COMMISSIONER D ON A THREE-RACE WINNING SKEINGRAY PERFECTION HOPES TO DO THE SAME

Photo: Jose Bracho eases up on Commisioner D for his third win in a row in another hand ride. Photo: Courtesy J.J. Zamaicko

Jason Radosevich has clearly proved himself an astute observer of the horses in his care, and he certainly made the right read with Commissioner D. In her first start for the barn, she came out running to win by 2 3⁄4 lengths. Watching that strong win and quick recovery, Justin found a spot in the condition book that would fit her well. Though it was only nine days away.

Commissioner D. proved his call correctly with a repeat performance on July 1. Jumping from competing for a $22,400 purse to a $35,800 one, Bracho let the Mapleton-bred relax early and cut her loose into the lane for a four-length winning hand ride to the wire. After breaking the $100,000 threshold in her last start, “The Commish” pushed her record to 21-7-1-5 for current earnings of $128,351. Not to be overlooked in this race is the fact that HMDC and Taste of Victory’s Fortheloveofbonnie made her first 2026 appearance for Radosevich and did not disgrace herself with a 3rd-place finish after fighting head-to-head for the lead in half of the 6-furlong race.

When HMDC, Taste of Victory and TBC Racing’s Gray Perfection saw the Daily Racing Form for Thursday’s first race, she had to wonder ...”Hey! Why didn’t I get invited to the dance?” Except for one in the field, she’s the only filly that didn’t compete in the 6th race on June 20 at Thistledown. It turned out to be a “best of rest” scenario as the winner scored by 5 1⁄2 lengths in a trouble-free race. The reason there was no invite to that dance is that Gray Perfection was busy two days later winning for the third time.

This race is an $40,100 allowance affair for fillies and mares, non-winners of four, which always draws a competitive field. This field is for Registered Ohio-breds and our 3-year-old gray miss is by Creative Cause bred by Huntertown Farm. Trainer Mike Rone has regular rider Luis Rivera back in the saddle to go for the three-peat.

Congrats to partner Steven Chumney of Smokin C LLC who continues to have success with his breeding program as pointed out in a recent column by breeding expert Eric Mitchell of the Blood-Horse: Box Office Hit is First Winner for Idol Debut runner Box Office Hit became the first winner for Taylor Made Stallions' freshman sire Idol when the chestnut filly captured a 5-furlong maiden special weight race by 6 1/4 lengths July 2 at Thistledown. Box Office Hit is owned by Mast Thoroughbreds and trained by Robert Gorham, who bought the Ohio-bred filly for $30,000 from the Legacy Bloodstock consignment at the 2025 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale. Incentive money from the Ohio Thoroughbred Fund made the July 2 maiden race worth $33,900, of which Box Office Hit earned $20,340. The final time was 1:00.22.