Barb’s Adventure Wins Space Race
Barb’s Adventure: Jumped evenly from the gate, settling at the back of the main pack, before starting a long drive forward about 6 furlongs out. At the top of the stretch had moved to 3rd to be within 4 lengths of the leader. Given a couple of cracks with the whip by jockey P Cadigan Barb’s Adventure responded like a true champion making ground quickly, taking over inside the last furlong, going on to win in a convincing style.
Royal Forty Indy: Jumping with the leaders, jockey L Cardinal quickly settled him on the rails behind the leader Macho Niner. Although boxed in early by Lara’s Saintly Cardinal bided his time and as Lara’s Saintly gradually weakened out of it he eased Royal Forty Indy of the fence and approaching the final turn pressured the leader who faltered. Moving to a clear lead early in the stretch he had his followers thinking they may hold on, but the grinding power of the winner proved too much in the end.
Obispo Town: Missed the jump badly (even worse than usually) dropping straight to the tail along with Geodesic Quark. Jockey D Sherman showed nerves of steel by just letting Obispo Town settle even though falling further and further behind the main pack. At the half way mark still some 17 or 18 lengths from the leaders Sherman started urging his mount along, under his strong riding Obispo Town began steadily making ground but was still 2nd last and 12 lengths behind at the top of the stretch. Saving every inch of ground Sherman pulled the whip and drove along the rails finishing hard to take the show 3 1/4 lengths back at the finish.
Macho Niner: Jumped to the lead and was rated nicely by jockey D Givins, battled hard until the top of the stretch where tired out of it slightly.
Of the rest: Badge of Courage ran an even race without ever threatening. Elkano settled nicely in 4th but faded badly at the business end of the race. Geodesic Quark never gave a yelp, sat in last all the way only passing Lara’s Saintly in the stretch, who may have been injured in that he faded so badly after having a nice sit early.
Well so ends another great day’s racing at the beautiful Churchill Downs in Kentucky, I am off to the window to collect my winnings after selecting the trifecta and in order, I hope a few of our readers followed my lead and collected the $220.10 for a $2.00 investment.
Good Luck and Good Punting.