CT Classic – Grade II
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $1,000.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Combat Wombat Maxmillion Farm Bejarano R

As Splash Mountain started well and took the lead early it seemed like we were in for a race with a good even pace and this horse may have been stuck at the back with nowhere to go. However by luck, instructions or pure race engine wide gate speed push Rebel Force was ridden like he was in the final furlong to fly up out wide and go to the lead at a suicidal pace. So suddenly Combat Wombat went from being behind on an even pace to behind on a rabbit like pace and thats where the race was won. As the leader weakened this horse started coming on strong eventually getting past for a brilliant half length win. Its hard to believe this horse was having only his eighth start and he already has two huge wins and a BC Classic second. He will be a worthy adversary for the three year olds as the year wears on.

2nd = Pretty Ferro Estero Farms Velazquez J R

The last time this horse faced a rabbit like pace it was in the PA Derby when he ran an identical pace to Wombat Combat to fly through late and wide for the win. This time however he stalked the crazy pace and it was a big surprise to see him and Splash Mountain still there at the end. This put to bed the rumors that this horse is past his best and it will be great to see him contesting these races like his old self through the season.

2nd = Splash Mountain John Henry Talamo J

In the first furlong i thought this horse was going to do what he did in the Pegasus and try and make all but as the wide gate push or crazy instructions took shape he was sensibly snagged back to a loose stalk. Making the lead at the furlong pole the early pace took its toll and he could not quicken away ending up in a game and close second. Like the first two it will be great to see him trying to beat the three’s in our big races to come.

4th Simple Request Saratoga Stud Gaffalione T

This horse looks destined to be a bridesmaid as once again he ran a great race but was just outside the top three. There is a big race in him for sure and i wouldnt be giving up on him yet.

SUMMARY

It would be interesting to find out whether Wolfs Den set his horse to lead on a fast pace or the race engine did it all by itself by whatever happened Maxmillion must have checked the crystal ball because Combat Wombat ran the perfect race in the circumstances. This horse is probably one of the most under rated horses in the game when you consider his achievements in just 8 races. I am not sure he will be quite so under rated now though after he beat the best older horses in the game today and will go forward as one of the bright lights of the older division.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES