Passporttovictory rested for allowance sprint

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – When trainer Jeremiah Englehart wheeled Passporttovictory back in 18 days on New Year’s Day, he was trying to ride the wave of a horse who was in top form while still relatively fresh, having had an 11-week break late last summer.

The move backfired as Passporttovictory could only manage a third-place finish as the favorite in a first-level allowance race for New Yorkbred female sprinters.

On Friday at Aqueduct, Passporttovictory gets another shot in the same first-level allowance condition for restricted company, but this time, she comes in with more than five weeks’ rest.

“I ran her back a little quick off a good number,” Englehart said, referring to the careerbest 79 Beyer Speed Figure that Passporttovictory earned in her previous start. “I talked myself into running her, and that was a mistake on my part.”

Englehart said the time since her last start has gone well for Passporttovictory, who has three decent workouts leading into Friday’s race.

Passporttovictory reeled off four consecutive victories at Finger Lakes from June 18 through Nov. 6. On Dec. 14, she finished second in a spot similar to this, closing ground on Starlite Mission while rallying along the rail in the stretch.

“She had to stop for a little bit, and a lot of horses don’t continue on, but it seemed like she wanted to keep going,” Englehart said.

After drawing the rail in four consecutive starts, Passporttovictory drew post 2 for Friday. She will again be ridden by apprentice Reylu Gutierrez.

Passporttovictory will likely have to catch Leah’s Dream, trained by Jeremiah’s dad, Chris Englehart. Leah’s Dream had a three-race win streak snapped when finishing third in the same Dec. 14 allowance race in which Passporttovictory finished second.

KEY CONTENDERS

Passporttovictory, by Frost Giant Last 3 Beyers: 62-79-60

◗ Looks to start a new winning streak after finishing a well-beaten third behind runaway winner Carrera Cat going seven furlongs last out.

◗ Three of her five wins have come at this race’s six-furlong distance.

◗ Would benefit from a contested pace scenario. Leah’s Dream, by Astrology Last 3 Beyers: 75-75-74

◗ Could play out as the main speed, though Orchid Party, from the rail, and Cryinthemoonlight, outside, are likely to be in close contact.

◗ Loses top rider Manny Franco for Andre Worrie, who is just 1 for 34 at this meet.

Cryinthemoonlight, by Street Cry Last 3 Beyers: 49-28-56

◗ Makes her first start in 11 months and will likely have to come with a lifetime-best effort, but does figure to get a good stalking trip from the outside post.

Gentle Annie, by Freud Last 3 Beyers: 67-63-59

◗ Has traded decisions with Passporttovictory in the pair’s last two starts, and does seem to be improving from a speedfigure standpoint.