April 14, 2008 — Gallego and jockey Christian Soto made it look easy Sunday as they romped to a five-length victory in the Soldier Boy Handicap at the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack.
The 7.5 furlongs eighth race, named in honor of horseman Roy Vialet Jr., who just returned from a tour of duty with the National Guard in Iraq, was a shocker for most in the stands. It was supposed to be a battle between reigning St. Croix champ Carson Secrets with Junior Inirio in the irons and the fast-improving Black Jack Bob with Juan Santiago aboard. But someone forgot to tell Gallego, as he blazed his way to victory in a not-too-shabby time of 1:32.3.
Except for Black Jack Bob, who missed the break, all of the other horses broke well. Gallego's stablemate, the speedster Strong Passer with jockey Angel Viera, quickly grabbed the lead and took the field around the clubhouse turn in front by two lengths. He was followed by Carson Secrets, Black Jack Bob and Gallego not too far back in fourth.
As the field entered the back stretch, Strong Passer still had a two-length lead, but at the four-furlong pole the rest of the field closed up on him with a rush. Carson Secrets, Black Jack Bob and Gallego were all moving fast as they swept by a fading Strong Passer approaching the three-eighth marker, but moving fastest of all was Gallego. He took command of the race midway around the far turn, followed by Carson Secrets and Black Jack Bob running almost as one. By now Strong Passer was out of the race, as his job as the rabbit was done. As the field hit the top of the stretch it was obvious to everyone that the race was now a battle for second, as Gallego was now well clear of the field and drawing even further away with every stride.
Carson Secrets and Black Jack Bob were now in a battle for runner-up honors, and as they ran down the home stretch Carson Secrets proved a little better and managed to pull away to claim second. Black Jack Bob finished third with Strong Passer a distant fourth.
The rest of the day's results:
Race 1 3 1/2 F Class H, Jockey
Time: 43.2
1. High Times, Christian Soto
2. Fifty Cents, Junior Inirio
3. Pull De Trigger, Alphonso Claudio
Race 2 4 1/2 F Class G
Time: 57.1
1. Tenacity, Elmo Barnes
2. Them Ah Talk, Alphonso Claudio
3. Top Shelf, Miguel Sanchez
Race 3 7 F Class F(1)
Time: 1:28.4
1. Eagle Feather, Elmo Barnes
2. Wild Wind, Juan Santiago
3. Top Ranking, Angel Viera
Race 4 7 1/2 F Class E (M&F)
Time: 1:35.1
1. Trick Hunter, Junior Inirio
3. Eltish Mota, Miguel Sanchez
3. Juguetona, Juan Santiago
Race 5 6 F Class D & E
Time: 1:12
1. Marfin Express, Angel Viera
2. El Rollo, Junior Inirio
3. Tulsa Boy, Juan Santiago
Race 6 1M Class E
Time: 1:42
1. Sarazen Blade, Christian Soto
2. Cat Hunter, Juan Santiago
3. Prospector Fever, Elmo Barnes
Race 7 7 1/2 F Class B&C
Time: 1:35
1. Crafty Smile, Alberto Ojeda
2. Formally Cat, Christian Soto
3. PR General, Angel Viera
Race 9 6 furlongs Class F(2)
Time: 1:32.2
1. Mario Candelario, Christian Soto
2. Fantasia, Alberto Ojeda
3. Al-abjar, Juan Acosta
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