Allowance Optional Claiming

Chart notes

SPUNGIE tracked the pace along the inside patiently handled until set down spinning just off the inside into upper stretch, tipped out to the four path near the eighth pole and rallied with good energy to issue a challenge taking command in the final jumps to the wire to prevail. MASTEROF THE TUNES two to three wide in pursuit from mid pack, tipped three then four wide through the far turn coming under coaxing at the five-sixteenths, swung three wide for home, rallied to take command a furlong out, dug in under lone threat and was caught in the final strides to the finish while clear for the place honors. CHOOSE HAPPINESS two to three wide in pursuit, came under coaxing at the five-sixteenths, angled four wide into upper stretch, ran on to secure the show honors. LADY THORNHILL saved ground near the rear of the field, tipped to the two path through the far turn and remained on hold behind rivals, took the inside route into upper stretch, got roused once clear near the eighth pole and kept on for the last major share. MY LIPS ARE SEALED just off the inside in closest aim of the leader, got set down spinning just off the inside into upper stretch, seized brief command straightened away, dug in under threat and was collared a furlong out, then weakened in the late stages. WAR CANOE two to three wide near the rear of the field, came under coaxing at the five-sixteenths, angled four to five wide into upper stretch and offered no kick. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS hustled from the gate, showed the way in hand along the inside under the watchful eye of MY LIPS ARE SEALED to the outside but facing little pressure through moderate splits, thankfully did not react to an open section of the temporary rail near the half mile pole left wide open from the gate placement of the previous day's mile and three-eighths event, nor did any of the members of the field as all passed the opening without incident, came under increasing pressure through the far turn and cut the corner roused into upper stretch, yielded the front straightened away and weakened to the finish. DANCINGWTHDAFFODLS saved ground at the tail of the field, came under coaxing three furlongs from home, spun just off the inside into upper stretch and made no impact. HOWDYOUMAKEURMONEY two to three wide in pursuit, came under coaxing at the five-sixteenths, cornered three wide into upper stretch and weakened in the drive.