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10.
Big week of
Stakes success for Widden
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01/11/2002 |
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It’s
been a big week for Widden Stud stallions and progeny beginning with Belong To
Me’s win in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Hours later Ocean Drive, a daughter of Belong To Me out of Clever Trick mare
Clever But Costly, annihilated the field in the Green River Stakes at Keeneland
to keep her unbeaten record intact.
She won the mile race on the turf by over four lengths with winning rider John
Velazquez pointing out her penchant for the turf.
“Before she ever ran, we were working her on the dirt and she worked
terribly,” explained Velazquez. “I worked her on the turf one day and she
worked great. We’ve kept her on the grass and it has worked out perfectly.
“When you ride horses like her, all you need to do is point them in the right
direction.”
All of the filly’s wins have come on the turf after winning her debut at
Saratoga in September before taking the Salem County Stakes at Meadowlands at
her next run.
The on Saturday it was more stakes success as Helenus won the Group 2 AAMI Vase
at Moonee Valley.
Not only was it Widden first however, they claimed the quinella with Filante
filly Macedon Lady.
Helenus strengthened his Victoria Derby claims in the process as did Macedon
Lady for the Oaks after having previously won the G1 Thousand Guineas.
In minor races there was also plenty of success with Power Surge (Marscay x
Glounthaune Garden (IRE) (Bluebird (USA)) winning at Rosehill, Flew (Anabaa x
Graphics (Sir Laurence)) winning at Morphettville, Erin Bee (Anabaa x Crusading
(USA) (Crusader Sword (USA)) at Kembla Grange and Fugitive (Belong To Me x On
The Corso (NZ) (Palace Music (USA)) at Moe.
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