12/20/2012

The Lead: Highestmaintenance, purchased by owner Mike Repole at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale for 2-year-olds in training for $240,000, pulled away from Gadget Girl at the head of the stretch to win first time out in Thursday's seventh race, a maiden special event.

Highestmaintenance, ridden by Javier Castellano, won by 6 3/4 lengths, covering the six furlongs impressively in 1:09.94.

“It was something we were hoping for, for sure," Pletcher said. "She’s a talented filly. We bought her in March and took our time with her. She had some baby issues and we gave her some time off. Mike is a patient guy and is blessed with a deep stable where he can take his time, and it paid off."

“That race was easy," Castellano said. "I knew she was a very good filly after speaking with Todd in the paddock. She was very quick out of the gate, and I was very impressed. Her first jump she opened up by two lengths, and after that she was very easy all the way."

Earlier in the afternoon, Party Lad, a 2-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic, made it two in a row under jockey Joe Bravo, winning over a five furlong turf course in :55.81.

“We shipped him to try him on the grass and it worked out well," said trainer Michael Pino. "We’re going to keep him on the grass, five to 5 1/2 will be his best game."

Who’s Hot: Current leading jockey Joel Rosario won two on Thursday's card with Defer Heaven ($6.20) in the second and Maelys Hope ($3.80) in the fifth.

Castellano also won two. Along with Highestmaintenace, he won the fourth aboard Major Marvel ($2.60).

Rainbow 6 carryover: $130,883.34.