Del Mar Positivity Survives Graduation August 2, 2020 Credit: Benoit Photo Del Mar Positivity Survives Graduation August 2, 2020 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article DEL MAR, CA – C T R Stables’ Positivity strode home powerfully to cross the wire first, then survived a lengthy inquiry before officially winning Sunday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes at Del Mar. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Positivity was the 5/1 third choice as he broke from post 5 under Drayden Van Dyke. Shortly after exiting the stalls, he crossed over and caused the even-money favorite Touchdown Brown to steady slightly. Good With People set the pace as he broke from the rail, posting opening fractions of :22.07 and :45.47 while Jazz Hands gave closest chase. Good With People straightened for home with a clear advantage and looked to be home free, but he grew visibly tired at the 1/16 pole. Rallying strongly from mid-pack, Positivity swept past his rivals and usurped the pacesetter in the shadow of the wire to win by a 1/2-length. The Luis Mendez trainee completed the 5 1/2-furlong fast dirt sprint restricted to California-bred juveniles in a final time of 1:05.49. “We had a nice stalking trip, but he got to jacking around on the turn,” Van Dyke said. “Then when we got to running, I knew I’d catch that horse up front.” Good With People was 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Scooby, himself 1 length clear of None Above the Law. Completing the order of finish came Rantanen, Jazz Hands, and Touchdown Brown, who never factored into the running after the incident shortly out of the gate. Broken Finger and Dennis Celery were scratched. Following the race, both a steward’s inquiry and a jockey’s objection (from Evin Roman aboard Touchdown Brown) necessitated a closer look at the early activities, but ultimately no change was made to the original order of finish. “Finally got one to go my way,” Van Dyke said of the review. “I was aware of that horse behind me (Touchdown Brown) coming away from there, but I gave him enough time to work it out. It might have been a little sloppy on my part, but I didn’t think it was too bad. My colt is a 2-year-old and he’s still learning.” Positivity’s victory followed a 3 1/4-length score while going 4 1/2 furlongs on the Santa Anita Park main track on May 22. The Paynter colt, purchased for $20,000 as a yearling has now earned $87,000. “I know how it goes and I’ve been here before in this position,” said Mendez, who also won the 2019 edition when Big Returns was placed first following the original winner’s disqualification. “I was worried, but last year, the judges made a call for us, and this year, they were on our side again.” Positivity returned $13.20 to win, $4.80 to place, and $3.60 to show. Good With People brought back $3.40 to place and $3 to show, while Scooby paid $4.40 to show.
Kentucky Downs and Del Mar Picks & Previews | Blinkers Off 683 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
Kentucky Downs Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 565 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
College Football Picks & NFL Tips | Dudes Who Bet Sports 205 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Pacific Classic 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 682 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 564 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Kentucky Downs Picks | Turf Sprint Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint] Aaron previews the 2024 Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Kentucky… Read More
Kentucky Downs FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Kentucky Downs on September… Read More
Del Mar FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club… Read More
Kentucky Downs Exacta Picks & Plays | Turf Cup Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf] Dr. Miranda gives her exacta picks & plays from the… Read More
Rocket Picks 🚀: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs, & Gulfstream Park for September 7, 2024 Let’s kick off another big day of horse racing with… Read More