Digiturf’s very own Breeders’ Championship played out on the virtual racetracks this weekend in the shape of two $500 added money events over 2200m, one for the colts and one for the fillies. Both took place on the dirt which was riding fast and were open to horses of all ages.
As they came inside the final quarter, Chrisman must have been starting to wonder which one of his runners would scoop the first prize and what exactly the payout would be for filling all of the first four places. It wasn’t to be though as Ap Godzilla had plans to spoil the party. He made the most of his weight for age advantage to see off the challenges of all-comers. John Stewart got his mount to the wire with half a length to spare over his nearest pursuer, Chrisman’s Grand Nagus. Not only did Chrisman take second place but his other runners also filled third, fourth and fifth spots. Chrisman may not have bagged the winner this time but I suspect he was more than happy with his bumper payout.
Just twenty minutes later, Chrisman sought compensation by fielding two runners in the Breeders Championship WFA 2-7yo Fillies. Both Salty Girl and Macka Beast looked to have as good a chance as any in a race that had a wide open feel to it. Mudflaps’ Rolex Girl and Tri M Fent Stables‘ Divine Liz had amassed over $10,000 in career earnings to date and should never be underestimated. There were also a pair of highly talented two year olds in the line-up, Inxs’ Dakota Princess and Captinj’s Bigmomma.
Bigmomma had already notched up wins in four qualifiers so far this season and although she seems to be best suited to stayers’ events, she has also won a classic qualifier over 1800m earlier in the year. Dakota Princess qualified in top spot for this final and looked sure to play a significant role. The gray filly had been in great form recently, winning each of her last two races including a qualifier for this event.
Chrisman again must have been wondering which of his runners would scoop the first prize as both Salty Girl and Macka Beast were in contention at the business end of the race but it was not to be. He will still be smiling though as he takes his third and fourth place dividends to the bank. The result will have surprised a few but with Bigmomma, in particular, not getting the run of the race it came down to Tri M Fent’s other entrant, Ferocious Liz, to claim the first place purse. She came home a long half length to the good of Jekegr Stables’ West Of The Pecos.