Heavily favored Authenticity had to work hard for her victory in the $200,000 Shuvee Handicap (gr. III) this afternoon, but she did get the job done, rallying from just off the pace to win the nine-furlong race by a length.
With jockey John Velazquez aboard, Authenticity broke well but was soon taken back to settle in second as Sea Island led the way through very slow fractions of :25.46 and :50.80. Moon Philly and Flashy American were racing in third and fourth, followed closely by Eblouissante -- who got off to a very poor start after being very unruly in the starting gate -- and stretch-running Royal Lahaina.
Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:15.03, Authenticity moved up to challenge Sea Island for the lead, gaining the advantage just prior to the eighth pole. Then Flashy American made a bold rally along the rail to reach contention, but Authenticity found enough left in the tank to hold her off for a one-length victory in 1:52.33 seconds.
Sea Island held well to finish third, 2 1/4 lengths behind Flashy American and 2 1/2 lengths clear of Moon Philly. Royal Lahaina and Eblouissante completed the order of finish, both being virtually eased after failing to commence their rallies on the far turn.
The winner is trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Padua Stables. A daughter of Quiet American out of the Deputy Minister mare Court Appeal, Authenticity has now compiled a record of 4-3-1 from nine starts, with earnings of $513,362.
-Keelerman
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