The A. P. Jello Memorial a Dessert in the Desert

Race ID:3861.7210

The A. P. Jello Memorial Stakes
$45,000
All horses 4 Years & Up
Dirt: Good  8.5 furlongs

The “jello” wasn’t the only thing jiggling in the fresh Montana air as a wide open field of thirteen battled for race honours in the honourary A. P. Jello Memorial Stakes.  As the gates flew open a speed duel developed as KEYED UP(KY) tgerk3, SURF AND TURF(KY) starman and G RULES CH(KY) chevry vied for the early lead.  With none of the three riders willing to give an inch to the others, eventual winner SECOND SIGHT(KY) vanilla2, LEMON(KY) francy2 and ELECTRICAL CHARGE(KY) fabfarms all sat in the catbird’s seat stalking the lead pack just off by four.  The field continued to be tightly bunched going into the far turn as a mere eight lengths seperated first from last.  The speed began to falter as the horses entered the stretch and jockey M. Reed called on his charge SECOND SIGHT(KY) to make his run.  Trying to keep pace with him was SPECIAL WAY(JPN) whirlaway but he couldn’t stay and settled for second.  ELECTRICAL CHARGE(KY) ran evenly throughout and finished a solid third.  Place IRON BERO(KY) sharpe on your “Watch Tab” as he he stretches out.  The distance was predictably a tad short for him today … but ran a credible fourth.

Hladun’s Pre-Race Analysis:

SECOND SIGHT(JPN)     vanilla2     (11/1)

“Similar to others in here, he’s looking to have success at the next level.  This five year old son T. M. Opera O comes out of the Houston Mount Special Stakes here in Montana last month where he held onto second after having the lead to the top of the lane.  Another getting the test.”

SPECIAL WAY(JPN)   whirlaway     (8/1)

“This son of Forty Niner is making his five year old debut here returning after a two month absence.  Having competed in the Grade I Breeder’s Bowl Dirt Mile, he looks to get untracked here and back to his winning ways.  Perhaps the farm fresh air will have re-energized him.”

ELECTRICAL CHARGE(KY)     fabfarms     (9/2)

“This five year old son of Posse is two for two on a “good” track which explains why trainer  fabfarms is smiling this week.  A consistent sort, he’s posted fourteen consecutive triple digit speed figures though they haven’t always resulted in winning performances.  Looking to rebound here in this spot off a disappointing sixth in his latest, the Grade II San Valenzuala BB.”

POST RACE NOTES:

• The race was run in a smart 1:41:2 for the eight and a half furlong distance with no fewer than nine contestants breaking into triple digit speed figures led by the winners 109.
• Celebrity Guest Bill Cosby on hand to distribute the hardware to winning connections vanilla2 was seen earlier in the day enjoying one of his favourite foods … a jello pudding pop!
• Hladun’s longshot pick IRON BERO(KY) finished fourth at 16-1.

MEDIA QUOTES:

• “My horse lived up to his name and was rank today.  I just couldn’t get him to relax and that was his undoing” … Jockey M. Gilmore aboard tgerk3’s Keyed Up(KY)
• “We love it here in Montana .. Whew!  He’s as good as he’s ever been right now and just keeps getting better.  The break on the farm really did him good and sometimes you just need to step back and be patient.” … Winning Trainer vanilla2 in the winners circle
• “He was a second sight today wasn’t he. He was so calm and stayed within himself throughout.  When I called on him in the stretch he gave me another gear almost effortlessly.  He’s just so professional in everything he does.” … Jockey M. Reed aboard winner Second Sight(JPN)
• “Boy oh boy … that jello puddin’ pop was a delight!” … Guest Celebrity Bill Cosby