A Chant For True Believers

A fast early pace to virtually guarantee a race record, a top jockey riding to perfection, the prized inside draw to enable that jockey to select his own position in the run and a trainer who had the foresight to see that giving away too much early ground would be suicidal. Combine these elements and you come up with the recipe for victory. This week the recipe was followed to the letter by the connections of True Chant, and she took home the trophy for the G3-Matress Stakes.

Crushing Ignorance won the jump won the jump and, perhaps unexpectedly, had absolutely no competition in that opening gambit. True Chant, from the inside gate, had no desire to contest the lead, but also no intention of getting too far off the pace, Departure Bay settled three wide at a similar early tempo, with Dubawi Quest splitting them, just a tad astern, Then came a line of five, Kirby’s Young Doc, three wide, Monsun JR CB inside her and Dream of Buda, nicely set on the fence matching strides. Settling four wide came Whirling Away, along with K’s Pragmatic, five wide, the ninth in running order, but only half a length astern of fifth. Fantastic Visione and Moi Lolita moved across behind the rest of the field

No significant changes in running order for the first half mile or so, but Crushing Ignorance had opened a gap of nearly four lengths on True Chant and Departure Bay, while the backmarkers, Fantastic Visione and the pre-race favorite Moi Lolita were giving the leader a start of at least ten lengths. Approaching the top turn, and the race took on a new complexion. True Chant set out after Crushing Ignorance, who was far from done. Departure Bay and Dubawi Quest were fighting on, but starting to feel the pressure, and from a bit further back, Dream of Buda, Whirling Away and Monsun JR CB were making up ground. Crushing Ignorance held the ascendancy for another couple of furlongs, with True Chant slowing bridging the gap. But once they straightened, it was over in a couple of strides. Gosset gave True Chant a slight tap and she was away. Crushing Ignorance was still trying, but Whirling Away and Dream of Buda had her measure in the run home and became in an epic battle between themselves for the placings

Down to the line and it was True Chant by a comfortable three lengths.

Whirling Away got the judge’s nod, in the tightest of photos, from a gallant Dream Of Buda

Crushing Ignorance, although beaten at the top of the stretch, battled on for fourth.

Monsun JR CB couldn’t maintain the run which saw her look some sort of chance coming round the bend, but she did enough for the final prize.

Departure Bay showed plenty of early speed before weakening.

Dubawi Quest was also up there early, but couldn’t finish it off.

K’s Pragmatic lost all chance when posted out wide round the first turn.

Moi Lolita was a most disappointing favorite.

Fantastic Visione never featured.

Kirby’s Young Doc is far better than today’s run would indicate.

True Chant is a three year old daughter of War Chant from True Slew Again (Miswaki / Seattle Slew).  This was her sixth win from eighteen runs, and lifts her earnings above $840k. She ran the nine furlongs in 1.47.4, taking six tenths of a second off the previous race record and returning a speed rating of 111. Previous rated # 4 in her division, this Graded win elevates her to # 3.

Tgi is an independent, unaffiliated stable. True Chant is the star of the yard. Beat the Habit (Beat Hollow) is the other six figure earner, while two year old stakeswinner Dansaar (Saarland), shows plenty of promise

At the Window:  Wipeout! We had the winner tipped for second, but failed to close out the exotics.