Forest Danger sprints to the win in the Bay Shore.
Aaron and Marie Jones' Forest Danger coasted past seven rivals in the $150,000 Bay Shore (gr. III) for 3-year-old sprinters Saturday at Aqueduct.Forest Danger, a son of Forestry, remained unbeaten with his third straight victory. Sent off at odds of 6-5, he won his stakes debut in a time of 1:20 3/5 for the seven-furlong Bay Shore. It was the second fastest time in the race's 44-year history.The winning margin was 7 1/2 lengths."The track was obviously pretty lively, but this is a fast horse," winning trainer Todd Pletcher said. "He has impressed us since Day 1. It seems like Forestry is really putting out some runners. This colt impressed us all winter. He did everything right in his first two starts. "I wasn't surprised he was able to do this because he had trained so well. We'll see how he bounces out of this. The Withers (gr. III on May 1) is our first thought, as well as he ran over this track today. We'll play it by ear and see."Intent on getting the lead coming away from the gate, Forest Danger, ridden by John Velazquez, put away an early challenge from Abbondanza on the rail and led Indian War Dance and Rockhewn through an opening quarter mile in :22 1/5 and the half in :44 1/5. Traveling easily as he came out of the home turn, he coasted away from Indian War Dance down the lane, expanding his lead with every stride while getting an occasional crack of the whip from Velazquez."The race was straightforward," Velazquez said. "It was going really good. I put my hands down, and he was very relaxed. He got a little sloppy, but then he got into the bridle and he was there. Then he took off."Abbondanza, ridden by Ramon Dominguez, came on for second, 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Indian War Dance was third. Smokume, American Comedy, Judiths Wild Rush, Last Minute Detail and Rockhewn followed.The Kentucky-bred Forest Danger won his first two starts at Gulfstream Park earlier this year.Barbara Jean and Jerry Dutton bred the winner.Forest Danger paid $4.20, $3.10 and $2.60. Abbondanza returned $6.10 and $4.80. Indian War Dance, who was ridden by Eibar Coa, was $9.30 to show. The $2 exacta was worth $24.40. (Chart, Equibase)
