San Pasqual Stakes – Grade II
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $200.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Shootfromthehip, trained by Nakamura Stables
There were many sore throats left in the stands as this great champion went to the front and refused to be passed in this thrilling race. I had never seen him make the running before but HRP horses are pretty good at running their pace regardless of where they run in the pack and thats what happened today. With noone set on lead or fast enough Shootfromthehip found himself in front off a very average pace and was left alone to gradually turn up the wick when he pleased. Rated perfectly in front he always looked like holding on but only had a head to spare on the line.
It was great to see the KYD winner get off to a good start especially after his great rival Ginger Haggis hadnt and it sets up another exciting season as we get under way for the long journey to the 2018 BC.

2nd Royal Leader, trained by Mb Stables
Sat in the stalk off a slow pace and just couldnt pass the winner down the stretch. This was a performance that will see him going forward into a force to be reckoned with in the coming months.

3rd Laffin Parrot, trained by Mo Mentum Farm
This greatly under rated horse made ground nicely without troubling the leaders ending up third which with the pace as it was was the best place he could hope for. I think this run was pretty good and i am sure another big win will not be long in coming.

4th Fat Lady, trained by Hambletonian Stable
Did really well considering he was carrying a penalty. If i told you that he gave a horse working 1.36 flat with a name like Clash Study 2 Lbs and a beating you might be skeptical but that is exactly what he did in this race. The fact that he was beaten three lengths by the KYD winner again giving weight was no disgrace.

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