Anstrum's rally pays off with John Patrick triumph

Despite being stuck behind horses on the final turn, Anstrum rallied to win the $50,000 John Patrick at Northlands Park on Saturday.

She paid $19.60 for her 2 1/2-length victory over Port Protection in the one-mile race for fillies and mares.

Rigo Sarmiento allowed Anstrum to settle early while Parcam Cowgirl and Tara’s Way dueled thorough a half-mile in 49.22 seconds. She appeared to be full of run at the quarter-pole, but was stuck behind horses with nowhere to go.

It appeared she was going to have to settle for a minor award when Saveitforarainyday opned up a clear lead at the top of the stretch.

However, Saveitforarainyday hung, and when the rail opened up Anstrum exploded with a rush to win going away. Port Protection rallied to finish second but never looked like a serious threat to the winner. Quality Lane came from last to get up for third.

The final time was 1:40.29

Trained by Monica Russell, Anstrum was the champion 3-year-old filly in Alberta last year. She was stretching out to a middle distance for the first time this year after finishing fourth in a couple of sprints.

“It looks like she doesn’t want to be rushed,” Russell said. “And yes, I was concerned when she was stuck behind horses.”

Owned by Peter Redekop, the British Columbia-bred daughter of Rosberg was bred by Terry Clyde and Michael Anderson.