David Cassidy on the Web
Citrus Kid sweeps past in Dover
October 10, 2009
By Joseph Swavy
Delaware Park
www.drf.com
Citrus Kid took the lead at the top of the stretch and widened his advantage all the way to the wire to win the $76,050 Dover Stakes for 2-year-olds by five lengths Saturday at Delaware Park.
With the win in the 1 1/16-mile stakes, Citrus Kid - trained by Gary Contessa and ridden by Abel Castellano Jr. - stayed perfect in two starts at Delaware Park, both on dirt. The lone two-turn winner in the eight-horse Dover field, Citrus Kid improved his record to 2 for 3, his only loss coming in a maiden race on turf at Saratoga.
Even-money favorite El Rocco contested the pace in the Dover with My Charming Clyde, but it only was about five lengths from first to last entering the final turn, when My Charming Clyde began to weaken. Citrus Kid made his move three wide approaching the stretch and swept clear.
Citrus Kid, by Lemon Drop Kid out of Orange Ice, returned $12.20 for the win. He covered the distance in 1:45.35 and earned $45,000 for owners Team Stallion Racing, John L. Moirano, Harold Lerner, and singer David Cassidy.
Toccet's Charm, the longest shot in the field at 73-1, finished strong to get second, a neck in front of Quick Ride. El Rocco finished fourth, 7 3/4 lengths back.
