Parx: Pennsylvania-Breds Nanaja, Res Judicata coast in South Carolina restricted stakes

By Joe DeVivo

Locally based horses who looked like logical contenders on paper produced runaway victories in a pair of restricted stakes for 2-year-olds Sunday at Parx Racing.

Res Judicata ($6.20), racing on Lasix for the first time, drew off to a 6 1/2-length victory under Jeremy Rose in the $77,000 Chris Elser Memorial for 2-year-old colts and geldings. Earlier on the card, Nanaja ($5.80) followed up her debut win with a 5 1/2-length score in the $75,000 Donna Freyer for 2-year-old fillies.

Both races were restricted to 2-year-olds who had spent at least 90 days in South Carolina and whose owners paid nomination fees to that state’s Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

Res Judicata, trained by John Servis for Someday Farm, ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.09. Pitch N Roll finished second, 5 3/4 lengths clear of 31-1 outsider Sailor’s Revenge.

Nanaja, ridden by Angel Arroyo for trainer Lupe Preciado and owner Hopes Racing Stable, covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:18.70. My Sonata finished second, 2 3/4 lengths ahead of first-time starter Deighan.