2006 Donn Handicap Weekend Stakes

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

On Sunday, the rains cleared away and sunny skies prevailed, allowing the track to dry out for the Deputy Minister Stakes (G3) for older sprinters. The longest shot on the board, 53-1 Universal Form, took advantage of the pace duel involving the 9-10 favorite War Front and 5-2 second choice Friendly Island, coming from well off the pace to win by just a length in a time of 1:16.48.

Winning trainer Elliston Rolle said, "This is the biggest race that I’ve ever won. The jockey rode a great race. He’s (Universal Form) a pro at this distance, the (fast) pace helped us, and all those elements helped him. He’s gotten better with age. Manny Cruz fits him because he’s a stubborn horse. He wants to be urged more than a finesse jockey gives you. He needs a couple of smacks out there. We’re just going to enjoy this one for now."

Results chart

Previous

• 2006 Donn Handicap Weekend Stakes
• Brass Hat in the winner's circle after the Donn
• Barbaro wins the Holy Bull Stakes
• Keyed Entry wins the Hutcheson over First Samurai
• Wait a While wins the Davona Dale
• Misty Rosette wins the Old Hat Stakes
• Eyes on Eddy wins the Suwanee River Handicap
• Universal Form wins the Deputy Minister Stakes

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