The PID Masters Stakes – Grade II
6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $400.000 Filly & Mare 3 Year Olds And Up.

If ever you want to know how to make money at HRP then this race is a great example of how. One stable had three runners out of the seven runners, lost with two of them and won $54.000. The stable that had one runner and got beat by a neck into second only won $30.000. Whatever the financial rewards this was a great battle that came right down to the wire, this is how the top four did it.

1st Darling Smile, trained by Mb Stables
Trailed the field but covered the last two furlongs like a quarter horse to get up and win by a neck. A grade two winner back in January she lost her way a little during the season but bounced back to win an Optional Claimer last time (in a quicker time than this race) and continued her resurgence today.

2nd You Are My Sunshine, trained by Stone Creek Farm
Scampered away into a clear lead and maintained the gallop all the way to the line but just faltered in the shadows of the post. This was another improved run after spending the first part of the year mopping up at lower level and a win in black type doesnt look far away.

3rd Fall Festivities, trained by Mb Stables
Like her stable companion she was taken back off the pace and whilst she closed nicely she never could muster the finish of Darling Smile and had to settle for third.

4th Happy Clapper, trained by John Henry
Despite a long list of stakes placings and wins she could only manage fourth today. Stalking the lead she just whacked away at the one pace at the end.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES