Maria Margarita was impressive again as she held off the favored Virginia Girl to win the day’s fourth race and her third race of the season. Maria Margarita improved her season earnings to $9,095 with the win and seems to be hitting her stride.
“I really think she’s getting more confident and starting to figure this game out,” said trainer Ben Root. “ Juan rode a patient race and she was game down the stretch, because the horse she held off was a good one.”
Maria Margarita was also benefited by the late scratch of Bar Room Gal, who was the morning line favorite in the race.
“I think the other horse scratching helped us a lot, because Bar Room Gal looked tough in this spot,” said Root.
Maria Margarita races as the People’s Horse on behalf of her honorary owners and fans. Fans can become honorary owners of Maria Margarita simply by signing up. To sign up, simply email info@portlandmeadows.com and tell us you want to become an honorary owner of The People’s Horse, Maria Margarita. Portland Meadows will match Maria Margarita’s season earnings at the end of the meeting, and donate that amount to the Oregon National Guard Emergency Relief Fund.
News and Notes…….Joe Crispin had four winners on the card, Juan Gutierrez had three, and Robert Burney had a double. Those three riders were the only three jockeys to score victories on the Monday program…..The People’s Horse Maria Margarita will be featured in a backstretch tour open to fans on February 21st at 8am. Interested fans should email info@portlandmeadows.com to sign up……Jockey Shyann Garcia rode the first mount of her career in the day’s fifth race. She was aboard long shot Steel De Night who finished up seventh in that race.