Experience pays off for Colinda Dawn in George Wafer victory

Colinda Dawn became a stakes winner Sunday at Arapahoe Park, where she led wire to wire for a 2 1/4-length win over Stratagem in the $40,000 George Wafer Memorial. It was another 7 3/4 lengths back in third to Smokin Reward.

The George Wager was a one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies.

Colinda Dawn ($6.20), who was the lone horse in the field with a win at two turns, set fractions of 23.91 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.85 for the half-mile, and 1:13.31 for six furlongs. She went on to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:41.02.

Dennis Collins was aboard for Eleanor Martin and trainer Ty Garrett.

Colinda Dawn had been stakes-placed at Turf Paradise prior to the George Wafer. She now has won 3 of 7 starts and $50,982.