Mass Cap Day 2000
On June 4th, 17,847 New England racing fans were treated to beautiful weather and an incredible day of racing. Through the work of the Suffolk Downs management top horses, jockeys, and trainers from over the world were on hand. Although the highlight of the card was the Massachusetts Handicap other races provided thrills for New England fans.
The James B. Moseley Breeders' Cup provided the biggest thrill for New England fans. Local trainer Peter Bazeos and jockey Winston Thompson combined to pull off a 35to1 victory. King Roller a nine-year-old gelding passed Balancethebudget in the last few strides to go on to a 3/4-length victory.
King Roller rolls to Victory
Another highlight for local fans was the performance of an old New England favorite Prolanzier. Trained by Charlie Assimakopoulos and ridden by Joe Hampshire the ten-year-old gelding registered his 30th career win.
Prolanzier leads into the Clubhouse turn enroute to victory
In the Keith Brodkin Memorial Vernon Bush guided Goodbar to a head victory over Lord Don and jockey Taylor Hole.
Close finish in the Keith Brodkin
New York invaders Jerry Bailey and Bill Mott combined for three consecutive wins in the Old Ironsides, Miss Indy Anna, and Drumtop Stakes.
Distant Mirage winner of the Old Ironsides Stakes
The highlight of the day was The Grade 2 Massachusetts Handicap. The anticipated rematch between last year's top two finishers Behrens and Running Stag never materialized when Behrens suffered a stone bruise and had to be scratched. Stakes winners Vision and Verse, The Groom is Red, California invader Out of Mind, and Running Stag gave this year's running a competitive flavor.
The start of the Mass Cap- Bob Hughes Photo
Running Stag, last year's second place finisher, took over at the top of the stretch and drew off to a 1 1/4-length victory.
Running Stag wins the 2000 Mass cap