Freud’s Darrin’s Dilemma Takes to the Turf in NYSS Spectacular Bid

by Sarah Mace

At Belmont on Sunday Michael Dubb and Bethlehem Stables LLC’s Darrin’s Dilemma made it two-for-two in New York Stallion Stakes Series races, following up his 2 ¼-length victory in the 6 ½-furlong Times Square Division over Belmont’s main track on May 11 with a one-length triumph in the 7-furlong $75,000 Spectacular Bid Division in his first try on turf.

Five of the seven three-year-olds in the field of the Spectacular Bid – the first of two 7-furlong turf sprints on Belmont’s Sunday card restricted to the sophomore progeny of New York-based sires – were making turf debuts, including the first and second choices in the wagering, the pair that carried the most early dirt speed into first turf tries – Bold Deed and Darrin’s Dilemma.

Bold Deed by Anasheed, winner of the Packett’s Landing overnight stakes over Aqueduct’s main track on April 10 and fifth in the Grade 2 Peter Pan at Belmont on May 14, was post time favorite at odds of 4-to-5. Darrin’s Dilemma, a striking-looking white-faced bay son of Freud with regular rider Ramon Dominguez aboard, was second choice at odds of 5-to-2. Before the race trainer Rudy Rodriguez said of the colt, “Everything looks OK with him. Most horses in the field will be trying turf for the first time. They say Freuds run well on the grass, and we’re hoping he will.”

Bold Deed had the best early speed out of the gate, and quickly opened up a clear lead. Darrin’s Dilemma, also with a good start, adjusted to the situation under Dominguez and, for the first time, adopted a stalker’s role. Freuds Ana Streak tracked in third at the rail. While a headstrong Bold Deed opened up two lengths and more on the field, clocking fractions of 23.36 and 46.36, Darrin’s Dilemma moved up to become a clear second by the quarter pole.

Darrin’s Dilemma drew even with Bold Deed around the three-sixteenths marker. The pair dueled down the stretch, until Darrin’s Dilemma outkicked Bold Deed in the final furlong to reach the finish line a one-length margin of victory. Warrior Up, a maiden-breaker on turf who lingered near the back for the first half mile, rallied through the turn and crossed the line 2 ¼ lengths behind Bold Deed to match a third place finish in the Times Square. Completing the order of finish were Our Eli, Freuds Ana Streak, Actlikeyoumeanit and Seek to Destroy. The final time for the seven furlongs over the firm Widener turf course was 1:21.91. [VIDEO[2]]

“I think the key factor today with him is how well he relaxed,” said Dominguez of Darrin’s Dilemma. “He can be very quick and he’s coming off these real short distance races and I was afraid that he would be too keyed up, but he relaxed so nicely and that really helped him. Of course, the grass maybe moved him up as well, but he just relaxed great.”

“I was very happy he liked the grass,” said winning trainer Rudy Rodriguez. “He ran big for us. I was a little concerned because he usually goes to the lead, but it was good for us that he relaxed and made the winning move. Ramon did a very good job with him, and we got lucky.”

A second career stakes victory in his sixth lifetime start improved Darren’s Dilemma career tally to 3-2-0 and increased his purse earnings to $144,700. Darrin’s Dilemma was bred by Tony Grey, 2009 New York Breeder of the Year, and foaled at Sequel Stallions NY. He is out of the winning Precise End mare Irish Emotion, whose only other foal is also a winner. Irish Emotion was purchased by Becky Thomas (agent), at the 2007 New York Mixed sale for $1,500. Freud, the sire of Darrin’s Dilemma and New York’s leading stallion in 2008 and 2009, stands for Sequel Stallions[3] at Keane Stud[4].

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2011/06/05/darrins-dilemma-spectacular-bid/

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