WILDCAT BETTIE B (Meadowlake) was sent off the 2-1 favorite in Thursday’s
$110,700
Victory
Ride S. (G3) at Saratoga, but after enduring a bumpy start, the chestnut
miss dropped back to last and looked like she would have to wait until another
day to end up in the winner’s circle. Those who gave up on her early, though,
were in for a big surprise, as she weaved her way to a one-length score late under
jockey Mario Pino, returning $6.60, $3.60 and $3.10 while keying the $27.20
exacta, $166 trifecta and $354 superfecta (3-1-8-2).
After his mount was bumped, Pino was forced to steady her and the pair
dropped back to trail as Original Spin (Distorted Humor) jumped out to lead
through the first quarter in :21 4/5. However, she wouldn’t hold that spot much
longer, as G City Gal (Elusive Quality) appeared to her inside along the rail
and managed to get her head in front through a half in :45. Pulling away from
her pacesetting rival, G City Gal was 2 1/2 lengths clear heading into the
stretch and looked well on her way to a first stakes win. Unfortunately for her,
though, Wildcat Bettie B wasn’t done. In fact, she was just getting started.
Coming around the turn, the Oasis Racing colorbearer was saving ground along
the rail when a spot suddenly opened up. Shooting through that gap to reach
contention, she then angled off the rail and
came to the outside of G City Gal, quickly pulling away to finish six furlongs
on the fast dirt in 1:10 4/5.
G City Gal held well for second, two lengths clear of Khalila (Elusive
Quality) and paying $5.80 and $4.50 at 4-1. Show gave back $5.50 at 10-1, and
finishing out the order under the wire were Cherokee Jewel (Cherokee Run), Misty
Rosette (Stormin Fever), Summer Girlfriend (Forest Camp), Original Spin and Any
Limit (Limit Out).
Wildcat Bettie B has now captured three straight, adding the Miss Preakness
S. (G3) and Prioress Breeders’ Cup S. (G1) to her record prior to this one. The
Larry Jones trainee started off the year with a win in the Dixie Belle S., and
has also run third in the Beaumont S. (G2) this season. Her earnings have risen
to $379,840, and her line now reads 9-6-0-1.
Bred in Kentucky by Barry and Judith Becker, the sophomore lass was purchased
as a yearling for $42,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September sale and is the first registered foal out
of the multiple-stakes winning One Number Short (Katowice), who also has a 2006
colt by Free at Last.