The Alyluv Trick Special Stakes, Kansas

Racegoers at Kansas were treated to a fine race in their feature event on Saturday, the Alyluv Trick Special Stakes ran for 3yo fillies over 7.5 furlong dirt. It come down to a battle of the game front runner v the fast finisher in the last 100 yards.

As the traps flew open Go Out Dancing flew the gates and into the lead. Lopickles Yamazakura jumped out just behind and preceded to pressurise the leader. Entering the 2nd furlong, Yamazakura took the lead, but was thwarted once again by go out Dancing who regained his leadby the third furlong and just at the four marker, Yamazakura appeared to be in trouble. Remarkably Yamazakura battled back with a heart as big as a lions to take the lead and atempt to snatch the spoils.

As the crowds attention was on the battle for the lead, jockey W Collins had sat in midfield as quiet as a church mouse. He sat and stalked and with perfect timing began to produce Wheels of Steel entering the final furlong. The luckless Yamazakura was passed with 50 yards left to run as Wheels of Steel recorded his first stakes win. It was a smooth victory which must have sent his trainer Worldwide home a happy man. Wheels of steel was not winning out of turn and deserved his victory after some good recent form in this grade. His winning speed rating of 99 was a lifetime best, and the runner up, who also looks a lovely filly, put up her lifetime best of 98. I do believe Yamazakura will have her day soon, it may possibly be over 7 furlongs. Go out dancing stuck on well enough also and took the 3rd place prizemoney.

An exciting race to watch, i would not be surprised if this race threw up a few decent winners in the coming months.