By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness
After facing some tough
company in the Open ranks, Royal Mistress got some class relief last week and
responded with a solid victory for James Kennedy. She’s back with the Open
group on Friday night.
The 6-year-old Canadian
import is owned by Kevin Anderson, hails from the Gordie Graham barn and was
winning for third time in the five appearances since she joined forces with
Kennedy.
“She’s got a big heart and a
real good finish,” James related when asked about the mare. “I really
appreciate Gordie giving me so many live drives.”
The first two teamings with
Royal Mistress resulted in victories in conditioned company, then she stepped
up to the Open ranks for her next two starts and had to settle for minor awards
behind divisional leaders Alwaysalittlemore and Virgin Eyes.
“Those are a couple of real
nice mares and she did have some poor cover the first time she raced at that
level,” her pilot noted.
Returning to conditioned
competition for last week’s assignment, Royal Mistress was dispatched as the
9-5 choice and left little doubt, coming first over on the backside and going
on to a clear-cut decision.
“It really wasn’t the plan to
come out that soon, but the leader really backed up the pace and I didn’t have
much choice,” Kennedy said. “She was awfully strong that night and just kept
going.”
Alwaysalittlemore,
Virgin Eyes do battle
Alwaysalittlemore, who is
seeking her third straight victory; and Virgin Eyes, who has been her most
immediate victim in those last two outings, head the cast for Friday night’s
featured $5,600 Filly and Mare Open Pace.
There will be 12 races
presented under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:10
p.m. There will also be a trio of California Sire Stakes for 4-year-olds to be
decided as non-betting races prior to the regular card.
Alwaysalittlemore is a
6-year-old daughter of Always A Virgin who races for Maria Alvarez and Terrence
Smith, takes her lessons from Edward Hernandez and will once again have Luke
Plano at the helm.
The bay mare went a
lifetime-best 1:52 3/5 mile when taking the measure of an Open II field on
January 18, then came back last week and every pole a winning one in the Open,
holding safe by a half-length over Virgin Eyes.
The latter is a dark-hued
5-year-old mare who carries the banner of Aleksandra Karl with Jacob Fox doing
the driving and training. She has been runner-up in her last three appearances,
completing the exacta behind Alwaysalittlemore in the last pair.
Completing the cast are
Brighten Your Life with James Marshall IV; Dancingonthesand, Mooney Svendsen;
Shock N Awe with Nick Roland; Royal Mistress, James Kennedy; and Brian’s Magic
Girl, who leave from the cozy rail slot with Gerry Longo.
