Strong Irish Pair Lead The Field
(SP)Wyoming- The Irish Well Special lived up to its name in only the fact that two of the winners came from deep odds to get on the board. That was certainly the case for the elder veteran Victory Once Again. At 14-1 odds it appeared on paper he was over his head. The trainer new he still had some speed in him and was well rested. He used his stalking style to perfection and was able to squeeze by right at the wire for a quarter length victory. For his part Fusaichi Magpie did an excellent job on the track Saturday. He got bumped coming out of the gates that through him off his stride. But the jockey was able to settle him down and bring him back to the front for a bid at a win, only to lose it right at the last. It was a good effort from the two runners which made for an exciting finish. Coming in from the back of the pack for a show was Land Of Light. He was all alone and also started the day at 10-1 odds. This gave a nice trifecta payoff for the lucky few.
This weeks stakes race has drawn little interest and only five horses have entered. It is a race that honors the retired horse Sister Independent who had eight wins in her 36 attempts. Why she is honored with a stakes race is a mystery since she never won a stakes race. It has WHOA once again questioning the veracity of the WRC and their naming process. A spokesman for WHOA stated that the ten year old mare was a solid runner but not a great one and races should reflect outstanding champions or at least well known local bred horses. The WRC was unavailable for comments. Anyway, the $55,000 Sister Independent Stakes is a nine furlong route of the grass. It is a race slotted for three year old fillies and has drawn a fairly competitive field. These are the ladies entered this week.
Tater Nutz entered by bigtate04. This little lady is by Yankee Victor out of mare Ash Floundering. She has never been on the grass in her nine runs and won her maiden early last year. She has not shown well in routes to date and seems to have a problem coming out of the gates. Maybe a change in surface is what she needs. More work at allowance level would probably be best for her.
Leader Of The Pack(IRE) entered by cgk. This young Irish lass is by Theatrical and comes in as one of the prohibitive favorites. She started off her year on a very positive run with a large improvement over last year. She has two stakes wins, one on the dirt and one on the grass and is looking to add to this. She likes to close on the leaders and will most likely do so here. Having the hot jockey Jesse Sands in the irons should add to her advantage.
Buckland Manor entered by alybobbob. Red Ransom sired this lady out of the mare Brave Vixen. She has one run, a maiden mile on the turf. It was a respectable effort where she came from midpack to win. Will she be able to handle another furlong on the cold high prairie? That can only be answered on Saturday.
Funky Dixieland(IRE) entered by burn2down. In the four slot is another Irish gal sired by Black Tie Affair out of the mare Doedee’s Rider. She started on the dirt, but showed poor results, so was switched to the grass. She has been slowly improving and has been consistent. Her first run of the year showed a marked improvement, but she will be going a full furlong longer than she has to date.
Lamentations entered by astapor. This chestnut lady is by War Chant. She comes into the race as the other favorite after a strong performance for a win last time out. She likes to dictate the race from the beginning and challenge the others to beat her. She has the wily veteran Vern Gannon in the irons which should give a nice boost to her confidence.