The 18th Running of the G1 Apple Blossom Handicap
Saturday, April 15, 2023
OP Race #2 $1,000.000
F&M 4+ Handicap Weights 11/16
1st: #7 Shining Moments (RNP Stables/R. Bejarano 118): Reserved energy to trail the field entering the first turn. Almost 10-back while hugging the rail entering the backstretch. Moved well-out to the center of the course turning for home. Was moving best of all through the stretch to grab the lead inside the final 50-yards to prevail by a long head/short neck.
2nd: #6 American Sky (Iolaus Racing/J. Talamo 116): Taken back soon after the start to race among the back markers. On the rail while six-back after the first turn. Began a move forward through the second bend. Moved to the leader leaving the sixteenth pole but couldn’t keep hard-charging winner at bay in the latter stages.
3rd: #9 Always A Virgin (Tinkey/T. Gaffalione 118): Chased pacesetter while five-wide around the first bend. Settled 2-3 lengths back entering the backstretch while still five-wide. Inched closer through the turn before taking the lead outside the sixteenth pole but couldn’t hold off the top pair in a thrilling finish.
Shining Moments adds the G1 Apple Blossom to a resume that already included G2 and G3 victories. She completed the 8.5 furlongs in 1:41.20 to push her earnings to $2,285.600 in a career that reads 29-10-3-1. Congratulations to Shining Moments and RNP Stables on their thrilling victory in the G1 Apple Blossom Handicap!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
