Bare Back Jack gets up to win Birdcatcher at Century Mile

Bare Back Jack scored a narrow win over Shanghai Mike in the $56,900 Birdcatcher Stakes for 2-year-olds at Century Mile Sunday.

With Rigo Sarmiento aboard, Bare Back Jack ($27.50) broke alertly before settling into a stalking position behind Shanghai Mike, who posted interior fractions of 22.78 and 45.66 seconds in the 6 1/2-furlong stakes. It looked like Shanghai Mike was home and cooled out when he opened up a clear lead turning for home. However, he raced greenly through the stretch while Bare Back Jack was making his move from along the rail. Sarmiento angled Bare Back Jack outside of Shanghai Mike approaching the wire and he got up in the final stride to win by a head. Rail Hugger, the 3-2 favorite, rallied from the back of the pack to finish third.

The final time was 1:17.90

An Alberta-bred son of Bakken, Bare Back Jack is trained by Tim Rycroft and owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Stables.

Sarmiento won three races on the 10-race card, including the $51,150 Princess Margaret Stakes for 2-year-old fillies with Catchacougar.

Despite breaking a step slow Catchacougar was able to run down Edge of Okotoks, who set the pace.

Catchacougar paid $3.80 for her 1 1/4-length victory. Music At Work rallied to finish third.

Based at Hastings with trainer Phil Hall, Catchacougar posted a final time of 1:18.62.

The Oklahoma-bred daughter of Proud Citizen is owned by George Gilbert.

Monday is the final day of the inaugural Century Mile meet.