Ocho Ocho Ocho wins the Delta Jackpot
Ocho Ocho Ocho got a real gutcheck in the $1,000,000 Delta Jackpot on Saturday at Delta Downs, and he lived up the hype with a hard fought win. Sent off as the 5/2 favorite, Ocho Ocho Ocho (BetPTC.com Top Selection) sat a beautiful trip in fourth early on just behind a hot pace set by Conquest Tsunami and Prime Engine, getting through an opening quarter in 22.27 seconds and a swift half mile in 45.74 seconds. Ocho Ocho Ocho slipped through as they ran past the quarter pole and Mr. Z joined him on the outside and those two battled all the way to the wire, with Ocho Ocho Ocho prevailing by a nose over Mr. Z. They were four lengths clear of Far Right who ran third.
In the Delta Princess it was Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly champ Take Charge Brandi who lived up to her billing as the favorite when she came from just off the pace to win by a length and a half. Take Charge Brandi (BetPTC.com 3rd Selection) stalked Vivian Da Bling (BetPTC.com Top Selection) in the early going and took over as they ran towards the final turn. Take Charge Brandi edged away in mid-stretch and held Skipalute (BetPTC.com Longshot) at bay, winning by a length and a half.
In the Delta Mile it was Sunbean (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who once again showed his dominance in Louisiana, cruising to a huge five length win. Sunbean stalked the leaders early and blew by them late, outkicking Agent Di Nozzo (BetPTC.com 3rd Selection) who was second ahead of Grand Contender (BetPTC.com 2nd Selection) who was third. Yahilwa lived up to her billing as the big favorite in the $200,000 Treasure Chest Stakes as she scored a dominating win. Yahilwa traded punches with Kiss To Remember (BetPTC.com 2nd Selection) down the lane but Yahilwa eventually drew off late to win by two lengths.
Three Hearts pulls a shocker in the Red Carpet Handicap at Del Mar
Three Hearts was nearly 30/1 on the board in the $100,000 Red Carpet Handicap and she rewarded her few loyal backers with a big win. Three Hearts and Joe Talamo settled in mid-pack early on as long shot Luscious Lonna went out to set the pace which was moderate for the 11 furlong race. As they turned into the homestretch Three Hearts started to navigate her way through the field and grabbed the lead in mid-stretch. Lady of Gold (BetPTC.com Top Selection) came with a wide and hopeful move but fell just short as Three Hearts held off Lady of Gold by a neck. It was another neck back to Lady Pimpernel who completed a huge $2,056 trifecta.
Readthebyline goes all the way in the New York Stallion Series
Readthebyline went right to the front and never looked back as he galloped around the Aqueduct main track to win the boys division of the $125,000 New York Stallion Series. Readthebyline and Jose Ortiz were going quickly up front early on but were not pressed at all. They turned to the top of the lane with a three length lead while heavily favored West Hills Giant was caught in behind horses. West Hills Giant finally got clear in the final furlong but was unable to get close to Readthebyline who won by two and three quarters. West Hills Giant was second while Geaux Mets finished up in third.
In the fillies division of the New York Stallion Stakes it was Vicki’s Dancer who rallied from just off the pace early to get up and win by a length and a quarter. Vicki’s Dancer was second behind Uncle Southern and was just ahead of Saythreehailmary’s who was third. Those three were 1-2-3 all the way around the oval, with Vicki’s Dancer prevailing by a length and a quarter over Saythreehailmary’s who was second and Uncle Southern who finished third.
Strike Charmer upsets the Cardinal Handicap
Strike Charmer and Chris Landeros scored a 12/1 upset win when they took home the top honors in the $100,000 Cardinal Handicap at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Strike Charmer (BetPTC.com 3rd Selection) was fourth early on as favored I’m Already Sexy ran off down the backstretch, opening up a six length lead as they ran towards the final turn. I’m Already Sexy came into the stretch with the lead, but it quickly evaporated as Strike Charmer burst to the front. Pappascat burst out of the pack at 19/1 and got up for second while 55/1 bomber Antonia Autumn got up for third completing a $14,876 trifecta. The $2 superfecta returned $109,403!!