SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Condo Commando shot through an opening on the inside out of the gate and splashed home a 13¼-length winner of the Grade 1 $350,000 Spinaway Sunday at Saratoga Race Course.
It was the second straight victory under jockey Joe Bravo for the 2-year-old filly, who ran seven furlongs on a sloppy main track in 1:24.68. The 3-1 second choice in a field of eight, Condo Commando returned $8.70, $4.70 and $3.20.
By the Moon paid $5.70 and $3.80 for second, six lengths ahead of 8-5 favorite Angela Renee, who returned $2.60 to show. She was followed under the wire by Darling Sky, Winter Dawn, Lazy Zuzu, Ryabinka and Bonnie K.
Following the Spinaway, a ceremony was held in the winner’s circle to honor track announcer Tom Durkin, who is retiring after a 43-year career, the past 24 for the New York Racing Association.
In Sunday’s co-feature, Irish Mission collared pacesetter Viva Rafaela in the final 50 yards and got up to win the Grade 3 $150,000 Glens Falls by a half-length.
Ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, the 5-year-old mare ran 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf course in 2:15.01 and paid $8.50, $4.60 and $3.40. Viva Rafaela retuned $5.50 and $3.70, and late-running Caroline Thomas paid $4.80 to show.
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