 |
|
|
Spadesthyname Looks Like a "Million" in Gardenia Handicap
By
COZMAN
Aug 17, 2008,
10:29:21 PM
|
|
8/168/2008 ELP Post Time 2:20EDT
3 ELP Gardenia Handicap (GIII)
$150.000 3yo&Up F&M 1m Dirt
In turf racing, you expect the last 50-yards to decide the contest. Well, this one was on the main track, but you better watch it 'til the end. Turning for home, Millionaire Stables' Spadesthyname was next to last and had alot of work to do - and you can give her an A+ on this test, because the black filly never stopped, split horses, rallied big and won the Gardenia Hcp (GIII) by a length.
The field of seven loaded and they were off. Susans Song was on the bit and led by three parts of a length on Appealing Zophie, with Sonic Boom to her outside and Ilooklikemygrama on the rail. Spadesthyname was another length back, with Judiths Son to her outside, then another length back to Higher, the early trailer, about four lengths from the front.
Through the clubhouse turn and onto the back-side, there were six furlongs to run. Susans Song skipped away to lead bay two, with the tiro of Appealing Zophie between horses, Sonic Boom to her outside and Ilooklikemygrama to her inside. It was three more back to Judiths Song, who had Spadesthyname covered, and three more back to Higher, who was still under wraps.
Through the far turn and to the top of the lane, not alot had changed, other than the field was getting tight. Susans Song was still in front by a length and a half, with Appealing Zophie, Sonic Boom and Ilooklikemygrama still across the track. Judiths Song was now only three lengths from the leader, with Spadesthyname hemmed in to the inside of that one and Higher fanned out wide for the drive.
With a furlong to run, only two lengths separated first to last. Susans Song was putting on the brakes, as Appealing Zophine went to the lead. There were five across behind her, with Higher fanned out widest of all and closing down, as well.
Inside the last 100-yards, C Lanerie found a seam, pressed through, and had Spadesthyname full of run and up to take the lead. It was just enough to carry the Millionaire Stables charge to the wire, and Spadesthyname crossed first, a length in front. Appealing Zophie was very game in second, just a neck in front of Judiths Song. Higher closed well to gain the minor purse, then another half-length back to Ilooklikemygrama. Sonic Boom was next, two lengths in front of the tiring Susans Song.
Spadesthyname is a 4yo filly by Jacks Are Better - Hollywood Brat, and was bred by her owner in KY. This was her sixth lifetime win, and took her bank-roll to $1,108.560. Only her fourth start of the season, this filly seems to be coming to hand just as the fall money comes into view - look for her to be around for a few more checks.
$2 Mutuel Prices:
Track: Fast Time: :232 :473 1:13 1:383
$1 Exacta: 5 - 3 Paid 15.80 $1 Trifecta: 5 - 3 - 7 Paid 102.10
Scratched: None
Recap- Spadesthyname raced off of the early pace, was in tight through the far turn, accelerated through a small hole and won driving. Appealing Zophie broke well, pressed the pace throughout, took command at the eighth-pole and could not hold off the winner. Judiths Song unhurried early, found her best stride in the late going. Higher was well rated through the early stages, swung out for the drive and made up late ground. Ilooklikemygrama raced evenly. Sonic Boom raced forwardly, tired. Susans Song, broke alertly, led to the eighth pole and stopped.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
