Even-money favorite Super Ninety Nine lived up to expectations in the $300,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) on February 18th at Oaklawn Park, drawing away powerfully to win the 1 1/16th miles race by a staggering 11 1/4 lengths.
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Super Ninety Nine flashed speed from the start and quickly took command of the lead, setting fractions of :23.33, :47.49, and 1:12.29 over a sloppy track while being tracked by Heaven's Runway, Big Lute, and Always in a Tiz. Officer Alex and Texas Bling were next in line, followed by Brown Almighty, Channel Isle, Fear the Kitten, and Will Take Charge.
As the field moved around the far turn, Super Ninety Nine began to widen his advantage without any pressure from Bejarano, and by the time he entered the homestretch, Super Ninety Nine was well clear of his closest pursuers. The results of the race were never in doubt after that, with Super Ninety Nine extending his lead in breathtaking fashion to win the race in 1:44.84 seconds.
Fear the Kitten closed well on the outside to finish second, 2 1/4 lengths in front of Heaven's Runway. Channel Isle turned in a mild rally to complete the superfecta, while Always in a Tiz, Will Take Charge, Big Lute, Brown Almighty, Texas Bling, and Officer Alex completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Tanma Corporation. A son of Pulpit out of the Unbridled's Song mare Exogenetic, Super Ninety Nine has now compiled a record of 3-1-0 from 5 starts, with earnings of $266,480.
-Keelerman
No comments:
Post a Comment