Seven Virginia-bred horses created their own fireworks over the July 4th holiday weekend by winning a race at seven different tracks.
Sambrook Edge won on the 4th itself in a $25,000 one mile claiming race at Gulfstream. The 4 year old son of Afleet Alex was best in a field of eleven courtesy of a huge second half comeback. The victor trailed by nine lengths at the half and seven at the top of the stretch but rallied outside to edge Woodburn by a neck in 1:39.30. Sambrook Edge won his second straight and collected his fifth straight “in the money” finish. He was bred by Lazy Lane Farms, and is out of the Mineshaft mare, Kate C.
Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Louise’s Legacy won her third race of the year July 3rd at Lone Star Park just before their annual fireworks show began. Bred by Louise McLean, the 6 year old Medalist mare chased two frontrunners from third through the turn, then got best of them in the stretch. She finished the $22,000 six furlong allowance sprint in 1:11.49. Louise’s Legacy has bankrolled $83,160. She is out of the Mazel Trick mare, Sweetgeorgiabrown.
Aine earned her first lifetime victory July 1st at Laurel in a $22,000 maiden claiming race. Photo by Jim McCue.
A trio of Virginia-breds connected on July 1st, including Aine, All Call and Chas’s Legacy. Aine collected her first lifetime win for owner/trainer/breeder Susan Cooney. The 4 year old Artie Schiller filly crossed a half length ahead of Saturday’s Rein in a $22,000 maiden claiming sprint. In beating the large field of eleven others, Aine completed the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:05.08. She is out of In Too Deep by The Deep.
All Call made it two straight with a come from behind win over seven others in a claimer at Arlington. The 6 year old Cowboy Cal gelding was one of three horses to get claimed out of the race for the $20,000 tag. Bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm, the winner crossed a half length in front as the betting choice and increased his bankroll to $173,274 with his 9th victory. He is out of the Honor Grades mare, Honorett.
Chas’s Legacy battled with Nick’s Picks head to head for the better part of his one mile race at Arapahoe Park. The 6 year old Bernardini gelding, who was a head shy until late in the stretch, was a head better at the wire. Bred by the Estate of Edward Evans, Chas’s Legacy collected his second win of the year and seventh lifetime score. He is out of Our Legacy by Kingmambo.
Brudda Clyde kicked off the weekend Friday with a win at Lethbridge Racecourse in Alberta, Canada. Bred by James Sumter Carter, the son of Political Force was best in the six furlong claiming sprint. The victor, who was making his 42nd career start, saw his earnings rise to $72,309.
Brindabella collected her first win June 25th at Laurel. The 4 year old daughter of Street Magician won by 1 1/2 lengths and gave owner Super C Racing Inc. a 25% owners bonus. Photo courtesy of Jim McCue.
Congratulations to other pre-holiday weekend Virginia-bred winners: Eldarion (Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin), Well Blessed (Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone), Cliffs of Malibu (Kristen Suzanne Wyco), Brindabella (Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Cahir), Stormin Margaret (Rodger Smith), Likeness (James Sumter Carter), Gratzie (Althea Richards), Code West (Edward Evans), Really Boppin (Jackie Hinson), Max Crown (Lady Olivia at North Cliff, LLC), Wild Affair (Vermont Farm) and Simmstown (Audley Farm).