Driver Yannick Gingras, trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables teamed up to win both $30,000 Bobby Quillen Memorial eliminations Monday at Harrington Raceway
with Foiled Again and Atochia.
Foiled Again, the 2010 defending Quillen champ, set all the fractions in his dominant win in 1:51.2. He used a :26.4 last quarter to win under wraps by two lengths over entrymate Clear Vision. Mainland Key N was third. Go Go Solano finished fourth and also earned a berth to next week’s $335,000 final.
For Foiled Again, it was his 10th of the year as his seasonal earnings approach $900,000 and lifetime bankroll soared to nearly $3 million.
“He may be the best horse I’ve ever driven,” said Gingras, who piloted Foiled Again to his track record-setting 1:50.1 win in the Quillen last year. “When he was here last year and set the track record, Ronnie [trainer Burke] and I talked after the race and we both agreed he was no good. I know it’s crazy to say that, but this horse has amazing speed. We were wrapped up tonight and had plenty left.”
The second elimination belonged to Atochia, who was a pocket sitter behind pacesetting Pangiorno throughout the mile before surging down the passing lane for a one length win in 1:51.1. Pangiorno held second, while Giddy Up Lucky finished third and Hypnotic Blue Chip was fourth to secure his spot in the final.
Atochia has now banked earned more than $300,000 in 2011 and close to $1.2 million lifetime.
“He’s sharp right now,” said Gingras, whose mount, Atochia, was third in the $832,000 Canadian Pacing Derby in his last start at Mohawk Racetrack. “He’s raced good at Yonkers before so we weren’t too concerned about the half mile track. The trip worked out since he’s a bit of a lazy horse and we were able to sit close.”
The top four finishers from both eliminations will return to compete in the final on Monday, September 19.
(Harrington Raceway)