by Andrew Offerman
Leonardo will look to improve upon the career best 105 Beyer speed index he earned last time out when he goes to post on Wednesday afternoon in the Aqueduct feature. The Maria’s Mon Stakes, a $75,000 six furlong sprint for three-year-olds, will be the feature on the nine race program in Jamaica, NY. If the name sounds familiar, maybe you recognize it because he was the morning line favorite in last year’s Sunshine Millions Dash. If that doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps it was because he debuted at Canterbury Park late in the 2006 season. On September 3, 2006, Leonardo debuted for trainer Justin Evans and SEJ Stables (Canterbury Park’s leading owners in 2006 and 2007). He beat a field of maiden special weight foes by over nine lengths that sloppy afternoon under Canterbury Park Hall of Fame Jockey Scott Stevens. Following that race, he was purchased provately by the cuurent owners and has since gone on to win at Laurel Park and Belmont Park. He’s also made stops at: Gulfstream Park (Sunshine Millions), Saratoga and the Meadowlands. In his only previous trip to Aqueduct, he finished second in an allowance race last November. In his short career, Leonardo has won three races from seven starts (7-3-1-1) and amassed just over $80,000 in earnings. According to an article in the Daily Racing Form, the addition of blinkers last time out significantly improved Leonardo’s concentration, to view that article visit: http://www.drf.com/news/article/90302.html
