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Publicerad 1999-08-01
Supergrit Prevails in $580,000 Breeders Crown Open Trot Final
Supergrit, a gallant, 6-year-old Supergill gelding, scored the biggest win of his often spectacular career with a three-wide rally that carried him to victory in the $580,000 Breeders Crown open trot final Saturday night at the Meadowlands.
The victory by Dennis Doyle’s gelding was not all that unexpected, since Supergrit has proven on many occasions that he is a world class trotter when in top form. This victory was set up by a vicious speed duel on the front end, as the 4-year-old Sierra Kosmos mare, Fern, was attacked at virtually every step of the one mile feature. Fern had captured the 14-horse elimination earlier in the program with an easy 1:53 3-5 score, disposing of weak bids from Glory’s Comet and Supergrit.
The final, though, was worth a lot more money, and was a very contentious race. Fern had to be driven hard to hold her rail post position, and Luc Ouellette finally let Macman and Trevor Ritchie go after the first quarter of 27 2-5. Ouellette immediately moved, however, to re-take the lead and then met immediate pressure from Mister Goal and John Campbell at the :54 4-5 half. Mister Goal and Fern continued to slug their way head-to-head to the three-quarters in 1:23 2-5.
At this point, Fern had begun to shorten up, and first Glory’s Comet swept wide to gain contention, followed by Supergrit. But Supergrit, a noted closer, had the most trot in the stretch, drawing off to an open-length win for driver Ron Pierce. Fern hung on gallantly for a hard-used second, and Glory’s Comet was third for George Brennan.
Supergrit’s victory was the 23rd of his remarkable career and pushed his lifetime earnings past the $969,000 mark. Although he has been away from the races for more than a year, Supergrit can never be discounted when he is in top form, as he obviously was tonight. He was wintered in Lexington by trainer Bobby Stewart and won there in May in 1:57. He missed two more months before re-qualifying at the Meadowlands earlier in July, and then was eighth in last week’s Nat Ray elimination. Trained for this effort by Carl Conte, Jr., Supergrit was bred by Jorgen Jahre, Jr. and his dam is the Speedy Somolli mare, Gutsy Lobell. This victory was only the second of the year for Supergrit in just four starts.
Supergrit’s victory means that the main trotting features at the Meadowlands this summer have all been won by different horses. Alanjopa surprised and took the Titan Cup. Kick Tail debuted and won the Cutler Memorial, and now, Supergrit has rallied to win the Breeders Crown final. This group looks like it could produce a different winner each and every time they race.
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