Resurgent Totaly Wild Wins Busanda Stakes

Totaly Wild, ridden by C.C. Lopez, made a move along the inside Sunday and won the $84,900 Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct by a neck. The victory in the race for 3-year-old fillies was the second in six career starts for Totaly Wild and her first for added money.

Totaly Wild led through the first five furlongs before being overtaken by Madame X Ski. 23-10 favorite Madame X Ski built a half-length advantage over Totaly Wild at the stretch call, but a resurgent Totaly Wild fought back to earn the win.

"That was the bionic left hand," said Lopez. "He (Norberto Arroyo Jr., who rode Madame X Ski) could have closed the door on me at anytime but he didn't. It was great effort from her coming back like that."

Madame X Ski was second in the 11-horse field, finishing 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Sideways. Short Note came home fourth, followed by Dancing Blues, True Sensation, Catalita, Lucky Sucre, Treasure Coast Gem, Dish It to Me, and With a Little Luck.

Totaly Wild (Wild Again--Almost Shy, by Blushing John), carrying 116 pounds, covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:43.40 on the fast track to earn $50,940 for owner-trainer Anthony Dutrow. In her most recent start prior to the Busanda, Totaly Wild finished fourth in a Dec. 30 allowance race won by Madame X Ski. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Marilyn and Edward Seltzer and William Allen.

The winner returned $22.80, $10, and $5.40. Madame X Ski paid $5.40 and $3.20 and Sideways showed at $2.90. (Chart, Equibase)