Challenge


Betrothen Posts Top Merial Distaff Time at Sandy Downs Sunday
Betrothen (#3) holds off Whip Curl (#1) as the a pair set the top two qualifying times on Sunday in the Merial Distaff Sandy Challenge trials.

© Gene Wilson & Associates
Betrothen Posts Top Merial Distaff Time at Sandy Downs Sunday

SANDY, ID—AUGUST 24, 2014—Coming off a third place effort in the Merial Les Bois Distaff Challenge August 9th, Betrothen flew late to defeat Whip Curl by a nose and post the top qualifying time for the Merial Distaff Sandy Challenge.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from the two trial races, will return to Sandy Downs on Sunday, September 7 and vie for the winner's share of a $14,500-added purse over 400 yards. Also at stake will be a starting spot in the $125,000-Guaranteed Merial Distaff Challenge Championship(G1) at Prairie Meadows on October 18.

Mark Hanson saddled Betrothen to her second career win in six starts for RTM Stables, Inc. Alan Corson had the riding call aboard the filly who stopped the clock over the 400 yards in :19.903 seconds, a 93 speed index, to record the fastest time.

Ricky and Melinda Overly bred the stakes-placed daughter of Walk Thru Fire in California from the Rare Bar mare Flo Jo Lady.

Whip Curl, a royally bred daughter of Carters Cartel, held on for the second fastest time of :19.911, also a 96 speed index. Rafter W Stables campaigns the half-sister to world champion Wave Carver and champion Ocean Runaway. Bret Vickery conditions with Eddie Aceves getting the riding assignment.

Lucas Racing, LLC bred the filly in Maryland from the Runway Winner mare Runaway Wave.

Tony Greaves homebred Feature Mr Jess mare, Feature Miss Alibi, was a half-length winner in the first trial to get the third fastest time of :20.002, a 93 speed index. Ridden by Jordan Hadley, the 5-year-old mare flew from the gate to get her fifth career win in 17 starts. Susan Hadley trains the $36,556 earner out of Alibi Fame, by Dash To Fame.

Due to a number horses being scratched in the trials, only nine horses participated. All of them will run back in the September 7 final.

For the complete list of Merial Distaff Sandy Challenge finalists, times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.