The GORDIE’S PRINTS Memorial-Stk

In a race being run in the memory of million dollar earning mare, GORDIE’S PRINTS, a small, and very even field of seven 4yo+ mares gathered in what turned out to be a near blanket finish.

It was STAR STRYKE and BENNY BEING BENNY that broke away with the early lead, and waged their own private war around the first bend.

BLACK AVENUE sat back behind them and waited for a run, while the rest of the field saved their energy for the stretch.

The first to make a move along the inside rail were, SHANTYTOWN, and STRIKE THE BIRDIE, the latter of which swept by the early leaders close to home and hit the line going away to win by 3/4 of a length.

The $80,000 prize pool was shared with outsider STAR STRYKE who battled on gamely for second, in a photo ahead of SHANTYTOWN.

The rest of the field was close behind that trio, with TICKLE PICKLE, and K’S FINNANCIER finishing strongly, but not getting close enough to offer any real threat.  The whole field was separated by just one and a half lengths. 

The winner, a 5yo ROCK SLIDE mare for the sesho17 stable, is now the 16th ranked mare sprinter on dirt.  Another win in a similar race next time out will see her top the half million dollar mark in prizemoney.

The morning line favourite, K’S FINNANCIER, showed that she is better over an extra furlong or two, as she ran out of room in chasing down the talented winner, to finish at the rear of the field.