November 9, 2016
On paper and at the windows, there looked to be three clear choices in the Grade I BC Dirt Mile on Friday afternoon at SA but a parade of longshots led to some incredible prices as Moment Of Madness got up along the inside to outfinish a trio of four-year-olds who could not quite overcome their wide posts. For the winner, another product of the Mb Stables machine, it was his fourth Graded Stakes win in nine seasonal starts and pushed his earnings close to $1,700.000, with much more to come at these mid-level distances.
You had to feel bad for Blue Guy (16.85) and Salt Lake City (11.40) in the Dirt Mile, as their outside posts hung them very wide into the quick first turn, and while much of the farthest starters pressed forward, Moment Of Madness (10.60) was also able to go forward and hold the rail through the first furlongs. An opening split of 22.93 was solid for the track and everyone seemed to find the right spot with Salt Lake City in the lead but still four-wide while Russian Whisky (14.85) was last but also four-wide, with others closer to the fence through the field. KYD champion Water Mummy (10.10) rocketed up the fence to assume command with Blue Guy still putting Salt Lake City out wide and with a wall of three behind them, the half-mile in 45.91 was actually still good for this level of competition. As the field rolled around the far turn, you could see a visible bunching in midpack with Water Mummy completely throwing in the towel and that forced everyone into a different path as Salt Lake city still held the lead after his brutal trip. Six-furlongs came up in 1:09.60 and that started to take its toll on the leader and while he was more than a length to the good, closers were into the eight-path while others used a huge opening up the rail to their advantage. Inside the final 1/16th, Salt Lake City was grimly holding onto the lead but at the wire, he was passed by Moment Of Madness up the rail and he was able to hold on for a near one-length victory over Accidental Notice (45.05) and Impending Decision (82.40), longshots who also shot up the rail to complete a huge trifecta. Salt Lake City outlasted for the final cheque over favourite A One (*4.10), with Milestone (15.40) and Russian Whisky finishing in midpack with much different trips. Clouseau (4.65), Overspender (4.80), The Perfect Day (19.15), Snowmizer (29.80) and Generals Companion (11.20) never did enough to get into the race while Blue Guy and Water Mummy backed through the field to finish near the back, but only four-lengths from victory in this field of 14.
Like most of the BC races, and HRP as a whole, the separation between first and last in the BC Dirt Mile was only a couple of lengths and Moment Of Madness finally scored his first Grade I win with a huge late run from just off the pace. Unfortunately, he might not find himself in contention for year-end honours since so many three-year-olds entered and did well in the Classic. But given the state of the Older Male division, Accidental Notice and Impending Decision might be contenders with their finishes in a race that rarely determines a champion but still looks good on a resume.
Congratulations goes out to owner Mb Stables and their three-year-old colt Moment Of Madness, a rail-riding winner of the Grade I BC Dirt Mile at SA!
Prediction Impending Decision / A One / Moment Of Madness
Winner Moment Of Madness
Three-year-old bay colt
Zero Return-Tartan Steel (Steel Ball)
Owner Mb Stables
Time 22.93, 45.91, 1:09.60, 1:34.94
Overall
Moment Of Madness 10.60 inside run, up in time
Accidental Notice 45.05 midpack, closed well
Impending Decision 82.40 midpack, closed well
Salt Lake City 11.40 set pace out wide, held until final furlong
A One *4.10 even effort
Milestone 15.40 between rivals late
Russian Whisky 14.85 wide early, late gains
Clouseau 4.65 no threat
Overspender 4.80 no threat
The Perfect Day 19.15 even effort
Snowmizer 29.80 even effort
Generals Companion 11.20 even effort
Blue Guy 16.85 pressed, faded
Water Mummy 10.10 led, tired badly
Triple T Racing 🙂
Categories: BC 2015-17, Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES, THE BREEDERS CUP
