The OP Handicap- Grade II
OP Race 3 1 1/8M Dirt
Purse $750.000
Four Year Olds and Up
1st Dr Carson, trained by TwinTowers Racing
An impressive wire to wire winner of the 2018 OP Handicap was the five-year-old Sir Speedy horse. After running through some strong splits through the half mile and six furlongs mark, he had to hold off all the challengers down the lane and did so impressively to win by a half-length. He earned the winners share of $450.000 in a final time of 1:47.50.
2nd Edwin Drood, trained by Sanny Village
After heart breaking news of his trainer’s death earlier in the week it was a question whether he would show up to race. With the help of D J C Racing stables, family members were able to log into the account and get him to the track although his meters were certainly not GG. He rallied strongly down the stretch proudly displaying the Sanny Village silks and most likely would have prevailed if fit. (RIP Sanny Village)
3rd Checking Me Out, trained by Mb Stables
After sitting a nice stalking position, he ended up kicking on for a nice third place effort. Not being able to catch the pacesetter and being edged late for second this effort should not be overlooked as it was a very good one. It will be interesting to see where this horse will wind up for his next start.
4th Sweep The Fire, trained by Smokey Stover
Sitting behind the third-place finisher for most of the way he was outkicked by that horse and passed by Edwin Drood down the stretch to end up getting beat a total of one length. He ran well considering it was the second start off a long layoff and a big step up in class. Look for a nice effort next out.
Summary
While Dr Carson ran a very impressive race the main story was the runner up effort by Edwin Drood with all that happened this week involving his stable. If his meters weren’t blown he most likely wins this race and the outcome is much different. Don’t take away too much from the winner though as he set quick fractions and held on very well down the stretch.
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
