The 62nd Massachusetts Handicap

Heavy morning rains created sloppy running conditions for this year's edition of the Mass Cap. Once again Suffolk management managed to attract top horses, jockeys and trainers to New England's premiere racing day. In a surprise move Sir Bear challenged Broken Vow for the lead and set the race up for the patient ride of Jerry Bailey on Include.

     Jerry Bailey and Include in the Mass Cap

All the connections to this year's running are no strangers to the Mass Cap. Jockey Jerry Bailey won his fourth Mass Cap.  Jerry's  previous victories came in '95 and '96 while riding Cigar and in '98 on Skip Away. Trainer Grover "Buddy" Delp won the Mass Cap in 1976 with Dancing Champ. Local TV announcer and national race commentator Bob Neumeier  was on hand in the winner's circle to make the presentation to this year's winner.

Although the Mass Cap was the highlight of the day, three other stakes races provided an exciting card for New England fans.

The James Moseley Breeders' Cup Handicap

Jerry Bailey rode Max's Pal to victory in this year's highlight sprint race. With the late scratch of Say Florida Sandy, Max's Pal went to post as the even money favorite. Jerry and Max followed the early pace of local entry Binnifactor,  took command and then held off the late charge of another local entry Makin Progress.

      Max's Pal captures the Moseley Breeders' Cup

The Keith Brodkin Memorial

Top local trainer Ron Dandy's Consider the Night went straight to the lead and never looked back as a 15 to 1 shot and captured the  Keith Brodkin Memorial. Ron is having a great spring meet and is sure to capture the training title. Jockey Ender Jimenez picked up the mount for the Hy-Hopes Farm color bearer.

       The winning connections of Consider The Night

The Old Ironsides Stakes

Trainer Tony Cataldi has had only three starters for the meet and all have been in the money. Flash of Joy gave him his first victory. Off as the third pick Flash of Joy was rated early then drew clear on the second turn. Luis Garcia picked up the mount on the six-year-old gelded son of Cryptoclearance.

Anthony Barbanti's Flash 0f Joy