GIII – The Waya

$200.000 Graded Stake 1 1/2 Mile on Turf for Fillies and Mares Three & Up

SAR got some overnight rain resulting in a soft and muddy track. As a result of the soft turf the rail horse Bonkers was a morning scratch leaving the GIII Waya with a field of seven. The story line coming into the race was if the stable of Drabfantasy would be able to defend their title again as they had won the last two versions of this race with star filly Broomsticks Copy. They sent Smokin Nebulae into the gate to defend that title and despite what looked like might be a rough going on the soft turf he ended up turning in a dominating performance.

Early in the race while Smokin Nebulae dropped to the back of the pack, Done Over charged out to a early four length lead. D0ne Over would not last on the lead and eventually would fall back to last, thirty three lengths off the winner, definitely not a fan of the soft turf.

With four furlongs to go Volare would inherit the lead from Done Over but Smokin Nebulae was quickly making his move to his outside.  Following them was Viking Amy, Panic Button, Mauna Loa and Taking Liberties.

Down the stretch Smokin Nebulae quickly opened up on the rest of the field and would end up walking away with a four length victory. Taking Liberties would close from the back of the pack for a solid second place finish and Volare third with Mauna Loa rounding out the top four. Behind them was Panic Button, Viking Amy and Done Over.

Congratulations to Drabfantasy for the three consecutive wins with two different horses, excited for next year to see if the four peat is in the cards!

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES