Coglianese / NYRA Photo Photo

Newly Minted strolls in NYSSS Park Avenue

by Najja Thompson

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Making her stakes debut in her second career start, Beach Haven Thoroughbreds' Newly Minted bested a field of nine to win the $200,000 New York Stallion Series Stakes Park Avenue division for eligible New York-sired 3-year-old fillies going 6 1/2 furlongs on Saturday, closing day at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Sent off as the 3-2 mutuel favorite with Jose Lezcano aboard, Newly Minted battled up front early, leading Stonesintheroad and Canarsie Princess with swift fractions of 22.71 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and the half in 46.24.

Travelling along the rail at the quarter-pole, Newly Minted separated herself from the rest of the field at the top of the stretch. In command in mid-stretch, she cruised to finish 7 ½ lengths in front.

Her final time for the 6 ½-furlong distance was 1:18.81 over the main track listed as sloppy and sealed.

"She's a very nice filly," said Lezcano, who was also aboard for her impressive maiden breaking debut in which she won by 5 ¾ lengths on April 13. 

"Last time, I had to [urge] her a little at the quarter-pole. This time, she did it so easy. She did everything right. She handled the ground good. I had so much horse."

Returning $5 for a $2 win wager, the Central Banker filly increased her career earnings to $144,100. Newly Minted, purchased for $110,000 as a 2-year-old, is trained by Linda Rice and bred by Chester and Mary Broman.

"I was very happy," said John Sakkos, managing partner of Beach Haven Thoroughbreds. "I looked out this morning and saw it raining and I was extremely happy because I know she likes it a little bit wet. It was a good day."

Following back-to-back impressive wins at the Big A, Sakkos said he would talk to the rest of his partners on where she might point next.

"I'll speak to Linda about it and speak to the other partners about it as well. Since we're a syndicate, we'll have a conversation as far as where we might go," said Sakkos.

Kid Is Frosty closed to earn second followed by Bangle Gal, Alphadora, Fair Lassie, Pretty Spectacular, Dancing Slippers, Stonesintheroad, and Canarsie Princess completing the order of finish.