Going off as the six to five favorite come post time, Lots Of Pride was able to drop down out of the sky from his recent Grade I events, and take home top billing in this years NM Classic Gulch Champ race at ZIA.

• NM Classic Gulch Champ – Purse $185.000
• Zia Park Racetrack- For Three Years old and up, Foaled In NM
• One Mile Distance, Dirt

The final race on the Sunday card at ZIA was captured by Lots Of Pride who found the comfort of the rail post much to his liking. While he was unable to grab a share in his two most recent Graded company events, this level fit him to a tee. Having already finished runner-up in two previous mile events in his eight career starts, this seems like the ideal distance for him to be cashing future checks. This would be his third victory of the season, and his first ever Stakes title under his saddle. For his trainer, its was a double for the weekend, as he would also capture the Gr. III Bold Ruler Handicap with Glorious, a three time Graded winner.

Two time winning trainer for this event Drabfantasy would have to settle for a runner-up position at the wire with Balayer La Musique. The 7-1 four year old colt took to the front and at the three quarter mark of the race was up by two lengths and looked like he may win it all. It took him five eighths of a mile before he would gain the rail over in the far turn, and jockey Chirinos may have had to work him just a little more then he liked early on in the event. As he approached the final sixteenth of a mile, that’s when the eventual winner would take charge and there would be a photo to determine the place/show finishers.

I Aint Scared ( T Boy Racing ) was in full charge mode down the stretch drive to the wire, and it was looking like he was going to stay in step with Lots Of Pride, but a nose tip would place his efforts in third. His stablemate Made The Choice High was keen on keeping the pace honest pressing the issue in the early fractions, its just that I Aint Scared ran out of track to be the best on the day.

Made The Choice High tried to be productive early, but was unable to see it through to the very end, and would settle for the final spot in the event.

Duffer

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded