Four Virginia-breds reached the winners circle this past week including Galaxy Express and Wing Fighter, a pair bred by Lady Olivia at North Cliff.
Galaxy Express, who was 4th in the 2016 Jamestown Stakes, was best December 9th in a $27,000, one mile claiming race at Parx. The 3 year old Cosa Vera gelding beat eight others courtesy of a three wide rallying move at the top of the stretch. The winner crossed in 1:40.86, one-half length better than Fiery Opal. It was the first win this year for Galaxy Express , who also has a pair of seconds and thirds in 13 starts. His 2017 bankroll stands at $42,365. He is out of the Luhuk mare, Alice Phone Home, and is owned by the Home Team Stables, who earned a 25% bonus from the HBPA/VTA Mid-Atlantic Incentive program.
Wing Fighter got to the winners circle farther south at Tampa Bay Downs December 6th. The 3 year old Cosa Vera colt also was part of a large nine horse field and won by a length after leading through much of the one mile, 40 yards race. Except for a brief pocket at the head of the stretch when runner-up Soby Junior took a slight lead, Wing Fighter held the lead spot from start to finish. The winner, out of Shanta by Leroidesanimaux, collected his eighth “top three” finish this year from 15 starts. Wing Fighter broke his maiden September 17th at Delaware, then was 7th in the Punch Line Stakes.
When It Reigns won her first lifetime race December 9th in the snow at Laurel. Photo by Jim McCue.
When It Reigns captured her first career win in a six furlong, $22,000 maiden claimer at Laurel December 9th. The 3 year old Fiber Sonde filly, who was seventh in her career bow October 15th at Charles Town, dominated a five horse field by 8 1/4 lengths in Maryland. She was bumped early on but rebounded nicely with jockey Xavier Perez up top. The winner, bred by Nancy & Eric Rizer, is out of the Stormin Fever mare, Minifever. Owner Eric Rizer received a 25% bonus courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic triumph.
Wild Affair won for the third time in her last six starts on December 8th when she authored a gate to wire effort at Charles Town at the 1 1/8 miles distance. The 4 year old Up Periscope filly beat runner-up Kilt Chaser by two lengths and paid $19.00 in the upset. Wild Affair now has four wins this year to complement a runner-up and a pair of thirds. The winner, out of Vermont Gilan by Black Tie Affair, is owned and bred by the Vermont Farm. They too received a 25% bonus for Wild Affair’s triumph.