EMPIRE STORM Captures Kong’s Images Stakes

The 14 furlong Kong’s Images Stakes was run on a firm track this past Saturday with the post time favorite going off at 9/5.  Those odd’s may have had a lot of people running to the windows to place a lofty wager to show on Salfly’s Spur (AUS) who had not been off the board in her last 15 starts, all in Stakes Company. 

When the gates opened it was no surprise that Poker Storm set out for the immediate lead with Barb’s Own Reality (IRE) setting up position right at her throat latch. Salfly’s Spur (AUS) was content to sit within a length of the leader’s through much of the early going.  As they passed the stands for the first time Poker Storm held on to the lead while racing 3 wide through the first mile.  When they entered the backstretch the leader began to show the effects of being hung outside and Salfly’s Spur and Dream Ticket began their run for the front.  As they approached the far turn Dream Ticket overtook the short lived lead by Salfly’s Spur and opened up a better than a 3 length lead as they approached the head of the lane.  Empire Storm had Dream Ticket measured nicely and disposed of that rival in very short order.  Coldwindblow’s was also running well in the last part of the race, comming from well of the pace to pick up the place, while never a threat to the winner. Dream Ticket held on for the show spot, leaving Salfly’s Spur a weel beaten 4th today and with that a 15 race Stakes placed streak gone as well.

As mentioned in the headline this was Empire Storm’s first Stakes victory in her first try.  She notched her 4th win in 17 start’s with over $97,000 in earnings.  Congratulations to her trainer waremblem2 on their first Stakes with this filly