The 19th Running of The Flower Bowl-G1
September 4, 2021 16:30
SAR Race #11 $600.000 13/8 Turf
4YO+ Filles and Mares 123 Lbs
Track Record-2:10.95 (Mean Street-2016)
Stakes Record-2:12.20 (Zalinda-2021)
“Oh you know me, I expect nothing and hope for everything. I have no idea how she will run, she may win or run last or anywhere in between.” That was what Threshold had to say when asked about his horse’s prospects for Saturday’s $600.000 G1 The Flower Bowl. Luckily for him, Zalinda didn’t read her trainer’s words…or maybe she did and was inspired to deliver a career performance. Either way, the 5yo gray mare punched her ticket to DMR for the G1 BC Filly & Mare Turf by winning the 13/8 marathon turf event by about 1/2 length over the tough-luck Intanga Rose. Zalinda completed the 11-furlongs (the same distance as November’s Filly & Mare Turf) in 2:12.20.
The pace was contested by Fashionable (inside) and Lillehammer (outside) through an opening quarter and half-mile in :23.77 and :47.51, respectively, with the Invicta Group Llc runner in front by the slightest of noses. Three lengths back, Intanga Rose raced alone in 3rd with the duo of Forbidden Blush and Envy battling for 4th another three lengths back.
It was Fashionable who had her nose in front of Lillehammer when the leaders reached the three-quarters mark in 1:11.40. Intanga Rose had reduced her deficit to two lengths, but Forbidden Blush and Envy were four lengths behind the D J C Racing Stables entrant. The complexion of the race changed when Intanga Rose, racing in the three path, got on even terms with Fashionable and Lillehammer as the trio reached the mile marker in 1:35.40. Forbidden Blush was 31/2 lengths back and beginning to move off of the inside path. Envy was a length and a half back from that rival; however, Zalinda and Forever Phooey Party loomed greater threats from the four path and rail, respectively.
As they entered the lane, Intanga Rose was two lengths clear of a stubborn Fashionable. Behind them, Forbidden Blush was two lengths better than Zalinda as both horses raced in about the six path. Inside the final furlong, Intanga Rose was hanging-on, but Forbidden Blush and Zalinda were cutting-in to her margain from her outside. Inside the final 1/16, Zalinda got by Forbidden Blush and set her sights on the leader. Intanga Rose would lead inside of 50-yards, but in the end, Zalinda would not be denied as she crossed the wire a half-length in front of her worthy foe. It was about the same margin back to Forbidden Blush in 3rd as she held off Forever Phooey Party by a quarter-length.
Zalinda (Moment Of Madness o/o Seashell Whisperer) earned an automatic birth to the G1 Filly & Mare Turf with the win and improves her record to 25-11-5-2 and career earnings of $692.940. Intanga Rose secured six BC points for her place effort and Forbidden Blush had to settle for the four BC points awarded for the show.
Congratulations to Zalinda and Threshold for their victory in The Flower Bowl-G1 and good luck in November’s G1 BC Filly & Mare Turf!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
