Slick Ham Memorial
(SP)Wyoming-The Kong Hope Memorial is in the books and it will go down as one of the surprise races of the year. Although one of the early favorites was able to win the race, it was not a forgone conclusion. Woody’s Smurfs Stumbled coming out of the starting gate and it looked like his race was over, but that was not how he and Jesse Sands saw it. The two combined to pull off a stunning comeback to when they hit the corner for home. Somewhere Woody’s Smurfs found a burst of energy which carried him home for a four lengths win. Flytastic Indy showed that he was here to run and that the odds makers should not have ignored him and at 23-1 odds he brought home a tidy little sum. He came in fully intending to take the race from gate to wire and would have done so if he didn’t fade badly in the home stretch. It was obvious the altitude got to him but he still came in to place making him this year’s highest long shot to hit the stakes board. Bringing in the show place was Icy Prince. He used his experience on this track and a good stalking technique to make it on the board once again. He didn’t really challenge for first but did have an easy time for his show.
After a great opening last week for the BTB winter run in Wyoming, it is a big disappointment this week. There are only four entrants for the $50,000 Slick Ham Memorial. After a little digging it was found that the WRC (Wyoming Racing Commission) had not properly promoted this race. Many owners confused this race with two earlier races in that had similar names and was thought to already have run. Once again there is continued ineptitude and problems with the WRC. It is a situation that is only growing worse and causing disinterest by local racing fans. It is a problem that must be addressed and soon or racing in Wyoming could be in dire straights. Anyway, this weekend’s race will be a six furlong sprint for freshman fillies on the dirt. The following are our entered ladies.
Tricky Missy entered by daydreamer. This little brown filly has yet to win in her two races but has managed to hit second both times. She even has experience at the top level, as her last race was stakes competition in Iowa. Her times show a marked improvement but is not considered top flight as yet. This Phone Trick filly likes to close on the field and looks to be asking for a little more room for this style. Six furlongs just might hinder her style.
Lineball entered by phantom. This Line In The Sand filly has only been improving in all four of her races. She is a fiery filly that likes to take the race and dictate from start to finish. She also has a place showing last time out at the stakes level when she was nipped at the wire in Montana. This should be no deterrent and expect her at the front again setting a strong pace.
Miss Bailey(AUS) entered by michaelb. This Aussie lady has run exclusively at the top flight level and has even tested G1 racing. Unfortunately for her it was a bit of an eye opener and her nerves and a slight injury were her undoing. She returned to racing earlier this month and showed no ill effects to her injury or the miserable outing and looks ready to run again. The Redoute’s Choice filly needs a good break from the gate or her race is basically over. If she doesn’t break well, it throws her off her stride.
Ravishing Russkie entered by ladyeve2. This chestnut filly comes in as the veteran with five races under the saddle. She has only one win to show for her effort and is also entering into her second stakes race. She challenged late for the win last time out in Iowa, but couldn’t maintain her advantage. This Great Notion filly comes in as the co-favorite and shows consistency, but her stamina is still somewhat of a question mark.