The 19th Running of the G1 BC F&M Turf
November 6, 2021 17:55
DMR Race #15 $2,000.000 13/8 Turf
3YO+ Filles and Mares 121/124 Lbs
Track Record-2:10.87 (Fire-2012)
Stakes Record-2:11.09 (A Little Oblivion-2021)
For all intents and purposes, the $2,000.000 G1 BC Filly and Mare Turf was decided as soon as they spring the gate for the 11-furlong journey around DMR on Saturday. Hustling away from stall two, Number Nine was quick to establish an early lead on Yankee Stadium, breaking from post 14, and for the next 2:12.36, only Number Nine was able to enjoy the scenery. Yankee Stadium made the spectators’ hearts race as they reached the wire, but she just could not get by Number Nine.
Number Nine, one of three horses entered by Smokey Stover, put a length between herself and her nearest competitor almost as soon as they sprung the gates. Yankee Stadium caught a good break as well and was able to take up a stalking position from the two path before they reached the first of three turns. Taking :47.92 to reach the wire for the first time, Number Nine was allowed to gallop alone on on a two-length lead. The 5yo mare was being pursued by Yankee Stadium, but she was not neccessarily pressured.
Nothing much changed through three-quarters in 1:11.63 nor a mile in 1:35.41. Number Nine was allowed to dictate the terms, but nearing the third and final turn, Yankee Stadium began to creep up on the leader’s flank. At the top of the lane, the top two were only a length apart and the only other horse making any progress was an extremely wide Ewa Beach, but she was still only sixth and still had six lengths to make up. Through the lane Yankee Stadium was gaining, but Number Nine refused to yield. The lead shrank from a length to just a head at the wire, but Number Nine led every step of the way and crossed the wire just :00.03 in front of Yankee Stadium. Ewa Beach continued her run and just caught Ete Creek to take home the show honors. Completing the order of finish were Proud Eights, Amalfi, Fangs Of The Storm/Classic Princess (DH 7th), Hash Tag Hash, Maggie Greene, Hawaii County, Zalinda, Ice Crystal, and Forbidden Blush.
For all of her success, Saturday marked the first G1 for Number Nine (Niner Forty Niner o/o Silent Partner). Her record now stands at 24-8-7-1 with earnings of $2,220.340. Congratulations to Number Nine and Smokey Stover, the champions of the 2021 G1 BC Filly and Mare Turf.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
