Larry Ferrari took the shortest route home with Floyd Of Rosedale to win as the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) Series continued on Monday, June 17 at Northfield Park.
The five-year-old gelded son of Southwind Spirit, the 3-5 favourite going to the gate, benefitted from lively panels by Stoney Ridgeton, driven by John Konesky III, and snuck through in the final stages to score by a half length in 1:56.1.
Kandi Sweet, with Braiden Rhoades handling the lines, finished third after a journey in the garden spot throughout the mile while P L Jerico, teamed with Jason McGinnis, was fourth. Armageddon Seelster, beginning from the outside eight post, rallied from far back to pick up the nickel for Ryan Hall.
Both Stoney Ridgeton, post two, and Kandy Sweet, post six, were in top flight off the wings with Stoney Ridgeton benefitting from the draw to take charge with Kandi Sweet nestling right behind with P L Jerico, beginning from post one, third and Floyd Of Rosedale unhurried early in fourth.
Stoney Ridgeton sawed off panels of :27.2, :57 and 1:25.3 and had a comfortable lead throughout with Floyd Of Rosedale improving a spot to third but still more than four lengths away at that picked up third station.
Electing to take the shortest route home, Ferrari kept his cool and found a seam along the pylons to get through and score the win.
In a post-race interview, Ferrari said, “They were rattling off some healthy fractions, especially during that third quarter, and that helped our cause.
“You never know whenever luck plays a big role in a win and we were very lucky that the fractions were very lively and that we were fortunate to find some room turning for home."
Trained by veteran Charlie Myrick for owner Second Chance Stable, Floyd Of Rosedale earned his first win of the season in 10 starts and now has lifetime earnings of $133,797.
The winner paid $3.20 to a multitude of faithful.
Ferrari earned his 386th career win and sent his 2024 UDRS to a lofty .528.
GLADA is one of several amateur driving clubs throughout the industry providing countless charitable organizations with donations as their membership donates 100 per cent of their earnings from driving in their races for charitable distribution.
(GLADA)