I had a feeling one of the two outside horses would run big today and sure enough…  Ghost Runner, breaking from the extreme outside went right to the lead, fended off all challengers down the lane and brought Pumpkin Racing a huge payday, taking The BEL Oaks (GI) by a head in a final time of 1:59.36 for the classic mile and a quarter distance.  Dragonville closed well to just miss… yet again, while All Eyes Ahead just couldn’t improve in the lane and had to settle for the third spot.

Ghost Runner is a 3yo gray filly by Ghost Walker – Numero Tria, by Meals On Wheels, and she was bred by her owner, Pumpkin Racing, in California.  This was her third win from ten starts and certainly increases her bankroll, now showing earnings of $794.800.  This was her first stakes win, but it certainly doesn’t appear to be her last.  Congratulations to the connections and to Ghost Runner.

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Firm        Time: :47²  1:10⁴  1:34³  1:59¹
$1 Exacta: 14 – 1 Paid 159.40       $1 Trifecta: 14 – 1 – 3 Paid 2,151.30
Scratched: Desert Valley, Pip Irish

Ghost Runner broke alertly, got to the rail prior to entering the first turn, set the pace throughout, fought off late challenge to win driving.  Dragonville mid-pack while saving ground, responded when asked, just missed in a good effort.  All Eyes Ahead good early speed, chased the leader, out-gamed for the place.  Lime Dancer between horses while mid-pack early, worked her way through traffic while saving ground for a minor share.  Congratulations in hand from the game, saved ground, evenly.  My Lady three wide while mid-pack into the turn, four wide into the second turn, nothing left for the drive.  Narly Kruz broke alertly, just behind the early pace, tired.  Viking Amy taken back after the start, wide trip, not a factor.  Command And Conquer in hand early while very wide, asked with no response.  Cartoon Figure broke sharp, five wide into the first turn losing ground, never able to recover while wide throughout.  Sunset Black rated, outrun.  Love In The Mist sluggish start, trailed.  Laff It Up off a step slow, wide trip, outrun.  Pretty Little Pirate up close around the first turn, steady retreat.

Categories: Grade I