In 2010, the Indiana breeding got a boost as Go On BB moved across the $1 million earnings mark, becoming the first Indiana-sired female to ever accomplish that feat. Although she was still
racing competitively against the better females on the property last season, it appeared as if her best stride was beginning to fade.
Go On BB showed Indiana that she is not ready to head to the broodmare ranks yet, making her return to Hoosier Park Friday, May 20 a winning effort in the $24,000 Fillies & Mares Invitational. Accompanied by Ricky Macomber, the now seven-year-old mare coasted home to a win in a time of 1:51.3 to earn her 59th career win.
Starting from post seven, Go On BB was a sentimental favourite among race-goers at Hoosier Park, but on the morning line, she only appeared to be third best in the field. At post time, she was the favourite in the field of 10 females as they lined up behind the Todd Nixon starting gate.
Macomber was able to rally Go On BB out of the gate quickly, grabbing the seat behind early leader Aqua Artist and Tyler Smith. Following along through fractions of :26.3 and :55.1, the seasoned veteran tipped off of the leaders back at the head of the stretch. That request from Macomber was all she needed and she was off to the finish line, winning by a margin of more than two lengths. Aqua Artist held gamely for second over Forever Showin Off and Charlie Conrad for third.
"Everyone loves 'BB,'" said Jamie Rucker, who oversees training responsibilities for the Burke Stable division at Hoosier Park. "She’s such a sweetheart around the barn. Even the blacksmith likes her. Surprisingly, we’ve made very little changes on her over the years. She always wore a blind bridle and last year we opened her up and put blinkers on her. Also, she’s always worn a heavier hopple, but we put a lighter set on her last year. Nothing seems to bother her."
Go On BB now has in excess of $1.2 million in career earnings for Frank Baldachino, who purchased the mare as a yearling for trainer Ron Burke. The daughter of Dontgetinmyway is now two-for-five in 2011.
(Hoosier Park)