"The track has been playing quick today and there was a lot of speed in the race," said winning trainer Christopher Paasch. "He broke sharp, and he rated well. He is really learning to rate nicely; we might have a good miler on our hands. We're going to take him back to California. The Kentucky Derby would be a huge stretch for him. Maybe we'll be back here for some New York-bred races."Roman Dancer earned $90,000 for the win, his fourth in nine starts and his third stakes win. He came into the Bay Shore off a 3 1/2-length win in the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita and won the Sunny Slope Stakes at that same track last year. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Nielsen bred him from the Cormorant mare Phalanopsis.Roman Dancer paid $8.50, $5, and $4.20. Warners returned $6.90 and $4.70. Monthir paid $4.20 to show. The winning exacta combination returned $53. (Chart, Equibase)
New York-bred Roman Dancer shipped in from California to race in his home state for the first time in the $150,000 Bay Shore Stakes (gr. III) at Aqueduct Saturday. Sent off as the 3-1 second choice in the wagering, the bay son of Polish Numbers rallied in the stretch under Kent Desormeaux to earn a 1-3/4 length win over Warners in the seven-furlong race.Lorraine and Rod Rodriguez' Roman Dancer completed the distance in 1:22.21 on the fast track.Monthir closed for third, finishing a head-length behind Warners. Parade of Music, City Sharpster, Listen Here, Whatasaint, Stylish Sultan, Robins Beauty, and Carey's Gold completed the order of finish.