Fabulous Strike Destroys Moscarelli Foes

Fabulous Strike, an early favorite for last year’s TVG Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) before a serious lung infection ended his season, returned in the Vincent A. Moscarelli Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park June 21, easily defeating two rivals in the six-furlong event.

Walter Downey’s Pennsylvania-bred returned a nickel for each dollar wagered to win on him while completing the distance in 1:09.56 on a fast main track.

Trainer Todd Beattie conditions the 5-year-old Smart Strike gelding who won the Belmont Park's Vosburgh (gr. I) by nearly six lengths in his last start before going to the sidelines Sept. 30 .

Bred by Downey’s Tea Party Stable, Fabulous Strike won three of four starts in 2007, also taking the Aristides Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs in near track-record time for six furlongs, and the Panhandle Handicap at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. Fabulous Strike won four stakes as a 3-year-old, two at Belmont and two at Mountaineer.

Fabulous Strike was confidently handled by Ramon Dominguez, who allowed the dark bay to set a quick pace of :22.60 for the opening quarter-mile and :45.68 for the half. Fabulous Strike drew off on his own leaving the turn to mid-stretch, then was ridden out to a 3 1/4-length triumph.

He returned $2.10 for his 10th lifetime win in 15 starts, bumping his career earnings to $677,832.

Joey Carson, with Jose Carabllo aboard, finished second, 12 3/4 lengths in front of The Vin Man. Cavallo Pazzo, Five Steps, Hombresactlikemens and Southern Missile all scratched.

(Chart, Equibase)