Fillies Go For It in Thriller

I was wrong! Despite having won nine of her last ten, I thought Strong Prospect represented questionable value before the race. After the event, however, $11.90 looks a really nice return for a filly with such a consistent record

Five fillies jumped smartly when the starter said go. Pegasus Prayer, out wide, and The Night Stalker were both determined to lead, with Pegasus Prayer keeping her nose in front. Hand of the Sinner, Do Ordain and Strong Prospect were also interested in the early ascendancy, but their jockeys soon exercised restraint and eased off a little, but placed themselves hot on the heels of the leading pair. The remainder of the field were all content to show patience early, saving themselves for hopeful late charges. Bo’s Bomb led the second wave, with The Teacher outside her and Fetish on their inside. Clark County was caught a little deep early, with Seeking Power and Fireforge close by. It’s Rather Cloudy and Strike The Saint dropped back close to the fence and I See Your Point crossed over behind them all.

Pegasus Prayer continued to set a cracking pace, and while the running order remained largely unchanged, the field spread out until, half way round the bend, a dozen lengths separated first and last.

As the race took on a serious note, Do Ordain was first beaten, Pegasus Prayer had kicked away, The Night Stalker began to feel the heat while Hand Of The Sinner and Strong Prospect were still looking like winning chances. From further back Clark County, Fireforge and Seeking Power were all working into the picture.

A furlong out and the crowd were getting what they came to see. Pegasus Prayer was holding on to her lead valiantly. Strong Prospect was making inroads and Clark County was taking giant strides.

Down to the wire and Strong Prospect had timed her run to perfection, running down the leader in the final bounds and hitting the line with a narrow, but convincing, quarter of a length margin.

Pegasus Prayer and the fast finishing Clark County had to await the photo result, which went in favor of the pacemaker. All three placegetters registered the same 107 speed rating.

Hand of the Sinner never gave up and held on gamely for fourth.

Fireforge ran home strongly to take the minor check.

Seeking Power did her best work over the closing stages.

The Night Stalker worked too hard to keep the leader honest in the early part of the race.

Fetish raced in much the same position throughout.

Bo’s Bomb ran an even race

Do Ordain was up there until the pressure was applied.

Strike The Saint made a little late ground.

The Teacher started well, but faded.

I See Your Point raced rearwards throughout.

It’s Rather Cloudy, although last, was beaten less than seven lengths.

Strong Prospect is a four year old scratchbred daughter of Strong Hope / Mr. Prospector / Northern Dancer.  This was her nineteenth win from thirty two runs, and lifts her earnings above $821k. She ran the six and a half furlongs in 1.15.4, while returning a speed rating of 107. Previous rated # 10 in her division, this Graded win elevates her to # 4.

Buttons is a member of the 13 barn “Twinhollow Stables”, all supporters of Ohio Thoroughbred Racing. Strong Prospect is the stable star, while Great Sensation is the barn’s other six figure earner.

At the Window: A complete wipeout. While we put our money on youth and value, maturity and experience won the day