Volcat walks out a winner from the Grade 3 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs
Volcat excelled in the Grade 3, $150,000 Virginia Oaks and went home $87,000 richer from the 1 1/8 mile event, which was held at Colonial Downs on 21st July, 2012.
With Robby Albarado aboard the filly, she picked up the pace in the closing stages of the race and finished half-length before the John J. Robb trained, Filare l'Oro.
The third place was secured by Ski Holiday, who fell a head behind the runner-up. The fourth spot was claimed by Julia's Star.
Trainer David Donk had high hopes for, Zultanite, but the surface of the track did not really work in her favour, and she never threatened anyone and settled in fifth.
She was followed by My Precious Secret and Boastful Dancer, as both finished in sixth and seventh place, respectively.
Volcat, daughter of After Market, out of mare Kentucky Whisper, took the lead swinging off the final bend, as the pace was set by Boastful Dancer.
The front-wheeler rolled in the opening quarter-mile in 24.40 seconds, half-mile in 49.25 seconds.
The Kenneth McPeek trained filly took the lead and completed six furlong in 1 minute and 14.23 seconds. She led in the final furlong by three lengths, but Filare l'Oro was making quick progress. The three-year-old kept her lead and completed the race
in 1 minute and 52.18 seconds.
Volcat has raced mostly at the dirt track but, has adjusted well on turf when she was transferred to Churchill Downs in June, 2012.
The filly ran in an Allowance Race on 22nd June, 2012, where she was mounted by jockey, Fabio Arguello. She finished ahead of, All For Georgia, while the third place was secured by Rave Reviews.
She was the pacesetter in the race and maintained her lead throughout, completing the 1 1/8 mile course in 1 minute and 49.39 seconds.
This was the first graded victory of the sophomore’s career, which has given her connections the confidence she tackle any sort of ground.
She now has an overall record of 3-2-2 in her nine starts and earnings of $183,470.
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