Longshot Spamish Heart grabs victory in Crevis En La Burgs(IRE) Stakes

Spanish Heart got his chance and proved that he could run with the big boys, capturing this week’s Crevis En La Burgs(IRE) stakes. This was his first stakes win, as well as his first non MCOS win and it quickly catapulted him to a rank of 49 in the three year old Long Turf Division. This was his fifth win in thirteen starts, and he post a career best speed of 91 with an impressive show of stamina in the second half. The $27000 check he earns here came close to doubling his career earnings, bringing him to $61369 lifetime. He paid some nice dividends at the betting window as well, after being rated by oddsmakers as an also ran, paying $12.90 $4.90 $2.10 across the board. He also contributed to a $32.40 exacta and a $64.80 trifecta.

From the gate, Manaito established the early lead, jumping out fast with Spanish Heart stalking just off the pace, leaving the rest of the field well behind. By the halfway mark, Manaito had opened up nearly four lengths over Spanish Heart, with seven lengths to the next competitor who was already fading quickly. Spanish Heart began to press a bit after the half, but wasn’t making up much ground, still out by two as they turned for home. At that point it looked like Manaito was going to take this one gate to wire, but as they hit the middle of the stretch he started to tire, while Spanish Heart found a little something extra. Spanish Heart surged past, tacking on two and a quarter lengths as they reached the wire, with Manaito settling for second behind him. Faliano(IRE) once again displayed a sterling close, but he appeared to get a late start. He made up close to eight of the fourteen lengths he was down at the half, but it wasn’t nearly enough. He settled for third, six and a half out at the wire.