The Pan American – Grade II
1 1/2 Mile Inner Turf Stake Purse $200.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Spotted Cat, trained by Blushing Meadows
So many times this little warrior has flown late to finish just behind the leaders that you would’ve been excused in thinking the same was going to happen today. Settling back from his wide draw he was eight lengths off the pace after six furlongs and with a fairly average pace it looked like he may get going too late again. Today however the stars lined up for this gallant little entire and he timed his challenge brilliantly to win by a length. I would love to see this horse run up a sequence but HRP is a tough place to do the same thing twice at and we will have to wait and see if he can do it again.

2nd Keep Silent, trained by Nakamura Stables
Stalked the leader and looked the winner into the stretch but as always the speed can be vulnerable to the closers and he was collared well before the post. This was a great effort for a horse that has been beaten in two overnights in a row but his trainer was in great form this weekend and this four year old was riding the wave today.

3rd Chrystal Pip, trained by Mb Stables
I cant remember the last time this one was put into the lead from the gate but for some reason either by design or default he did that today. Going along at a fairly even gallop i thought he would use his endless stamina and kick clear but this isnt 1 and a 1/2 miles at SA so it didnt happen. A good third in the end beaten just a length.

4th Tucson, trained by Aer Stables
The old warrior plodded on for fourth running his usual honest race.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES