The excellent weekend of Thoroughbred racing over the July 4 extended weekend was spectacular. However, it did leave a hillbilly turf writer pondering about a couple of ponies. A pair of scorching scores by two of the fleetest with four feet was cause for a little noggin scratching.
Friday, July 2 saw Knicks Go knock one out of the park in the Cornhusker at Prarie Meadows. Leading at every call, this Brad Cox trained son of Paynter made it look all too easy as he won by a widening 10 1/4 lengths…under a hand ride. Covering the mile and an eighth in 1:47.33, we have to wonder how much he would have won by if he had been asked for more? His split time for the mile (1:35.06) was the fastest in track history and his speed and power were undeniable.
Monday, July 5 put a wrap on the holiday weekend with a gorgeous effort by Gamine. A fantastically fast four-year old, this daughter of Into Mischief flat put on a show in the Great Lady Stakes at Los Alamitos. Breaking alertly, “Queen Gamine” as she is referred to by trainer Bob Baffert, immediately took command of the six and a half furlong fling and set some sizzling early fractions. The opening quarter mile (21.61) was smoking and the half mile (44.32) burned like white lightning. As the horses turned for home, Gamine stretched those long, pretty legs out a bit more and finished an easy 10 lengths ahead of the competition.Covering the distance in 1:14.98, she was only a half second off the track record, but was never asked for more by jockey John Velazquez.
So, who is faster?….The debate can be quite entertaining as we can easily make a case for both. If Florence Griffith Joyner and Carl Lewis squared off back in their hey day who would have won?…We now ask if Gamine and Knicks Go were to meet during this hay day who would emerge as the victor?
The only place these two will likely face off is the breeding shed. And if that happens… oh my goodness! For now, just pick one and hope they both make it to the Breeders’ Cup in November at Del Mar.
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