Coronas at Del Mar was dismissed at over 9 to 1 in the wagering in a five horse field, but was able to outgun heavily favored Kruger Park to the wire as he took his fifth straight race here at Portland Meadows to win the $19,300 Governor’s Speed Handicap. Coronas at Delmar stayed just off the flank of Kruger Park through very modest early fractions of 23.16 and 45.97 for the opening quarter and half. Coronas at Delmar moved up along side of Kruger Park into the stretch and the two put on a good battle, with Coronas at Delmar getting up to prevail by half a length. Kruger Park finished second and it was two lengths farther back to Stealth Attack who closed quickly late to get up for third. Luis Torres was on board for trainer Jonathan Nance and owner Shelly Nance. Coronas at Delmar is now a perfect 5 for 5 since coming to Portland Meadows in the fall, and has earned $23,925 since arriving in Portland.
Final time for the six furlong Governor’s Speed Handicap was 1:10.11. The Governor’s Speed Handicap is the final prep for the $50,000 Portland Mile which will be run on Wednesday April 28, 2010.
Earlier in the card it was Seven Torrents who ran his local record to a perfect 3 for 3 at the meet with another convincing win in the $19,700 Willamette River Stakes at one mile. Seven Torrents stayed off the decent early pace set by Regal Mind who went right to the front on the stretch out. Gentle Rain sat second early and took command as the field turned for home. But that lead was short lived as Seven Torrents pressed up alongside and slowly drew away under rider Mario Gutierrez. Seven Torrents is trained by Jim Penney for owners Remmah Racing Inc.
Gentle Rain stayed on to finish second with long shot Meen Miner rallying up for the third spot. Final time for the one mile distance was 1:39.34.
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