‘Sahmmy’ Stops The World, Wins Bargain MSW At Minnesota Raceday Fest
Sahmmy Slew had to hustle for it, but he managed to rally from four lengths down to capture the $75,000 Minnesota Raceday Festival Bargain Bred Sprint
The race was designed for bargain-bred maiden juveniles, a grass sprint over firm ground, and featured four first-time starters, which created a difficult situation for handicappers: Sahmmy Slew had the numbers on his side, but could any of the firsters run? The answer was an unequivocal “YES”. Coldheartedrevenge sprinted clear of the field early on, setting moderate fractions for a maiden event, and went through the opening quarter unchallenged. Naydim North sat comfortably in stalking position, while the rest of the field was content to rate quietly. Approaching the stretch, Sahmmy Slew, ridden vigorously by K Bowen, began to kick into gear, gobbling up real estate in the lane while accompanied by Minnesota Spur. He was still running down Coldheartedrevenge in the final furlong, closing ground with each stride, and inside the final sixteenth managed to draw clear to win by three-quarters of a length. Coldheartedrevenge showed tremendous heart in hanging on to second, and Naydim North finished an even third, beaten only a length-and-three-quarters. Minnesota Spur, who looked to threaten during the stretch run, could manage only fourth.
Sahmmy Slew, a son of Sahm who went off as a $2.80-1 favorite in the field of ten two-year-olds, completed the five furlongs on the firm grass in :59 1/5, and earned $45,000 for the stables of undercover. The speed rating for his maiden win was a modest 67, and he’s now hit the board in five of his first eight starts. Following the BTB recommendations of a Sahmmy Slew/Coldheartedrevenge exacta would have returned $49.40 for a $2 investment. The maiden race might not have produced a future