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Teafatiller Another Turf Surprise For Atkinson; Pick Six Carryover For Saturday Of $107,485

Racing News
Posted 07.16.10 at 10:43

Paul Atkinson guides Teafatiller to victory in the fourth race Friday night. © Benoit Photo

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (July 16, 2010)-Never close to the early lead in any of his previous starts, Teafatiller was in front of most of the way in his 9-1 turf upset in a $44,400 optional claimer Friday night at Hollywood Park.

This victory helped trigger a Pick Six carryover of $107,485 when racing resumes Saturday. Post time is 1 p.m. The Pick Six begins in the fifth race.

Despite breaking last, Teafatiller, a 4-year-old son of In Excess out of the Ezzoud mare Cheshire Cat, had the advantage before the first turn and went on to a 2 ½ length victory.

Ridden by Paul Atkinson for owners Marie Jackson and Mary Wilkins and trainer Bruce Jackson, Teafatiller paid $20.60, $7.60 and $3.60.

The win was his second in seven races for the gelding, who was purchased for $50,000 as a 2-year-old at the Barretts’ May sale in 2008. He has earned $64,270.

In defeating five other California breds, Teafatiller completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.60.

The victory was the third of the meet for Atkinson on turf. All have been with longshots, including Living Word, who paid $159.20 when winning the fifth race on July 10.

A bettor would be showing a profit of $159.20 if they had wagered $2 to win on each of Atkinson’s 19 mounts on the grass.

The jockey’s other win on the surface came aboard Image And Likeness, who returned $18.40 when defeating maidens on May 9.

Pop’shands Are Hot, who was closest to the winner throughout, returned $5 and $3. Jack’s Wild, the 13-10 favorite, was a non-threatening third.

Seeking his second victory in a row, the 8-year-old Lil Tyler gelding finished 1 ½ lengths behind Pop’shands Are Hot. Jack’s Wild paid $2.20 to show.

Stalking Gold was a half-length back in fourth, then came Miguel’s Mascot and Aliza’s Dream.

Joel Rosario won two races Friday, one more than Rafael Bejarano. The defending champ, Rosario has a 76-73 advantage over Bejarano entering the final two days of the season .

However, Bejarano will be at Arlington Park Saturday to ride Tuscan Evening in the $150,000 Modesty Handicap, so the only opportunity he has left to make a run at the title is closing day Sunday.

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