After some successful events on the grass in his past five starts, First Rebellion ( Hambletonian Stables ) would earn his first Graded title under this trainers watchful eye, and the third of his career. He would not let up on Nolespans Racing’s Five Little Pigs throughout this affair, capturing the lead in the final turn for home.
- All American – Grade III Purse $100.000
- Golden Gate Park – For Three year olds and upward
- One Mile Main track
- May 27th, 2019
Breaking cleanly from his outside post and keeping stride just off the flank of Five Little Pigs entering the clubhouse turn, First Rebellion was keen on sitting just close enough to keep an eye on his competitor. The two would make the turn for the backstretch after an opening quarter of 23.61 and stay just a length apart.
By the midway point of the backstretch, and the distance still remained the same between the front duelling pair. Top Hat ( Mb Stables ) was keen to hug the rail a length shy of First Rebellion, while Count Of Boom ( Night Rider Stables ) and Jakes Last Chance ( Nolespans Racing) where matching stride five off the pace.
Entering the far turn with the half in 47 flat, and the field maintained its positions consistently, with maybe just First Rebellion making up a slight bit of ground.
Off the turn for home and now with three sixteenth of a mile to run and First Rebellion had now stuck a neck out in front of Five Little Pigs. Rider Ru Gonzalez debated on taking Top Hat to the outside as well, but as an opening developed at the rail, he was quick to take advantage of it. The two trailers had now started there run to the wire, closing to within three and a half. The three quarter was posted in 1:10.62.
Finishing at the wire in 1:35.18, First Rebellion would be able to fend off the late charge to the inside by Top Hat by a length. Five Little Pigs would just narrowly hang on for the show purse in a photo with late charging Jakes Last Chance. Count of Boom would round out the affair, just three and a half lengths shy.
As a writer, its not often you get a chance to comment about someone you have had the privilege to actually work along side of here at the SRF in the past. Hambletonian Stables use to put out some of the best articles when he was a writer, and i must thank him for his efforts and for his guidance in my writing ability. You will never find a more dedicated horseman, and a stiff challenger in meets that are held here at Golden Gate. I still remember the years of watching Stormy Weather compete over fourteen years ago, and he still holds the distinction of the most wins for a horse with some 60 victories to his credit. Of those he captured 29 non graded stakes titles, with his only Graded win coming for his previous owner Monmouth. I always thought it was Stormy that gave Ham ( Nickname I gave him back in the day ) his first Graded win, but that distinction goes to Grand Duchess back in June of 2007. On the day here, Hambletonian Stables walked away with four victories from the nine race card, and my hat is tipped in respect for what you have brought to the game. Though there were some lean years in 2012/13, your love of the game has never waivered, in fact it has only gotten stronger.Its been my honor to call you friend.
Duffer
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
