|
|
Wildcat fights her way to Victory WILDCAT BETTIE B (Meadowlake) was sent off the 2-1 favorite in Thursday's $110,700 Victory Ride S. (G3) at Saratoga, but after enduring a bumpy start, the chestnut miss dropped back to last and looked like she would have to wait until another day to end up in the winner's circle. Those who gave up on her early, though, were in for a big surprise, as she weaved her way to a one-length score late under jockey Mario Pino, returning $6.60, $3.60 and $3.10 while keying the $27.20 exacta, $166 trifecta and $354 superfecta (3-1-8-2). After his mount was bumped, Pino was forced to steady her and the pair dropped back to trail as Original Spin (Distorted Humor) jumped out to lead through the first quarter in :21 4/5. However, she wouldn't hold that spot much longer, as G City Gal (Elusive Quality) appeared to her inside along the rail and managed to get her head in front through a half in :45. Pulling away from her pacesetting rival, G City Gal was 2 1/2 lengths clear heading into the stretch and looked well on her way to a first stakes win. Unfortunately for her, though, Wildcat Bettie B wasn't done. In fact, she was just getting started. Coming around the turn, the Oasis Racing colorbearer was saving ground along the rail when a spot suddenly opened up. Shooting through that gap to reach contention, she then angled off the rail and came to the outside of G City Gal, quickly pulling away to finish six furlongs on the fast dirt in 1:10 4/5. G City Gal held well for second, two lengths clear of Khalila (Elusive Quality) and paying $5.80 and $4.50 at 4-1. Show gave back $5.50 at 10-1, and finishing out the order under the wire were Cherokee Jewel (Cherokee Run), Misty Rosette (Stormin Fever), Summer Girlfriend (Forest Camp), Original Spin and Any Limit (Limit Out). Wildcat Bettie B has now captured three straight, adding the Miss Preakness S. (G3) and Prioress Breeders' Cup S. (G1) to her record prior to this one. The Larry Jones trainee started off the year with a win in the Dixie Belle S., and has also run third in the Beaumont S. (G2) this season. Her earnings have risen to $379,840, and her line now reads 9-6-0-1. Bred in Kentucky by Barry and Judith Becker, the sophomore lass was purchased as a yearling for $42,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September sale and is the first registered foal out of the multiple-stakes winning One Number Short (Katowice), who also has a 2006 colt by Free at Last.
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
