By Michael Dubb Battle Bling proved a statement of success for coach Rob Atras as he circled the field in a brave end-to-end effort during the $97,000 Ladies Stakes on Jan. Aqueduct race track.
Atras dropped the claim for his 4-year-old daughter Vancouver for $62,500 from the December 19 allowance, the optional claim race at the Aqueduct, where the damn man was hit in the neck by the next winner. Girl beauty .
Atras said: “When we announced her, I was happy that she ran so well that day because she has the ability to compete for longer. “Mike Dubb picked her and I like her, but it’s a great request. We nominated and it looks like we’ve got a shot with a short pitch. The weather has been boring lately and the Training was interrupted, but she’s so damn good. I’ve liked her since day one. I’m so glad Mike decided to love her.”
Breaking from Lesson 4 in Ladies, Battle Bling emerges under Trevor McCarthy’s leadership while Gary Sciacca trains Strange West stumbled at the top from post 1 and underrated racer Dylan Davis. Exotic West ran a drone behind the court before the premier athlete confronted her and escorted her safely off the track while Davis got to her feet quickly.
Long shot Vienna code unaffected by the turmoil within her and took the lead in the first turn from Cold in Dehere while Battle Bling is shuffled back into last year’s one-quarter mile opening in: 24.97. Unchanging running order in the slow half-mile in: 50.91, McCarthy began to embark on Battle Bling, closing in on his opponents as the field crossed the three-quarter mark and entered the final turn. At its climax, it was a three-way battle between the Ma Vienna on the railway and the post-favorite. Miss Leslie and Battle Bling before Battle Bling moves forward in the final round of 16. She dominates by the neck compared to Miss Leslie with her lacy dress Kiss a girl another half length back one third.
Battle Bling ($8.70), earning her first bet in Ladies, ran nine races on the main track fast in 1:57.11.
McCarthy said: “My filly is a big, stout stout. “She doesn’t have a lot of punches, but when she does, you have to get her rolling and she’ll keep going.”
Atras commends McCarthy’s ability to adapt to slower speeds.
“He sent it off and then noticed there was a bit of a speed and drop again. They went just right – not slow but not too fast either,” said Atras. “He took a bold move in the first leg and I think it’s a great move that he made. Trevor is a strong rider and she held on.”
An investigation by the general manager was conducted into the start of the race in relation to the Exotic West, resulting in no change in the finish order.
Bred in Kentucky by Royal Oak Farm and E. Kiely, Battle Bling was the first bet winner made from winning E Dubai mare Soleil Rouge, who was the dam of four winners from four ponies in the race.
Battle Bling has improved her overall record to 3-4-1 in 13 starts and has earnings of $203,867.
Videotapes: Lady S. (BT)
