Tomato three for three

Tomato bested a field of 11 Tuesday night with an impressive come from behind 1:56.4 win in a $16,000 ISOBA Stakes at Balmoral Park.

Confidently handled by driver Tim Tetrick, the 3-year-old daughter of Valley Victor was one of those who was stuck in the second tier but the bay filly handled it like an old pro, getting away in seventh as Fox Valley Soroya (Andy Miller) led the field through an opening quarter in :28.4.

“I was a little concerned when the horse next to us made a break behind the gate,” explained Tetrick. “I just decided to keep her off the horses in front us a little bit and that worked nicely for her.”

Moving into the outer flow as the field headed for the half-mile mark, Tomato was sitting in sixth while third-over as Magic Wind (Homer Hochstetler) roared up to take command as the field trotted by the halfway station in :57.2.

Continuing to cut into her deficit as the fillies moved around the final turn, Tomato was just 3 ¾ lengths off a hard-pressed Magic Wind as she rolled by the three-quarters in 1:27.3.

Tipping four wide off her cover Tomato hit her best stride as the field neared the eighth pole. With Magic Wind still holding a two-length advantage the Roger Welch-trained lass started to reel in the pace setter. With her long fluid strides this promising young lady flew by her rivals with a :28.2 final split to record a one-length decision. Fox Valley Amber (Sam Widger) uncorked a huge late move from ninth at the top of the stretch to be the bridesmaid while Magic Wind hung on well to finish third.

Now a perfect three for three in her sophomore season, Tomato has definitely caught the eye of her pilot. “I think this filly is going to have a big shot to be a major player in this division,” said Tetrick. “She’s matured nicely and she’s been well within herself while winning these first three starts of the year.”

The victory was fourth in 14 career starts for Tomato who now boasts a career bankroll of $45,328 for owner Julius Munie.

(Balmoral release)

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