Stormspector Takes Thriller in Bob Barker

The favorite triumphed this week in Wyoming’s Grade 3 Bob Barker Stakes, but not before being made to pull out all stops over the concluding stages. Supporters of Stormspector were all on their feet shouting, as Bo’s Bomb made a real race of it, providing a most exciting finish, before eventually succumbing by a quarter of a length.

Storm Forecast won the jump in the middle of the field, but could only slide across a couple of spots as she was kept three wide in an early charge which saw horses spread five wide. Stays in Vegas, also smartly away, sat outside her early, while Angra Mainyu and Wet on the rail, remained inside those two. Seeking the Prince made the line of five at the outset. Dehere That was away nicely, moving across from the wide gate, soon to sit outside Wet, who’d given up the speed quest, but maintained the rail. Silver City Gal sat inside Bo’s Bomb, while I’am Busting settled wider with Stormspector inside her. Fire West and Ft. Benning were patiently ridden early

It seemed they had barely time to settle before jockeys began to get anxious. Stays in Vegas quickly moved to Storm Forecast, who’d never had any peace in front. Seeking the Prince was still in there looking a chance, while the only significant moves from the bulk of the field were being made by Bo’s Bomb and Stormpector.

Settling for the run home and Stays in Vegas had kicked away with a length’s lead from Storm Forecast, refusing to throw in the towel. Bo’s Bomb was closing on the leader, but Stormspector had more momentum. The favorite cruised to the lead in the stretch, and looked set for a big win, but Bo’s Bomb raised a final effort, closing gradually and forcing the favorite to earn the victory.

At the wire and it was Stormspector by a quarter of a length. Bo’s Bomb was gallant in defeat, while Stays in Vegas battled on gamely, finishing another three quarters of a length back in third

Storm Forecast held on for fourth, beaten just over two lengths.

Seeking the Prince ran an even race for fifth

Wet was never far away in a solid, but far from legendary effort.

With the exception of Angra Mainyu, eventually eighth, who was prominent early before fading, the backmarkers finished more or less as they had raced. Dehere That came home seventh, but Ft. Benning, Silver City Gal, Fire West and I’m a Busting were well back throughout

Stormspector is a three year old scratchbred daughter of Storm Cat / Mr. Prospector / Buckpasser. This was her third win from eight starts and lifts her earnings above $250,000. She ran the six furlongs in 1.09.8, and returned a speed rating of 99. Previous rated # 53 in her division, this win elevates her to # 25.

Titleist is a member of the 28 barn “Balata”, all stables being active supporters of The CR Racers. Stormspector is the one of half a dozen six figure earners in the yard, with Lady Jinsky heading the earnings with almost $1.3 million. The stable also houses three unraced two year olds.

We managed to fluke the trifecta in order, and if you followed the tips, you were rewarded with a handy $400.00