8/8/2020

 9    SAR      The Test (GI)

        $400.000       3yoF          7f   Dirt          122lbs

It was a topsy-turvy kind of a day at SAR and no reason for The Test (GI) to be any different… sent off at 19/1 odds, Fractious took the win with Hawaiian Crusader, as the lightly raced filly got her second career win in a huge spotlight race, and certainly moved her credentials up the list as we head towards the BC.  Deeback closed a late gap and certainly made a race out of it, but had to settle for the place, with post-time favorite Z Is For Zero another neck back in third.  The final running time was 1:22.17 for the seven panel, main track stakes. 

The ladies got away from the starting gate in good order with Skygazer on the early gas, Z Is For Zero pressing the pace, Red Headed Ruler and Deeback showing speed.  Hawaiian Crusader and Threat Unknown from the outside, longshot Miss Tallmadge along the rail, Small Fry was next and Marbles Blitz the early trailer.

The field made their way down the backside and neared the far turn with a half mile left to run and Skygazer continued to lead by a neck, Z Is For Zero on her inside, then a gap of two and a half lengths to Deeback, Red Headed Ruler on her inside, Hawaiin Crusader on the outside, then another two lengths back to Small Fry, Threat Unknown next to her, A length to Miss Tallmadge on the rail and Marbles Blitz was now bring up the rear.

Swing around the far turn and into the lane, they had less than two furlongs to run and Z Is For Zero stuck a neck in front on the inside of Skygazer.  A length and a half back to the rio of Deeback between horses, Hawaiian Crusader fanning out for the drive and Red Headed Ruler on the inside.  Another length to Small Fry between Threat Unknown from the outside, Miss Tallmadge on the inside and Marbles Blitz now widest of all, trying to find a late push.

Inside the final furlong and to the finish, four horses across the track with Z Is For Zero by a half length, Hawaiian Crusader moving forward with every jump, Deeback and Skygazer between that pair with every chance… but inside the final 150-yards, Deeback and Hawaiian Crusader went to battle, Z Is For Zero not done and Miss Tallmadge now flying late… and as they hit the wire it was horseflesh and silks… and the PHOTO sign went up on the infield tote-board.  After viewing the instant video replay, Hawaiian Crusader got the job done by a head.  Deeback was a neck better than Z Is For Zero for second, and Miss Tallmadge was a nose back in fourth.  Small Fry nosed out Marbles Blitz for fifth, Skygazer was seventh, Thread Unknown in eighth and Red Headed Ruler closed this one out. 

Hawaiian Crusader is a yo bay filly by Noble Crusader – Hawaiian Pirate by Sneaky Little Pirate, and he was bred by his owner, Fractious, in KY.  As mentioned this was her second win, and she’s never missed a check in seven lifetime starts.  She now shows earnings of $324.790, and you have to believe this has some big paydays in front of her. 

$2 Mutuel Prices:
 

Track: Fast                   Time: :23   :45⁴  1:09³  1:22
$1 Exacta: 9 – 3 Paid 100.70            $1 Trifecta: 9 – 3 – 4 Paid 70.70
Scratched: None

Hawaiian Crusader allowed to settle mid-pack after the break, continued there until the top of the lane, steady gain, fanned out for the drive, caught the pace inside the final furlong, won driving.  Deeback away well, stalked the pace, short lead at the furlong marker, could not keep winner at bay in a good effort.  Z Is For Zero broke alertly, pressed the pace, took over into the lane, battled to the wire, good effort.  Miss Tallmadge was taken back after the start, outrun to the top of the lane, cut lose, best foot too late.  Small Fry gave an even effort, no threat.  Marbles Blitz passed tiring rivals late.  Skygazer broke alertly, set the pace to the top of the lane, folded.  Threat Unknown no threat, tired.  Red Head Ruler tracked the early pace, tired. 

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES