Both Snip N Dale and Seven Torrents went off as prohibitive favorites in their respective stakes races, and neither disappointed as Snip N Dale powered home to win the $10,000 Directors Handicap and Seven Torrents drew off to win the $16,500 added OTOBA Stallion Stakes.
Snip N Dale was sent off as the 1/9 favorite in the field of six that contested the 350 yards for the Directors Handicap. Snip N Dale broke decently enough and gradually pulled away as the field neared the wire, eventually winning by ¾ of a length over Honor Me Good who ran second as the second choice in the wagering. Joe Crispin was aboard for trainer Scott Raley, as Snip N Dale has now won 15 of 21 career races, and earned over $140,000 for owner/breeder Gary Chumbley. Snip N Dale also bested an almost 10 year old track record as he completed the 350 yards in 17.59 seconds, besting the previous record that was held by In Search of Fame who went the distance in 17.66 on 2/11/00.
Seven Torrents shipped up from Northern California and easily won the $16,500 OTOBA Stallion Stakes. Juan Gutierrez kept the big favorite just off the pace from Shame on Rosie who set the early fractions. Turning into the lane, Seven Torrents took command and gradually edged away to a decisive 2 and ¾ length win. Shame on Rosie stayed on bravely for second with Promiscuous Lad finishing up third. Previously undefeated Smoken Sham could not muster a rally and finished 4th. Seven Torrents races for owners Remmah Racing and trainer Jim Penney.
News and Notes…..Luis Torres and Juan Gutierrez both recorded riding doubles on the card……The Pick 4 pool had a total handle of $9,261 dollars for the first day of the new wager at Portland Meadows. Even though the sequence featured one favorite and three low priced second choice winners, the return was a huge overlay at $120.40 for a $1 wager….All sources handle for the holiday Monday card was $655,449, over 111% higher than last year’s handle on the same Holiday Monday.