To keep our team members and fans updated with he latest details of the stable's happenings, we post articles describing each race and other significant occurrences at Karakorum. Below you'll find a chronological list of recent news posts from our Stables. You can also take a peek at the horses on our roster and see how we're doing on the track. Please click on the "Stable Roster" link above to view the profiles of the horses in our stables.

Run Karakorum Run got another crack in the $4k maiden claiming ranks at Finger Lakes and the result was the same as his previous two starts. After breaking alertly, John Davila, Jr. settled him in second place behind the speedy Chipmoover who got the quarter in :22.19. Run K Run challenged that rival at the top of the stretch and shook clear in deep stretch. It appeared he would go on to break his maiden, but Tenured was gathering momentum and collared Run K Run to win going away. Run K Run will return soon against this same group and should hang on to break his maiden.

Karakourm Cayu made her debut versus six other two year-old fillies in a 5-furlong, $50k maiden claiming race st Saratoga. Just after the bell, Saturdaynitesandy broke outward into her, pinching Cayu back and causing her to steady. After being angled to the rail by jockey Rudy Rodriguez, Cayu settled in midpack about five lengths from the dueling leaders, Red Seven and Saturdaynitesandy, through a quick quarter in :22.01. Continuing to save ground along the rail, Cayu cut the corner and moved to within three lengths of the leaders turning into the stretch. She continued to fight on in deep stretch but gave way just outside the sixteenth pole to finish unplaced. Cayu will benefit from this racing experience and, with a clean getaway and normal second start improvement, make her presence felt the next time she starts.

Karakorum Pirate, named that because he has limited vision in his left eye, became the first two year-old to start for the stable in 2008. He contested a state-bred $50k maiden claiming sprint going 5 ½ furlongs at Saratoga. With Jose Espinoza aboard, he settled in third behind Scooty the Pro, the only horse racing without Lasix beside Pirate, and 2/1 favorite Bitabaz through a first quarter in :22.53. Pirate moved to within two lengths of the leaders on the far turn while racing 4-wide. He drifted out entering the stretch and tired a bit down the lane to finish in the middle of the pack. Pirate showed good early lick and will benefit from this racing experience the next time he starts

After placing to a runaway winner at this level earlier this month, Karakorum Ella again competed in a state-bred non-winners of two/optional $10k claiming 5 ½-furlong sprint at Finger Lakes. Breaking alertly, she vied for the lead outside of Tara Drive, the only horse not competing for a tag, through a quarter in :22.53, while well clear of the rest of the field. Ella shook clear of her rival on the turn, hitting the half in :46.06, to enter the stretch with a widening lead. She was ridden out down the lane to win by almost four lengths. Ella continues to be a model of consistency in 2008 with her fourth win, with seven in the money finishes from ten races.

Karakorum Tornado broke on top under Jose Espinoza in this non-winners of one 5 ½ furlong turf sprint at the Spa. But he was quickly joined by both Thunder Buddy and Please Impress at his withers, and the trio ran a solid first quarter of :22.66. Tornado rated some while saving ground a length off his rivals into the turn; they continued moving at a good clip, through the half in :45.61. Tornado tracked them around the far turn and into the stretch while within striking distance. He never menaced those two leaders but continued to fight on to finish in midpack, beaten a mere three lengths for all the money. He fits at this trip and level, and just needs the right field to annex the condition.

Run Karakorum Run was entered at the same open $4k maiden-claiming level at Finger Lakes where, a week earlier, he finished second going 5 ½ furlongs. Turning back to 5 furlongs , he broke well but was joined on the lead by Ross Vegas to his inside and Chipmoover to his outside. After they set a quick quarter in :22.09, Run K Run shook clear of those rivals on the turn, but faced a fresh challenger in No Lemon. The two briefly battled in deep stretch but No Lemon had the prefect trip and drew clear for an easy win. Run K Run was a clear second-best by five lengths over Ross Vegas. It will be just a matter of time before Run K Run breaks his maiden.

Karakorum Sunshine was recently moved to Chris Engelhart's Finger Lakes base and she immediately paid dividends for the stable. Facing $6,250 claiming fillies and mares going 5 ½ furlongs, Sunshine took command soon after the start under John Davila, Jr., and set an opening fraction of :22.39 while holding a one-length advantage over Shopping Girl. She increased her leading turning into the stretch and continued to widen down the stretch to win by just over three lengths while never really being challenged. This was her fifth career win and increased her earnings over $106k.

Run Karakorum Run broke well under John Davila, Jr., in a $4000 maiden-claiming sprint at Finger Lakes. He was soon joined by California Gold to his inside at the two quickly opened up several lengths on the field, hitting the quarter in :22.70. Run K Run shook clear of that rival on the turn and held a clear lead turning for home, but California Gold was switched to the outside, poised to take another crack at Run. When he did, California Gold pulled clear after a brief tussle, with Run gamely holding place. Run K Run showed the ability to break his maiden at this level in the near future.

Karakorum Playmate, with Kent Desormeaux aboard, contested a $35k open claiming sprint for fillies and mares over a sloppy, sealed Saratoga main track. Playmate broke on the lead but was immediately joined by Easy Ashley to her outside. After setting a quick opening quarter of :22.10, she was also joined by Fuzzieo to her inside, a deep, muddy path most jockeys had avoided. Playmate held a narrow lead between those rivals as they turned for home. After Easy Ashley took a clear lead at the furlong grounds, Playmate continued to battle between horses before tiring to finish in the middle of the pack. She was claimed from this race by owner Maggi Moss and trainer Steve Asmussen after winning one race and earning over $40k for Karakorum.

Karakorum Sunshine broke on top in a $16k claiming filly-and-mare sprint but was soon joined on her outside by her familiar rival Lacy Halo. The two fillies battled head to head while opening five lengths on the rest of the field while covering the quarter in rapid :21.81. Lacy Halo pulled clear from Sunshine on the far turn, as even-money favorite Ambling Rose and 6-1 Martha’s Mandate made their moves. Sunshine faded at the top of the stretch and Jose Espinoza didn’t abuse her once she was already out of the top five spots.

Jimmy Jerkens shipped Karakorum Katie to Finger Lakes to contest the 28th running of the six-furlong $50k Niagara Stakes for state-bred three year-old fillies. Down the backstretch, 6/5 choice Katie was well placed outside the early pacesetter, Amalfi Drive, who stepped the first quarter in :22.52. Celtic Kettle then ranged up 5-wide to track Amalfi Drive, as Katie backed off those two leaders, who came to the quarter pole in :45.55. John Davila, Jr., set Katie down for the drive at the top of the lane and she responded with a steady gain on Amalfi Drive while between that filly and 8/5 Afleet Alexandra. From that tough position, she collared Amalfi Drive inside the sixteenth pole and gamely held off the tightening pressure of Afleet Alexandra to win by a nose. This was Katie's third lifetime win and pushed her earnings over $87k.

Karakorum Ella, fresh off a victory seven days earlier, stepped up in class to state-bred non-winners of two/optional $10k claiming at her favored 5 ½ furlongs. As one of her nine victories came at the allowance condition, Ella carried the tag, as did all but two of her rivals (one of those two being former stablemate Karakorum Knockout!). After the break, she rated in second behind the 9/5 favorite Cleverly Regal, the other mare entered under allowance conditions, who opened up a four-length lead while setting fractions of :22.13 and 45.62. Ella lodged a bit on the outside down the lane but could not match strides with Cleverly Regal, who won off easily. Ella kept the others at bay and held second in another fine effort. She has now finished in the money in six of nine races this year.

Chernobyl Princess dropped slightly, to state-bred $25k maiden claiming, for her second career start. After breaking in a bit of a tangle but jockey Rudy Rodriguez was able to get her going, and she advanced past several rivals to be within a half a dozen lengths of the well-bet leaders, Approved by Mom at 2 - 1 and the even-money favorite Dove, who hit the quarter in :22.81. Princess continued to advance steadily into the turn, moving into third turning into the stretch while drawing within a few lengths of the leaders. But, she tired down the lane to finish unplaced, as those two leaders remained well clear of the others. Princess showed a good turn of foot in her second start, and with a cleaner beginning, she should show further improvement in her next race.

In a $15k claiming two-lifetime sprint, Say Karakorm Sandy, in rein to rudy Rodriguez, broke well, then settled along the rail in midpack. He sat about six lengths from the early leaders, who covered the quarter in :23.10. Midway on the turn, Sandy moved to within several lengths from the new leader, even-money favorite True Rebel. True Rebel won easily, while Sandy failed to mount a serious rally down the lane, finishing fifth while passing only the early speed horse at the line.

Chris Englehart entered Karakorum Ella in a 5½ furlong sprint for fillies and mares running for a $6,250 tag at Finger Lakes. Getting a perfect ride for John Davila, Jr., she rated a few lengths off an early speed duel by Legal Call and Mary’s Prayer while in the two-path. After fractions of :22.70 and :46.68, Davila eased Ella out to challenge the leaders, and she responded quickly. She took command just outside the sixteenth pole to win by four lengths, going away. This was Ella’s ninth career win, and third victory this year.

Returning from a 9-month layoff for Linda Rice, Karakorum Elektra faced six other fillies and mares running in an open $35k claimer going 6 furlongs on the Belmont lawn. After breaking alertly, she was taken back by regular rider Alan Garcia to track the speedy Vue de Chat through a quarter in :22.47. Tightening the gap on her rival on the far turn, Elektra then went up to challenge her at the top of the stretch. After a brief tussle, Elektra drew clear to win by a measured length in a quick 1:08.95 while covering her last quarter in :23. This was Elektra's fourth lifetime win in just ten starts and pushes her earnings close to $140k.

Karakorum Tornado broke well on the inner turf under Jose Espinoza in his return engagement at the state-bred non-winners of one allowance level. He went to the lead and was soon joined by several rivals who pressed him through a quarter in :22.91. Tornado drew clear at the top of the stretch, after passing the half in :45.91, but was soon joined by Gold Vendetta. After a brief tussle down the lane, Gold Vendetta drew clear from for the win. Even though Tornado faded late to finish in the middle of the pack, he was only a length behind the second place finisher. Since these rivals are all closely matched, Tornado will find a field he can beat in this condition in the future.

Jorge Chavez got the return call on Karakorum Playmate in a $35 claiming/non-winners of two lifetime turf sprint for fillies and mares. Playmate broke alertly to take the early lead while under pressure from Milliondollar Moon and I’llthinkofsumthin. After racing through two rapid quarters of :22.63 and :23.04, she was joined at her flank by I’llthinkofsumthin as they turned into the stretch. She battled to the eighth pole until that rival took control and drew clear for the win. Playmate tired late to finish fourth, just two lengths from the place spot, her second consecutive close-up finish at this level.

Doffing blinkers, Karakorum Katie faced a group of state-bred non-winners of two fillies and mares, ending a brief equipment experiment. After breaking slowly, Katie quickly rushed up to pass half the field and move into fourth place, only three lengths off a longshot leader who got the quarter in a reasonable :22.54. She was still in contention approaching the stretch, where several rivals rallied outside her. Katie gave way thereafter to finish unplaced, and will hope for a better trip next time out.

Chernobyl Princess made her debut versus $35k state-bred maiden-claiming fillies, but her race was essentially over when she hit the side of the gate at the start. She eventually gained stride and settled near the back of the pack, about ten lengths from the leader. Princess made a middle move along the rail turning into the stretch to cut into that deficit, but leveled off down the stretch, only beating one horse. First races are often a throw-out, all the more so with a bad start like the one Princess had.

Karakorum Sunshine chances were compromised in this $16-14k filly-and-mare claiming sprint when she stumbled badly at the start. Jockey Sebastian Morales managed to move her up inside to press the early pacesetter, Lacy Halo, through a quarter in a quick :22.54. Approaching the stretch, Sunshine continued to save ground and battle inside as several rivals closed on her outside. Her bad start and the quick opening quarter finally took its toll, as she gave way down the stretch to finish unplaced. She does have a strong second at this level recently, and with a better trip should prove competitive through the summer.

Returnto Karakorum broke sharply under Jose Espinoza and immediately took the lead versus four other filly-and-mare rivals going 6 ½ furlongs in an open three-lifetime $25 claimer. After an opening quarter in :23.60, she was joined to her outside by 3/5 favorite Carolina Fuego, and Amongooseamongus. The three battled on the turn, through a half in :47.22, with Returnto still holding a narrow lead. It was not to be, though, as Martha’s Mandate was the beneficiary of a perfect stalking trip. She came through a big opening along the rail in upper stretch and pulled clear inside the eighth pole. Returnto continued to fight on in second but gave way in the final half-furlong to finish fourth. She improved again in this outing, and should make an impact at this level through the summer.

Fresh off a win eight days earlier, Karakorum Ella was made the even-money favorite despite stepping up in class to the $6,250 claiming level. Ella went head-to-head for the early lead between This Trick’s a Pro and Ryan’s Glory while setting a quick opening quarter in :22.44. She took charge from those two rivals on the far turn while racing wide, hitting a half mile in a fast :45.74. Ella opened up five lengths by the furlong grounds and looked home free, but she faded inside the final sixteenth after a tough trip and rapid fractions. Longshot Lily’s Goldmine rallied to win going away, while Danzeagle nailed Ella for place at the wire. An eight-time winner, Ella should continue to prove production in the claiming and start-allowance ranks upstate through the summer.

Karakorum Playmate returned to the turf in a filly-and-mare non-winners of two-lifetime sprint for $35k claimers. After sprinting clear from post #10 under Jorge “Chop Chop” Chavez, Playmate relaxed on an uncontested lead while setting easy fractions of :23.47 and :47.09. She turned into the stretch still with a clear lead and her closest pursuer, Royal Spalding, looked to be the only rival with a chance to catch her. Playmate dug in gamely down the stretch as Royal Spalding challenged her and the duo hit the wire together with Playmate losing the headbob in a game performance, in a final time of 1:10.66. Since Playmate has now taken a liking to both turf and dirt, trainer Jeff Odintz has flexibility in determining her future races.

Garrett Gomez returned to ride Karakorum Cheyenne in a $47k maiden special for state-bred filly and mares. She broke sharply and immediately took command over her younger rivals, setting a swift opening quarter in :22.73. Cheyenne was briefly challenged on the far turn by Intoxicatingbeauty but brushed that rival aside turning for home. Cheyenne again opened a clear lead at the top of the stretch as the highly regarded City Roar loomed to her outside. The two briefly dueled down the lane but City Roar drew clear in the final furlong to win going away. Cheyenne gamely held second - well clear off the rest of the field. It is just a matter of time before Cheyenne breaks her maiden.

A change of barn led to a change of surface for Run Karakorum Run, as new trainer Jeff Odintz cut back the Dream Run gelding to a sprint and moved him turf-to-dirt for a $25k state-bred maiden-claimer. Run broke well under Jose Espinoza and immediately went for the lead, but was quickly joined by Matthew T C from the rail. The duo gapped the field while posting a swift first quarter of :22.47. After grinding by to briefly put his head in front of that rival on the far turn, Run K Run encountered several new rivals, including the 2-1 favorite Maps Hope, at the top of the lane. In traffic and tiring as they straightened for the stretch battle, Run checked sharply and gave way to finish unplaced behind the favorite. If he learns to ration his speed more evenly, he may well succeed on his new surface.

In a filly-and-mare sprint for $4k claimers at Finger Lakes, Karakorum Ella immediately took the lead, which she held by a length after a quick :22.94 opening quarter. Ella widened turning into the stretch, increasing her advantage to almost six lengths down the lane and was taken under wraps in the late stages by jockey John Davila, Jr., when the outcome was obvious. This was Ella’s eighth lifetime win, and second victory this year.

Returning to a one-turn mile against state-bred non-winners of one other-than, Chernobyl’s Hero drew the services of apprentice Joseph Berrios Cruz. After breaking cleanly, Hero was only a couple of lengths behind the early leaders - the 2-1 second choice Alexandros and 7/5 favorite Cardinal Hill – stalking early fractions of :23.63 and 46.96. Those two leaders pulled clear on the far turn to eventual finish first and second - well clear of the field. Hero remained in third along the inside turning into the stretch but faded down the lane to finish unplaced. After many months of racing, Hero is asking for a vacation, which should last until fall.

Karakorum Tornado's race was over after just three furlongs in a roughly-run turf sprint versus ten other non-winners-of-one allowance state-breds. After breaking him alertly and contesting the early lead inside of Haze My Man through a quarter in :23.07, jockey Jose Bermudez steadied Tornado abruptly while between horses and they plummeted to the back of the field. Bermudez didn’t abuse Tornado the rest of the way, since his fate had already been determined. Tornado has been competitive at this level before, and will have every chance to annex the condition with a clean trip.

Karakormkipnitreal bobbled a bit at the start of a state-bred non-winners of one 6-furlong allowance sprint at Finger Lakes. But she quickly recovered under John Davila, Jr., and vied for the lead while racing extremely wide outside of Lovely Senorita and Wikdwitchofthewest. Going through the quarter in :22.94, Kipnit forged a narrow lead over Lovely Senorita, and, turning for home, she edged clear by midstretch. In the final eighth, she hung a bit, and that rival came back to gain the victory in the final jumps. After two narrow defeats at this level, Kipnit is primed to move through her conditions, and should be victorious soon.

Karakorum Sunshine broke on top from her outside post in an open $16k claimer for fillies and mares going 6 ½ furlongs. She dueled for the early lead outside of the 2/1 favorite Tzipi for the first half mile while setting fractions of :23.04 and :46.58. The favorite edged clear turning into the stretch as Sunshine tired down the lane to finish unplaced. Sunshine hit the board at this level through quicker fractions two back, and while this may not be her favorite distance, she should thrive at this level through the rest of the meet.

Say Karakorm Sandy contested a non-winners of two lifetime sprint for $25k claimers. After breaking alertly under Rudy Rodriguez, Sandy raced near the back of the pack about ten lengths from the loose-on-the-lead 4/5 favorite Ten Forty, who set fractions of :22.50 and :45.79. The favorite ran off to an easy win as Sandy never seriously menaced the top spots while passing a few rivals down the lane. Sandy, who has hit the board against three-lifetimes earlier in the meet, simply needs to get involved earlier to make an impact next time out.

Linda Rice sent Blazing Karakorum to post for his first career start versus state-breds running for a purse of $25k and carrying a claiming tag of $35k. Under Cornelio Velasquez, he broke a bit awkwardly and then bumped hard with 7/5 favorite Another Hades soon after the start. But, Blazing quickly took the early lead from the rail just inside of Western Call while hitting the quarter in :22.98. He remained in contention until the far turn when Wolfson charged past the entire field to take command. Blazing faded to finish unplaced, apparently having lost his wind in that early bump. Linda believes this race is a throw-out, and Blazing will soon return to take another shot.

Karakorum Roulette, with Jean-Luc Samyn aboard, contested a $35k sprint for three year-old fillies running for a $20k tag at Belmont. She settled near the back, about five lengths behind early leader Cherokovsky, who set a moderate opening quarter of :23.41. Turning into the stretch, Roulette was still in contention, as 2/5 favorite Goretty took over the lead after a half mile in a very soft :48.05. As the favorite continued on and won by a sizeable margin, Roulette managed to pass two rivals down the lane to finish fifth and snag the last check. She was claimed out of this race for $20,000 by David Jacobson, having earned one win and $34,350 for Karakorum.

Due to heavy overnight rains, Returnto Karakorum faced only four other $15k two-lifetime fillies over a muddy, sealed track at Belmont. Jose Espinoza secured her a position along the rail in third in perfect stalking position behind the dueling leaders - even-money favorite Blairstown and 7/2 third choice Aunt Margie. The latter shook loose from the favorite midway on the turn, while Returnto continued to save ground along the inside. Aunt Margie widened her lead down the lane to win by double-digit lengths, and Returnto collared the favorite just inside the sixteenth pole to gain the place spot.

Karakormkipnitreal, under regular rider John Davila, Jr., again contested a 5 ½- furlong state-bred non-winners of one allowance at Finger Lakes. Loose-on-the-lead longshot A.P.Glitter set an opening quarter of :22.38 as Kip, racing wide from outside post 8, settled in midpack about a half-dozen lengths back. Turning for home, Kip, the 8/5 favorite, swung five-wide, needing to make up about eight lengths on A.P. Glitter, who passed the half in :46.02. Straightening into the stretch, she gathered momentum and closed relentlessly on the outside with second choice Horrible Jean just to her inside. In the last two jumps, the trio lunged toward the wire, with A.P. Glitter hanging on by a scant nose, and Kip losing a bob for place with Horrible Jean by a head. With more track or a better trip, Kipnit could easily have taken the cash, and she’ll certainly annex this condition in the near future.

Mike Luzzi was reunited with Karakorum Surprise for her turf debut at Belmont, as she sprinted against ten other filly-and-mare $35k claimers. Surprise broke alertly from post nine and immediately took the lead, setting a wicked pace to cover the opening quarter of :21.70. While being pressed by longshot Lilly Dilly, she continued to show the way by a measured length to the turn, hitting the half in a robust :44.97. Several rivals converged on Surprise at the top of the stretch and she tired soon thereafter down the lane. While navigating stretch traffic, Luzzi was forced to steady her, and Surprise lost all momentum to finish unplaced. She would benefit from a softer pace scenario next time out, whether that’s on turf or on dirt.

Karakorum Tornado broke on top from the rail under Jose Bermudez in this state-bred non-winners of one allowance turf sprint. He held a clear lead in the early stages of the race, through a quarter in :22.69. Into the far turn, Tornado was challenged by Prowl by Night and Timberah, the trio hitting the half in :46.27. Down the stretch, he held the former rival safe but could not hold off the latter. Timberah drew clear for the win in 1:09.19, as Tornado gamely fought on only to be nailed for the place spot by 2/1 favorite Beneath the Crown.

Chernobyl’s Hero broke alertly for his lastest crack at the state-bred non-winners of one allowance level at the one mile distance. Under Cornelio Velasquez, he settled in midpack about eight lengths from an early speed duel where the leaders hit the quarter in :22.22. Hero quickly cut that margin in half as he gained ground outside the tiring leaders, who got the half in :45.49. He followed Alexandros,moving into second behind that rival midway on the turn. But 6/5 favorite Manteca followed Hero’s move and got through along the rail to take the lead turning for home. Hero was in the mix until the top of the stretch but tired down the lane to finish unplaced.

Karakorum Cheyenne broke like a rocket under Garrett Gomez in a state-bred filly and mare maiden special weight at 5 ½ furlongs. But she was quickly joined by 3/5 favorite Boowoogeemalia and the two went head-to-head, hitting the quarter in :22.43. The favorite took over midway on the turn and pulled away at the top of the stretch. Cheyenne gamely continued to fight on and easily held the place spot about four lengths clear of her closest rival. Cheyenne should break her maiden in the near future.

Say Karakorum Sandy drew the services of Rudy Rodriguez in a $25k non-winners of two lifetime claiming 6-furlong sprint. After being fractious in the gate and forced Rodriguez to remount twice, he broke in midpack and raced wide, while being tough to handle, about five lengths from early leader Peconic Bay, through a quarter in :23.38. Estimator challenged the leader on the turn and Sandy found himself amongst several horses but still well within striking distance. However, he was cut off in the crowd, lost his momentum, and failed to menace the leaders down the lane. Sandy could break through in this condition in the near future, after he gets some gate schooling.

Karakorum Playmate broke alertly under Rudy Rodriguez in a $45k claiming sprint for three year-old state-bred fillies running for a $35k tag. She went head-to-head for the lead along the rail with Classic Love, one half of a prohibitively-favored 1/9 entry, through a quarter in :22.15. The duo were joined by Quixotic Lass on the far turn as the other half of the entry, Chanced, loomed boldly on the outside after saving ground along the rail for most of the race. Playmate continued to battle until a furlong out, when she gave way to finish fourth, as Chanced drew clear for the win. Playmate fought long and well against what seemed like a tough entry, finished about a length of one of them, and should make her presence felt in the class next time out.

Apprentice Sebastian Morales was aboard Karakorum Katie to contest a $51k state-bred non-winners of two allowance sprint. Katie, equipped with blinkers for the first time, chased the two pacesetters, including her stablemate Karakorum Sunshine, for a half mile through quick fractions of :22.43 and :45.45. Katie, along with most of the early leaders, gave way at the top of the stretch, hanging in better than many of those to hold fifth. Katie can definitely compete at this level, and simply needs to lay further off the pace, particularly one as hot as this.

Ten-pound bug Victor Santiago sent Karakorum Sunshine to the lead in the same $51k state-bred allowance sprint that Katie ran in. Sunshine broke well and held a narrow lead over One Tough Belle and Karakorum Katie while three-wide through a quick :22.43 opening quarter. One Tough Belle opened a clear lead turning into the stretch as Sunshine tried to battle back. She tired down the lane to finish unplaced but, given a slightly slower pace, she proved she belongs in this class.

Rudy Rodriguez got aboard Returnto Karakorum in a $30k non-winners of three-lifetime sprint for fillies and mares with a claiming tag of $20k. The fast track had just been sealed after a deluge of rain. She secured an early position along the inside, about four lengths behind the 4/5 favorite Ambling Rose, who ran on the lead through a first quarter in :22.97. Returnto moved to within a couple of lengths of ambling Rose midway on the turn, but didn’t carry her move down the stretch, failing to make her presence felt late.

Coming from Mountaineer on one week’s rest, Karakorum Ella contested a $20k state-bred non-winners of two optional claiming allowance at Finger Lakes. She settled under John Davila, Jr., in third just behind the early leaders through a quick quarter in :22.14. Ella raced very wide on the turn, while the two leaders raced away from her. She tired to finished unplaced,while beaten by seven lengths.

Karakorum Topcat stepped up in class to contest a $25k state-bred maiden claiming sprint run over a sloppy, sealed track at Belmont. Under Rudy Rodriguez, he broke first and went to the front, setting rapid fractions fractions of :22.59 and :46.74, while holding a narrow lead outside of Smell My Carrots. Several rivals benefited from the fast pace and rallied from the back of the pack to gain the top spots as Topcat tired from his efforts to finish unplaced.

Cornelio Velasquez again took the reins on Run Karakorum Run, this time in a $35k state-bred maiden claiming one-mile turf affair. He had hopes of a better trip than Run’s debut, when the gelding blew the first turn on Aqueduct’s turf course. Run broke on top from the ten post and quickly made the front, setting fractions of :22.83 and :46.54, as eleven rivals chased. Key Victory then challenged him on the turn, and took the lead with a quick burst to draw off to an easy win. Run could not answer the challenge and faded in the stretch after his early exertions. He showed quick foot, racing competitively without being rank or green. He should improve further in his next races.

Salty Karakorum broke well under apprentice Erick Lopez in an open claiming non-winners of two lifetime 7-furlong sprint that drew a field of ten. For the first quarter mile, Salty went head-to-head while between horses hitting the quarter in :22.60. He was still amongst horses after a half in a sprightly :45.94 but faded soon thereafter to finish unplaced behind the impressive runaway winner Hedge Fund.

In a race full of speedy fillies of mares, Karakorum Ella contested $5k claiming sprint at Mountaineer for a $14,100 purse. Ella found herself racing between horses in an early, torrid speed duel with four of her five rivals, hitting the quarter in :22.75. The battle took the wind out of Ella, as she began to weaken entering the stretch and faded to finish unplaced. A better pace scenario should put Ella in the mix next time out, as she’s proven at this level.

Say Karakorm Sandy broke last in a field of six $15k claimers contesting a non-winners of three lifetime 6-furlong sprint. For the first half mile, Sandy was about six lengths from the uncontested leader, 4/5 favorite Mass Charles, through fractions of :22.87 and :46.14. Rudy Rodriguez moved Sandy up the rail in the stretch, and he moved passed two rivals down the lane to finish an encouraging third behind the runaway winner.

Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Kent Desormeaux got the mount on Chernobyl’s Hero in a field of nine state-bred non-winners of one other-than. Early in the race, Hero raced in fourth position while between horses about four lengths from the leader, 4/5 favorite Hawkwood. After splitting horses midway on the turn, Kent swung him four-wide turning for home to draw closer to the leaders. Hero continued to battle until outside the sixteenth pole when he tired a bit to finish fourth, earning another check at this level.

Making her first start for Jeff Odintz, Karakorum Surprise ran in a six-furlong non-winners of two lifetime open-company claiming race. Under Sebastian Morales, Surprise clipped heels with a rival soon after the start. She then rushed up to chase the field while four-wide tracking the unpressured 4/5 favorite Classic Love through an opening quarter in :22.67. Surprise continued four-wide on the turn, then gave way down the stretch, finishing unplaced. Surprise should make her presence felt in this condition next time out, when she’ll surely have a better trip.

Jimmy Jerkens gave Alan Garcia the leg up on Karakorum Katie in the 7-furlong, $100k Bouwerie Stakes for three year-old state-bred fillies. Katie settled in fifth place while three-wide as the 7/5 undefeated favorite Dance Gal Dance set the pace. Katie made a mild rally on the far turn as Northern Netti challenged the favorite, only to level off down the stretch while Netti drew off to an impressive nine-length win in a stakes-record time of 1:21.24. Even though she was unplaced, Katie was only about three lengths behind Dance Gal Dance for the place spot. Katie may return to annex her outstanding allowance condition, or try stakes company again. The winner will go on to the G1 Acorn.

Karakorum Roulette drew the rail and Jean-Luc Samyn in her return to the state-bred non-winners of one allowance ranks. After settling about six lengths off the leader after a quarter of a mile, Roulette moved to the outside on the turn to mount a rally as No Shopping Maria took charge and drew away turning for home. Roulette could not mount a serious rally in deep stretch to finish unplaced. She was still only beaten less than five lengths for the place spot in a race conducted in 1:09.63. Roulette could do battle in this class as she ran a sneaky-good race, chasing a fast pace without losing ground late.

The newly-opened Finger Lakes meet brought together Karakormkipnitreal, making her first race in over three months for Chris Englehart, and Karakorum Knockout, making her first start for her new connections since being claimed, in a state-bred non-winners of one 5-furlong allowance. Kip broke well under John Davila, Jr., and rated in fourth along the rail just off the pacesetter Cleverly Regal. That one drew clear with a quarter-mile to go as Kip saved ground along the rail – now six lengths off the lead. But in deep stretch, Kipnit put in a rally while having to settle for third, beaten just two lengths while besting Knockie by more than three. Kip could annex this condition in one of her next few starts.

Karakorum Tornado drew the rail in his return to the Belmont lawn to contest a state-bred non-winners of one sprint. CC Lopez hustled him from the gate to gain a narrow lead among several horses through a snappy quarter in :22.41. Turning for home, Tornado and rival Peperoni drew clear of the field through a half in :45.77. In deep stretch, Tornado continued to hold a slim lead nearest the hedge as several others began to close in. Approaching the wire, he was in tight and Lopez had to check him. Even though he finished unplaced, Tornado was beaten less than three lengths. He enjoyed, as expected, his return to the turf and should battle down to the wire again next time out.

Karakorum Sunshine broke alertly under apprentice Sebastian Morales in her return to the $16k claiming ranks as part of a group of five fillies and mares running for a purse of $29k. She was quickly joined by Lacy Halo, and the two quickly opened up eight lengths while running the first quarter in a rapid :22.14. The pair continued the duel on the far turn, with Sunshine holding a narrow lead. Straightening into the stretch, after a half in :45.26, Sunshine shook off Lacy Halo to draw clear by a length, but she could not withstand In for a Drive, who was the recipient of a perfect trip. Sunshine gamely held off Spenny, though, to hold the place spot. A repeat of this effort – minus the torrid duel – could land Sunshine in the winner’s circle next time out.

The final race at Aqueduct's spring meet drew Karakorum Cheyenne, with new rider Edgar Prado, facing nine other state-bred maiden fillies and mares. Breaking from the rail, Cheyenne broke well and assumed the lead, setting fractions of :22.54 and :46.20 while being pressed by 28-1 shot Lagniappe. Cheyenne drew clear as they turned for home but was quickly joined by the Gary Contessa-trained firster Has Squoken. After a brief tussle, that filly drew clear for an easy win. Another rival slid by Cheyenne near the wire, as she tired a bit from her pacesetting trip, but she's poised to break her maiden at the upcoming Belmont meet. Karakorum ended the main track meet as the third-leading owner, with a record of 20: 3-5-4 with purse earnings of $109,876.

Karakorum Topcat, with Kyle Branch aboard, was bumped at the start in his return to the $15k state-bred maiden claiming ranks. He moved up to take a position in midpack about four lengths from the 4/5 favorite Final Resolution. After getting jostled back a bit down the backside, Topcat launched a second bid - this time going 4-wide around the far turn to moved to within three lengths of the leader. The favorite ran away to an easy victory and Pay the Judge gained second from Topcat just outside the sixteenth pole. With a cleaner trip, Topcat will make his presence felt at this level in his next start at Belmont.

Making her second start off a brief freshening and returning to Aqueduct's main track, Returnto Karkaroum was entered back in a $15k-two-lifetime sprint for a $19,000 purse. She broke well under Rudy Rodriguez, protecting her rail position and taking a narrow early lead inside of AJ Kids to hit the quarter in :22.87. Returnto shook clear of that rival on the turn and headed home with a two-length lead after a half in :46.79. She maintained her advantage into deep stretch as Cape Cod Escape ranged up on the outside. But Returnto battled on to hold her safe, and was never in serious danger of being headed. The half-length margin gained Returnto her second career win, and she's hit the board in half her ten starts.

Karakorum Playmate stepped up to the state-bred non-winners of one allowance level for her turf bow at Aqueduct. Breaking from the outside post under Rudy Rodriguez, Playmate took a clear early lead heading into the first turn, through a quarter in :24.36. She was joined by the 9/5 favorite Jocassee and 3-1 Twistaway on the backside. The three raced together for a half mile, with Playmate holding a narrow advantage. But she began to fade as they turned into the stretch, and finished unplaced. This two-turn turf race could be the perfect setup for an upcoming sprint race for Playmate.

Linda Rice entered Run Karakorum Run for the first time and placed him on the turf in a $35k open maiden-claimer. Run broke well and immediately dragged jockey Cornelio Velasquez to the lead heading into the first turn but that's where the race ended for him. He wasn't sure how to handle the turn and bore out badly, carrying out the 5/2 favorite Who Can Bluff with him. Run was never close thereafter, trailing the field. Given his first-turn problem, chalk this race up as a learning experience. Run could race next time out on either dirt of turf.

Apprentice Victor Santiago got the leg up on Salty Karakorum in a $15k non-winners of two lifetime claiming race. Salty was outsprinted by 2-1 shot Redan from the rail but tracked that rival while between horses through fractions of :22.76 and :46.25. Turning for home, Salty remained in second as the leader ran off to a lengthly lead. He was then passed by Nightintheslammer but easily held the show spot. Salty will continue to fight it out at this level until he finds a field he can defeat.

Karakorum Ella broke on top under Dana Whitney from her inside post in this $5k claiming sprint at Mountaineer Racetrack but was soon joined by longshot Miss Casey Three. After the two battled through a quick opening quarter in :22.78, Ella drew clear at the top of the lane. She held her advantage until the sixteenth pole but grew weary from that quick opening quarter and had no answer late to two fast-closing rivals, finishing third. Ella continues to be a consistant check earner, and may be set to return to Finger Lakes as the season begins upstate.

Karakorum Tornado returned to contest another state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint, with Carol Cedeno aboard. The 6/5 favorite Frontier Sky sprinted away from his inside post to take the lead while Tornado settled at the back in the field of six. Tornado continued to trail after the favorite set sharp fractions of :22.83 and :45.94. He failed to make a serious impact on the outcome, but did pass one rival down the lane. While he's been mildly competitive against many fields at this level, Tornado may be waiting for a turf race to fill in order to show his best side.

Say Karakorm Sandy broke well from the rail under Rudy Rodriguez in his return to the $15k maiden-claiming level. He held his position along the rail while inside two rivals through a quarter in :22.70. Sandy shook clear on the turn and turned for home with a 3-length lead. The gelding maintained his advantage down the lane and held off a mild rally from Wanna Winna to break his maiden by almost two lengths in 1:12.03. This was the team's 12th win of the year.

Jean-Luc Samyn reunited with Karakorum Roulette in a $30k non-winners of two lifetime race at 7 furlongs. After breaking near the rear, Roulette moved up inside of horses as the even-money favorite Marquis Diamond took the early lead. After fractions of :22.83 and :45.62, the favorite opened up on the field, while Roulette first had moved into third and then into second as they straightened out for the wire. Roulette gamely held onto the place spot, as the favorite won off by a dozen lengths. She's positioned to win this condition in the near future, and won't have to face the runaway winner of this race again until she's done so.

In a one-mile state-bred non-winners of one allowance taken off the turf and scratched down to seven entrants, Chernobyl’s Hero, entered MTO, joined the body of the race over an Aqueduct surface rated ‘fast’ despite recent rains. Hero, running back on just 8 days’ rest, broke on the lead under Kyle Branch but was joined by 19-1 shot Victorious Affair from the inside. The two battled head-to-head for a half mile through reasonable fractions of :23.65 and 46.69. Hero took over on the turn but was quickly joined by the 1 / 2 favorite Irving’s Run, who had been tracking the leaders in third place. The two turned for home together well ahead of the rest of the field. It looked like the favorite would win for fun but Hero continued on stubbornly, only yielding late to be beaten by just over a length. Whether or not race tactics continue to place him near the front, the fitness he gained in this effort should put Hero in the winner’s circle in this condition in the near future.

Apprentice Sebastian Morales got the mount on Karakorum Topcat for his second career start – a $15k maiden-claiming sprint. He broke alertly and held a narrow advantage along the inside in a tightly-packed field in which the first seven horses were separated by less than two lengths, – through a quarter in :23.09. Lites Out took a short, brief lead on the far turn but Topcat reclaimed it at the top of the stretch. He gamely fought off several rivals and several bumps down the lane before getting headed at the wire by Jets Only. Topcat showed the ability and gameness to land in the winner’s circle in the near future at this level.

Returnto Karakorum made her second start versus winners in a $15k claiming, non-winners of two lifetime sprint. With four late scratches reducing the field to a compact group of five fillies and mares, Returnto Karakorum trailed early after breaking awkwardly. She moved up along the rail to wind up racing about three lengths off a duel between Union Center and Kaz Court, through a quick opening quarter of :22.31. Union Center pulled clear turning into the stretch – hitting the half in :45.65 – as Returnto rallied to move into second. Favorite Divorce Court ran up to her outside and was poised to take over, but Returnto rebuffed her and continued on, surging late to chew away at most of Union Center’s lead in a game performance. Returnto fits well at this level and could hit the winner’s circle in the near future.

Just when you think you think you know a horse, they surprise you. Jeff Odintz entered Karakorum Starlet in the Personal Girl Stakes – a $65k, 7-furlong overnight for state-bred fillies and mares – looking for her 4th straight stakes score versus such rivals. Expected to vie for the lead, Starrie was bumped and steadied at the start to instead trail the field of eight just yards out of the gate. She easily gained a position in midpack about 5 lengths from Waytotheleft after a quarter in :22.94, moving up under her own power. Stewart Elliott sent Starlet between rivals and the duo quickly rallied 3-wide to take aim on the leader. After running her second quarter in just over :23, she rolled on past the pacesetter, opening up several lengths after turning for home. As Starship Cruiser rallied on the outside, Starlet dug in gamely to hold off that rival by ½ length. Though she’s won from on or near the lead, Starlet showed another dimension with this nearly effortless deep-closing rally. This was her fifth stakes victory, her ninth career win, and her 18th on-the-board finish in 27 starts. Starlet increased her lifetime earnings to over $480k.

Making some equipment changes, Chris Englehart entered Karakorum Ella in a $5k-claiming non-winners of two just eight days afte she made her seasonal debut. Ella broke on top and battled head to head with the 4/5 favorite, Reputed Deeds, through a quarter in a quick :22.64. As her rival gave way entering the turn, Ella opened up. She came down the stretch with a three-length lead and held that lead safe to the wire to earn her seventh career win.

Karakorum Tornado broke well under Channing Hill from his outside post in a state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint, but settled near the back of the pack. He continued to be outrun through fractions of :23.04 and :46.81 and never menaced the leaders. This crew came up tougher than usual as purses were raised for Wood Memorial day, and Tornado should return to his check-earning ways facing the usual suspects next time out.

Rudy Rodriguez send Salty Karakorum to the lead from his inside post in a $15k claiming sprint for non-winners of two lifetime. But Stewart Elliott hustled 2-1 favorite Break the Ice up to take a clear lead from Salty, getting a quick quarter in :22.23. Salty was third turning into the stretch, but gave way down the lane to finish unplaced. He will do battle again at this level can improve his finish if he gets a kinder pace scenario.

Fresh off placing in her debut, Karakorum Cheyenne made her second start – this time with Lasix added – in a state-bred maiden special for fillies and mares. Cheyenne, with Rudy Rodriguez up, was bumped at the start but contested the pace inside of Evaluator and Like a Rose, – the 4/5 favorite, – through fractions of :23.68 and :48.36. She was still close to the leaders after a half mile, but tired soon thereafter to finish fifth behind easy winner Like a Rose. Cheyenne could move forward in her second start with Lasix and it’s unlikely she’ll encounter another buzzsaw

Karakorum Surprise returned to action in a $35-25k claimer for three year-old state-bred fillies going six furlongs. She broke well under Alan Garcia and raced off the flank of the early leader Play N Hooky, with her stablemate Karakorum Playmate just to her inside, through fast fractions of :22.10 and :45.63. Surprise overtook that leader at the top of the stretch, but was then overtaken in turn by both Aunt Marge on the far outside and Playmate along the rail. Aunt Marge drew clear to win easily, while Surprise gamely fought back to overtake her stablemate approaching the wire to regain the place spot. This is a level where Surprise can score in the near future.

Karakorum Playmate was entered in the same $35-25k claimer for three year-old fillies as her stablemate Karakorum Surprise. She broke well under Rudy Rodriguez but was hard-held just behind the leaders, Play N Hooky and Surprise. As they turned for home, Playmate engaged her stablemate at the top of the stretch and earned a narrow edge. But she raced a bit greenly in the stretch as Aunt Marge raced on past for the victory. Playmate was overtaken by her stablemate nearing the wire but gamely held the show spot over several fast-closing rivals. Playmate showed that she’s moved forward in this race, and we can expect more good performances from her at this level.

Jeff again entered Chernobyl’s Hero in a state-bred first-level allowance, this time going a flat mile on the main track at Aqueduct. Hero broke well and settled just outside the early leaders through a quarter in :23.57 while under restraint from jockey Kyle Branch. The small field got tightly packed down the backside and Hero was shuffled back to sixth while between horses. He tried to re-rally on the far outside as the field turned into the stretch but flattened out down the lane, finishing fourth behind Almighty Silver, who passed everyone including odds-on Alexandros to win. Hero will again bang heads with this group next time out.

Dropping back to a sprint, drawing the rail and getting speed jock CC Lopez meant Say Karakorum Sandy was going for the lead versus a field of $25k maiden claimers. But things changed at the start when After Colin stumbled out of the gate and in turn bumped Sandy. After the incident, Sandy settled in midpack along the inside about six lengths from the leaders. He was then checked around the far turn and found himself about fifteen lengths from the leaders turning into the stretch. Sandy finished unplaced but still passed a few rivals down the lane while making up a half dozen lengths. Sandy will make his presence felt with a better trip – this was a sneaky-good race.

Almost three months after breaking her maiden, Karakorum Katie resurfaced in a state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint. After being outrun from the gate, she settled in third place, about three lengths behind a speed duel between Swept the Series and No Shopping Maria. After fractions of :23.15 and :46.56, Katie rallied turning into the stretch and took dead aim on the leaders. Apprentice Sebastian Morales patiently waited for a lane to open up, and in deep stretch Katie squeezed through a seam along the inside to seize the lead from Swept the Series in the shadow of the wire, winning going away. With two wins in three starts, Katie has now earned over $54,000.

Karakorum Roulette was dropped to 6 furlongs and to the $30k non-winners of two-lifetime claiming level. She was off a bit slowly and was then bumped between horses. After initially trailing the field, Roulette moved up under Jean-Luc Samyn to race about a half dozen lengths from the lead. She moved up inside of horses on the turn to gain contention as All About sped to a 5-length lead. Roulette continued to grind away at the lead down the stretch to ultimately finish fourth – beaten a mere three lengths. A better trip will put Roulette in the winner’s circle at this level in the near future.

Fresh off a recent score, Karakorum Sunshine stepped up in class to race in a tough open claiming sprint for fillies and mares. She broke well under Rajiv Maragh and held a narrow lead just inside of two other rivals – Suzee Sunrise and Spenny - through a quarter in :23.02. Suzee Sunrise opened up approaching the stretch after hitting the half in :45.92 - as Sunshine continued to battle along the inside. Several closers benefited from the fast-paced duel while Sunshine tired down the stretch to finish fifth; 8/5 favorite Girl Show wound up winning in a time of 1:10.88. Sunshine will probably do battle next time out in this same condition. but will need a softer field or pace if she is to get the main prize. She may get her way as three who finished in front of her were claimed.

After a three-month layoff, Karakorum Ella returned to Mountaineer Racetrack and was dropped back to the $5k claiming level for fillies and mares. Breaking from the rail under Benjamin Marcial, Ella was outhustled for the lead by the 59-1 shot Textbook Tillie. She stalked that leader through a quarter in :22.89 but drifted wide on the far turn. She continued wide entering the stretch and never seriously menaced for the top spots – but was only beaten seven lengths. Ella should improve in her next start– whether at Mountaineer or at Finger Lakes.

C.C. Lopez gunned Karakorum Tornado to the lead from his inside post in a state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint, but several others also wanted the lead. Tornado held a slim margin while three abreast through a quarter in :22.92. Several horses made middle moves on the turn and Tornado dropped back to fifth as they straightened for home. Just when it looked like he was dropping out of it Tornado continued to fight stuck on the rail, and rallied a bit to finish fourth – beaten only 2 ½ lengths. His fighting spirit gives him a real chance to annex this condition in the near future.

Salty Karakorum broke well from the outside post in a $19k non-winners of two-lifetime claiming sprint. Carol Cedeno tried to clear the field with Salty, but Break the Ice was gunned from the inside and took a clear lead. Salty chased in second place alongside favorite Trading Star through fractions of :22.86 and :46.39. Cedeno kept him wide turning for home while in third and he just failed to hold that show spot, as Trading Star got the win. Salty will continue to do battle in this condition until he can find a field he can defeat.

Say Karakorm Sandy was stretched out to two turns to contest a $25k state-bred maiden-claiming race, in rein to Jean-Luc Samyn. Sandy was bumped after the start but moved up to track the early leader C.T. Kaz through a quarter in :23.82. He willingly engaged the leader on the backside, continuing the battle for another half mile. But Sandy gave way approaching the stretch to finish unplaced. This two-turn affair could be the perfect setup for Sandy’s return to a sprinting.

Chernobyl’s Hero broke well in this state-bred non-winners of one allowance and gained a prominent position heading into the first turn. Hero settled in third around the turn, just a few lengths off the leaders. But he was shuffled back two spots down the backside as a few horses made early moves. Hero recovered and made a wide move to draw within two lengths of the leaders heading into the stretch, but couldn’t sustain his bid down the lane and finished fifth. He will give it another go-around in this class next time out.

Karakorum Cheyenne made her debut in a maiden special-weight for fillies and mares over a sloppy-sealed inner track at Aqueduct. This big leggy bay filly broke a bit awkwardly, but then took up the chase after Count This Senora while between horses. Cheyenne dropped back a bit while racing greenly down the backside as Rudy Rodriguez moved her to the inside. But, turning for home, she cut the corner and went after Count This Senora – who had set fractions of :22.81 and :46.31 - and got to within a length of her. Cheyenne again raced greenly down the lane and leveled off to finish second in a very promising debut – while also giving the winner 5 lbs. With normal race improvement, this Indian Charlie filly should find the winner’s circle in the near future.

Jeff Odintz dropped Karakorum Knockout to the $10k claiming level for a $23,000 six-furlong filly-and-mare sprint over the inner at Aqueduct. She broke well under Emanuel De Diego but was outraced for the early lead. Knockout tracked the pacesetters while between horses through a quarter in :23.07. On the far turn, Knockout was still just a few lengths off the leaders but tired as the field turned for home to finished unplaced. She was claimed out of this race by owner-trainer Ralph Alessandro. The hard-trying and popular Knockie raced 33 times for Karakorum and had 3 wins, with earnings of about $140,000.

Karakorum Topcat made his long-awaited debut in a $22k maiden-claiming sprint for three year-old state-breds at Aqueduct. Under Emanuel De Diego, he was bumped at the start by the stumbling Hot Wheels Joe to his inside. Topcat recovered to race between horses while only four lengths from the leaders. Approaching the far turn, he made a made a wide move to remain prominent but raced a bit greenly. Topcat tired from his efforts but should benefit from this racing experience and improve with each passing start.

Newly arrived from Tampa Bay Downs, apprentice Sebastian Morales hopped aboard Karakorum Sunshine – his first-ever Karakorum mount – in a $33k filly and mare claiming sprint, making every step a winning one. Sunshine broke well and went to the lead but was soon joined at the hip by the 2-1 favorite Zen Buddha and the 37-1 shot Annconda – both foes carrying 7 lbs more than her. After fractions of :22.89 and :46.89, Sunshine put away the favorite on the far turn and opened up a two-length lead turning for home. She maintained that margin down the lane and hit the wire 1 ½ lengths clear, in a time of 1:12.55, over a fast-closing Too Tired Tonight. This was Sunshine’s fourth lifetime win and pushed her earnings over the $90k mark.

Karakorum Roulette drew the rail going a mile in a state-bred non-winners of one other-than allowance for fillies. Rudy Rodriguez tried to take advantage of Roulette’s position by using her speed to get the lead; unfortunately, two other rivals wanted the lead as well. Roulette conceded the lead, racing close-up along the rail as Doodlin grinded by, with eventual winner Weathered glued to her flank in the two-path. Though the leaders quickened into the second quarter, run in :23.66, she was still prominent along the inside approaching the turn. Roulette began to give way as the closers rallied. She was not abused down the lane and finished unplaced. Roulette needs to improve in order to compete down the stretch at this level. A dropdown to claiming competition could be in the cards for her.

Say Karakorm Sandy broke sluggishly in his return to the state-bred $25k maiden claiming level, but Rudy Rodriguez sent him after the early leader – the Dutrow trained firster Fast Wheels. Sandy pressed the pacesetter on the outside through a quarter in a fast :22.27. They continued as a duo around the turn heading for home five lengths clear of the field after a half in :46.13. Sandy continue to battle Fast Wheels until the final furlong, when he faded to finish fourth while his rival held on for a narrow victory over a fast-closing First of Ten. Only beaten three lengths, Sandy should make his presence felt at this level next time out, especially with a slightly better trip.

After a two-week rest, following the G2 Barbara Fritchie Handicap, Karakorum Starlet contested the Broadway Handicap, a $80k state-bred filly and mare sprint. Starlet broke well and quickly took the lead, but was soon joined by Tamberino who had broken a bit slowly from the gate. The two opened up on the field after a quarter in a spirited :22.79, while Wishing Wishes stalked the leaders in third. Starlet put away Tamberino on the far turn after covering a half in :46.57 and opened up a clear lead turning for home. Wishing Wishes looked like she was going to sweep on by Starlet as Scatkey also gained ground on the far outside. But Starlet showed her usual tenacity and dug in resolutely by holding off both rivals to win by a ½ length in a time of 1:11.87. This was Starrie’s eight career win – fourth in a stakes race – and pushed her career earnings to $440,761.

Karakorum Playmate ran her third race in a $35k state-bred maiden claiming sprint, and the third time proved the charm. She broke well from post #3 and set the pace along the inside under pressure from Skipping Class and Watch My Lass through a quarter in :23.18. Rudy Rodriguez had a snug hold of Playmate as they turned for home with a narrow advantage. But when Rudy set her down for the drive, Playmate responded and quickly opened up a three-length lead. She held off a late charge down the lane from Hook’s Inca to win by a length in a game performance that earned her the winner’s share of the $24,000 purse.

Karakorum Sunshine – with Taylor Hole in the saddle – was dropped from the allowance level to the $16-14k claimer, in an entry with Knockout. Sunshine broke well from the rail and soon went to the front, but was joined by the Steve Asmussen-trained Ok to Pay. They vied for the early lead through a quarter in :22.79 until Hole checked Sunshine among horses on the far turn. She never recovered and faded down the lane to finish just behind Knockout. But, with a cleaner trip, Sunshine should make her presence felt next time out, as she fits snugly with these.

Karakorum Knockout – with Aldo Arboleda -- returned to the level of her most recent best effort, – a $16 down to $14k claiming sprint for a $27,000 purse as part of an entry with Sunshine. Knockout broke well in the field of 10 and raced in midpack behind her entrymate through a quarter in :22.79. Knockout moved into third approaching the turn for home but failed to sustain her bid down the lane. She finished out of the money, eight lengths behind 7/5 favorite College Girl. Knockie will continue to battle in this class for the rest of the winter meet, with an eye to returning to Finger Lakes in the spring.

Jeff Odintz dropped Salty Karakorum into a $10k non-winners of two open claiming sprint. Under jockey Rudy Rodriguez, he was off a bit tardily from his inside post, but argued the pace just inside of Paying Ryan. The two opened up by more than a length in the stretch after fractions of :22.53 and :45.50. But, Salty gave way in the final 50 yards to two horses who benefited from the speed duel, finishing less than two lengths behind the winner. He clearly fits well in this class and should get into the winner’s circle in the near future.

CC Lopez hopped aboard Karakorum Tornado for a state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint. Tornado broke alertly and raced three-wide just behind hustling 2/5 favorite He’s a Ray and Peconic Bay through a quarter in :22.85. On the far turn, Tornado moved closer to the favorite but threw a shoe and was overtaken in deep stretch by two closers benefitting from the fast pace. He gamely held third and missed the main prize by less than 3 lengths. Tornado has improved with blinkers and seems ready to take this condition even before he returns to turf, his favored surface.

Say Karakorm Sandy, with Jose Espinoza up, ran for a $25k tag in this state-bred maiden-claiming sprint. The even-money favorite Good Law quickly opened a lead from his inside post as Sandy chased from the outside while well clear of the others. Sandy continued to chase Good Law into the turn but that rival opened up, eventually winning by 15 lengths. Sandy still was second in mid-stretch but just failed to hold both the place and show spots in the shadow of the wire. Sandy will face this group again and will eventually find the winner’s circle.

After sharpening in a sprint last time out, Chernobyl’s Hero returned to two turns, facing non-winners of one state-breds. He broke well but was caught very wide as the field hit the first turn. Down the backside, Hero was in third place - only a length from the lead – in a tightly packed field. He remained three wide into the far turn, where jockey Stewart Elliott called on him to go after the leader, Quick and Easy. Hero responded, looming menacingly on the far turn. But Quick and Easy turned it on and drew well clear, as Hero flattened out in the last sixteenth and could not hold off 3/5 favorite Irving’s Run for the place spot. Hero continues to make an impact at this level and will catch them all in one of his upcoming races.

Jeff got the services of Jeremy Rose for Karakorum Starlet’s journey to Laurel for the G2 Barbara Fritchie Handicap, a 7-furlong stakes worth $300k. She broke well and sat third down the backstretch chasing defending champion Oprah Winney while 3-wide and between horses. On the far turn, after fractions of :22.62 and :45.95, she moved within two lengths of the leaders as the other horses – including even-money favorite Control System – started their runs. Turning for home, as Oprah Winney faded, Starlet was still in third but was under Rose’s whip while improving 4 year-old Golden Dawn cut the corner and drew away powerfully through the stretch. Starlet gave way down the lane to eventually finish fifth but still earned a check. Jeff will return Starlet to state-bred sprints for her next starts.

Carol Cedeno got the leg up on Karakorum Knockout in a $25k claiming sprint for fillies and mares. Knockout broke well but was outsprinted for the early lead by Girl Show just to her inside. She was at that rival’s flank through a quarter in :22.90 and she continued to chase her into the turn. Knockout held well in third until she tired in the final furlong to finish unplaced. She’ll continue to battle it out on this level through the winter.

Returnto Karakorum made her first start against winners in a $20-18k claiming sprint that drew a field of 10 three year-old fillies. She broke well from her outside post under Rudy Rodriguez but found herself chasing the 9/5 favorite Snare while 3-wide through a quarter in :22.66. Returnto continued wide as the field turned for home and gave way down the stretch. Returnto will benefit from facing winners and with a better post should make her presence felt next time out.

Karakorum Surprise tried a $50K starter-allowance sprint that drew a small field of six 3 year-old fillies. The entire field was tightly packed early on – separated by less than two lengths. Surprise found herself battling from between horses for over half a mile through quick fractions of :22.73 and :46.88. She tired down the lane and once the outcome was evident jockey Alan Garcia didn’t abuse her in the final sixteenth. She gained valuable race experience and Linda will find a level where she can be effective.

Karakorum Sunshine ran with a $40k tag in an optional-claiming/two-other-than allowance sprint for fillies and mares,drawing theservices of Rudy Rodriguez. She broke alertly but wound up tracking Two Turn Halo, who was hustled out of the gate by CC Lopez. Sunshine tracked that rival to the top of the stretch through a quarter in :22.41. The even-money favorite What’s Your Point was hot on their tails and rallied on the outside to gain the win, while Sunshine tired to finish unplaced. She will continue to battle at this condition and should become more competitive as she adjusts to this higher class.

Dropping a notch into a $35k maiden-claiming state-bred sprint for 3 year-old fillies, Karakorum Playmate again drew the services of Rudy Rodriguez. She broke well and was soon joined on the lead by the 2-1 favorite High on Freud to her inside. After a quarter in :23.27, Playmate took a narrow lead and put away that rival. She soon widened her advantage as they straightened away into the stretch. Playmate appeared home free but could not withstand the oncoming My Luckey Penney, who took the lead in the shadow of the wire. Playmate should get into the winner’s circle in the near future after her last two solid efforts.

Trainer Jeff Odintz dropped Salty Karakorum to the $15k n2l claiming level,hoping he could go right to the lead. But that plan changed when Salty was bumped at the break. Longshot Egyptian King gunned to the lead, and Salty moved up to join him on the outside. The two of them opened a half-dozen lengths on the rest of the field while clicking off a fast quarter in :22.52. Salty continued to battle that rival turning for home but tired thereafter, as a bevy of closers rushed past and took the top three spots. Salty will need a cleaner start and pace scenario next time out to secure a better placing.

Karakorum Tornado made a return engagement to state-bred non-winners of one allowance level with Jeff also returning blinkers to his equipment. The shades helped Tornado break more alertly, and he found himself only a few lengths from the leaders down the backstretch. He maintained his position as they turned for home, but couldn’t muster a strong finishing kick. He was only beaten about seven lengths and while that’s closer than he’s gotten recently, Tornado will have to improve again in order to get the top spot next time out.

Karakorum Roulette returned to the non-winners of one state-bred allowance ranks while staying at a mile. Her chances were compromised when she was bumped at the start and left trailing the field early on. Rudy Rodriguez angled Roulette over to the inside and she moved past two rivals by the time she hit the first turn. She was a bit rank as Rudy tried to settle her down and maintain that good position. He managed both, and down the backside, Roulette moved to fifth, drawing closer to the leaders. But by the time they hit the far turn, she grew tired from her efforts and flattened out. Since Roulette likes to show early lick, a clean getaway can only help her chances next time out.

The massive size of Say Karakorm Sandy, running on Lasix for the first time, caused him to break a bit tardily from the gate in a $22k maiden-claiming sprint contest, but he quickly gained a forward position about four lengths behind the leaders. He rallied along the inside on the far turn on Rudy Rodriguez’s signal, moving into second as the field turned for home. Sandy tried to valiantly hold the place spot as the leader – the 2-1 Your Choice – drew clear for the victory. But he was caught in the shadow of the wire to finish third. A similar performance next time out might just land Sandy in the winner’s circle.

Returnto Karakorum broke alertly in a $22k state-bred maiden-claiming sprint for three year-old fillies at Aqueduct. She was soon joined on the lead by Sleepover Sammy from the inside and that filly took a narrow lead down the backside. But Returnto put her rival away on the far turn and opened up a two-length lead turning for home. She responded to Rajiv Maragh’s urging and built the lead to 7 lengths by mid-stretch. Returnto held safe against the fast-charging 9/5 favorite Saratoga Chance to win by 1 ½ lengths.

Karakormsugardaddy’s chances in a $16k maiden-claiming sprint were all but eliminated at the start. He walked out of the gate and spotted the field several lengths. Kyle Branch got Sugardaddy in stride and and the gelding quickly reached contention outside of horses, where he sat only a few lengths off the 7/5 favorite Icy Heart – who hit the quarter in :22.91. Sugardaddy continued wide on the far turn and actually moved into third turning for home. But he tired down the stretch as the favorite ran off to a lengthy score.

Jeff Odintz gave Rudy Rodriguez the leg up on Karakorum Playmate for her start versus $50k maiden claimers going six furlongs.Leaving from the outside post and running on Lasix for the first time, Playmate broke alertly and immediately moved to the inside. She ran at a controlled pace, setting fractions of :23.52 and 47.92, with Hennessy Beauty at her flank. She pulled clear from that rival and entered the stretch with a clear lead, but the 2/5 favorite My Anna Rose was revved into full gear. That rival challenged Playmate and then drew clear inside the 16th pole for the victory. Playmate was easily second best in a game performance.

Karakorum Karen, with Rudy Rodriguez in the saddle,was caught up in a multi-horse bumping incident soon after the gate in this filly and mare $15k two-lifetime claiming sprint.She then went up to contest the early pace inside of Milliondollarbaby. But on the far furn, Karen began to tire as the rest of the field caught up to the two early leaders. Karen then checked inside of horses coming down the stretch and lost any remaining chance to impact the finish.

Aldo Arboleda drew the return assignment on Salty Karakorum in an open-company $30-25k two-lifetime claiming sprint at Aqueduct. Salty quickly assumed command at the start and held a clear lead through a quarter in a quick :22.72. On the far turn, she was joined by the 4/5 favorite Last Train Babe and the two turned for home through a half in :46.33. Salty tried to battle back but the favorite drew clear, joined by with the eventual winner King Rush, rallying three-wide. Salty tired down the lane from his efforts, finishing fifth. Most likely, this conditioned claiming affair won’t come up as strong for Salty’s next time out.

Racing back in less than two weeks and turning back to 6 furlongs for the first time since June, Chernobyl's Hero contested a state-bred non-winners of one allowance. He was, as usual, outrun early,lagging by close to a dozen lengths after a quarter of a mile. Turning for home, Hero still trailed the field, but then Stewart Elliott swung him to the outside for the stretch drive. Hero got in gear but ran out of real estate to finish fifth - only 2 1/2 lengths from the loose-on-the-lead winner Bailsby. The sharpening from this sprint effort should set up Hero for his next start, whether it’s a sprint or a route.

Stewart Elliott got the return call on Karakorum Sunshine as she stepped up to the state-bred non-winners of two condition at Aqueduct. Sunshine showed some early speed while between the Tony Dutrow 4/5 entry of Sort of Tricky and Wishing Wishes. After a quarter in :22.31, she slowly began to retreat as the favored entry ran off. Stew didn’t preserve with Sunshine in the final furlong. Sunshine will plug away at this condition for the rest of the winter and should eventually find a field she can beat.

Running back on 5 days rest, Karakorum Roulette stepped up to an open company $50k starter allowance test at one mile. Once again under Rudy Rodriguez,she quickly assumed the lead while moving from an outside post over to the rail. Two rivals soon joined Roulette at her flank through a quarter in :24.72. She maintained the narrow lead for over a half mile, until Georgie Court rallied on her outside. Roulette continued on gamely as that rival pulled clear and was only overtaken for second by Celtic Revengeinside the 16th pole. Roulette’s improved effort shows that she can be competitive outside of claiming ranks, and perhaps at the allowance level.

When a conditioned claiming race didn’t fill, Chris Englehart entered Karakormkipnitreal a for a straight $10k tag at six furlongs, for a $18k purse, at Mountaineer Racetrack. Jockey Dana Whitney immediately sent her to the lead, where she was quickly joined by Sister Elegance to her inside. The two battled head-to-head for the lead for over half a mile – whistling through fractions of :22.07 and 45.11. Kip started to tire in mid-stretch to finish sixth, as A Shortt Tour benefited from the upfront duel to win going away. Kip will be tough to handle next time out at her level if she can avoid another speed duel.

Karakorum Knockout, with Aldo Arboleda in the saddle, made her long-awaited New York return in a $16-14k claiming sprint against 8 other fillies and mares for a $27,000 purse. After breaking a bit slowly from the gate, she steadied slightly between horses before securing a position in midpack a few lengths from Sarah’s Smiler, who passed through the first quarter in :22.70. Knockie again steadied briefly between horses on the far turn before rallying to move into second at the top of the lane. She was outfinished for the place spot just inside the 16th pole by Double Delta, but Knockout appears to be at a claiming level where she will be competitive this winter.

Drawing the outside post going two turns in always a tough chore and this is what faced Roulette in her first try at the state-bred non-winners of one allowance level. Under Rudy Rodriguez, Roulette didn’t break particularly sharply and settled on the outside just off the early pacesetters. Down the backside, she passed two rivals to move to secondn through a half mile in :48.75. But, on the turn, Roulette was under a ride and was passed by eventual winner Violent Behavior. She grew weary down the lane and just missed holding fourth place. Perhaps with a better post, Roulette will make a serious impact at this allowance level.

Jose Espinoza returned to ride Karakorum Tornado in a state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint. Tornado as usual was void of early speed and at the first call he was some fifteen lengths from the leaders. He still trailed turning into the stretch - after the leaders set fractions of :22.57 and 46.22 - leaving him with too much to do; though he passed a few rivals down the lane he failed to mount a serious rally into that slow middle fraction. Tornado was beaten only slightly more than five lengths by the show horse and will continue to plug away at this allowance level.

Returnto Karakorum was entered in the same $22k state-bred maiden claiming race as Surprise. Under Channing Hill, Returnto broke well and raced along the inside in midpack, only a couple of lengths off her entrymate. Turning for home, she cut the corner and passed several rivals to move into third position. Returnto leveled off down the lane but she still finished a respectable third - only one length behind the second place finisher. A similar performance can put Returnto Karakorum in the winner's circle at this level in the near future.

Linda Rice gave Mike Luzzi the leg up on Karakorum Surprise for her debut versus state-bred maiden claimers. Breaking from the outside post going 5½ furlongs, Surprise broke alertly and quickly assumed the lead. She set a controlled pace, running fractions of :22.67 and :46.58. Turning for home, Surprise extended her lead to two lengths – and then started to open up on the field under Luzzi's urging. The result was never in doubt as she won by close to five lengths. A move to the allowance level might be in her future. This was the 4th Karakorum win in 2008 - by three different trainers.

Say Karakorm Sandy’s chances in a $22k maiden-claiming 5 ½ -furlong sprint were compromised in the early stages of the race. After first getting bumped at the start, Sandy was then checked between horses. Jockey Rudy Rodriguez then placed him in fourth place about six lengths off the loose-on-the-lead Avagadro. On the far turn, Sandy made a bit of a rally but he couldn't sustain it down the lane, briefly checking again in traffic. He finished in midpack but was only beaten six lengths by the winner.

Call Me Karakorum, carrying topweight of 122 lbs, was reunited with Channing Hill for this state-bred non-winners of one allowance sprint for fillies. She broke alertly and quickly took the lead but was soon pressed through a quarter in a quick :22.86 by the stakes-quality filly I Promise on her outside. That filly took a slim lead on the far turn as Call Me continued to hang tough on the rail. But I Promise drew clear for the easy win and Call Me wound up finishing fourth in what was an improved effort. Most races at this level don’t include a buzzsaw like I Promise, and Call Me ran well enough through the stretch to prove her competitiveness in allowance company.

Stewart Elliott got the call on Karakorum Sunshine in her return to a state-bred non-winners of one sprint after running a distance of ground last time out. After breaking sharply, the Good and Tough filly was soon joined on the lead by Zip of Fools and Second Marriage. Sunshine held her position in second along the inside under a snug hold by Elliott as they set moderate fractions of :23.33 and :47.15. Turning for home, Sunshine battled back to take the lead and drew clear down the stretch – holding off several challengers – to win by a measured length in 1:11.19.

Chernobyl’s Hero was a bit slow from the gate in his return engagement at the state-bred non-winners of one allowance level. He trailed the field for almost a half mile before he willingly started to move between horses under jockey Rajiv Maragh. Hero rallied wide on the far turn while only five lengths from the lead. He continued wide into the stretch but failed to sustain his bid to finish fifth – about six lengths from the winner. He will continue to plug away at this level next time out.

Karakorum Tornado got the services of Rudy Rodriguez in his return to the state-bred non-winners of one allowance level. Soon after the break, he was bumped between horses and then raced near the back of the pack. On the turn, Tornado tried to rally between horses but was steadied a bit and then swung wide as they turned for home. Tornado couldn’t gather a head of steam down the lane. He will probably do battle with these rivals again next time out – hopefully with better results.

Karakorum Karen quickly went to the lead under jockey Rudy Rodriguez in the nightcap – a $19k claiming event for fillies and mares who have never won two races. She set fast fractions of :22.81and :46.78 while on a clear two-length lead. At the top of the lane, the Asmussen-trained Martha's Mandate was full of run and Karen readily gave way when challenged and eventually finished in the middle of the pack. It was later found that Karen threw a shoe during the race and this unquestionably compromised her performance.

After racing just 10 earlier in an open company stakes race on New Year's Day, Karakorum Starlet returned to contest the 6-furlong Ruby Rubles stakes for state-bred fillies and mares over a sloppy Aqueduct racetrack. She broke well under Stewart Elliott and rated between Tamberino and Towering Escape as they hit the quarter in a quick :22.31. Starrie challenged the leader on the far turn and took the lead turning for home. She quickly opened up a few lengths and then withstood a challenge from Light Tactic down the lane. Starlet held a fast closing Laurentide Ice safe to win by two lengths as the 3/2 favorite. This win increased her earnings to $383,621.

Karakorum Playmate made her second career start in a $32k maiden-claiming sprint and once again was faced with an off track. Under Ramon Dominguez, she broke awkwardly from her outside post but was placed in good position just off the early leaders. Playmate raced greenly on the turn as two of the leaders drew clear after fractions of :22.82 and :46.90. Playmate tired a bit to finish fourth behind the 3/5 favorite Staid but she should show normal third-start improvement next time out. Eventually, she will get a fast track too.

Kyle Branch got the leg-up on Karakormsugardaddy in a $16k maiden-claiming sprint at Aqueduct. Breaking from the outside post, Sugardaddy showed good speed from the start and tracked two other rivals while three wide. As one of those rivals retreated, Sugardaddy moved to the outside of Ferdi’s Prince and the two of them pulled clear of the field on the far turn. But Sugardaddy faded down the lane to finish fifth as the 8-5 favorite Town Doc rallied outside to gain a narrow victory. As with most horses on the inner, Sugardaddy would appreciate a lower gate number, but he showed here that he can will at this level.

Getting Lasix for the first time, Returnto Karakorum dropped to the $22k maiden-claiming level. Under Rajiv Maragh, she broke well from the outside and tracked the early leaders in fourth position a few lengths off the lead. Two rivals spurted clear turning for home as Returnto moved into the third spot. She continued to fight on while between horses down the lane to finish in fourth place while only a half dozen lengths from the 6-5 Kaz Court. Returnto Karakorum seems like she may want to run longer and so a possible stretchout in distance may be in the her future.

Apprentice Aldo Arboleda got a leg up on Salty Karakorum, who was dropping back to a sprint while stepping up in class to a NY-bred non-winners of one allowance. Salty broke alertly and soon found himself in a torrid battle for the early lead with 2-1 favorite Show of Colors on his outside. They opened up on the field and hit the quarter in a sizzling :21.78. Turning for home, Bailsby joined the leaders, who hit the half in :45.80. The favorite drew clear down the lane to win by open lengths, but Salty continued to battle for the place as several other rivals closed in. He finished fifth, beaten a mere two lengths for the place spot, promising that, in a less speed-laden field he can rate kinder fractions and get a larger slice of the purse.

Karakorum Katie, under Jermaine Bridgmohan, made her second career start versus NY-bred three year-old fillies going 5 ½-furlongs at Aqueduct. She was outrun early as the speedy Sweet Bama Breeze set fast fractions while under steady pressure in :22.23 and :46.48. Katie was over a half dozen lengths from the lead but commenced a 3-wide rally on the far turn. She continued to rally outside the leaders in deep stretch and surged to the lead in the shadow of the wire for a ¾ length victory. This was the first stable win of 2008.

A small but select field of four fillies and mares went to post for the first stakes race of the New Year – the Interborough – and Karakorum Starlet drew post 2 with jockey Stewart Elliott in the irons. Over a muddy and sealed surface, Starlet was outsprinted for the lead by her two old rivals – the 4/5 favorite Oprah Winney to her outside and the 6/5 Control System to her inside. She settled in third position a few lengths off the leaders, who set fractions of :22.36 and :45.91. As they turned for home, the duel up front continued, while Elliott moved Starlet to the outside. Control System took command and went on to victory as Starlet finished well to easily be second be