On the Road to the Eclipse
On Saturday, 21 August 2010, the Alabama Stakes got underway at the Saratoga Racecourse. With $500 000 as prize money, the best athletes descended on the racecourse to participate in this anticipated event. It is a Grade I flat horse racing fixture that was inaugurated in 1872, and has seen many magnificent horses enter and win this event, including Classy Cathy, Summer Quest, Pine Island, Open Mind and Careless Jewel. On Saturday, however, the victory went to Blind Luck, putting her into the running for the Eclipse Award.
Blind Luck is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and has enjoyed a successful season this year. Some of her victories have included the Delaware Oaks, Fantasy Stakes, Las Virgenes Stakes and the Kentucky Oaks. With her latest winning performance, she has now won nine of her thirteen career starts, of which five have been Grade I events. So far her earnings have accumulated to over $1.8 million, making her one of the most successful three-year-old fillies in the industry at present. She is the daughter of Pollard’s Vision, and has developed in leaps and bounds during her career. Many believe that after the successes she has enjoyed, she cannot be ignored for the Eclipse Award.
Jockey, Joel Rosario, was selected to ride Blind Luck in the 2010 Alabama Stakes. Together they made their move in the second turn. Up until this time they were patiently pacing themselves in last position, putting Blind Luck five lengths away from the front runner. As the field of six contenders began to round the corner, Blind Luck began to chase down the leading horse, beating Havre to Grace by a neck. Acting Happy finished in third place, with race favorite, Devil May Care, coming in in forth position. A proud Hollendorfer commented on her performance saying: “She did all the work, and I just get to train her. I give Blind Luck all the credit. We’ve had a very consistent filly all year long. She’s real flexible and got the job done today on a slow pace. I’m very proud of her the way she did it.” If all goes well, her next start will be at the Breeders’ Cup, in the Ladies Classic, which is being hosted by Churchill Downs on the 5th and 6th of November 2010.
