Lady Of Shamrock bags the Grade 1 American Oaks at Betfair Hollywood Park
The Grade 1 American Oaks at Betfair Hollywood Park on 14th July, 2012, attracted entries from all over the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
The race was exciting with some of the toughest competitors but, in the end it was the John Sadler trained Lady Of Shamrock, who prevailed over the 1 1/4 mile track.
Paired with rider Mike Smith, the daughter of Scat Daddy, raced close to the rails and the gamble that paid off well.
She finished 1 ¼ lengths ahead of the Peter Eurton trained, My Gi Gi, who rode under the command of rider, Joseph Talamo.
The third place was secured by Best Present Ever, who is trained by J. Eric Kruljac for owners, Grenier, Dennis and Norine, and finished 2 ¾ lengths behind the winner.
The early lead was taken by the Mick Channon trained, Nayarra, and completed the quarter-mile slowly in 25.39 seconds, and crossed the half-mile mark in 50.43 seconds.
Victor Espinoza, who was aboard Best Present Ever, took the lead on the final turn when Nayarra fell back.
Best Present Ever led in the mid-stretch but, it was Lady Of Shamrock who picked up her pace, found a gap and quickened. With this move, she spurted past her opponents and covered the distance in 2 minutes and 03.19 seconds.
Sadler was pleased with the way his filly performed as he commented:
“I thought at a mile and one-quarter she’d eventually get a lane or a seam. I’m glad (Mike Smith) didn’t alter the strategy even though it was a paceless race."
Sadler, who trains Lady Of Shamrock for owners, Hronis Racing, is planning to run her in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks, which will take place on 18th August, 2012.
Her performance proved that she is an extremely tough runner and, chances are that she will keep getting better with more experience.
The handler further stated that:
"In turf racing you need to catch a break, you need to find a lane, and she did. She has a real good turn of foot. I think clearly she’s the best 3-year-old filly on turf in the country. We’re very excited about her. We’ll probably run her in the Del
Mar Oaks.”
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