Mb Stables four year old Harsh may have lost in the Gr. III Royal Delta after leading throughout that event, but with the assistance of rider T Gaffalione into the mix, scratch win number three in her past four starts.

• Gr. III Doubledogdare Stakes- Purse $100.000
• Keenland Racecourse- For Fillies and Mares Four years old and up
• Mile and a sixteenth, Main track
• April 19th, 2019

Some trainers just seem to have the natural God given talent of being able to place a thoroughbred into the right gate. After six attempts over the grass with two victories, the switch back to the dirt has proven wonders for Harsh. She managed to capture an Alw22.5 last year, and then the $50 Wayward Lass Stakes to open the season. A runner-up in the Royal Delta and now finally capturing her first ever Graded company victory.

While never having seen an off track in her previous eighteen starts, the muddy surface never seemed to hamper her efforts on the day. While the two greys in the field of Baratita ( Up and Up Racing ) and Viking Vania ( Delta Farms ) were quick to position themselves off the turn to the front ahead of the field, Harsh was content to hold her position on the rail. Alongside her and matching strides would be Edna Krabappel ( Paradise Stable) continuing down the backstretch.

With opening fractions of 23.65 and 47.95, Baratita was having her way out front entering the far turn. Harsh was closing up on second place Viking Vania to her inside. Coming off the turn for home, and Harsh was scurried along the rail to slide out along Baratita and take possession of the lead at the top of the lane. Viking Vania was trying to fend off Edna Krabappel to her outside, while a late charge from the extreme outside was being mounted by Cry Out ( D J C Racing Stables ). The three quarter time posted in 1:12.90.

Reaching the wire in a final time of 1:45.68, Harsh was able to fend off a late charge put in brilliantly by Cry Out. Moment To Remember ( Nakamura Stables ) sat in the back of the field throughout most of this event, racing up late to place third, just two lengths shy. The final cash out would go to Night School ( Maxmillion Farm ) who missed by a neck for third.

For Cry Out, in what was just her first ever try at not only a stakes affair, but a Graded one at that, the 29-1 longshot may be an undiscovered off track lover. Has finished well in both her tries over off tracks, and will be interesting to see how well she performs next time round.

Moment To Remember was another impressive runner down the stretch. In just her first ever stakes race, she to may have the makings of an off track specialist.

Fifth on back were Edna Krabappel ( who probably got tired from too much time in the closet with Principal Skinner before the race ), Viking Vania ( who this writer had high hopes for today), Baratita ( who was hoping her upfront running style was going to take the victory ) and finally Bottom Of The Order ( Allinthegate ) who seems to have a preference for dry, firm surfaces under her toes.

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 1 – 8 Paid 114.10
$1 Trifecta: 1 – 8 – 7 Paid 1,490.90

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES