The Fleet Sprint Handicap (Grade 3)- $400.000 Purse
OP- For Four Year Olds and Upward
Six Furlongs on the Dirt
April 13, 2019

There was not much that outsiders knew about Zombie Lady. He only had one career start up to this point, and won that TUP maiden. It was a wire to wire win going a mile on the grass, so there was not really much we could even get out of that for this start. He only had one public work, a four furlong breeze. Surely, trainer Nolespan Racing had information at their disposal, but the rest of the world would have to see for themselves. After six furlongs at OP, Zombie Lady is now officially on the radar, and this makes his only issue at this point to be reminding people that he is not a filly. Congratulations to Nolespan Racing on their first win in the race and sixth career graded win. Jockey V Espinoza is a first time winner as well. The track was listed as good for the race, and it did see the scratch of our pick, Peculiar Sensation. The time of the win was 1:10.17. Let’s take a look!

(1/4 Mile- :22.74)- Zombie Lady starts off here much like he did in his maiden win, going right to the front for his trainer, Nolespan Racing. He had an initial challenge from Cold Weather Rider, out of Night Rider Stables, for that position, but eventually takes a slight advantage for the backstretch trip. Cadillac Eldorado has a nice line in the third position, and is only a length and a half back for John Henry, while nearby fourth place Regal Confidence is on the rail for Night Rider Stables. Between them is Psychotic Ruler, out of D J C Racing Stables. Orwell (Greeko Holdem) and On The Spot (Mb Stables) are next in line, and Big Tuna (Maxmillion Farm), trails.

(½ Mile- :45.69; Top Of Stretch, 1.5F Go To)- The field rounds the turn with the unknown Zombie Lady beginning to capture the attention of everyone now, at odds of 14/1. He looks strong while rounding the turn, though Cold Weather Rider is doing all that he can to stay with him, and in the process they pull away from the rest of the field by almost two lengths. Regal Confidence, Cold Weather Rider’s stablemate has moved up to third, continuing to have a good rail trip as Cadillac Eldorado stalls out. Psychotic Ruler stays fifth, and On The Spot looks to have an inspired run coming as he moved to the outside. Orwell and Big Tuna still had a lot of work to do.

(Finish- 1:10.17)- Zombie Lady continues to run well, and hold off the challengers. Cold Weather Rider was unable to keep up with him, and with a graceful run to the wire, Zombie Lady picks up the win. On The Spot ran well to get up for second and nip Cold Weather Rider for that position, but was never a threat to take the win away. Regal Confidence is fourth, a bit ahead of Psychotic Ruler. Big Tuna, Cadillac Eldorado, and Orwell finish out the running order.

About The Winner- Zombie Lady, trained by Nolespan Racing, and ridden to victory by V Espinoza, is a four year old colt by Dead Ringer, and is out of Forever Woman. He was bred in New Mexico by Nolespan Racing as a third quarter two year old, and is the only trainer he has ever known. Congratulations to the connections! He is now 2-for-2 in his still young career, and his career earnings are now $247.500.

Track: Good
Time: :22³  :45³  :57²  1:10

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 5 – 8 Paid 198.90
$1 Trifecta: 5 – 8 – 9 Paid 1,623.50

Scratched: Peculiar Sensation

— NS

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES