April 24, 2015
Toni’s Hollyday and Mighty Moon were victorious at the prestigious Keeneland April meet providing Castleton Lyons with two wins from just three starters there. Toni’s Hollyday annexed a 5 1/2 furlong turf allowance on Thursday the 16th in the hands of James Graham for trainer Andrew McKeever. Going off at 10/1 the filly broke okay with James saving ground along the rail for most of the race and when the field rounded the turn in this grassy dash, he brought her out from the fence to make her run home. The pacesetter Aventure Love looked like she was about to steal the prize, however Toni’s Hollyday responded to her pilot’s persuasion, and despite lugging out a little down the stretch she collared the leader close home under hands and heels to win by a snug neck.
The following Thursday, April 23, Mighty Moon broke her maiden with the help of the stewards over 8 1/2 furlongs on a good turf track. With Joel Rosario up for trainer Christophe Clement, the Castleton Lyons home-bred by Malibu Moon out of resident mare Tarrip was originally a half length runner-up to Susie’s Baby at the wire. In the early stages Joel was unhurried on Mighty Moon racing close to the rail until the race began in earnest around the bend when she was produced out wide and received interference from Susie’s Baby about 1/16th out which prevented the Castleton Lyons color bearer from making what was probably going to be a winning move. After a lengthy delay the stewards moved Susie’s Baby down to fifth and the green and black silks were able to celebrate another winner at the important Keeneland meet.
