https://paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/four-wins-by-five-ship-in-horses-from-fair-hill-draw-regulatory-scrutinyThe most unusual backstory among the group of five horses belonged to M Bs Melanie Cares, who had made only one previous start. The filly finished fifth in a $50,000 maiden claiming race at Gulfstream Jan. 4 and was claimed by trainer Jose D’Angelo on behalf of TCC Stables, co-owned by prominent horse owner Michael Iavarone.
Iavarone told Paulick Report the filly came out of the race sore and appeared likely to require surgery. She was subsequently sold for $32,500 through the Inglis Digital February sale to Kevin Cruz.
After returning to the work tab at Gulfstream in March, M Bs Melanie Cares shifted to Fair Hill, where she recorded three workouts beginning July 22. She returned Sunday for Ochoa in an $85,000 maiden claiming race at Saratoga.
Two more horses with ties to the group were entered Monday. Quiroz is listed as owner and trainer of Threedots Andadash in the eighth race at Presque Isle Downs, with Lugo originally named to ride, though a jockey change was announced putting Jorge Ruiz aboard (scratched after being placed on HISA vet’s list – see below). Bravo Rough was entered in Mountaineer’s second race for trainer Alexis Cordero-Lopez and owner Yimari Coronel, with Lugo aboard (scratched before the race by stewards). Both were also coming off layoffs with recent works at Fair Hill.
Lugo, the jockey named on the two Monmouth runners and both of Monday’s entrants, had only ridden eight mounts in 2026 prior to Sunday.
Lugo was suspended 30 days by Gulfstream Park stewards in 2021 for failing to persevere aboard Princess Tereska in a race that also attracted scrutiny for unusual wagering patterns. Princess Tereska and the race winner were both owned by Long Trail Stables LLC, an entity associated with Felice Iadisernia, brother of former trainer Giuseppe Iadisernia.Phipps told Paulick Report that Fair Hill’s board looked into Quiroz, as well as several of the owners listed on his stall application,
including Giuseppe Iadisernia. Quiroz said
he sold the two Saratoga winners to Ochoa, and they have not returned to Fair Hill.
Phipps also told the Paulick Report the board will discuss the situation further during a regular meeting on Tuesday and has the power to evict the trainer.
Observers present at Saratoga on Sunday told Paulick Report that
Giuseppe Iadisernia’s son was in the Saratoga winner’s circle for at least one of the wins.
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