Tom Fool Handicap Explained

Class:Grade III
Horse Race:Tom Fool Handicap
Location:Aqueduct Racetrack
Ozone Park, New York, United States
Inaugurated:1975
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:NYRA
Distance:6 furlongs
Surface:Dirt
Track:left-handed
Qualification:Four-years-old and older
Weight:Assigned
Purse:US$200,000 (since 2012)

The Tom Fool Handicap is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older at a distance of six furlongs on the dirt run annually in early March at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, Queens, New York. The event currently offers a purse of $200,000.

History

The race is named for U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee Tom Fool who was champion two-year-old of 1951 and U.S. Horse of the Year in 1953. He is one of four horses to win the New York Handicap Triple which consists of the Metropolitan Handicap, the Suburban Handicap and the Brooklyn Handicap.[1]

The inaugural running of event was on 17 December 1975 with conditions for three-year-olds and older over a distance of seven furlongs and was won by Hobeau Farm's five-year-old Kinsman Hope who was trained by US Hall of Fame trainer H. Allen Jerkens and ridden by jockey John Ruane winning by a margin of one and one-half lengths in a time of 1:21.

The following year the event was moved and scheduled in the summer meet at Aqueduct and held in July and in 1977 thesummer meeting returned to Belmont Park.[2]

The winner of the 1978 running, J. O. Tobin as top weight carrying 129 lbs won easily by lengths in a very fast time of 1:20. Although this would J. O. Tobin's last victory his six wins would be enough to capture US Champion Sprint Horse for 1978.

In although the event continued with handicap conditions in 1979 the event's name was modified to the Tom Fool Stakes and was used as such until 1995. In 1981 the American Graded Stakes Committee upgraded the classification of the event to Grade III and the following year to Grade II.

In 1987 Groovy won the event for the second time in easily by lengths as the 3/5 odds-on favorite. Groovy's win was his fourth straight. He would win two more events before finishind 2nd in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.[3] His efforts won him an Eclipse Award as US Champion Sprint Horse for 1987.

In 2002 the winner Left Bank started as the 8/5 favorite and set a new track record of 1:20.17 for the seven-furlong distance.

The 2004 running of the event only attracted four entrants. Stronach Stables' four-year-old Ghostzapper was returning after a lengthy nine-month layoff after his Grade I Vosburgh Stakes win and continued his winning streak comfortable winning the event in 1:20.42. Trainer Bobby Frankel however would pursue events that were a longer distance culminating with a victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Ghostzapper's outstanding season would earn him US Horse of the Year honors for 2004.

After not being held in 2010, the event was downgraded to Grade III and moved to Aqueduct in 2011 where it is held in March. From 2011 to 2017, the event was run on the inner track but is now run on the main track.[4]

In 2015 the conditions of the event were modified not allow three-year-olds to enter.

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Aqueduct  - Tom Fool Handicap
align=center 2024Super Chowalign=center 4Madison OlverJorge DelgadoLea Farmsalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.86align=center $175,000align=center III
align=center 2023Little Vicalign=center 4Carlos OliveroJuan Carlos AvilaVictoria's Ranchalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.73align=center $150,000align=center III
align=center 2022Officiating align=center 4Manuel FrancoSaffie Joseph Jr.Vegso Racing Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:12.22align=center $194,000align=center III[5]
align=center 2021Chateaualign=center 6Kendrick CarmoucheRob AtrasMichael Dubbalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:12.10align=center $200,000align=center III[6]
align=center 2020Mind Controlalign=center 4Junior AlvaradoGregory D. SaccoRed Oak Stable & Madaket Stablesalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.88align=center $213,000align=center III[7]
align=center 2019Do Sharealign=center 6Reylu GutierrezMichael J. MakerThree Diamonds Farmalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:08.77align=center $205,200align=center III[8]
align=center 2018Skyler's Scramjetalign=center 4Trevor McCarthyMichelle NevinSJB Stable & Marcello Micozzialign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:11.38align=center $200,000align=center III[9]
align=center 2017Spartiatisalign=center 7Rajiv MaraghLeon J. BlusiewiczConstantine Peter Beleralign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:11.23align=center $200,000align=center III[10]
align=center 2016Salutos Amigosalign=center 6Cornelio VelasquezDavid JacobsonDavid Jacobson & Southern Equine Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.17align=center $200,000align=center III[11]
align=center 2015Salutos Amigosalign=center 5Cornelio VelasquezDavid JacobsonDavid Jacobson & Southern Equine Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.61align=center $200,000align=center III[12]
align=center 2014Strapping Groomalign=center 7Irad Ortiz Jr.David JacobsonDrawing Away Stable & David Jacobsonalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.85align=center $200,000align=center III[13]
align=center 2013Comma to the Topalign=center 5Joel RosarioPeter L. MillerGary Barberalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.26align=center $200,000align=center III[14]
align=center 2012Calibrachoaalign=center 5Cornelio VelasquezTodd A. PletcherRepole Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.07align=center $200,000align=center III[15]
align=center 2011§ Calibrachoaalign=center 4Todd A. PletcherRepole Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.67align=center $150,000align=center III[16]
2010Race not held
At Belmont Park
align=center 2009Munningsalign=center 3John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherDerrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael B. Taboralign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.08align=center $185,000align=center II[17]
align=center 2008align=center 4Alan GarciaKiaran P. McLaughlinShadwell Racingalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.73align=center $161,000align=center II[18]
align=center 2007High Financealign=center 4John R. VelazquezWest Point Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.81align=center $197,500align=center II[19]
align=center 2006Silver Trainalign=center 4Edgar S. PradoRichard E. Dutrow Jr.Four Roses Thoroughbredsalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.66align=center $150,000align=center II[20]
align=center 2005Smokumealign=center 4Chantal SutherlandH. Allen JerkensHobeau Farmalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.92align=center $150,000align=center II[21]
align=center 2004Ghostzapperalign=center 4Javier CastellanoRobert J. FrankelStronach Stablesalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:20.42align=center $142,500align=center II[22]
align=center 2003Aldebaranalign=center 5Jerry D. BaileyRobert J. FrankelFlaxman Holdingsalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.54align=center $150,000align=center II[23]
align=center 2002Left Bankalign=center 5John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherMichael B. Taboralign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:20.17align=center $150,000align=center II[24]
align=center 2001Exchange Ratealign=center 4Jerry D. BaileyD. Wayne LukasPadua Stables align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.24align=center $150,000align=center II[25]
align=center 2000Trippialign=center 3Jerry D. BaileyTodd A. PletcherDogwood Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.69align=center $150,000align=center II[26]
align=center 1999Crafty Friendalign=center 6Richard MiglioreJohn C. KimmelThe Thoroughbred Corporationalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:20.62align=center $150,000align=center II[27]
align=center 1998Banker's Goldalign=center 4Jorge F. ChavezH. Allen JerkensGeorgia E. Hofmann align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.04align=center $150,000align=center II[28]
align=center 1997Diligencealign=center 4Jose A. SantosNicholas P. ZitoKinsman Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.40align=center $150,000align=center II[29]
align=center 1996Kayrawanalign=center 4Richard MiglioreKiaran P. McLaughlinShadwell Racingalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.95align=center $108,100align=center II[30]
Tom Fool Stakes
align=center 1995Lite the Fusealign=center 4Julie KroneRichard E. Dutrow Sr.Richard E. Dutrow Sr.align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.72align=center $108,700align=center II[31]
align=center 1994Virginia Rapidsalign=center 4Jean-Luc SamynH. Allen JerkensMiddletown Stablesalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.27align=center $107,300align=center II[32]
align=center 1993Birdonthewirealign=center 4Craig PerretPhilip M. SerpeRobert Kaufmanalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:20.93align=center $112,800align=center II[33]
align=center 1992Rubianoalign=center 5Julie KroneFlint S. SchulhoferCentennial Farmsalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.70align=center $118,200align=center II[34]
align=center 1991Mr. Nastyalign=center 4Angel Cordero Jr.Guadalupe PreciadoHidden Lane Farmalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.60align=center $113,000align=center II[35]
align=center 1990Quick Callalign=center 6Jorge F. ChavezSidney J. Watters Jr.Lynda B. Stokesalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.57align=center $87,800align=center II[36]
align=center 1989Sewickleyalign=center 4Randy RomeroFlint S. SchulhoferRobert S. Evans align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.00align=center $113,200align=center II[37]
align=center 1988King's Swanalign=center 8Angel Cordero Jr.Richard E. Dutrow Sr.Alvin Akmanalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.40align=center $168,300align=center II[38]
align=center 1987align=center 4Angel Cordero Jr.Jose A. MartinLone Star Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.40align=center $114,000align=center II[39]
align=center 1986align=center 3Jose A. SantosJose A. MartinJohn A. Ballisalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.60align=center $111,600align=center II[40]
align=center 1985Track Barronalign=center 4Angel Cordero Jr.LeRoy JolleyPeter M. Brantalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.00align=center $134,850align=center II[41]
align=center 1984Believe The Queenalign=center 4Jorge VelasquezH. Allen JerkensBohemia Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.40align=center $117,800align=center II[42]
align=center 1983align=center 4Donald MacBethReynaldo H. NoblesRobert E. Brennanalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.20align=center $86,700align=center II[43]
align=center 1982Rise Jimalign=center 6Angel Cordero Jr.J. Joseph O'SheaWilliam H. Grinoldalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:23.80align=center $54,700align=center II[44]
align=center 1981Rise Jimalign=center 5Angel Cordero Jr.J. Joseph O'SheaWilliam H. Grinoldalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.20align=center $54,700align=center III[45]
align=center 1980Plugged Nicklealign=center 3Jeffrey FellThomas J. KellyJohn M. Schiffalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.20align=center $55,100align=center [46]
align=center 1979Cox's Ridgealign=center 5Eddie MapleJoseph B. CanteyLoblolly Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.20align=center $42,500align=center [47]
Tom Fool Handicap
align=center 1978J. O. Tobinalign=center 4Jeffrey FellLaz BarreraGeorge A. Pope Jr. align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:20.80align=center $43,250align=center [48]
align=center 1977Mexican Generalalign=center 4Craig PerretJ. Bowes BondMrs. Albert H. Lowenthalalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.00align=center $37,675align=center [49]
At Aqueduct
align=center 1976El Pitirrealign=center 4Angel Cordero Jr.Laz BarreraEnrique Ubarrialign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.40align=center $44,250align=center [50]
align=center 1975Kinsman Hopealign=center 5John RuaneH. Allen JerkensHobeau Farmalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.40align=center $44,875align=center [51]
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hunter . Avalyn . Tom Fool (horse) . American Classic Pedigrees . 5 June 2020 .
  2. Web site: TOM FOOL HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS. 2022 . 21 February 2022 . Thoroughbred Database .
  3. Web site: Groovy (TX) . equibase.com . 2022 . 22 February 2022.
  4. Web site: Stakes profile . Equibase. 5 June 2020 .
  5. Web site: 2022 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3) . Equibase . 5 March 2022 . 5 March 2022 .
  6. Web site: 2021 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7) . Equibase . 6 March 2021 . 18 February 2022.
  7. Web site: 2020 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 7 March 2020 . 18 February 2022.
  8. Web site: 2019 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 9 March 2019 . 18 February 2022.
  9. Web site: 2018 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 10 March 2018 . 18 February 2022.
  10. Web site: 2017 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 11 March 2017 . 18 February 2022.
  11. Web site: 2016 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 12 March 2016 . 18 February 2022.
  12. Web site: 2015 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4) . Equibase . 7 March 2015 . 18 February 2022.
  13. Web site: 2014 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4) . Equibase . 1 March 2014 . 18 February 2022.
  14. Web site: 2013 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 2 March 2013 . 18 February 2022.
  15. Web site: 2012 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 3 March 2012 . 18 February 2022.
  16. Web site: 2011 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 3 - (race 5) . Equibase . 5 March 2011 . 18 February 2022.
  17. Web site: 2009 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 5 July 2009 . 18 February 2022.
  18. Web site: 2008 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2008 . 18 February 2022.
  19. Web site: 2007 Tom Fool Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2007 . 18 February 2022.
  20. Web site: 2006 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 16 July 2006 . 18 February 2022.
  21. Web site: 2005 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 17 July 2005 . 18 February 2022.
  22. Web site: 2004 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 4 July 2004 . 18 February 2022.
  23. Web site: 2003 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2003 . 18 February 2022.
  24. Web site: 2002 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2002 . 18 February 2022.
  25. Web site: 2001 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 2001 . 18 February 2022.
  26. Web site: 2000 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 2 July 2000 . 18 February 2022.
  27. Web site: 1999 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 July 1999 . 18 February 2022.
  28. Web site: 1998 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 5 July 1998 . 18 February 2022.
  29. Web site: 1997 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 6 July 1997 . 18 February 2022.
  30. Web site: 1996 Tom Fool Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 7 July 1996 . 18 February 2022.
  31. Web site: 1995 Tom Fool Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 25 June 1995 . 18 February 2022.
  32. Web site: 1994 Tom Fool Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 26 June 1994 . 18 February 2022.
  33. Web site: 1993 Tom Fool Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 10 July 1993 . 18 February 2022.
  34. Web site: 1992 Tom Fool Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 18 July 1992 . 18 February 2022.
  35. Web site: 1991 Tom Fool Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 13 July 1991 . 18 February 2022.
  36. Web site: Quick Call knocks off Sewickley – (race 9: held 14 July 1990) . . . 42 . 15 July 1990 . 18 February 2021.
  37. Web site: Sewickley zips by Houston; ... – (race 8: held 15 July 1989) . . . 18 . 16 July 1989 . 18 February 2021.
  38. Web site: King's Swan outduels Gulch ; ... – (race 8: held 16 July 1988) . . . 18 . 17 July 1988 . 18 February 2021.
  39. Web site: Groovy keeps record perfect for the year with 6 1/2-length win – (race 8: held 18 July 1987) . . . 36 . 19 July 1987 . 18 February 2021.
  40. Web site: Groovy hands Phone Trick first defeat by 6 1/4 lengths – (race 8: held 20 July 1986) . . . 29 . 21 July 1986 . 18 February 2021.
  41. Web site: Track Barron coasts in Fool – (race 8: held 21 July 1985) . Russ . Harris . . 101 . 22 July 1985 . 18 February 2021.
  42. Web site: Believe The Queen triumphs in Tom Fool Stakes – (race 8: held 22 July 1984) . . . 44 . 23 July 1984 . 18 February 2021.
  43. Web site: Deputy Minister captures Tom Fool – (race 8: held 17 July 1983) . Joe . O'Day . . 56 . 23 July 1983 . 18 February 2021.
  44. Web site: Rise Jim runs to triumph in Tom Fool at Belmont – (race 8: held 17 July 1982) . Wes . Gaffer . . 93 . 18 July 1982 . 18 February 2021.
  45. Web site: Cordero, Rise Jim found way to win Tom Fool – (race 8: held 19 July 1981) . . 72 . 20 July 1981 . 18 February 2021.
  46. Web site: Fell rides Plugged Nickle to Tom Fool Stakes win – (race 8: held 20 July 1980) . . . 6 . 21 July 1980 . 19 February 2021.
  47. Web site: Ridge in form, wins Tom Fool – (race 8: held 22 July 1979) . Joe . O'Day . . 286 . 23 July 1979 . 19 February 2021.
  48. Web site: J. O. Tobin breezes in Tom Fool – (race 8: held 23 July 1978) . . . 24 . 24 July 1978 . 19 February 2021.
  49. Web site: Mexican General Scores 3-Length Tom Fool Win – (race 8: held 25 July 1977) . Wes . Gaffer . . 91 . 26 July 1977 . 19 February 2021.
  50. Web site: El Pitirre's Big A 'Cap'; Proud and Bold Hurt – (race 8: held 25 July 1976) . Wes . Gaffer . . 49 . 26 July 1976 . 19 February 2021.
  51. Web site: Kinsman Hope Outduels Lonetree n Tom Fool – (race 8: held 17 December 1975) . . . 36 . 18 December 1975 . 19 February 2021.