Blues Blaster holds class edge in Humboldt County Marathon
Thirty years ago, Bruce Dillenbeck finished third as a jockey in the Humboldt County Marathon. On Sunday, he hopes to win the race as a trainer. The $20,000, 1 5/8-mile stakes race is the highlight of closing day at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale, Calif.
He will be sending out probable favorite Blues Blaster, who has run in a pair of graded stakes this year and scored an $83.80 upset in the Oak Tree Handicap at Pleasanton. Blues Blaster has seven rivals, including Steel Blue, who won the Marathon in 2011 and finished third in 2012.
“He’s a stakes horse, but going 1 5/8 [miles] will be a feather in his cap when he goes to stud,” Dillenbeck said of Blues Blaster, a 6-year-old Redattore horse whom he also owns. “How many horses can go 1 5/8 and win at six furlongs with a sub-1:10 clocking?”
Dillenbeck brought Blues Blaster and other runners here a week before the meet started. He had two winners from three starters during the first week.
Blues Blaster has handled the half-mile bullring track perfectly in his daily gallops, which had been a concern for Dillenbeck.
“He falls into the turns really good, and he pops out of them precisely on his right lead,” said Dillenbeck.
KEY CONTENDERS
Blues Blaster (Last 3 Beyers: 71-96-85)
◗ He seems to hold all the cards and class and has a rider who won last year’s Marathon. He is equally capable of going wire to wire or stalking.
Crusher (Last 3 Beyers: 81-82-66)
◗ He was claimed for $20,000 at Santa Rosa with this race in mind by a sharp barn that also is sending out Khun Nit in this race. The barn does well with new faces, and he should get a good stalking trip.
On the Key (Last 3 Beyers: 73-70-65)
◗ This well-traveled runner is going in good form. He was a minor stakes winner earlier this year.