APTITUDE’S MANTECA SCORES FIRST STAKES WIN

Article taken from DRF

Manteca (APTITUDE) made it four consecutive wins by recording a 1 1/2-length, front-running victory in Friday's $67,500 Rough Rogue Stakes for older New York-bred males. Giant Moon, making his first start since running eighth in last year's Preakness, finished second, one length ahead of favored R Clear Victory.

Under Rajiv Maragh, Manteca cleared the field entering the first turn and raced uncontested through fractions of 25.03 seconds, 49.49, and 1:14.06. Dr. D.F.C attempted to make a run at Manteca at the quarter pole, but quickly flattened out. Despite drifting in deep stretch, Manteca had plenty left when Giant Moon and R Clear Victory ran at him in the stretch.

It was the first stakes win for Manteca and his fourth win from five starts overall. Manteca is owned by Stuart Sobotnick's Anstu Stables and trained by Charlton Baker. He covered a mile and 70 yards in 1:42.59 and returned $6.80 as the second choice.

Date: 6 February 2009