Turfmas in February

There were no great surprises in California’s Grade 3 Honey Bee Handicap this weekend, with perhaps the exception of a disappointing run from the favorite. The winner, however, was very well supported, being just slightly edged out of second place in the final betting, before doing much more than ‘just edging out’ her opponents when it mattered. Merry Turfmas came into this race, having run a creditable second behind Alayaya in the G1-Sexy Muffins at her most recent run. (Perhaps she forced that runner to work too hard, as connections look for reasons for her dismal effort this week in Queensland). Anyway, this was to be the week of the Galileo five year old, as she adds this Graded trophy to that of the G2-Trash Can, which she secured four starts back.

As expected, Crushing Ignorance won the jump and had no competition for the early ascendancy. Game Girl landed a clear second early, with Monsun JR CB, Etrusca, Faux Pas settling together, just ahead of Blue Pak and Otto Arc. Just a length and a half separated second and seventh at the first call. Running Scared was up with that group. Joint Effort not far away, with Grand Ridge, Merry Turfmas and Dubawi Quest jostling for cover towards the rear. Multiple Maniac had surrendered the pole advantage and Wishing Well G was more than content to let the field scramble for positions ahead of her.

There were no significant changes in running order for the first half mile or so, with Crushing Ignorance setting up a comfortable lead of almost four lengths from Game Girl and Monsun JR CB, while the backmarker, Wishing Well G, was giving away more than a dozen lengths. Half a mile from home, and the race was on in earnest. Game Girl was first to surrender. Monsun JR CB was asked for an effort, but was only holding ground. None of the early frontrunners could make any forward moves and while Crushing Ignorance looked to be traveling kindly, there was movement from the rear, as Grand Ridge, Merry Turfmas, Multiple Maniac and Wishing Well G began making impressive runs.

But into the stretch and Crushing Ignorance was immediately under pressure. Gosset had timed the run on Merry Turfmas to perfection, taking over not long after straightening. Wishing Well G was working home even faster, but had given away too big a start. Grand Ridge never looked a likely winner, but was closing the race out solidly.

Down to the wire, it was Merry Turfmas by a comfortable two and a quarter lengths.

Wishing Well G did more than enough to make this writer look foolish, in finishing a clear second.

Grand Ridge worked home well, eventually beaten four and a half

Crushing Ignorance did not show her usual fight, surrendering once collared.

Multiple Mainiac (I’ll spell it right this time) made good ground from the rear for the final check.  

Monsun JR CB ran an even race, just fading in the run home.

Otto Arc looked a chance of paying expenses as they turned for home, but couldn’t hold the closers out

Joint Effort, Running Scared and Blue Pak all raced midfield before wilting

Etrusca used up too much gas keeping in touch early.

Faux Pas was up there, but faded. A disappointing effort from the punter’s elect.

Game Girl kept the leader honest early, but that effort took its toll.

Dubawi Quest was spent early and pulled up distressed.

Merry Turfmas is a four year old daughter of Galileo from La Run (Machiavellian / Run The Gauntlet).  This was her ninth win from twenty five runs, and lifts her earnings above $550k. She ran the eight and a half furlongs in 1.41.6, returning a speed rating of 108. Previous rated # 28 in her division, this Graded win elevates her to # 15.

Cheadle is a member of “Desperado Stables”, a 13 barn conglomerate supporting GR Simsters. Merry Turfmas is a stablemate of an old favorite, million dollar earner Moneygrowsontrees (Forestry), as well as six figure earners Improv (Distorted Humor) and Desperado Blues (Dixieland Band).

At the Window:  Wipeout! No prizes for second, while our ‘exotics’ runners finished fourth and fifth