After Market Wins Lexington, Stays Unbeaten

(from Belmont Park report)
Unbeaten After Market, showing some greenness while making his stakes debut in his third start, collared Carnera in mid-stretch Sunday and went on to a 1 ½-length victory in the $107,400 Lexington (gr. IIIT) for 3-year-olds at nine furlongs on Belmont Park's firm inner turf course.

Ridden by Cornelio Velasquez as the 4-5 favorite, the Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wygod-bred and owned son of Storm Cat-Tranquility Lake (Rahy) ducked in sharply after passing the fading To Sender in upper stretch. He straightened out, however, under repeated left-handed urging and soon overcame Carnera to win going away in a time of 1:48 4/5.

Winning trainer Bill Mott said he would confer with the owners, but that After Market would likely point for Saratoga Race Course's $150,000 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes (gr. IIT) for 3-year-olds at nine furlongs on the turf Aug. 7. Mott noted that After Market is also nominated to the $400,000 Secretariat (gr. IT) for 3-year-olds over 1 1/4 miles at Arlington Park Aug. 12.

"He's still green," Mott said of the royally-bred colt. "He was green last time. (Velasquez) hit him today and he went on but, when he went too hit him again, he ducked in. I think the horse was anticipating him hitting him. I would hate to put blinkers on him because he is a little rank already."

After Market was between horses on the run to the first turn, but let To Sender and Carnera engage one another for the opening quarter of :22.32, the half of :46.83, and six furlongs in 1:11. He held position as a stalking third and then came with a wide rally as Carnera opened up a lead turning for home. He finished up well after getting straightened out by Velasquez.

The winner's share of $65,640 increased After Market's earnings to $119,640. He paid $3.70, $2.40, and $2.10. Carnera returned $3.40 and $2.40, holding second by a head over Crossword, who paid $2.40. To Sender and Cool Casanova trailed.

Habsburg, who was entered as part of a Darley Stable entry with Carnera, was scratched.

(Chart, Equibase)