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Y42 Steward’s Cup Recap: All Weather Routers Edition
Original article written by Jack Meyer posted 8 years 0 weeks ago
So, the last stop in the All Weather division brings us to the always competitive router division, the timeless mare Demineralization shoots for another win as she defends her title in the Marathon, Augora and Double Fluff throw down once more in the Matron, and Benjamin tries to end his career in perfect form as he vies to keep his unblemished record in tack in the Classic. Five races are on tap with the pair of 2YO races to compliment the 3 aforementioned showdowns making it a full card of All Weather fun.
First up is the Futurity, Louise Bayou’s outstanding colt Trahan closed from the clouds after Jon Snyder’s Steward bred purchase Francis grabbed the early lead, he closed with a rush as he circled colts beating 2nd place finisher Official Decision to the wire. Trahan kept his perfect record in tact scoring a 1 ¾ length victory posting an astounding 86 Speed Figure in his victory, he was the morning line favorite and held up his end of the bargain and looks to be ready to pick up where he left off next year.
The girls are up next as Madelene Gilbert’s Game Sired sensation Moa Moa broke mid pack early on before making her move at the far turn and outlasting Blue Rodeo down the stretch to score the victory. She came in the 3rd choice behind the pair of undefeated fillies in Blue Rodeo and Hurt So Bad, that didn’t stop the daughter of the brilliant I’ll Have Another from turning it up a notch and scoring by a neck earning a career high 80 Speed Figure. I’m sure these rivals will follow one another as the year turns over gracing us with more Poly track excitement in the coming 16 weeks.
The Steward’s Cup Marathon is next as Kasie Gillespie’s timeless wonder Demineralization enforced the Poly track law Monday night breaking mid pack then chasing down tiring pace setter Binkie in deep stretch to get the win. Demineralization is an 8YO super mare that just keeps winning and will continue to show her face on the track next year as she is confirmed to race in her final year of eligibility. Her win brought her earnings at the tipping point of 1.5 million and her 83 Speed Figure ties her career best, it is amazing how this filly can still put up figures like that at such a late stage in her career.
The Steward’s Cup Matron is on tap next, Extreme Decision held off the power closing duo of Augora and Double Fluff in the final stages to cross the wire first in a fine display of outright speed. Extreme Decision made it six wins in ten starts and got the revenge she was looking for over Awesome Deal and company after coming up short last year in the Debutante. She showed such a breathtaking performance that she was rewarded with a career high 89 Speed Figure for her ½ length victory, she was coming off a tough bounce race where she finished 7th in the Plastics Distaff behind the aforementioned Demineralization.
The last race on the card features the undefeated phenomenon Benjamin and his quest at perfection. Benjamin didn’t disappoint as he scored a 2 ¾ length victory over the small, but talented field that included Steward bred sensation Discovery Moment and the talented late runner Compulsive. Benjamin sat right behind pace setter Please midway through the back stretch before disposing of the speedster then holding off the onslaught that was Discovery Moment and Compulsive. He earned a modest 86 Speed Figure, modest for him since his best is 91, in his final race giving the fans exactly what they want, perfection, and his fellow owners what they wanted, the possible next best prospect in the shed making owner John Slotmon a very rich and happy owner.
The future of All Weather was seen in great form here tonight with the like of Moa Moa and Trahan, as well as a glimpse into future generations with the beautifully bred Benjamin whose curtain call was one for the ages. Next up is the Turf Sprinters with four races scheduled for review, so I’ll see ya next time.
Jack Meyer