NEWS
Bettarun Fast out kicks El Mirage Queen in Santa Paula Stakes
Posted: Saturday, April 01, 2006
Bettarun Fast added the first graded stakes win to her blooming record as she edged out El Mirage Queen with a game closing kick in the $105,650 Santa Paula Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park on Saturday.
Candy Jo and El Mirage Queen, winner of the Tapestry Stakes at Santa Anita on March 5, vied for the early lead. Bettarun Fast stalked the pace from fifth with Aaron Gryder aboard. Ladies Souvenir, the 9-to-10 favorite, pressed the pace from third in the early going.
Bettarun Fast, slipping through on the rail, found another gear and came charging down the stretch to scamper past El Mirage Queen and score by a half length in 1:15.08 over a wet fast track. Grade 3-placed Acceleration, closing with a late burst, finished third, edged out by a nose by El Mirage Queen.
" [Bettarun Fast] ran great," said Gryder. "It was a race that was full of speed. Vladimir [Cerin] said 'Just ride a smart race. Give her a chance,' whatever that might be. She broke well and settled in behind [the pack]. There was a little gap and my filly responded when I called to her. She took advantage of it, and made the difference."
Cerin always believed in Bettarun Fast's talent.
"We always believed in her," said Cerin. "After the Sunshine Millions, she hurt herself behind coming off the airplane, and ran a good second in the La Habra [Stakes]. Aaron did just a super job."
Bettarun Fast, owned by Patricia and Stephen Fitzpatrick, won the 2005 Catcharisingstar Stakes at Calder Race Course last September. Her earnings improved to $168,505. The three-year-old daughter of Kelly Kip has won four of eight races.
Bred in Florida by Shamrock Thoroughbreds, and Helen and Michael Reynolds, Bettarun Fast is out of Split Decision, by Dispersal.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
