Kelso Handicap – Grade 2 – $300.000

For Three Year Olds And Upward

AQU – Dirt – 1 Mile

Higher Drift stalked the pace, took the lead from Twilight Flame and fended off a late run from Ricki Tikki Tavi to win the Kelso Handicap. Twilight Flame jumped out to an early lead and pulled away by 2 1/2 lengths by the time the field reached the main track. Higher Drift came away second fastest but was quickly challenged for that position by Ricki Tikki Tavi and Starship Candlestick. These three would battle it out almost the entire mile.

Midway on the turn, Higher Drift pulled away from the other two slightly to take second, with Twilight Flame still on the lead. Beach Xaar made a run up the middle behind Higher Drift, but it was Ricki Tikki Tavi who went with the eventual winner as the field turned for home.

With a furlong to run, they were three across the track – Twilight Flame, Higher Drift and Ricki Tikki Tavi, with Beach Xaar within striking distance. At the wire it was Higher Drift by 1/2 length over Ricki Tikki Tavi.

Complete Order of Finish:

1 Higher Drift (Asgar)

2 Ricki Tikki Tavi (La Canada Racehorses)

3 Twilight Flame (Mb Stables)

4 Dime Defense (Asgar)

5 Beach Xaar (Fractious)

6 Starship Candlestick (TwinTowersRacing)

7 Strong Kommand (Maxmillion Farm)

8 Owens (Nakamura Stables)

For Higher Drift, it was the eighth win in twenty-one starts and brings his career earnings to $297.000. The five-year-old gelding is by Drift by Little Higher (In Control). Congratulations to Higher Drift and Asgar!

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES