09/23/2012 8:29AM

Stockton: Cougarstown surprises in Harvest

By Chuck Dybdal
Email

Cougarstown, the second longest shot on the board, broke alertly from the rail and led every step of the way as she captured  her stakes debut, winning the $68,250 Harvest Stakes at the San Joaquin Fair in Stockton on Saturday.

The 4-year-old Cougarstown ($38.60) claimed by trainer Keith Nations for Theresa and Edward DeNike for $32,000 in her debut May 5, 2011, at Golden Gate Fields, set brisk fractions and had plenty left in the lane as she won the six-furlong stakes for fillies and mares.

She was a length ahead after a 22.93-second opening quarter and maintained the same margin after a 45.00 half-mile. She was 1 1/2 lengths in front at the eighth pole and held off Blendara by three-quarters of a length, winning in 1:08. 81. Blendara and Bleach Blonde, who both rallied late, wound up second and third. Blendara was 2 1/4 lengths in front of Bleach Blonde.

Cougarstown, a Speightstown filly, earned $42,150 to increase her earnings to $100,371 with her third victory in nine starts.

pathagan More than 1 year ago
Top Debutante was going to run 2nd, but she broke down badly and went down just before the wire. Special Holiday stumbled over her as a result and dropped Frank Alvarado. No word on the condition of either jockey Abel Cedillo or Alvarado. Unfortunately, Top Debutante had to be put down. :(
Thomas Mclaughlin More than 1 year ago
Both jockeys walked away. Alvardo was motionless on the ground for a few minutes after the incident. Both jockeys took off their mounts in the next(last) race.
pathagan More than 1 year ago
That's great news there, Thomas. Thank Goodness.