David Cassidy on the Web
Siphon City wins Cornhusker
The victory at 23-1 odds ranks as the biggest upset in track's biggest race.
July 2, 2006
By Dan Johnson
Register staff writer
www.desmoinesregister.com
Siphon City scored the biggest upset in the history of Prairie Meadows' biggest race by going wire-to-wire in Saturday's $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Breeders' Cup.
The 4-year-old was the ninth betting choice in the 13-horse field and at 23-1, becoming the longest shot to win the Cornhusker in its 10 runnings at Prairie Meadows.
It was the third straight stakes victory for the improving Siphon City. Prior to starting his winning streak, he was second in an April 8 claiming race in Florida in which he could have been sold for $50,000.
"He's grown up," said assistant trainer Donna Green. "He's matured."
Siphon City is a big horse, standing 17 hands high, but Green said his fractious nature was the biggest problem.
"He did not have a lot of confidence," Green said. "He was just very nervous in training. He wouldn't jog, he wouldn't relax. We changed the crew around him, and he was relaxed in three days."
The Cornhusker field was so deep that there was no standout, and Master Command, the 2.3-to-1 favorite, was the only runner with odds under 4-1.
Siphon City, ridden by Elvis Trujillo, went to the lead at the outset of the 1-length victory in 1:08.29 seconds for 6 furlongs, just off his track record of 1:07.85.
He won for the 14th time in 36 career races, and he improved to 2-for-2 this year, having also won the May 6 Prairie Express.
David in D.M.: Cassidy, the former "Partridge Family" star, came to Des Moines as the owner of Mayan King, who tired to 13th in the Cornhusker. He got a tour of the capital and downtown areas with Moss, who, like Cassidy, has horses in New York with Contessa.
"My impressions are it's a beautiful old town that's being rejuvenated downtown," Cassidy said. "I thought the racetrack itself had the look of an old country fair atmosphere, which I love."
Cassidy owns 10 breeding mares and said his interest in horse racing isn't anything new. "I've been interested, honestly, since I can remember breathing," he said. "I had (model) horses all over my room since I could walk.
"I've been a horseman since I was a little kid, and racing became a daily part of my life, my passion. I love my work, and I work very hard at it, but if I have any free time, I'll read the Racing Form or get online to see what's going on."
Actor David Cassidy gives Maggi Moss a thumbs-up after Moss' No Sleep won Saturday's Iowa Distaff Breeders' Cup at Altoona. Cassidy was in town to see Mayan King. Moss and Cassidy have the same trainer.
