Blair’s Cove Scores an Upset
CHICAGO — Garrett Gomez’s smart ride helped Blair’s Cove to a two-length victory over favored Opening Verse in the $100,000 Grade III Stars and Stripes Handicap at Arlington International Racecourse Thursday.
Following orders from trainer Noel Hickey, Gomez grabbed the lead before the first turn and slowed the field to a snail’s pace to win the 1 3/16-mile turf race in 1:55 4/5.
The fractions were 25, 50 2/5, 1:15 1/5 and 1:38 2/5.
“We liked the slower pace. That’s what won it for us,†Gomez said.
The field began to push the pace midway through the final turn and sprinted to the line but could not make up ground on Blair’s Cove. Cameroon came on in the stretch but did not threaten the top two.
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