Consistent Weigelia Takes Jack Dudley Sprint

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(from Calder report)
Joseph Balsamo's stakes winner Weigelia showed his consistency again by taking the six-furlong $150,000 Jack Dudley Sprint during Calder's Florida Million.

The 3-year-old Florida-bred colt by Safely's Mark gamely held off Onebadshark and jockey Jerry Bailey by a length.

The 9-10 favorite in a field of 10,Weigelia covered the six furlongs in 1:10 1/5 and paid $3.80, 2.60 and 2.40. Onebadshark returned $4.60 and 3.80, while Love That Moon paid $4.80 to show.

Weigelia's career record now stands at 6-4-2 from 15 starts with earnings of $476,860.

"I think he's going to be even better as a 4-year-old," said winning trainer Manny Azpurua.

Weigelia took to the road this summer. He was third in the Amsterdam (gr. II) and second in the King's Bishop (gr. I) at Saratoga and was most recently third in the Keeneland's Perryville. John Velazquez rode him to victory in the Jack Dudley Sprint.

"He came out running and got into good position," the jockey said. "I expected to follow Jerry Bailey's horse (Onebadshark) and it worked out good (since) he was laying second. So I just followed him. My horse was best the whole time. I just waited for room and let him run."

(Chart, Equibase)

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