The 16th Running of The Glens Falls (G2)
August 7, 2021 15:00
SAR Race #7 $250.000 11/2 Inner Turf
Fillies and Mares 4YO+ 123 Lbs
Track Record-2:24.36 (Classical Composer-2015)
Stakes Record-2:26.03 (Number Nine-2021)
In the preview, the head and the heart were at odds over making a selection for Saturday’s $250.000 G2 The Glens Falls. As the horses came down the lane, both mechanisms were equally satisfied. In the end, logic won the day as Number Nine withstood a late challenge from Maggie Greene to take home the lion’s share of both the $250.000 purse and the 12 available BC points.
When the gates sprang open, it was Number Nine who got first call from the rail with Fashionable going with her from the middle of the gate. That duo quickly opened-up on the field so that by the time they reached a half mile in :48.39, they were five-lengths clear of their nearest competitor. Reaching three-quarters in 1:12.39, Number Nine hugged the rail and enjoyed a length-and-a-half lead over Fashionable. The Mb Stables filly was four lengths clear of the third place runner Ete Creek. Just to Ete Creek‘s inside were the duo of Sancerre and Maya Caribe.
When the horses reached the top of the lane, it was still Number Nine in front, but now she had gapped her competition and was cruising on a three-length lead. Behind her was a three-horse pack of Fashionable (inside), Maggie Greene (two path), and Ete Creek (three path). Of that trio, there was little doubt who was the greatest threat to the Smokey Stover-trained mare rolling along up front.
Down the lane, Number Nine was still in a great rhythm but Maggie Greene was furiously charging towards her target. De Nada appeared to be dropped in to the race at the top of the lane and was making a nice run as well and Ete Creek was still battling. At no point did it look like Number Nine would not be the winner, but Maggie Greene was making it close and rallied to get to her throat-latch at the wire. A length behind the place horse, De Nada continued her nice run to land the show and Ete Creek was two lengths back of her in 4th. The final time of 2:26.03 instantly became the stakes record as this was the first edition run at the 11/2 distance.
When asked for his thoughts on his mare’s performance, trainer Smokey Stover revealed, “I decided to follow the lead of Spanky with instructions and it worked out very well! The most logical spot for her next is the Flower Bowl but don’t be surprised if I get a little cheeky and try her against the boys in either the Sword Dancer or KD Turf Cup. She loves the extra ground and I have more talented options in the filly and mare division than I do in the male division.”
Number Nine (Niner Forty Niner o/o Silent Partner) is a 5yo Bay Mare and improves her career ledger to 21-7-5-1 $810.340. Being a G2, the winner also receives six BC F&M Turf points. For their 2nd- and 3rd-place showings, Maggie Greene and De Nada receive four and two BC points, respectively. If a race satisfies your mind and still stirs your emotions, well, that’s why we play this crazy game, right? The 2021 edition of The Glens Falls-G2 did just that. Congratulations to the winning combination of Smokey Stover and Number Nine and thank you to all of the participants in a stirring edition of a SAR staple.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
