Even-money choice Flamin' Hot was elevated to first following the disqualification of Escrow Kid in the $96,000 Anderson Fowler Stakes (VIDEO) before a Father's Day crowd of 24,262 at Monmouth Park June 20.
The attendance was the largest outside of a Haskell or Breeders’ Cup day since Father’s Day 2005, when 27,393 were on-hand.
Escrow Kid, with Joe Bravo in the irons, split rivals just after turning for home in the 5 1/2-furlong Anderson Fowler, but ducked out at the sixteenth pole. Stewards ruled that Escrow Kid impeded the path of Never Content. The 9-1 shot crossed the wire first, but was placed sixth for the interference. Eight 3-year-olds contested the turf affair.
Flamin’ Hot was just a nose behind Escrow Kid. Ridden by Alan Garcia, Flamin’ Hot paid $4, $2.80 and $2.20 across the board. The time for the stakes contest was 1:02 1/5 over the firm going.
Cooper Junior, who was moved from third to second, was a length farther back and completed the $67.20 exacta. He paid $19 to place and $8.40 to show. It was another half-length back to Close to the Edge, who was placed third, good for a $9.60 to show.
“(Flamin' Hot) broke kind of slow and wasn’t involved in the early pace, which he usually is,” said winning trainer Rick Violette Jr. “He ran his eyeballs out to make up that much ground in the last eighth of a mile. He’s just a nice, professional horse.”
A 3-year-old gelding by Flame Thrower from the Scatmandu mare Domestic Dispersal, Flamin' Hot improved his record to 4-3-0 from eight starts. Owned by Ralph M. Evans, the dark bay or brown gelding has now earned $163,893. Gary Garber bred the winner in Florida.
Flamin' Hot #2 with Alan Garcia won the Anderson Fowler Stakes over #8 Escrow Kid at Monmouth Park. Escrow Kid was disqualified from first and placed 6th after interference in the stretch.
Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO