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No Doubt Aboot it-Highly Regarded Wins the Long Island Class
Original article written by Louise Bayou posted 13 years 2 weeks agoOn a rainy Friday at Long Island Park, the connections of the Long Island Classic entrants all looked nervous. Maybe none more nervous than even Norman Architecture was Art Vandelay who looked to spring the upset with his colt Highly Regarded. Believe the Hype came in to this race with a shot at history and Stay Awake looked to avenge his two 2nd place finishes.
Highly Regarded was one of the favorites for the Louisville Derby but finished a disappointing 5th. While his owner was disappointed, he took the correct action and stabled his star and passed on the Baltimore Crown. So as Long Island Classic day dawned, Highly Regarded was well rested and ready to make a run at snatching the Long Island Classic from Believe the Hype.
As the field left the paddock for the post parade, Art Vandelay grabbed a drink, quickly downed it and found a quiet spot to watch his colt. While he was nervous he knew he had done the right thing in skipping the Baltimore Crown.
As the field broke, Stay Awake broke quicky and took his usual spot at the front of the field. The Awakening and Hurricane gave Stay Awake no rest and they raced along almost as one. All the Reasons had to take back as I and I moved out a bit.
The Derby and Crown winner Believe the Hype broke well and settled towards the back of the pack. It was a good start for Highly Regarded but he had to steady behind horses early. His jockey Holly Winter settled him down and he found a good spot on the rail toward the back of the pack.
Stay Awake was up front with Hurricane and The Awakening pushing him along. This Alysse Jacobs colt has shown heart in all of the TC races and fought back. While the front runners were slugging it out, Redwood was galloping along well in hand. Awakeandwonderful, Believe the Hype were also racing well in hand. Highly Regarded lost a big of ground but after a tap by the jock, he jumped in to the bit and joined the fray.
Up front Stay Awake, Hurricane and The Awakening hit the far turn and Stay Awake shook clear of the other two. The Awakening and Hurricane are both game and tried to go with him but Stay Awake jumped out to a 1 ½ length lead.
As they hit the stretch, the closers took aim on the ultra game Stay Awake. Hurricane and The Awakening both threw in the towel and had nothing left. The closers Highly Regarded, Believe the Hype Redwood and way back Career Maker started to make their run. Believe the Hype put in a brief bid but could not match strides with the rest.
Highly Regarded moved to Stay Awake’s flank and started to lay it down. With a crack of the whip, Highly Regarded shook clear of Stay Awake and Career Maker looked to be the threat. But this race belonged to Highly Regarded and Art Vandelay! He won by 1 ½ and earned a very nice 86 speed figure.
Stay Awake was again the bridesmaid as he held off a ferocious charge from Career Maker. Believe the Hype could finish no better than 5th but showed heart in a tough beat as the TC trail proved too much.
As Highly Regarded made his way through the sea of well wishers, Art Vandelay finally took a breath and accepted the well wishes from the crowd. After finding Norman Architecture to offer a handshake and warm regards Art took his place in the winners circle. The $500,000 purse brings Highly Regarded’s career earnings to $812,500 and his race record to 7:6-0-0. The sky seems to be the limit with this well bred colt, and I look forward to seeing just how great he can become!
Congrats to Highly Regarded and Art Vandelay!