It seems that the Racing Gods are smiling on us today - a nice change from the steady downpour. While we are able to enjoy the day's races in the sunshine, unfortunately, the dirt track has taken a beating. The horses will not be the same color they started as by the end of the race.
For the Galloping Gateway Race, we have a field of seven. Some familiar trainers are joining us, but a few newcomers are throwing their hat in the ring. A loud round of applause to all the trainers, jockeys, owners, and of course the horses!
The horses are lining up at the start gate, a bit of trouble with the yellow...ahh, there it goes in, a bit of sweet talk goes a long way, haha. They're in, they're set, they're OFF!
Can you believe the start from that outside position number 6? Little Prudence of Fossil's Dreams had no qualms about starting on the right foot. Blazing a fast trail that the others can only hope to catch up to. Coming from the middle is Nocturnal Creature's Dun No Wrong. A half stride behind and not giving an inch. A length and a half behind the leader is Dream Racer from Ynys Hafod Stables. This is a FAST field! They are not having any trouble with the footing so far. A few lengths behind is Vancouver's Darrow.
Look at that - we have a neck and neck race going on in the back of the pack- newcomers Imperial Warmbloods' and SilverDawn's horses are fighting to get ahead. Can`t Match My Stride is churning the dirt but American Pharoah is working just as hard. It's Can't... no it's Ameri... Wow folks, Can`t Match My Stride is pulling forward for a quarter length.
Don't worry, Incinerator Blast from Cozmic Elite is still in the race with two lengths behind. Don't count them out, you never know how it'll shake.
Look out! They're heading around the final turn and it's the HOMESTRETCH!
What's happening?! Dun No Wrong has tripped or something, but still on their feet! Good job Geni Minroe for keeping them going.
The sloppiness is now getting to the racers. The field is passing them. That Darrow just can't seem to keep up and is really struggling in the churned up dirt. If they were a different color at the start, they're only brown now.
A shake up towards the top! Can`t Match My Stride is on the move and groove! Flying forward past Little Prudence and giving American Pharoah the hustle! But of course, Little Prudence won't give up their win that easily! With a shimmy and a shake they eat away at that lead. American Pharoah is pounding stride for stride with Little. Can Victor Espinoza kick it into gear?
Incinerator Blast is settled for the middle of the pack, jockey Daniel Woodstock must be making the decision to not push the horse past breaking point when the leaders are in hustle mode. Given how the track is giving these horses a hard time, seems like a wise choice.
That horse Can`t Match My Stride is living up to the name! From almost last place to absolutely blitzing up through the ranks. They aren't fazed at all by the slop and slick of the mud. A powerhouse through and through! Four and a half lengths in the lead!
But wait! Jim Beam and Victor Espinoza are back to battling it out! Their horses are galloping all out! What is going on!!! Where in the world is this horsepower coming from? They've eaten up a half length, three quarters!!! That lead is shrinking and they are coming down to the wire! What is this? It's a horse race folks!
Little Prudence has pulled ahead a half a length! And the American Pharoah just doesn't have anything left to pull through the chase!
It's the Wire! Look at that grin on Charlie King as he comes on the other side with Can`t Match My Stride and a two and three quarter length lead! What a steal.
Don't worry - Darrow and Dun No Wrong have finished up cleanly and safely through.
That's what horse racing is all about! The thrill of how it can be anyone's race at any point in time.
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We finish out with:
Win: Imperial Warmbloods' Can`t Match My Stride
Place: Fossil's Dream's Little Prudence
Show: SilverDawn's American Pharoah
Please give your thanks to the wonderful Skye's Paradise for sponsoring part of today's race! Everyone received a bit extra!
Clear with Temps dropping into the Teens
