Okay, so if you think Steve Asmussen's 11 for 27 mark at the meet is impressive, that's nothing compared to the fledgling trainer Rudy Rodriguez who is now 7 for 10 after Wicked Climb, aluminum pad off, went gate to wire under John Velazquez to win the fourth. Wicked Climb, dqd from a near 11-length victory due to careless riding tactics by Angel Serpa in $15,000 claimer on March 20, ran six furlongs in a speedy 1:09.66, the second-fastest six furlongs of the meet. Only Castaneda, who won a restricted allowance race in 1:09.50 on April 2, has run faster at this meet. Castaneda figures to set a blazing pace in the Withers later this afternoon.
Rodriguez has one starter left at the meet, Dear Marylou in Sunday's third. Rodriguez who began training in February is 5 for 10 when running a horse for the first time as he will be doing Sunday with Dear Marylou.
Back to Saturday's fourth, Fenway Faithful, in first start since winning Sleepy Hollow last October, steadied sharply entering the far turn and faded to fifth. Also, The Truffle Man appeared to break through the gate just as the doors opened, he stumbled a bit in second jump, and finished last.
