Ozone Park, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Lightly regarded Turco Bravo, ridden by
Jose Ortiz, ran down the pacesetter to capture Sunday’s $100,000 Stymie Stakes
at Aqueduct.
Trained by Gary Contessa for Winning Move Stable, Turco Bravo was sent off as
the 9-1 longshot in the five-horse field for the 1 1/8-mile Stymie. Kelso
Handicap winner Vyjack was the 19-10 favorite followed by North Slope at 2-1,
Cousin Stephen at 3-1 and Micromanage at 4-1.
Turco Bravo stalked pacesetter Cousin Stephen through most of the race until
splitting horses down the stretch. The 6-year-old chestnut gelding, in his
fourth race of the year, steadily cut into Cousin Stephen’s lead approaching
the wire and was able to register a half-length win over the 4-year-old.
North Slope was third followed by Micromanage and Vyjack.
The time for the Stymie was 1:51.80 on a fast track.
Turco Bravo picked up $60,000 for the win to bring his career earnings to
$242,318 with 11 wins in 39 starts.
The 6-year-old was coming off a third in the Evening Attire Stakes four weeks
ago behind North Slope at Aqueduct. Turco Bravo began the year with a second
at Laurel Park in the Native Dancer Stakes followed by a runner-up finish in
the Jazil.
Turco Bravo returned $21.60, $7.50 and $3.00. Cousin Stephen paid $4.60 and
$3.30, and North Slope paid $3.20 to show.
