of :22.42 and :46.36. Tornado continued wide turning for home but then failed to be a factor down the lane to finish unplaced.

Smarty Karakorum, with 1st time Lasix, drew the outside post in a field of nine $50k state-bred three year-old maiden claimers over a sloppy Aqueduct inner track. Smarty broke well under Jose Espinoza and was only three lengths off the leader Scooter Rat while racing wide. He continued wide into the turn and steadily lost ground thereafter as the uncontested leader drew off for the win. Smarty should improve with second time Lasix in his next start and, hopefully, he can get a better draw and a fast surface as well.

Way to Karakorum finally caught a fast track when she was entered the gate in a $25k state-bred maiden-claiming filly sprint at Aqueduct. Way to K broke well under C.C. Lopez but settled in fourth while a few lengths off the early leader, Hot and Bothered. On the far turn, she then launched an outside rally while chasing the leader through soft fractions of :23.05 and :47.29. Even though she couldn't chase down the leader, Way to K finished full of run to easily garner second place honors. Off of this fine effort, she should break her maiden in the near future.

Chernobyl Princess was entered in NYRA's 1st 2009 race, a $10k non-winners of two claiming sprint for fillies and mares. Under Sebastian Morales, Princess settled in good position a few lengths off the 5/2 favorite Oh So Irish through a quarter in :23.20. She made a rally between horses midway on the turn that moved her into second place turning for home. Princess challenged the leader, Afleet's Passion, at the top of the stretch and gradually drew clear to an easy five-length win.