SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY – After overcoming an awkward start, Harvey’s Lil Goil absolutely destroyed her competition in Sunday’s $100,000 Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct.
Breaking from post 6 under Junior Alvarado as the 3/5 favorite, Harvey’s Lil Goil was the last one away and trailed while running wide into the clubhoues turn. Up front, Fiftyshays Ofgreen set a tepid pace through fractions of :25.30, :50.59, and 1:14.70 while Persisto and Truth Hurts gave closest chase.
Heading into the far turn, Harvey’s Lil Goil began ranging up three-wide and set her sights on the front. Taking over at the 5/16 pole, Harvey’s Lil Goil began separating herself immediately.
Given only the mildest encouragement at the top of the stretch, the Bill Mott trainee was geared down late but still crossed 7 1/2 lengths must the best. Harvey’s Lil Goil completed the 1 1/8-mile event over the fast main track in a final time of 1:54.59.
“She was much the best; I was just the pilot,” Alvarado said. “At the 1/2-mile (mark), she switched gears and I let her run along there. She took over and didn’t do much.”
Though no match for the runaway victor, Water White closed down the middle of the lane to take second by 1 1/2 lengths over Fiftyshays Ofgreen. Further back came Persisto, Ankle Monitor, and Truth Hurts to complete the order of finish.
Quality Heat was scratched.
The Busanda is part of the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Oaks prep race season. Harvey’s Lil Goil earned 10 points for the win, with Water White receiving 4 for second, Fiftyshays Ofgreen 2 for third, and Persisto 1 for fourth.
Harvey’s Lil Goil’s victory was her second straight following a 6-length local score going a mile on December 12 and improved her overall record to 3-2-0-0. The 3-year-old filly became her sire American Pharoah’s first dirt stakes winner and has now earned $96,600 for co-owners Harvey Clarke (who also bred her) and Paul Braverman.
“She ran really well and to expectations, or possibly even better,” said Mott assistant Leanna Willaford. “She came back up to us from Florida last week and has been here for a few days. She had been here prior from July until when she broke her maiden, so we know her well. She looks really about the same since she’s left and is progressing well, so it’s exciting.”
Harvey’s Lil Goil returned $3.50 to win, $2.60 to place, and $2.30 to show. Water White brought back $3.70 to place and $2.70 to show, while Fiftyshays Ofgreen paid $4.40 to show.
