RACE FOUR TRIP NOTES (GRASS) by The Wizard on Saturday, May 23, 2009

9-1 winner BALLYNOE, rated between horses in fourth to the top of the stretch. Found an opening between horses in mid stretch. Edged clear with 70 yards to go, and was all out to hold off the late charge of the heavy favorite CHEROKEE QUEEN, who was clearly best after a rough trip in the stretch. She sat a beautiful rail trip stalking the moderate fractions. Tried to come through a narrow opening between the rail and the pacesetter PURE BABY, but was caught in tight and forced to check, losing all momentum. Recovered quickly, easing off the inside and finding a clear lane nearing the wire, but simply ran out of ground. Pacesetter Pure Baby, was hounded to her outside from the start, but the pace was comfortable. Tried to fight on in deep stretch, but had to settle for third, losing to two better fillies at the distance. The top three were much the best of the rest.