NEWS
Briecat turns back Model in Bayakoa
Posted: Sunday, December 07, 2008 7:34 PM
BRIECAT
Benoit & Associates photo
by Tim Nichols
Briecat found another gear when challenged by 11-to-10 favorite Model near the eighth pole and drove to a commanding win in the $150,000 Bayakoa Handicap (G2) on Sunday at Hollywood Park.
The lone three-year-old in the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares, Briecat secured her first graded stakes win and third straight victory. She completed the distance in 1:40.38 on the synthetic Cushion Track surface to prevail at odds of 13.40-to-1.
“When they win a couple in a row, their mind changes and they become confident,” said Vladimir Cerin, who trains Briecat. “It sure looked like Model would blow by her at the quarter pole, but all of a sudden she didn’t.”
Jockey Jon Court sent the Florida-bred Adcat filly immediately to the front after leaving the gate. Briecat set brisk fractions of :23.41 and :46.01 through a half-mile as Baroness Thatcher and Bai and Bai stalked from second and third, respectively. Grade 1-placed Model, who entered off a win in the Its In The Air Stakes on November 2 at Hollywood, tracked in fourth.
Michael Baze maneuvered Model to the outside near the quarter pole and she closed in on Briecat, who maintained a clear lead through six furlongs in 1:09.79.
After passing Baroness Thatcher and Bai and Bai, Model briefly drew even with Briecat as the two entered the lane. Briecat gamely answered Model’s challenge and uncorked an explosive turn of foot to leave the favorite in her wake en route to a 2¼-length win.
“A couple of them went and she was just sitting perfect on the outside,” Baze said of Model. “She made a tremendous move in the middle of the turn but that other filly just re-broke.”
Model finished three lengths clear of third-place finisher and multiple Group 3 winner Wake Up Maggie (Ire).
Out of the unraced Marlin mare Silk Briefcase, Briecat improved to five wins in ten career starts and boosted her earnings to $226,800 for owners David and Holly Wilson.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Tim Nichols is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY assistant editor
