Three Hit The Line Locked Together in Michigan Grade 2

Those fortunate enough to be trackside in Michigan this weekend were witness to one of the sim’s great finishes. Three talented fillies slogged out the final furlong of the Michigan Sophomore Turf Invitational – G2, and when they hit the wire the photo was needed to separate them all. Not a Honkey Tonk got the nostrils there first, officially a nose ahead of Jaca, with Can of Whoop As another nose away in the closest of third places.

As Expected, Evilin won the jump and quickly established a handy lead. Not a Honky Tonk angled for the fence behind the leader, but was held out by Jaca, who retained the rail. Can of Whoop As was caught three wide early, but the jockey, unfazed, gave her a patient ride, not using her up unnecessarily. John’s Niner headed up the remainder of the field. The running order remained unchanged until nearing the approach to the home corner, when the moves started. Evilin was still traveling like a winner, she’d opened up four lengths, and although the trio immediately behind her was starting to make inroads, she appeared to have plenty left in the tank. It was not until entering the stretch that the race really began to take shape. Not a Honky Tonk, at times up to a length ahead of Jaca and Can of Whoop As, had retained their relative positions throughout as if attached by magic. Evilin was feeling the pinch. Jaca and Can of Whoop As were bridging the gap on Not a Honky Tonk, who was getting the better of Evilin. John’s Niner had made a surge at the top of the stretch, but could not maintain the momentum. Not a Honky Tonk hit the lead. Jaca hit the lead. Can of Whoop As was inches away threatening. Not a Honky Tonk refused to yield. Stride for stride the three of them raced the final half furlong. “Triple Dead Heat!” yelled the course announcer, but the photo managed to separate them. Not a Honky Tonk had lunged to perfection. Jaca had failed by an inch and the history books will record Can of Whoop As as racing in third position throughout the event, but after racing the widest, a crueler third could not be imagined. All three placegetters recorded the same speed rating for the event.

John’s Niner ran an honest race and looked a genuine threat two furlongs from home. Beaten only a little over a length, the run was full of merit

Evilin made the race for those camped behind. Although beaten a good distance from home, she boxed on for the smallest check.

Street Away passed a couple of horses in the run home, and was making ground, but too late.

Dancin Ransom, General Mambo and Mean Green raced rearwards throughout.

Heavily supported in betting, Espresso D’Italia dropped out of contention early and was being assessed by the vets as this report was being prepared.

Not a Honky Tonk is a three year old daughter of Not Impossible / Honky Tonk City (Carson City / Secretariat) raced by flickaspad. This was her fifth win from 10 starts and elevates his earnings to above $260,000. Not a Honky Tonk ran the 9 furlongs in 1.50.0 and returned a speed rating of 93. Ranked # 121 in her class before the race, this initial graded victory elevates her rapidly to # 20

flickaspad stable has been to the races on 240 occasions, and has landed in the winner’s circle 30 times. A well balanced stable, Not a Honky Tonk is clearly the headline act, while Frozen Dice, Barb’s Peggy (also a winner this weekend) and Lone Waite are all six figure earners.