Gitchee Goomie lands first graded victory of her career in the Dr. James Penny Memorial Handicap
It was a proud moment for trainer Richard A. Violette since his charge, Gitchiee Goomie. landed the first graded victory of her career in the Grade 3 Dr. James Penny Memorial Handicap at Parx Racing at Philadelphia Park on 3rd July,
2012, and earned the purse of $250,000.
Over the course of 1 1/16 miles, the Patsy C. Symons owned runner did not look too strong, since she lacked pace, but City Zip’s daughter soon picked up the speed, and responded well to the command of rider, Alan Garcia.
The five-year-old mare was stuck on the rail in seventh place, and her progress was slow but she saw a window of opportunity on the turn and made the most of it.
The jockey and the runner covered the mile marker in 1 minute and 35.54 seconds, and completed the race briskly in 1 minute and 41.23 seconds.
The bay mare’s performance was truly commendable, as she finished half-length before the race favourite, Hessonite.
She entered as short as 3 to 1, and was able to keep the 9 to 2 at bay in the closing stages of the race.
The third place was secured by the H. Graham Motion trained, Julie's Love, who rode under the command of Julien R. Leparoux, while the fourth, fifth and sixth place were secured by Safe Crossing, Naples Bay and My Redbyrd, respectively.
This was the second consecutive victory for the runner, who is foaled by mare Riotous Miss, and her previous victory took place in the Mount Vernon Stakes which covered a distance of 1 mile on turf on 27th May, 2012.
Paired with Garcia, she completed the course in 1 minute and 38. 64 seconds, and defeated the David Donk trained, Hessonite, whereas the third place was secured by Carlos Martin’s charge, Rogue's Jewel.
It looks like a little bit of rivalry is developing between these two runners, so far both times Gitchee Goomie has prevailed, but if they collide the third time, it might be Hessonite who takes the race.
The next race for these two runners hasn’t been announced yet, but it will be an exciting show if these two runners face off again.
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