The Personal Ensign – Grade I [BC]
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $500.000 Filly & Mare 4 Year Olds And Up.

On a day with some quite shocking results, the winner here was no big shock, but the three that chased her home probably were, and the fact that the champion Wasted Away trailed in a tired 7th was indeed a reflection of the day. The early pace was set up by the two wide gates so very much the HRP norm and whilst it was undoubtedly fast, it seemed well within the window of this sort of class race. Thus, when Wasted Away made the rail and let the two wide gates go at it, it looked like a race that was set up for her, especially as she had gone much quicker off the front last time over only a sixteenth of a mile shorter. However, as they hit the stretch, the writing was on the wall. Here is how the top four won their paychecks.

1st Devil In High Heels The Sidley Stud Franco M

It was a fast, early pace, but not as suicidal as some we have seen, and it still managed to suit the closers, and this filly is one of the best when things go her way. Way behind through the first half mile, she started making ground around halfway and ran the last furlong like she had wings on her hooves, running out a very impressive two-length winner. The stable seems to be able to do nothing wrong this year, and this filly will head to the BC as another big chance to give the trainer another huge winner.

2nd Ignore Tucker Big Guns Stables Smith M E

Last at halfway way there is no doubt the early pace was the most important factor to the result of this race, as we saw the Fleur De Lis Handicap play out again with the same horses finishing first and second. There is no doubt that on her day, when all the ducks line up, this five-year-old can beat the best, and she beat all but one today after a change of tactics which saw her run a stinker in the Shuvee last month. I have no idea whether she will ever win another race or become a BC Champ, but as frustrating as she has been over the years, there is no doubt she has the ability.

3rd Boardwalk Authority Winning Link Stables Hernandez R M

Stalked from the outside gate and considering the pace, did tremendously well to end up third. Her only win since being bought from Smokey Stover for just $1.000 was in an optional claimer, but here she is with a grade one third and the scalp of the reigning BC champion.

4th Flyingbolt Mo Mentum Farm Curtis B

Raced mid pack and made ground well before flattening out down the stretch and not quite mustering enough in the finish. Another that raced in that Fleur De Lis Handicap, she was a front runner that day on an off track but today ran very differently, but with a better result.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES