David Cassidy on the Web
Whitney ultimate goal for Mayan King
April 12, 2006
By David Grening
Daily Racing Form
www.drf.com
Mayan King's trip down the Triple Crown trail was brief in 2005. After winning his first two starts, Mayan King finished seventh in the Grade 2 Lane's End at Turfway Park, a race from which he emerged with a fractured sesamoid in a hind leg.
Following surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, Mayan King returned to the races last Saturday with a 3 1/2-length win over a solid field in a second-level allowance race here. Mayan King, a son of Stephen Got Even, ran one mile in 1:37.48 over a sealed, sloppy track and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90.
"Ramon [Dominguez] said to me he didn't like the track, and I know what he is on a fast track," trainer Gary Contessa said. "I'm thrilled to have this horse this year."
Since Mayan King was injured on an off track, Contessa had to convince part-owner David Cassidy to run the horse Saturday. Contessa said he walked the track and felt it was safe.
"It was only about an inch of slop on top of a good, firm bottom," Contessa said. "I was happy with it, but I had to convince David Cassidy and I did, and he said, 'Okay, Gary, I leave it up to you.' "
Contessa said he would look for another "small step" with Mayan King before tackling stakes company again. Contessa said his ultimate goal this summer is the Grade 1 Whitney at Saratoga on Aug. 5.
"I think he's that good," Contessa said.
