Tete Novembre(IRE) Scores Back-to-Back Merced Triumphs
Viking Racing’s speedy Tete Novembre(IRE) won Sweden’s prestigious Grade II Merced Stakes for the second year in a row. And just like last year, the big Noverre(IRE) stallion did it in wire-to-wire fashion. The flashy chestnut millionaire dueled with Forty Mile River to mid-stretch where he put that rival away and opened a daylight lead on the field.
Close to home it looked as if Therion’s charge was in full command. But suddenly Kingab’s Magical Merlin dropped from the sky and flew up along side the gallant leader. The pair were inseparable at the wire. But the eye in the sky gave a narrow verdict to Tete Novembre(IRE).
The happy and relieved Therion proudly accepted the unique crystal Merced Vase which is annually presented to the winning owner. Winning rider Tommy O’Shea will receive a miniature replica of the famous trophy.
Race # 15
Merced Stakes Purse: $200,000
All horses, 4 years old and up
A mile and one sixteenth — Firm Turf
Merced Stakes Purse: $200,000
All horses, 4 years old and up
A mile and one sixteenth — Firm Turf
Post Horse Win Place Show
5 TETE NOVEMBRE(IRE) $13.60 $6.00 $5.40
9 MAGICAL MERLIN $8.90 $5.80
6 GET MORE MINUTES $7.30
Exacta: $138.80
Trifecta: $1,446.30
Trifecta: $1,446.30
Also Rans: PULPIT FICTION, NEW STORM, FORTY MILE RIVER, OUT ON BAIL, PAPER JAM, MERRY MEX
Time of race: 1:42 1/5
Horse ID# Owner Jockey SP# Post 1st Call 2nd Call 3rd Call Final LB Odds
TETE NOVEMBRE(IRE) 30301 therion T O’Shea 104 5 2 hd 1 ns 1 2 — 5.80
MAGICAL MERLIN 26309 lordbyron W Turnbull 103 9 6 4-3/4 5 7 4 5-1/4 ns 10.40
GET MORE MINUTES 112 ldstable P Ibrox 102 6 7 6 7 8-3/4 6 7 1-1/4 9.90
PULPIT FICTION 52477 foxon3 S Jacobsson 102 4 8 6 8 8-3/4 7 7-1/4 1-1/2 4.40
NEW STORM 86818 coolerk P Jones 98 8 9 7-1/2 9 11-1/2 8 10-1/4 4-1/4 3.20
FORTY MILE RIVER 96337 ghosty A Park 97 1 1 hd 2 ns 2 2 5-1/4 12.30
OUT ON BAIL 69187 tflyer M Jones 95 2 3 2 3 3 3 5 6-3/4 3.70
PAPER JAM 109913 thunderg99 L Ratzlaff 95 3 4 3 4 4-3/4 5 6 7 13.10
MERRY MEX 95989 gradeone M Mason 84 7 5 4-1/2 6 7-1/2 9 11-1/2 15-1/2 7.30
MAGICAL MERLIN 26309 lordbyron W Turnbull 103 9 6 4-3/4 5 7 4 5-1/4 ns 10.40
GET MORE MINUTES 112 ldstable P Ibrox 102 6 7 6 7 8-3/4 6 7 1-1/4 9.90
PULPIT FICTION 52477 foxon3 S Jacobsson 102 4 8 6 8 8-3/4 7 7-1/4 1-1/2 4.40
NEW STORM 86818 coolerk P Jones 98 8 9 7-1/2 9 11-1/2 8 10-1/4 4-1/4 3.20
FORTY MILE RIVER 96337 ghosty A Park 97 1 1 hd 2 ns 2 2 5-1/4 12.30
OUT ON BAIL 69187 tflyer M Jones 95 2 3 2 3 3 3 5 6-3/4 3.70
PAPER JAM 109913 thunderg99 L Ratzlaff 95 3 4 3 4 4-3/4 5 6 7 13.10
MERRY MEX 95989 gradeone M Mason 84 7 5 4-1/2 6 7-1/2 9 11-1/2 15-1/2 7.30
TETE NOVEMBRE(IRE) relentlessly dueled with FORTY MILE RIVER to mid-stretch where he put that one away and opened a clear lead. Was all out to hold MAGICAL MERLIN safe by the narrowest of margins. The latter, unhurried early, found room mid stretch and was virtually airborne the final eighth only to drop a heartbreaker. GET MORE MINUTES followed MAGICAL MERLIN’s every move and closed strongly to earn show honors. PULPIT FICTION was reserved off the swift pace and also finished well. FORTY MILE RIVER dueled with the winner from flag fall to mid-stretch. Gave way grudgingly in a brave effort. OUT ON BAIL raced evenly and tired late. PAPER JAM had no mishap in a rather dull effort. MERRY MEX was always outrun.