5th-Belmont, $80,000, Msw, 7-6, 2yo, 6fT, 1:08.87, fm.
MONTAUK DADDY (c, 2, Daddy Long Legs–Snow Fashion, by Old Fashioned) became the first North American winner for his sire (by Scat Daddy), who previously stood in Chile, with a good-looking victory at Belmont Saturday. Originally led through the ring unsold at OBS April despite breezing in a sharp :20 3/5, the juvenile was purchased by trainer Linda Rice post sale for $160,000 on behalf of Chris Fountoukis and Richard McCourt's McCourt Racing. He was the first North American starter for his sire when flying late for second in his debut in a rained-off event going a sloppy five panels at Belmont June 21. Dispatched as the 3-1 second-choice in this first try on the grass, the chestnut seized the early advantage under Jose Lezcano and was chased by 18-1 shot Now Is (Sidney's Candy) through a swift :21.50 first quarter. That foe closed in on the leader momentarily turning or home, but Montauk Daddy had plenty left in the tank and shrugged off that foe to earn his diploma by 1 3/4 lengths. Now Is faded to fifth, but Time for Trouble (English Channel) produced a strong late rally to close the gap a bit in the final sixteenth. Favored Invader (War Front), a full-brother to GISW Fog of War, could only manage sixth. Montauk Daddy is the second foal and second winner out of Snow Fashion, who has not produced anything since. Sales history: $160,000 2yo '19 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $60,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Chris Fountoukis & McCourt Racing; B-Jennifer & Gillian Johnson (FL); T-Linda Rice.
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