Tempest Howls up a Storm in Illinois
Tempest has his named etched amongst the star-studded line up of previous winners of the Grade 2 Statewide Pinhead Guild Stakes in
It was expected that War Bluff would probably look for the lead in the race. What was perhaps unexpected was that a couple of the jockeys on the other horses would not be content to allow him to dictate terms to his liking, and would ensure that he did not have too easy a run in the lead. This would set up the race for those sitting back off the pace, but only the eventual winner, Tempest, would be able to capitalize on the tactics.
War Bluff jumped well from gate 7 and searched out the early lead. Raider Property went with him, pressuring him on his outside, while, surprisingly, Stormzapper kicked up on the inside, denying the early leader the use of the rail. Affair of the Tiger slotted in handily behind the three aggressors out ahead, and was given the run of the race. Sensationalize, Tempest, Tree Huggin God and Old Pulpit all eased out of the charge, and took up their expected positions well off the pace. The three front runners cut at each other mercilessly, Raider Property heading Tempest for a couple of furlongs, while Stormzapper kept the rail and refused to yield any ground. Half way through the event and War Bluff began to exert his superiority over Raider Property, Stormzapper had used up too much fuel and Affair of the Tiger, despite his soft run, was feeling the pinch. Tempest was beginning to make good ground, but was still spotting the leader more than eight lengths. Into the home run and it looked all over. War Bluff was clearing out and looked to have the race in his keeping. But R.Logan on Tempest was having none of it. He’d timed his run to perfection and in yet another heart-stopping effort, he brought Tempest home over the top to register a deceptively comfortable half length victory
War Bluff lost no fans in his brave effort. Challenged from the outset, he outstayed all but the winner, a renowned and respected closer.
Raider Property, although beaten more than four lengths into third, did a sterling job in hanging on after doing so much early work.
Stormzapper weakened in the run home, but held on to earn fourth money
Sensationalize plugged away for the last check.
Affair of the Tiger was disappointing after having a good run in transit
Old Pulpit was simply not up to it on the day.
Tree Huggin God was outclassed.
Tempest is a four year old son of A.P Indy / Miss Mama (Storm Cat / Kris S) raced by oscar. This was his eighth win from 21 starts and elevates his earnings to above $880,000. Tempest ran the 9 furlongs in 1.48.0 and returned a speed rating of 117. Ranked # 23 in his class before the race, this victory elevates him to # 14
oscar is a well established, successful stable, with an impressive win rate of 152 wins from a total stable representation of 857 runners. Multiple Grade 1 winner Revelation II leads the stable earnings with over 1 million dollars in the bank, while Tempest is closing in quickly on the magical target.