In advance of Saturday’s (Sept. 30) Commonwealth Day” program at Laurel Park, Cross Roads, Sheet Lightning and Gentle Prince all earned their first lifetime victories this past week in Virginia-bred action. Just Call Kenny, Code West and American Dubai all earned top three finishes in key stakes. And veteran horses like Defondo, What a Wildcat, Bourbon and Beer, and Greek God reached the winner’s circle in various claiming events around the country.
Cross Roads broke her maiden at Laurel September 22nd in a 5 1/2 furlong sprint that featured a field of ten. The 3 year old Quality Road filly, trained by Mike Trombetta, authored a gate to wire effort with jockey Forest Boyce astride. She crossed in 1:02.92 and finished one length ahead of Nina’s patience. Out of the Meadowlake mare, Sincerely, Cross Roads was bred by and is owned by Larry Johnson.
Cross Roads was best in a $22,000 maiden claimer at Laurel September 22nd. Photo by Jim McCue.
Sheet Lightning was also part of a ten horse field of maiden claimers at Delaware that competed one mile, 70 yards. The 3 year old Fierce Wind filly raced among the top three until deep stretch where she ran down the front runners and crossed a length to the better in 1:42.22. Bred by Susan Minor and trained by James Lawrence II, Sheet Lightning reached the winner’s circle for the first time in eight outs to complement a runner-up and a trio of third place finishes. Owners Donald McMurray and Bruce Burns will receive a 25% bonus for the win courtesy of the VTA/HBPA Mid-Atlantic incentive program. Larry Johnson received a bonus as well for Cross Roads’ win.
Gentle Prince broke also broke his maiden in a ten horse battle, but did it 3,000 miles farther west. The 2 year old Exchange Rate gelding, who was making his lifetime debut, came from seventh early on to win by a neck at Emerald Downs. The winner covered six furlongs in 1:11.88 in the $18,500 MSW class. Bred by the Three Ladies Racing Stable, Gentle Prince is out of Runninglikeanangel by Rockport Harbor.