He’s All Heart would not be denied Saturday at Emerald Downs.
The gutsy and fast 4-year-old gelding rallied tenaciously to nip Davos by a neck in the $20,000 allowance-optional claiming feature for older horses. Seven Torrents, the only 3-year-old in the race, was a half-length back in third place.
With Gallyn Mitchell riding, He’s All Heart ran one mile in 1 minute, 36 2/5 seconds on a fast track and paid $11, $4 and $3.40. Larry Wolf is the trainer for Vic-Tory Stables IV, the long-time syndicate headed by Victor The Predictor Cozzetti .
The victory, and a second to highly regarded Jersey Town in his subsequent start July 25, gave rise to speculation that He’s All Heart could be nominated to the $250,000 Longacres Mile Grade 3 on Aug. 22. Nominations for the 75th Mile close Sunday.
“We’ll have to discuss that and see what happens,” said Wolf, in the midst of his finest season with a 13-for-48 mark.
Davos, another who could be nominated to The Mile, took a slight edge into the stretch but could not withstand the winner. The 11-to-10 betting favorite ridden by Kevin Krigger, Davos paid $2.40 and $2.80.
Seven Torrents, the pacesetter ridden by Juan Gutierrez, finished third and paid $4.40. Noble Juan, Exclusive Eagle and Way too Much completed the order of finish.
A Washington-bred by Private Gold, He’s All Heart has developed into a steady performer while winning three times in 2009 and twice in 2010. The gelding has compiled an overall record of 5-4-3- in 18 starts with earnings of $55,769, including $11,000 Saturday.
After dropping back on the last turn, as Seven Torrents led through six furlongs in 1:10 2/5, He’s All Heart angled out in the stretch and wore down Davos in the final yards.
“He’s named correctly because he’s all heart,” Mitchell said. “He gives you everything he has.”
News and Notes
Mitchell, Francisco Duran and leading rider Ricky Frazier rode two winners each on the nine-race card. Frazier extended his margin to 78-63 over Juan Gutierrez…Trainer Steve Fisher captured his first win of the meet as Sheen Falls ($15.60) scored in Saturday’s fifth race…Live racing continues Sunday with first post at 2 p.m. A stakes twinbill for 2-year-olds on tap features the $50,000 Angie C Stakes for juvenile fillies and the $50,000 Premio Esmeralda for juvenile colts and geldings.
