Annieswesterncard, the Western Hanover gelding that finished third in the 2008 Metro Pace, recorded its first charted line of the year during the Wednesday qualifying session at Balmoral Park in Illinois
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Annieswesterncard has been rated as the 24-1 ninth pick in Trot Magazine's 2009 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book.
Trained by Joe Seekman, Annieswesterncard had pilot Travis Seekman in the bike for the qualifier. The duo left from the rail and cut the opening quarter (:28.3) before locking up with a first-over advancer. The pair of tussling charges fought through middle panels which saw the half and three quarters reached in :56.3 and 1:25.1, respectively.
Clear by two lengths at the head of the lane, Annieswesterncard went on to post a four and three-quarter-length victory in 1:53.3. The gelding's final quarter was clocked in :28.2.
Annieswesterncard flashed solid speed at two, compiling a record of 6-1-3 from 13 starts, good for $224,060 in purses. The bay had taken his 1:50.3 mark August 2 in the Elevation Stakes at Indiana Downs.