6/11/22

  6   BEL   The Just A Game (GI)

$500.000   F&M 4yo&Up     1m Turf       123lbs

D J C Racing Stables had a big weekend at BEL and this was just another Grade 1 feather in the cap as their Versailles raced mid-pack to the top of the lane, then closed determinedly to get the win by three-quarters of a length, taking The Just A Game (GI).  The final running time was 1:33 flat on the firm BEL turf course.  Post time favorite La Terrifiant did all of the heavy lifting in this one, leading to deep stretch, but could not hold off the eventual winner and settling for the runner-up check.  Rose Petals was third with Summers Day taking the minor money in this one. 

The field loaded into the gate from the one-mile chute on the clubhouse turn, the flag went up, and off and running in The Just A Game…  La Terrifiant sprang out on top to take the early advantage, Belmont Strong and Summers Day giving chase, Rose Petals along the rail, Phone Eva from the outside and Versailles between horses, then a gap to the trailing duo of Emo Storm and Charlotte de Shark.

Down the backside and the field now nearing the far turn with a half-mile left to run, La Terrifiant on cruise control and in in front by three, Summers Day trying to stay close, Belmont Strong on her outside, then a length to Versailles saving ground.  Another length and a half to Phoe Eva on the outside of Rose Petals, then a gap to Charlotte de Shark and Emo Storm could see them all.

Swing around the turn and into the lane, three sixteenths of a mile to run and La Terrifiant still in front, Versailles down the center of the track inching forward, Summers Day along the rail, out widest to Belmont Strong, then a gap to Phoe Eva on the outside of Rose Petals, Charlotte de Shark and Emo Storm.

Deep stretch and to the finish, in the blink of an eye we had a horse race as Versailles exploded to move up quickly on the outside of Versailles and what appeared to be a two horse race to the finish was over just that quick as Versailles went by and continued on well to take the win by three quarters of a length.  La Terrifiant continued on well for the place, three quarters of a length in front of Rose Petals in third, then another half length to Summers Day in fourth.  Phoe Eva was fifth, nosing out Charlotte de Shark in sixth, Belmont Strong tiring to seventh and Emo Storm closed this one out.

Versailles is a 4yo gray filly by Loon Lake – Strum, by Niagra, and she was bred in NY by her owner, D J C Racing Stables.  This was her sixth win from seventeen starts, her second win of the season, and she now has lifetime earnings of $584.120.  Congrats to the Connections!   

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Firm       Time: :23¹  :46¹  1:09¹  1:33
$1 Exacta: 5 – 4 Paid 12.90       $1 Trifecta: 5 – 4 – 1 Paid 75.80
Scratched: None
Winning Owner: D J C Racing Stables     Breeder: D J C Racing Stables (NY)

Versailles raced mid-pack, saving ground, moved up quickly when asked mid-way on the turn, continued to gain on the leader in the lane, took command at the sixteenth pole, pulled away late.  La Terrfiant sent from the gate, clear lead to the furlong marker, could not hold off advancing foe, settled.  Rose Petals rated well off of the pace with an inside trip, best foot too late.  Summers Day stalked the pace, out-kicked in the lane.  Phoe Eva raced wide, not a factor.  Charlotte de Shark was outrun.  Belmont Strong stalked the pace 3p, began to tire in the turn, spent.  Emo Storm was never involved. 

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES