The 16th Running of the Vigil Stakes-G3

August 1, 2021 13:20

WO Race #1 $150.000 6 Furlongs Dirt

4YO+ 122 Lbs (plus penalties)

Track Record-1:07.94 (Brandy Punch-2012)

Stakes Record-1:08.81 (Diplomatic Envoy-2018)

After three consecutive near misses against graded company, Sweet Sweet Sweet finally found the sweet spot at WO in the G3 Vigil Stakes.  The Night Rider Stables-trained 5yo gelding took home the lion’s share of the $150.000 purse and earned four points towards BC Sprint qualification.  Sweet Sweet Sweet now sports a career record of 32-12-4-5 for earnings of $252.870.

Sweet Sweet Sweet sat midpack as Real One and Phoenix Of Spain took the field through a :22.75 opening quarter and :45.81 half-mile.  Shaky Sight split the front-running duo at the top of the lane, but Real One was still in front by 1/2 length.  Behind them, Gothic Heart commenced a seven-wide move while Mr Charming and Sweet Sweet Sweet began moving from the two and three path, respectively.

While Shaky Sight was getting the better of Real One, Sweet Sweet Sweet was moving better than the both of them.  In behind Shaky Sight, Mr Charming had to wait, briefly, to find a clear path as he appeared ready to explode.  That slight delay proved to work in Sweet Sweet Sweet‘s favor.  

Getting first-run on the Fractious entry, Sweet Sweet Sweet dispensed with Shaky Sight and set sail for the wire.  Shaky Sight battled on only to be caught by Mr Charming at the wire as the duo could not be separated for the place.  The early pacesetter Real One had to settle for fourth.  Shaky Sight and Mr Charming both earned two points towards BC Sprint qualification.  Completing the order of finish were Gothic Heart, Chip Away, Admire, Pheonix Of Spain, Absolute Immunity, and Iguacu Falls.  The winner completed the six-furlongs in 1:09.43 over a WO surface rated as “Good”.

Congratulations to Night Rider Stables and Sweet Sweet Sweet on their victory in the 2021 $150.000 G3 Vigil Stakes from WO.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES