Montana Armed Invasion
In a slashing effort in this week’s Salty Boundary Bonanza, Army of One, in his first appearance in a black type event, left no doubt that stakes racing is what he’s all about, and that he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future. After jumping cleanly, Army of One settled in the perfect position, traveling in fourth place and sitting comfortably on the fence a couple of lengths behind the leader. Asked for his effort approaching the turn, the talented four year old made his move, putting the race beyond doubt within a couple of strides. He was untroubled in the latter stages, cruising to the line a comfortable three length victor.
Dashing Dooter displayed a welcome return to form in running second. Living up to his name, he dashed to the front as the gates opened, setting up a comfortable lead and outclassing all but the winner who took every advantage of the smart pace set. Connections must be relieved, and he leaves the course today well on the comeback trail.
Harbor Patrol T settled back in the field early, and outplugged the rest of the field, taking the minor money some five lengths in arrears of the second horse
Hawkbone and K’Aguaitakamino took the minor checks, both working home solidly
Clue in Dare T and Alylado took forward positions early, but had their hearts broken by the pacemaker, and weakened in the run home.
All Indy was up there early, but had nothing when asked for an effort
Internal Fire and Born in a Barn were both disappointing, never getting into the race
Army of One is a superbly bred individual, carrying Forty Niner / Storm Cat lines, and is raced by his breeder. He covered the 7.5 furlongs in 1.28.4, returning a speed figure of 108. He now has 6 wins from 14, and no doubt many more to come. This win increases his lifetime earnings to more than $200,000.
Army of One is the fourth stakeswinner currently stabled in the very successful jonsnow barn, sharing black type glory with Stronghold, Street Sweeper and Mine Me. A fifth runner in the stable populated primarily by four year olds, Cuchulain’s Stand, has 2 Graded and 1 stakes ITM. The barn has an enviable strike rate, with 41 of its185 lifetime starters being victorious. With horses of this caliber, the run must continue.